Cheap train tickets from Seattle to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Seattle to Chicago. Traveling by train from Seattle to Chicago usually takes 61 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 45 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 1733 mi (2789 km) |
| Fastest train | 45h 50m |
| Lowest price | $295.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Seattle to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Seattle to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Seattle to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$834.85 | Avg. Price$279.53Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration61h 8mFaster | Duration70h 7m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Seattle to Chicago (Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Seattle to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to Chicago was $369.25. Considering the distance between Seattle and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1,042.35 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Seattle to Chicago will cost between $230 and $745. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Seattle 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 $331. If you're thinking of traveling from Seattle to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $660 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 Seattle to Chicago on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $1,042.35 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Seattle to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from Seattle to Chicago, 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 20m | $675.89 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 45h 50m | $1,034.35 |
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 Seattle to Chicago every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $241.
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 Seattle to Chicago
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Seattle 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 Seattle. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Seattle to Chicago for $124.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Seattle and Chicago is approximately 1733 miles, or 2789 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 61 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 45 hours and 50 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 Seattle at 9:55am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:55pm. 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
9:55am
LATEST TRAIN
4:55pm
Trains from Seattle to Chicago are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
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.
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 Seattle?
Main departure station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
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
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 Seattle?
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