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Cheap train tickets from Portland to Chicago

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Portland to Chicago Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Portland to Chicago?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips from Portland to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$393.14
Avg. Price
$527.77
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
6
Duration
Duration
3d 9h 9m
Duration
2d 12h 0m

Trip Summary

There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Portland to Chicago. Traveling by train from Portland to Chicago usually takes 64 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 46 hours.

Distance1754 mi (2824 km)
Fastest train46h 0m
Lowest price$249.81
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Chicago?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Portland to Chicago was $433.44. Train tickets on this route are typically priced higher due to the distance covered. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Chicago if you book your train tickets at least 17 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $141.48.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Chicago by month

$561$449$337$225$112JFMAMJJASOND
Mark your calendar for April if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Portland to Chicago. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $324. If you're planning a trip from Portland to Chicago during August, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $540 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$632$505$379$253$1263020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Portland to Chicago. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 17 days before departure, you can save around $141.48. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Portland to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Portland to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak62d 22h 57m$540.94
Amtrak Empire Builder21d 22h 0m$405.80
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 6 Amtrak trains from Portland to Chicago every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $240.

  • The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Chicago

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Portland to Chicago. 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.

The distance between Portland and Chicago is approximately 1754 miles, or 2824 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 64 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 46 hours,

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.

Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Portland to Chicago. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Portland at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Portland to Chicago. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Portland.

City Information

Portland

Portland, OR - PDX-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, OR - PDX-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, OR - PDX-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.

Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."

As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.

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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, 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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Portland?

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

Image credit: Ian Sane

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.

All train stations in Portland:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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.

Train stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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