Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Jul 21

Cheapest price

$1295

Average price

$1700

Fastest journey

1 d 21 h 50 m

Average duration

2 d 14 m

Trains per day

Distance

2789 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL will cost around $1700 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1295.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Seattle, WA for Chicago, IL on Mon, Jul 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Jul 21 the direct trains cover the 2789 km distance in an average of 2 d 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 21 h 50 m .

On Mon, Jul 21 the slowest trains will take 2 d 4 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

8 Empire Builder

04:55PM45h50

King Street Station, Seattle, WA

04:45PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

$12951One-way

0 transfers

8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis

04:55PM48h26

King Street Station, Seattle, WA

07:21PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

$13361One-way

1 transfer

11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder

09:55AM52h50

King Street Station, Seattle, WA

04:45PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

$20171One-way

1 transfer

8 Empire Builder · 28 Empire Builder

04:55PM45h50

King Street Station, Seattle, WA

04:45PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

$21501One-way

1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €81, and a train costs an average of €124.

Distance: 1732 miles (2788 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Flight	Bus
€249 Average price	€116 Average price Cheapest	€216 Average price
48h 53m Average total duration 48h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	7h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*	73h 9m Average total duration 72h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest	8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions	2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular airline	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL train times

Showing trains for today, Sunday, July 20

Last updated at 5:08 PM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
8 Empire Builder · 28 Empire Builder	11:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA	45h50	9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL	1 transfer
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis	11:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA	48h26	12:21 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL	1 transfer
8 Empire Builder	11:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA	45h50	9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL	0 transfersDirect
Monday, July 21
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder	4:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA	52h50	9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight

Mon
Jul 21

Tue
Jul 22

Wed
Jul 23

Thu
Jul 24

Fri
Jul 25

Sat
Jul 26

Sun
Jul 27

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL?

The best time to book your train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL.

Trains

from $237

Buses

from $176

Flights

from $239

Journey information

Overview: Train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL

USA

Trains from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 48h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $154 (€124) but you can travel from only $101 (€81) by flight.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from $101 (€81)

Distance

1732 miles (2788 km)

Average train duration

48h 23m

Cheapest ticket price

$154 (€124)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

45h 50m

First train

09:49

Last train

16:55

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Flight from $101 (€81)

Train providers: Amtrak from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL trains

Travel from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL from $136 (€110) with Omio’s train partners Amtrak! You can find the best schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the most affordable route for you.

Amtrak is the main train company in the United States operating medium and long-distance intercity services in 46 US states as well as in 3 Canadian provinces. There are over 300 Amtrak trains running daily. With Amtrak you can travel by train across the country and explore destinations near and far with routes such as the Northeast Regional connecting cities in the East Coast, the Coast Starlight connecting destinations up and down the West Coast, the Empire Builder connecting Chicago and Midwestern cities to the Northwest, and many more.

Amtrak from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL train information:

Average Duration: 45 h 50 min
Cheapest Price: $136
Amtrak frequency: 1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL

FAQs: Travel by train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL.

Cheap train tickets from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $168 (€136) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL is $370 (€298); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL train travel time is 45 h 50 min for the 1729 mile (2788 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL leaves at 9: 49 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL leaves at 4: 55 PM.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL without having to change trains with Amtrak. There is 1 direct train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.

For the best Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Amtrak. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services to Chicago, IL from Seattle, WA to compare what amenities they may offer.

The cheapest month to travel from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL by train is February.

You have options as you can travel to Chicago, IL from Seattle, WA 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL

Seattle

Chicago

The major train station for departures in Seattle is King Street Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at King Street Station for your trip from Seattle to Chicago.

King Street Station Lockers