Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu 09 Jul
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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  • Amtrak40 Floridian
    15:5717h48
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    8:45Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £2151One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
    3:2031h52
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    10:12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £3171One-way
    2 changes
  • Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited
    10:3524h37
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    10:12Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    £4291One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

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

The cheapest option from Washington to Chicago is coach, with an average price of £94. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Washington to Chicago among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg.

Distance: 956 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£162

Average Price

£274

Average Price

£94

Average Price

Cheapest option

19h 19m

Average total duration

18h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest option

2h 20m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

18h 52m

Average total duration

18h 22m

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 tomorrow, Thursday 9 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited3:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
31h52
10:12 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL2 changes
Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited10:35 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
24h37
10:12 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1 change
Amtrak40 Floridian15:57 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
17h48
8:45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL0 changesdirect

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

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Icon of train

Typically, there are 3 trains per day from Washington to Chicago, including 1 direct trains, taking around 18h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £67 but you can travel from only £53 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 956 km distance in 17h 48m.

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 £53
Distance
956 km
Average train duration
18h 49m
Lowest ticket price
£67
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
17h 48m
First train
3:20
Last train
21:30
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
70 days
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 £53

Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL from £53. 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 48m
Cheapest Price
£67
Amtrak frequency
1 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 train distance from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL is 956 km.
The first train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:20.
The last train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL departs at 21:30.
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, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.
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.
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 train journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Appalachian Mountains and the rolling landscapes of the Midwest. However, much of the journey consists of urban and suburban areas, so the level of scenery can vary along the route.
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.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, including its museums, architecture, and dining, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Washington, DC and Chicago, IL

Most Washington, DC to Chicago, IL trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Washington
Arrival train stations in Chicago

Which Washington, DC station do trains to Chicago, IL leave from?

Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Washington, DC city centre at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States.
Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States+1 202 2891908WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre

Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD30 · 15m · £3 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · £2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · £2 · every ~27 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: 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

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.

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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