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

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Washington is $194. The best way to find train tickets from Chicago to Washington 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 train trip from Chicago to Washington?

A train trip between Chicago and Washington is around 23h 57m, although the fastest train will take about 17h 25m. This is the time it takes to travel the 594 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Washington?

The number of trains from Chicago to Washington can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Washington by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Washington?

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

What are the best sights and things to do in Washington?

Once in Washington, you can explore the city. The top sights and things to do are Arlington National Cemetery, Washington National Cathedral, National Gallery of Art, National Museum of American History, United States Capitol.

Train Chicago to Washington from $71 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Washington on November 13
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
	5:55pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 49m	6:44pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Washington on November 14
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 2h	12:37am	Union Station	No tags
9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 2h	12:37am	Union Station	No tags
9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 2h	12:37am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Washington on November 15
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
		6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Washington on November 16
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 4h	3:00am	Union Station	Cheapest
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Washington on November 17
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Washington on November 18
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	17h 30m	1:10pm	Union Station	CheapestFastest
	5:55pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 49m	6:44pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	5:55pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 49m	6:44pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
Amtrak + NextGen Acela	9:30pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d	11:16pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags
	6:40pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 57m	7:37pm	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:07 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Washington

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Washington. The journey takes about 20 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $63, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

37bus per day

20h 35mAverage Duration

585 milesDistance

24kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$63 - $304	Average Duration20h 35m	CO₂ emissions 24kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$75 - $2,102	Average Duration23h 57m	CO₂ emissions 87kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,582 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

According to customer feedback, Amtrak has been praised for its overall service quality. However, there have been concerns raised about significant delays causing inconvenience and stress. Some passengers also mentioned issues with the cafe's snack options not meeting expectations.

Amtrak Chicago Washington recent customer reviews

I'm not happy about the almost 2hours delay. It created unnecessary anxiety and led to stress. Will appreciate it if Amtrak us always on time as I experienced over 1hour delay on August 22nd from UTICA TO CHICAGO which is unnecessary.

Gafaru O.

August 31, 2023

The train was an hour late and the cafe lacked the one advertised snack that I could eat (vegetables with hummus) so I went hungry. They also served Lipton as if it was tea for people to drink. Otherwise, everything else was good.

Chip C.

December 27, 2022

Train and bus companies in US:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

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

Stops in Chicago

A - Union Station

Stops in Washington, DC, US

A - Union Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip Chicago - Washington, DC, US

How much does a train ticket from Chicago to Washington cost?
How long is the train trip from Chicago to Washington?
How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Washington?
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Washington?
What are the best sights and things to do in Washington?

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11/11

$175

11/12

$175

Today

$212

11/14

$175

11/15

$175

11/16

$171

11/17

$146

11/18

$146

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Washington, DC, US was searched and found on Nov 17, 2025 with a price of $146

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

You can expect to pay from $146 to $1,219 for a train ticket from Chicago to Washington, DC, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $146 which is on 2025-11-17.