Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Portland
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chicago to Portland. Traveling by train from Chicago to Portland usually takes 65 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 46 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 1754 mi (2824 km) |
| Fastest train | 46h 12m |
| Lowest price | $242.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Chicago to Portland Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to Portland?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Portland.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$557.08 | Avg. Price$318.50Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration65h 20m | Duration51h 29mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Portland:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Portland?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Portland was $395.15. Considering the distance between Chicago and Portland, 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 $680.10 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Portland by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Portland will cost between $227 and $664. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Portland by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Portland 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 $335. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Portland during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $544 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Portland on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $680.10 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to Portland?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Portland, including Amtrak, Amtrak Empire Builder. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 73h 1m | $580.31 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 46h 12m | $499.30 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Portland every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $252.
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 Chicago to Portland
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 Portland. 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 Portland to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Portland for $140.
TRIPS PER DAY
7
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Chicago and Portland is approximately 1754 miles, or 2824 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 65 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 46 hours and 12 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)
1754
DISTANCE (KM)
2824
The earliest train departs Chicago at 11:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:05pm. 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
11:10am
LATEST TRAIN
3:05pm
Trains from Chicago to Portland 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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 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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Portland?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Portland to Chicago?
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