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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Washington DC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Washington DC. Travelling by train from Chicago to Washington DC usually takes 21 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 17 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 594 mi (955 km)
- Fastest train
- 17h 30m
- Lowest price
- CHF 76.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 3
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Chicago to Washington DC Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Washington DC?
There are usually 17 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Washington DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 188.76 | Avg. PriceCHF 110.07Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips17 |
Duration | Duration21h 35mFaster | Duration22h 2m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Washington DC (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
5.0
4.0
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2.0
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Washington DC:
- Amtrak tickets: CHF 105 one-way
- Amtrak Cardinal tickets: CHF 90 one-way
- Amtrak Floridian tickets: CHF 74 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Washington DC?
In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Washington DC cost about CHF 149 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 240.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Washington DC will cost between CHF 83 and CHF 317. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only CHF 131. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 215 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 240.31 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Washington DC?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Washington DC. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 25h 38m | CHF 208.94 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 23h 52m | CHF 275.04 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 17h 31m | CHF 137.59 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Washington DC every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 105.23.
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Chicago to Washington DC per day, with an average trip length of 23 hours and 52 minutes.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Washington DC start from CHF 74.33, and on average cost CHF 137.59. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Washington DC. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Washington DC trains arrive at Union Station.
From Chicago to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 17 hours and 31 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington DC faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 17 hours and 30 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Washington DC on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost CHF 74.33 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Washington DC
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Washington DC faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Washington DC for CHF 58.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
The distance between Chicago and Washington DC is approximately 955 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 30 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
594
Distance (km)
955
The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:35 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
5:35pm
Last train
9:30pm
Trains from Chicago to Washington DC are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Washington DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Main departure station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travellers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington DC to Chicago?
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