The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$243
Average price
$459
Fastest journey
17 h 48 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 32 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
956 km
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.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL will cost around $459 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $243.
Of the 4 trains that leave Washington, DC 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 956 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 h 48 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 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.
40 Floridian3:57 PM17h48Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2431One-way0 transfers
6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited3:20 AM31h52Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4301One-way2 transfers
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited7:20 AM27h52Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5821One-way1 transfer
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited10:35 AM24h37Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5821One-way1 transfer
40 Floridian3:57 PM17h48Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:45 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$2431One-way0 transfers
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited10:35 AM24h37Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5821One-way1 transfer
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited7:20 AM27h52Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$5821One-way1 transfer
6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited3:20 AM31h52Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:12 AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$4301One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 bus with prices starting from $65. 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. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $50.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$194 Average price | $314 Average price | $123 Average price Cheapest |
19h 26m Average total duration 18h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 4m Average total duration 18h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg 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
Washington, DC to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 7:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 31h52 | 3:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 11:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 27h52 | 3:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 2:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 24h37 | 3:12 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
51 Cardinal | 3:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 23h46 | 3:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
40 Floridian | 7:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 17h48 | 1:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 18h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $93 (€76) but you can travel from only $50 (€41) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 17h 48m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average train duration 18h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€76) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 17h 48m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL from $50 (€41). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
- 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
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
- 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
- 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 Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
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