Cheap train tickets from Portland to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Portland to Chicago. Travelling by train from Portland to Chicago usually takes 2 days, 13 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 1 day and 22 hours.

Distance: 1754 mi (2824 km)
Fastest train: 46h
Lowest price: CHF 165.78
Trains per day: 7
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Portland to Chicago Train Schedule

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

There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Portland to Chicago.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceCHF 341.74	Avg. PriceCHF 170.72Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips7	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration61h 11mFaster	Duration68h 49m

There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Chicago:

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Portland to Chicago cost about CHF 235 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Portland and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 316.88 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Chicago will cost between CHF 180 and CHF 639. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only CHF 286. If you're thinking of travelling from Portland to Chicago during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 483 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 Portland to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 316.88 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Portland to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Portland to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	67h 43m	CHF 345.20
Amtrak Empire Builder	2	46h 2m	CHF 333.72

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 5 Amtrak trains from Portland to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 167.45.
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 travelling 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.

There are 7 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. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Chicago for CHF 108.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Portland and Chicago is approximately 2,824 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 13 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day and 22 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.

Distance (mi)

1754

Distance (km)

2824

The earliest train departs Portland at 6:45 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 4:45 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

6:45am

Last train

4:45pm

Trains from Portland to Chicago are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Portland

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 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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Portland?

Main departure station: Union Station

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

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?

Main arrival 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

Need a return trip from Chicago to Portland?

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