The cheapest and fastest trains from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$332
Average price
$393
Fastest journey
1 d 21 h 36 m
Average duration
1 d 23 h 18 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
2821 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL will cost around $393 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $332.
Of the 8 trains that leave Vancouver, WA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Apr 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 04 the direct trains cover the 2821 km distance in an average of 1 d 23 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 21 h 36 m .
On Sat, Apr 04 the slowest trains will take 2 d 1 h 30 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.
28 Empire Builder5:09 PM45h36Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3321One-way0 transfers
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder1:15 PM49h30Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3461One-way1 transfer
517 Amtrak Cascades · 28 Empire Builder3:09 PM47h36Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3511One-way1 transfer
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis5:09 PM48h12Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3701One-way1 transfer
500 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder7:03 AM55h42Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3851One-way1 transfer
28 Empire Builder5:09 PM45h36Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3321One-way0 transfers
28 Empire Builder · 8 Empire Builder5:09 PM45h36Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4181One-way1 transfer
517 Amtrak Cascades · 28 Empire Builder3:09 PM47h36Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3511One-way1 transfer
28 Empire Builder · 1340 Borealis5:09 PM48h12Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA7:21 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3701One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder1:15 PM49h30Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA4:45 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$3461One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $110. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $110, and a train costs an average of $173.
Distance: 1752 miles (2821 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$298 Average price | $255 Average price Cheapest | $271 Average price |
47h 36m Average total duration 47h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 73h 40m Average total duration 73h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 34m Average total duration Fastest 4h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Friday, April 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder | 2:03 PM Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA | 55h42 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
504 Amtrak Cascades · 8 Empire Builder | 5:58 PM Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA | 51h47 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 6 California Zephyr | 8:15 PM Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA | 71h24 | 7:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 8:15 PM Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA | 49h30 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
517 Amtrak Cascades · 28 Empire Builder | 10:09 PM Vancouver Station, Vancouver, WA | 47h36 | 9:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Vancouver, 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 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Journey information
Overview: Train from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL run on average 10 times per day, taking around 47h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $173 (€141) but you can travel from only $110 (€90) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:45, the last at 17:09. The fastest train covers the 1752 miles (2821 km) distance in 45h 36m.
Distance 1752 miles (2821 km) |
Average train duration 47h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $173 (€141) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 45h 36m |
First train 6:45 AM |
Last train 5:09 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Vancouver, WA and Chicago, IL from $110 (€90). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station building.
- Tommy O's Pacific Rim Bistro
- Gray's at the Park
- Outside the main entrance.
- Free for passengers
- Hilton Vancouver Washington
- Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver
- Best Western Plus Vancouver Mall Dr. Hotel & Suites
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, waiting room, ticket office, and platforms
- Bus: C-Tran services available
- Taxi: Local taxi services available
- 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 Vancouver, WA
More options for your journey from Vancouver, WA to Chicago, IL
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