Cheapest
Average
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.
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.
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.
Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:32 PM Union Station, Washington, DC | 24h40 | 3:12 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:05 PM Union Station, Washington, DC | 17h40 | 1:45 PM Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 |
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:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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