Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Chicago. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Chicago usually takes 23 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 17 hours and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 594 mi (955 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 48m |
| Lowest price | $129.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Washington to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Chicago?
There are usually 9 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$283.38 | Avg. Price$144.18Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips9 |
Duration | Duration23h 54m | Duration21h 27mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Chicago (Based on 13 ratings and reviews)
4.0
4.0
September 6, 2024 - Solo travel
Amtrak Capitol Limited5.0
June 9, 2022 - Visiting family
Amtrak Capitol Limited5.0
February 12, 2020 - Solo travel
Amtrak Capitol Limited5.0
November 22, 2019 - Vacation
Amtrak Capitol Limited4.0
August 21, 2019 - Visiting family
Amtrak Capitol Limited1.0
June 8, 2019 - Visiting family
Amtrak Capitol LimitedThere are several train options that can take you from Washington to Chicago:
- Amtrak: 2 daily trains from $177
- Amtrak Floridian: 1 daily train from $129
- Amtrak Cardinal: 1 daily train from $126
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Chicago was $208.18. Considering the distance between Washington DC 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 $235.84 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Chicago will cost between $162 and $326. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Chicago 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 $220. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $320 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 Washington, DC to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $235.84 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak Floridian, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 27h 11m | $321.52 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 17h 48m | $175.62 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 23h 46m | $356.28 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Washington, DC to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $177.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Washington DC to Chicago start from $129, and on average cost $175.62. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in Washington, DC leaves from Union Station. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.
From Washington DC to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 17 hours and 48 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $129 for a one-way weekend reservation from Washington, DC.
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 are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Washington, DC to Chicago per day, with an average trip length of 23 hours and 46 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Chicago
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Washington DC 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 Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Chicago for $67.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Washington DC and Chicago is approximately 594 miles, or 955 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 48 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 Washington DC at 3:20am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:57pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
3:20am
LATEST TRAIN
3:57pm
Trains from Washington DC to Chicago are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
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 neighborhood 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.
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 does the train leave from in Washington?
Main departure 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 travelers 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, BoltBus, 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 travelers 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:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive 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 Washington?
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