How much does a cheap train ticket from Washington to Chicago cost?

The average train ticket price from Washington to Chicago is $221. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Washington to Chicago is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Washington to Chicago?

A train trip between Washington and Chicago is around 1d , although the fastest train will take about 17h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 958 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Washington and Chicago?

The number of trains from Washington to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Washington to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Washington to Chicago?

When taking the train from Washington to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Washington to Chicago from $103 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on November 22
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	10:15am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:15am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:15am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on November 23
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	7:50am	Union Station	1d 3h	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	10:20am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
Train	11:25am	Union Station	23h 47m	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on November 24
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	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

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on November 26
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	10:59am	Union Station	1d	10:00am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
Train	3:57pm	Union Station	17h 48m	8:45am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on November 27
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

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:41 AM 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, 20 minutes, and with fares starting at just $81, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

43bus per day

1d Average Duration

955 kmDistance

24kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$81 - $419	Average Duration1d	CO₂ emissions 24kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$109 - $3,651	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

4/55,597 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5597 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 $109

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

How much does a cheap train ticket from Washington to Chicago cost?
The average train ticket price from Washington to Chicago is $221. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Washington to Chicago is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Washington to Chicago?
A train trip between Washington and Chicago is around 1d , although the fastest train will take about 17h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 958 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Washington and Chicago?
The number of trains from Washington to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Washington to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Washington to Chicago?
When taking the train from Washington to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11-19

$212

11-20

$370

Today

$370

11-22

$370

11-23

$370

11-24

$370

11-25

$177

11-26

$307

The cheapest trip from Washington, DC, US to Chicago was searched and found on Nov 25, 2025 with a price of $177

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 $177 to $2,187 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 $177 which is on 2025-11-25.