Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Seattle

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Chicago to Seattle. Traveling by train from Chicago to Seattle usually takes 64 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 46 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance: 1733 mi (2789 km)
Fastest train: 46h 24m
Lowest price: RON 918.80
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Seattle Train Schedule

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

There are usually 15 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Seattle.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceRON 2,316.91	Avg. PriceRON 1,195.64Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips7	Daily Trips15
Duration	Duration64h 46mFaster	Duration66h 24m

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

See more details

What 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 RON 1,744.11. 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 1,534.35 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 RON 1,034 and RON 2,359. 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 RON 1,537. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Seattle during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 2,950 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 27 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 1,534.35 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 35m	RON 2,495.25
Amtrak Empire Builder	2	46h 24m	RON 1,945.45

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 Seattle every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 1,052.70.
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 Seattle

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 traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Seattle for RON 577.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Seattle is approximately 1733 miles, or 2789 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 64 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 46 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 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)

1733

Distance (km)

2789

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.

First train

11:10am

Last train

3:05pm

Trains from Chicago to Seattle 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 traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

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.

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. 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 vacation 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 bus 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 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 is the train station in Seattle?

Main arrival station: King Street Station

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with 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 neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, 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.

All train stations in Seattle:

King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

Need a return trip from Seattle to Chicago?

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