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Washington, DC to Chicago train

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Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Chicago

Showing times and prices for Sep 26

Cheapest

€209

Average

€239

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

04:05PM16h40

Union Station

08:45AMUnion Station

€2091One-way

0 transfers

10:10AM24h02

Union Station

10:12AMUnion Station

€2691One-way

1 transfer

Train schedule from Washington, DC to Chicago

Showing trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 26

Amtrak

04:05PM16h40

Washington Union Station

08:45AMChicago Union Station

0 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

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Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Chicago

	Distance	593 miles (956 km)
	Average train duration	17 h 40 min
	Average train ticket price	$98 (€87)
	Train frequency	1 a day
	Direct train	Yes, there is 1 direct train a day
	Train providers	Amtrak

Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago cover the 593 miles (956 km) long journey taking on average 17 h 40 min with our travel partners like Amtrak. Normally, there is 1 train operating per day, including direct services available. While the average ticket price for this journey costs around $98 (€87), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low as $98 (€87).

Train providers: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Chicago trains

Amtrak trains will get you to Chicago from Washington, DC from $98 (€87). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 offers different class options suiting any budget, from Coach Class to Business Class, First Class, and the Sleeper Class, where you can book a Roomette, Bedroom, and Bedroom suite among others for night travel. There are several different ticket types including Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium for you to book for your next train journey from Washington, DC to Chicago.

Amtrak from Washington, DC to Chicago train information:

Average Duration: 18 h 34 min
Cheapest Price: $98
Amtrak frequency: 1 a day

Trains from Washington, D.C. to Chicago

Depending on the day of the week you choose to travel, there are a variety of trains available between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Illinois. There are typically four trains per day, all operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation - better known as Amtrak. The routes available are Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Silver Star, Northeast Regional, Silver Meteor/Lake Shore Limited, and Northeast Regional/Lake Shore Limited. On Mondays, the earliest train of the day leaves from Union Station in Washington, D.C. around 7:00 a.m. and arrives in Union Station of Chicago around 10:00 a.m. on the next day. This train runs on a combination of Silver Star and Lake Shore Limited.

For every other day of the week, including weekends, the earliest departure is around 10:00 a.m. with an arrival about 10:00 a.m. the following day. The fastest option of the entire week is the Capitol Limited, which completes the journey in about 17h 45min and typically leaves from Washington, D.C. around 4:00 p.m.

Washington, D.C. to Chicago Train Time: Daily Departures

While the total journey duration and departure times can vary throughout the week, there are typically about four trains per day that travel from Washington, D.C. to Chicago. On Mondays, the earliest train of the day leaves from Union Station in Washington, D.C. around 7:00 a.m. and arrives in Union Station of Chicago around 10:00 a.m. on the next day. This train runs on a combination of Silver Star and Lake Shore Limited. For every other day of the week, including weekends, the earliest departure is around 10:00 a.m. with an arrival about 10:00 a.m. the following day. The final train of the day is also the fastest - Capitol Limited, which completes the journey in about 17h 45min and typically leaves from Washington, D.C. around 4:00 p.m.

How long is the journey by train from Washington, D.C. to Chicago?

The total duration of your journey will depend on the train line you ride and your departure time. The fastest option of the entire week is the Capitol Limited, which completes the journey in about 17h 45min and typically leaves from Washington, D.C. around 4:00 p.m. for an arrival in Chicago around 8:45 a.m. This journey does not require any changes. The other lines generally take about 24h to complete the journey, with one change at Penn Station in New York City.

Washington Spring. Source: Shutterstock

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Washington, D.C. to Chicago?

Departure train station: The departure station for trains from Washington, D.C. to Chicago is Union Station in Washington, D.C. It is located near the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol Building, with connections to the local metro, MARC commuter trains, buses, and taxi or rideshare options. The station offers a food court, restrooms, checked baggage, luggage storage, parking, ticketing counters, and self-service kiosks. The station has connections to WMATA trains to access downtown and the famous Dupont Circle, plus transfers to other trains. You can also take MARC Penn trains to BWI Airport or into downtown Baltimore.

Arrival train station: The arrival station for trains from Washington, D.C. to Chicago is Union Station in Chicago, Illinois. This station is located at 225 South Canal Street in the heart of Downtown Chicago. It offers Wi-Fi, Restrooms, a large food court and shopping options at the mezzanine level, ticket sales offices, bag storage, checked baggage service, and the luxurious Metropolitan Lounge. Note that there is no parking available at the station, so you will need to plan your transit there in advance. The station provides connections to Metra commuter trains, and the two nearest CTA transit stations (which operates the L-Train) are about ten minutes away on foot - Quincy is accessible via the brown, orange, pink and purple lines and Jackson is accessible via the blue line.

Which train companies travel from Washington, D.C. to Chicago?

The only train company providing transportation via train from Washington, D.C. to Chicago is the National Railroad Passenger Corporation - better known as Amtrak. Each of the lines that Amtrak runs throughout North America has a unique name that pays homage to the states and geography that it passes through. Between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Amtrak operates the Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Silver Star, Northeast Regional, Silver Meteor/Lake Shore Limited, and Northeast Regional/Lake Shore Limited.

Amtrak trains from Washington, D.C. to Chicago

There are typically four trains per day, all operated by Amtrak. The routes available are Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Silver Star, Northeast Regional, Silver Meteor/Lake Shore Limited, and Northeast Regional/Lake Shore Limited. Depending on the day of the week you travel, there are a variety of trains available. On Mondays, the earliest train of the day leaves from Union Station in Washington, D.C. around 7:00 a.m. and arrives in Union Station of Chicago around 10:00 a.m. on the next day. This train runs on a combination of Silver Star and Lake Shore Limited. For every other day of the week, including weekends, the earliest departure is around 10:00 a.m. with an arrival about 10:00 a.m. the following day. The fastest option of the entire week is the Capitol Limited, which completes the journey in about 17h 45min and typically leaves from Washington, D.C. around 4:00 p.m.

WashingtonDc_Bloomings. Source: Shutterstock

Train Washington, D.C. to Chicago: Services on Board

When traveling with Amtrak via train from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, you can choose from Coach, Business, or private rooms. Coach is the cheapest option, while Business includes more access to amenities throughout the journey and more room for seating. Private rooms are available for travelers who prefer increased privacy and sleeping bunks. Each passenger can bring two carry-on items and two personal items, either be stored at the end of each coach, above the seats in overhead storage, or beneath your seat.

Folding bicycles under 34 x 15 x 48 inches (86 x 38 x 122 cm) are allowed, but count as a piece of luggage. You can bring full-size bicycles on certain trains with carry-on or trainside service for bikes. They need to be kept at the end of the coach in the luggage storage area. As long as the journey is 7h or less, small dogs and cats are allowed on board for a fee. Passengers with disabilities should contact Amtrak directly and arrange services throughout the journey. There are reduced fares available for companions of travelers with disabilities.

How to find cheap train tickets from Washington, D.C. to Chicago?

As you begin your search for cheap train tickets from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, take advantage of the convenience and reliability of Omio. On the Omio website, you can sort search results according to departure time, duration of travel, and price. The search filters allow you to find tickets with specific providers, departing or arriving at specific stations, and falling under a certain price range.

Once you find a deal that you do not want to let slip away, you may want to book in advance to avoid any price increases as the date of your travel approaches. You can also search multiple travel dates simultaneously, so consider being flexible with your departure and return dates. Trains that are slower or involve more changes are typically less expensive, so if you have the time, that is another way to save money on your journey.

To Chicago by train—travel tips

Back to that same old place...Sweet Home Chicago. As one of the most notable cities in American history, Chicago is known as the Mecca of the Midwest for a reason. Once you step off the train into historic Union Station, you will understand why this metropolis has been featured in so many movies, songs, and television shows. Take a walk (or a run) along Lake Michigan, watch the sun rise over the city skyline, grab some deep dish pizza from Giordano’s, and stroll through the Magnificent Mile. The Chicago River, which is dyed green to celebrate every St. Patrick’s Day, has a fantastic riverwalk that brings you through the heart of the city, while still having access to shopping and restaurants.

FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago

FAQs: Travel by train from Washington, DC to Chicago 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 Washington, DC to Chicago.

Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Chicago can start from as little as $98 (€87) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Washington, DC to Chicago is $98 (€87); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Washington, DC to Chicago train travel time is 17 h 40 min for the 593 mile (956 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The train from Washington, DC to Chicago leaves at 2: 59 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

There is 1 train a day from Washington, DC to Chicago which require at least one change with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.

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

The cheapest month for a train from Washington, DC to Chicago is October.

Yes, you can take a flight between Washington, DC and Chicago.

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