The cheapest and fastest trains from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$328
Average price
$472
Fastest journey
1 d 21 h 50 m
Average duration
2 d 5 h 32 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
2789 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL will cost around $472 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $328.
Of the 9 trains that leave Seattle, WA for Chicago, IL on Thu, Apr 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 2789 km distance in an average of 2 d 5 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 21 h 50 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 3 d 2 h 44 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.
8 Empire Builder4:55 PM45h50King Street Station, Seattle, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3281One-way0 transfers
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis4:55 PM48h26King Street Station, Seattle, WA7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3701One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder9:55 AM52h50King Street Station, Seattle, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3981One-way1 transfer
8 Empire Builder · 28 Empire Builder4:55 PM45h50King Street Station, Seattle, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4301One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 422 Texas Eagle9:55 AM97h54King Street Station, Seattle, WA1:49 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5181One-way1 transfer
8 Empire Builder4:55 PM45h50King Street Station, Seattle, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3281One-way0 transfers
8 Empire Builder · 28 Empire Builder4:55 PM45h50King Street Station, Seattle, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4301One-way1 transfer
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis4:55 PM48h26King Street Station, Seattle, WA7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3701One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder9:55 AM52h50King Street Station, Seattle, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3981One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 6 California Zephyr9:55 AM74h44King Street Station, Seattle, WA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5231One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $86. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $86, and a train costs an average of $142.
Distance: 1733 miles (2789 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$393 Average price | $292 Average price Cheapest | $337 Average price |
49h 32m Average total duration 49h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 73h 9m Average total duration 72h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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
Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight · 6 California Zephyr | 4:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 74h44 | 7:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 4:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 52h50 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
8 Empire Builder · 28 Empire Builder | 11:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 45h50 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
8 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis | 11:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 48h26 | 12:21 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
8 Empire Builder | 11:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 45h50 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 49h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $142 (€115) but you can travel from only $86 (€70) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:49, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 1733 miles (2789 km) distance in 45h 50m.
Distance 1733 miles (2789 km) |
Average train duration 49h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $142 (€115) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 45h 50m |
First train 9:49 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Seattle, WA and Chicago, IL from $86 (€70). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Seattle, WA 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available near the station, with several parking lots and garages in the vicinity.
- The London Plane
- Salumi
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square
- The Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Sounder trains
- Bus: Several lines available
- Light Rail: Link Light Rail at International District/Chinatown Station
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
Most popular train connections from Seattle, WA
More options for your journey from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
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