How much is the train ticket from Washington to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Chicago start at $106. The average price for this train route is around $249. 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 1d 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 7:50am. The latest train departs at 4:57pm.

Train Washington to Chicago from $101 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on December 12
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	10:59am	Union Station	1d	10:00am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on December 13
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 December 16
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 12:44 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, 25 minutes, and with fares starting at just $87, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

40bus per day

1d Average Duration

960 kmDistance

24kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$87 - $632	Average Duration1d	CO₂ emissions 24kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$106 - $2,207	Average Duration1d	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

4/55,639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5639 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 $106

US train and bus 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 $106. The average price for this train route is around $249. 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 1d 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 7:50am. The latest train departs at 4:57pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-10

$247

12-11

$300

Today

$360

12-13

$206

12-14

$118

12-15

$118

12-16

$118

12-17

$118

The cheapest trip from Washington, DC, US to Chicago was searched and found on Dec 14, 2025 with a price of $118

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 $118 to $3,268 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 $118 which is on 2025-12-14.