Chicago, IL to Washington, DC Train

05/10/2024
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Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train

The journey from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train is 594.99 mi and takes 23 hrs 47 mins. There are 5 connections per day, with the first departure at 17:55 and the last at 21:30. It is possible to travel from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train for as little as £89.60 or as much as £254.44. The best price for this journey is £89.60.

Lowest Price£89.60
Journey Duration23 hrs 47 mins
Connection per Day5
Lowest Price£89.60
Highest Price£254.44
First Departure17:55
Last Departure21:30
Distance594.99 mi
DepartureChicago, IL
ArrivalWashington, DC
CarriersAmtrak

Chicago, IL to Washington, DC Train Times

Departure date
Saturday, 5 Oct 2024

Use Virail to find the best way to travel from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC

Planning to travel from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC? Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start - but that's where Virail comes in. Our powerful search engine will explore all the options available for your trip, combing through more than 2000 transport companies all over the globe. All you have to do is enter your travel dates. In an instant, we'll show you a thorough list of possible routes, with all the information you need to make your decision. Choose from buses, trains, and more, connecting or direct, one-way or round trip - whatever you prefer. When you see your results, select your chosen option and Virail will redirect you to the provider's website, where you can complete your booking. Let us do the legwork for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.

How can I get the cheapest train tickets to travel from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?

The prices for train tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. Booked in advance, the cheapest train tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC will cost £89.60. The average train ticket price is approximately £163.65. For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
When you're traveling from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC, you can expect to pay an average of approximately £163.65. Some forms of transport are cheaper than others, and prices will vary according to time of day, day of the week, season, and other factors. For the cheapest train tickets, make your reservation well in advance. If you can, travel at an off-peak time, as train ticket prices will often be reduced. You might also be able to save money by booking a connecting journey, rather than a direct route. Be sure to check the conditions of the ticket before booking, as sometimes cheaper train tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Use Virail to check your options before booking, to ensure that you find the lowest price for your journey.

How long will it take me to travel from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train?

Traveling from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train will usually take 23 hrs 47 mins. This journey covers a distance of 594.99 mi . When planning your trip, bear in mind that 23 hrs 47 mins is an average, and route times may vary from day to day. Weather conditions, issues with transport, unexpected diversions, and local events could all cause delays to your journey. Please keep the possibility of these exceptional events in mind when making travel plans. In order to get from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC faster, consider looking for an express service that makes fewer stops along the way. Conversely, a connecting route may, in some circumstances, be faster than a direct journey. The fastest routes between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC will complete the journey in 17 hrs 25 mins. On average, it will take you about 23 hrs 47 mins to travel the 594.99 mi between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC.

When do the first and last departures from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC leave?

The first daily departure from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC leaves at 17:55, while the last journey of the day sets out at 21:30. These are according to the standard schedules for the route between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC. However, different providers' timetables can vary from day to day or month to month, so these particular departures may not be available every day. Some providers may change their schedules on public holidays and weekends, or during the summer months. Check your travel dates when making your booking. If you prefer to travel at night, you will usually find the first departure from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC leaving at 17:55. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last departure of the night leaves at 21:30.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays.

What are the stations on the Chicago, IL to Washington, DC route?

In Chicago, IL, departure stations include Chicago Midway International Airport,Chicago Union Station,O Hare International Airport, ORD,Chicago Rockford International Airport. When you arrive in Washington, DC, you may be able to disembark at stations such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA,Springfield - Franconia,Washington DC Union Station,Baltimore–Washington International Airport, BWI. Remember though that the exact stations served on each route can vary. Different providers may depart from and arrive at different stations. Furthermore, if you travel on an express service, the number of stations may be limited, and the exact stations served on a particular route may vary at different times of day or day of the week. Check in advance to ensure that you are departing from and arriving at a station that is convenient for your journey.

How many journeys from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC are there every day?

The exact number of journeys from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC can vary from day to day. Some services may only run on particular days of the week, while others might be seasonal. In general, an average of 5 departures leave each day. These are run by a number of different transport providers, including . On particularly busy days, there can be up to departures. You can usually expect there to be more connections on weekdays. Many providers run fewer journeys on weekends or public holidays. As a traveler, you may prefer to take a direct route from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC. However, you will find more options available to you if you are willing to take a connecting route. These pass through one or more different cities, and you'll have to change along the way. Not all travelers feel comfortable making multiple connections, but if you are, then you will enjoy greater flexibility when making your booking. The exact number of daily departures from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC varies, but in general, you can expect to find 2 direct connections with no changes leaving each day. Travelers who are happy to take an indirect route will find, on average, 3 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Compare prices and tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC

Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Chicago, IL to Washington, DC travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC

The cheapest Chicago, IL - Washington, DC train tickets can be found for as low as £91.78 if you’re lucky, or £161.79 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as £233.27.

Find the best day to travel to Washington, DC by train

When travelling to Washington, DC by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Compare services on board when travelling from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Chicago, IL to Washington, DC CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
67.03kg
Bus
71.82kg
Flight
191.51kg
Car
153.21kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC are 67.03kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC? By taking the train between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC you will save 124.48kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 4.79kg compared to a bus and 86.18kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?
A train ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC is £163.65. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as £89.60.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC is £89.60. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC by train?
Chicago, IL to Washington, DC is 594.99 mi.
How long does the train between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC take?
Chicago, IL to Washington, DC is on average 23 hrs 47 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 17 hrs 25 mins.
How many train connections per day go from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?
Chicago, IL to Washington, DC has 5 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC leave?
The earliest train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC departs at 17:55. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC depart?
The latest train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC departs at 21:30. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is £89.60 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?
There are on average 2 direct connection(s) from Chicago, IL to go to Washington, DC.
What's the fastest journey time between Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC is 17 hrs 25 mins.
Is there a direct train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC?
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Washington, DC.
What are the CO2 emissions for Chicago, IL to Washington, DC by train?
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC creates 67.03kg of CO2 emissions.

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