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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Seattle
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chicago to Seattle. Travelling by train from Chicago to Seattle usually takes 2 days, 17 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 1 day, 22 hours and 24 minutes.
- Distance
- 1733 mi (2789 km)
- Fastest train
- 46h 24m
- Lowest price
- €177.65
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Chicago to Seattle Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Seattle?
There are usually 6 daily coach trips from Chicago to Seattle.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€431.30 | Avg. Price€230.51Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration65h 25m | Duration63h 36mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Seattle:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Seattle?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Seattle was €299. Considering the distance between Chicago and Seattle, 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 €413.19 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Seattle by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Seattle will cost between €216 and €570. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Seattle by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Seattle 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 €345. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Seattle during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €568 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Seattle on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about €413.19 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Seattle?
2 train services operate from Chicago to Seattle. 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 | 73h 47m | €466.72 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 46h 27m | €350.93 |
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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Chicago to Seattle every day, as well as 5 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from €152.65.
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 Chicago to Seattle
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Seattle. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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 Chicago to Seattle. 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 Seattle to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to Seattle for €120.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
The distance between Chicago and Seattle is approximately 1,733 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 17 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 22 hours and 24 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
1733
Distance (km)
2789
The earliest train departs Chicago at 11:10 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:05. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
11:10am
Last train
3:05pm
Trains from Chicago to Seattle are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Monday
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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Seattle
Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveller. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best holiday destination in Washington.
Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.
Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable coach options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.
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 coach 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 Seattle?
Main arrival station: King Street Station
King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service in Seattle. Greyhound coaches use the coach station at 503 S Royal Brougham Way, near Lumen Field. King Street Station has connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighbourhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travellers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, toilets, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.
Train stations in Seattle:
- King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
Need a return trip from Seattle to Chicago?
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