How much is the train ticket from Washington to Chicago?

The cheapest train tickets from Washington to Chicago start from $75. The average price for this train route is around $142. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Washington to Chicago?

The average train ride duration from Washington to Chicago is 1d , covering a distance of 595 miles (959 km). The quickest train can get you there in 17h 48m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Washington to Chicago route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Washington to Chicago?

The earliest train departs from Washington to Chicago at 7:10am. And the latest train departs at 7:42pm.

Train Washington to Chicago from $71 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on March 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	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 March 24
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 March 25
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 March 26
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 March 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	10:35am	Union Station	1d	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures for Washington to Chicago on March 28
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 March 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	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
Train	7:13am	Union Station	1d 3h	10:12am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:57 PM EDT.

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 23 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $56, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

42bus per day

23h 40mAverage Duration

588 milesDistance

24kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$56 - $435	Average Duration23h 40m	CO₂ emissions 24kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$75 - $1,565	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

4/55,774 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5774 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $75

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 from $75. The average price for this train route is around $142. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Washington to Chicago?
The average train ride duration from Washington to Chicago is 1d , covering a distance of 595 miles (959 km). The quickest train can get you there in 17h 48m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Washington to Chicago route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Washington to Chicago?
The earliest train departs from Washington to Chicago at 7:10am. And the latest train departs at 7:42pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

03/20

$214

03/21

$214

Today

$257

03/23

$214

03/24

$214

03/25

$214

03/26

$214

03/27

$257

The cheapest trip from Washington, DC, US to Chicago was searched and found on Mar 20, 2026 with a price of $214

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 $214 to $2,318 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 $214 which is on 2026-03-23.