Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Wed, Apr 23
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Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Apr 23

Cheapest

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

Amtrak51 Cardinal
10:59AM24h01
Union Station, Washington, DC
10:00AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$2101One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak40 Floridian
04:05PM17h40
Union Station, Washington, DC
08:45AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$2101One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
10:32AM24h40
Union Station, Washington, DC
10:12AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$3031One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg.

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€179

Average price

€294

Average price

€122

Average price

Cheapest

20h 29m

Average duration

19h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 20m

Average duration

Fastest

2h 20m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

1d 27h 41m

Average duration

1d 27h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.9 - 5.7kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train times

Showing trains for today, Tuesday, April 22
Last updated at 12:15 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited2:32 PM Union Station, Washington, DC
24h40
3:12 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL1 transfer
amtrak40 Floridian8:05 PM Union Station, Washington, DC
17h40
1:45 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL?

The best time to book your train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Washington, DC to Chicago, IL route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.

Fastest train times from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Apr 23

Fastest Journey

17 h 40 m

Average

22 h 7 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

956 km

Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for Chicago, IL every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Amtrak40 Floridian
04:05PM17h40
Union Station, Washington, DC
08:45AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$2101One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak51 Cardinal
10:59AM24h01
Union Station, Washington, DC
10:00AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$2101One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
10:32AM24h40
Union Station, Washington, DC
10:12AMUnion Station, Chicago, IL
$3031One-way
1 transfer

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train
Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 19h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $120 (€98) but you can travel from only $76 (€62) by bus.
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
Bus from $76 (€62)
Distance
594 miles (956 km)
Average train duration
19h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
$120 (€98)
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Train providers
1
Fastest train
17h 40m
First train
15:20
Last train
21:05
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
Bus from $76 (€62)

Train providers: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL trains

Amtrak trains will get you to Chicago, IL from Washington, DC from $138 (€113). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak is a passenger train service based in the United States. It operates more than 300 trains daily including trains to Chicago, IL from Washington, DC, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Amtrak offers a variety of train types, including the Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the Auto Train. The Acela Express is the fastest train, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. The Northeast Regional is the most popular, offering frequent service between major cities in the Northeast. The Keystone Service is a regional service connecting Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Auto Train is a unique service that allows passengers to transport their cars along with them. Amtrak offers a variety of ticket types, including Saver, Value, Flexible, and Business Class. Saver tickets are the most affordable, while Business Class tickets offer the most amenities, such as complimentary meals and access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. Onboard facilities vary by train type, but all Amtrak trains offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The most popular routes for Amtrak include the Northeast Corridor, which runs between Washington, D. C. And Boston, and the Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, California. Other popular routes include the Capitol Corridor, which runs between San Jose and Sacramento, California, and the Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and Seattle.

Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train information with Amtrak:

  • Average Duration: 17 h 40 min
  • Cheapest Price: $138
  • Amtrak frequency: 1 a day

Affordable and Convenient Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Train Travel

Traveling by train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL offers a unique and comfortable way to cover this scenic journey packed with history and adventure. Typically departing from Union Station, Washington, DC in Washington, DC, the train takes you through picturesque landscapes, providing travelers with an excellent alternative to flying. The trip ends at Chicago's bustling Union Station, Chicago, IL, right in the heart of the Windy City. Popular for both leisure and business travel, trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL are not only environmentally friendly but also allow you to relax, catch up on work, or enjoy the ride. Opt for this hassle-free mode of transportation and make your journey memorable!

Cheap Train Ticket Prices from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

When planning your train journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL, understanding the costs can significantly aid your travel preparations. The cheapest train ticket available for this route starts at just $120 (€98). However, travelers can expect an average ticket cost of around $219 (€179), providing a balanced overview of potential expenses. For those looking to combine both convenience and cost-effectiveness, consider booking your train journey between the months of September and October. During this period, both availability and travel conditions are optimal, allowing for a comfortable and economical travel experience.

Train Washington, DC to Chicago, IL with Amtrak

Traveling between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL by train is made comfortable and convenient by Amtrak. Offering various trains like the Capitol Limited, Amtrak provides a scenic journey that also includes amenities to enhance your travel experience. The Capitol Limited features spacious seating with ample legroom, free Wi-Fi to keep you connected, and a café car for snacks and drinks. Additionally, for those seeking extra comfort, there are sleeper car options with private accommodations and complimentary meals in the dining car. Enjoy the relaxing journey with views of the passing landscapes, making your trip not just a means of travel but an enriching part of your adventure from the nation's capital to the Windy City.

Train Washington, DC to Chicago, IL: Train Times and Schedule

Planning a train journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL is a convenient way to travel between these two major cities. Covering a distance of 594 miles (956 km), the average train journey duration from Washington, DC to Chicago is approximately 17h 40m.

The train frequency on this route is quite accommodating, with approximately 3 trains running each day, providing travelers with flexible options. Trains usually operate every day of the week, ensuring those planning to travel on the Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train schedule can easily find a suitable service.

Passengers looking to catch the first train of the day can do so at around 15:20, while those preferring a later departure can opt for the last service, which typically leaves at 21:05. This schedule ensures a range of departure times to suit any travel itinerary.

FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

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

Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

Washington
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Washington is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Washington to Chicago.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
Dining
  • Shake Shack
  • McDonald’s
  • Starbucks
  • Potbelly Sandwich Shop
  • Chopt Creative Salad Co.
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill
  • Thunder Grill
  • Johnny Rockets
  • Jamba Juice
  • Ladurée Union Station
  • & many more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
  • Phoenix Park Hotel
  • Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Metro lines: Red
  • Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
  • Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter
The major train station for arrivals in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your journey to Chicago from Washington.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket Office
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

Most popular trains, buses, flights and ferries to and from Chicago, IL and Washington, DC

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