Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri 21 Nov
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Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£218

Average price

£619

Fastest journey

17 h 48 m

Average duration

1 d 47 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

956 km

Cheap tickets

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 travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL will cost around £619 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £218.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for Chicago, IL every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 956 km distance in an average of 1 d 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 h 48 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 d 7 h 52 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.

Amtrak40 Floridian
15:5717h48
Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
08:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£2181One-way
0 changes
Amtrak6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
03:2031h52
Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
10:12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£7191One-way
2 changes
Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
10:3224h40
Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
10:12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
£9211One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from £45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £45, and a flight costs an average of £72.

Distance: 956 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£142

Average Price

£222

Average Price

£86

Average Price

Cheapest

19h 32m

Average total duration

19h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 34m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

19h 36m

Average total duration

19h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.9 - 5.7kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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

Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 13:03
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited15:32 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
24h40
16:12 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
amtrak40 Floridian20:57 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
17h48
14:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect
Friday 21 November
amtrak6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited08:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
31h52
16:12 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2 changes

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, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 19h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £45 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 17h 40m.

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
Coach from £45
Distance
956 km
Average train duration
19h 2m
Cheapest ticket price
£60
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
17h 40m
First train
03:20
Last train
21:30
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
Coach from £45

Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL from £45. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
17h 40m
Cheapest Price
£102
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £60, while the average price tends to be around £142.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits on science and technology or discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, renowned for their unique shops and eateries. Take a river cruise to admire the city's iconic architecture, or enjoy a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Spend a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the U.S. and free to enter. For sightseeing, visit Millennium Park with its modern art installations, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic city views, or the Field Museum to see the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
Booking trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cheapest way to get from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL is by coach, costing approximately £45.
The train distance from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL is 956 km.
The last train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL departs at 21:30.
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
There is no night train service from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL covers a distance of 956 km and takes approximately 17h 40m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train station in Washington, DC that goes to Chicago, IL is Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, and it arrives at Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The first train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:20.
Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.
To get from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Washington, DC and 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
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
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
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transport 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

More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Washington, DC

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