How much is the train ticket from Washington to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Chicago start at $105. The average price for this train route is around $195. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Washington to Chicago?

The average train trip from Washington to Chicago takes 23h 47m and covers 959 km. The quickest train gets you there in 17h 48m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Washington to Chicago route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 2 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Washington to Chicago?

The earliest train from Washington to Chicago departs at 7:13am. The latest train departs at 3:57pm.

Train Washington to Chicago from $100 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on January 27
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
	Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on January 28
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:39am	Union Station	23h 46m	10:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	11:39am	Union Station	23h 46m	10:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on January 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on January 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	11:39am	Union Station	23h 46m	10:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	11:39am	Union Station	23h 46m	10:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on January 31
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:20am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:20am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:20am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on February 1
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	11:39am	Union Station	23h 46m	10:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	11:39am	Union Station	23h 46m	10:25am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	7:13am	Union Station	1d 3h	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on February 2
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	CheapestFastest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 9:24 PM EST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Washington to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 10 minutes, and with fares starting at just $93, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

36bus per day

1d Average Duration

943 kmDistance

24kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$93 - $518	Average Duration1d	CO₂ emissions 24kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$105 - $2,194	Average Duration23h 47m	CO₂ emissions 87kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Washington, DC, US and Chicago?

Washington, DC, US

A
Union Station
6 Union Station Dr NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Visit page

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,750 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5750 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $105

US train companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Washington, DC, US to Chicago by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Washington to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Chicago start at $105. The average price for this train route is around $195. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Washington to Chicago?
The average train trip from Washington to Chicago takes 23h 47m and covers 959 km. The quickest train gets you there in 17h 48m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Washington to Chicago route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Washington to Chicago?
The earliest train from Washington to Chicago departs at 7:13am. The latest train departs at 3:57pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

01-24

$462

01-25

$172

Today

$518

01-27

$353

01-28

$246

01-29

$205

01-30

$172

01-31

$172

The cheapest trip from Washington, DC, US to Chicago was searched and found on Jan 25, 2026 with a price of $172

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Washington, DC, US to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $172 to $1,802 for a train ticket from Washington, DC, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $172 which is on 2026-01-30.