Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Train

Traveling by train from Washington, DC, to Chicago, IL

The train ride from Washington, DC, to Chicago, NY, lasts on average 21 hr 5 min. Around 2 trains depart a day between Washington and Chicago, the average price is $234.71 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $109.82.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Washington to Chicago. Amtrak Cardinal and Capitol Limited are connecting the two cities directly. They are in the same price range, but the Cardinal is slower as it serves more stations and only operates a week thrice. Another difference is that the Cardinal is a Viewliner train, and the Capitol Limited is a double-decker Superliner. Superliner and Viewliner trains are two different types of rail cars used by Amtrak. The Superliner is a double-decker, bi-level train that carries passengers, baggage, food service, and lounge cars. It has larger windows, wider aisles, and rooms with more amenities than the single-level Viewliner. 

Another option would be to change trains in New York and add a couple of more hours to your journey, 

The Cardinal is named after the state bird of all six states it passes through: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and New York. It only operates three times a week and typically leaves New York City in the early afternoon and arrives in Chicago the following morning after approximately 26 hours and 36 stops. The train passes through scenic areas, such as the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, offering passengers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It operates three times a week.

The Capitol Limited is one of Amtrak's most popular long-distance trains between Chicago and Washington, DC. It offers a comfortable ride with reclining seats, power outlets, bicycle storage, and Wi-Fi access. The train also provides spectacular views of picturesque landscapes along the way. It operates once a day and usually leaves Washington in the afternoon, reaching Chicago in approximately 17 hours. The Capitol Limited includes a dining car, sleeping cars, and a very special observation lounge car. You can observe the dramatic scenery unfold while having a snack from the cafe on the lower deck. 

Amtrak offers four sleeping options on their trains.

1. The Roomette is, at first glance, a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage options will surprise you at every step. They start with two comfortable recliner seats, which turn into a bed, and a second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling, making enough space for two people to sleep and have a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
2. The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 
3. The Two-Room Suite on a train offers twice the space of a regular Bedroom accommodation. During the day, the suite features two sofas and separate chairs for seating; at night, these furnishings convert into upper and lower beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. It includes two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.
4. The Family room is only available on the Superliner trains. It provides comfortable accommodations for up to four people, with full-sized beds and fold-down bunks. Passengers can access hot showers, extra storage space, a sink, and an enclosed lavatory. 

If you opt for the sleeping car, remember to book the entire unit, alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.

The Café car is available for all passengers during the day, while the Sleepers Lounge is open only for sleeping passengers. Both offer meals, snacks, and beverages, and the sleepers have all three meals included in the ticket price.

You will start at Washington's Union Station, just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building. Amtrak, MARC, VRE trains, and several bus lines stop there. The station is accessible by Metro Rail (Red Line) and several bus routes. Housing dozens of stores ranging from exclusive luxury brands like Burberry to high-street favorites such as H&M and Pottery Barn, alongside a range of food outlets catering to every taste and budget, offers everyone options.

Chicago Union Station is a bustling one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. It serves as a gateway to 15 Amtrak train lines, connecting travelers to destinations nationwide. Additionally, Union Station provides access to bus carriers such as Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Jefferson Lines and connections to Metra commuter lines. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is within walking distance to the nearest Chicago L lines. It offers numerous amenities and services, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Chicago is one of the cradles of American culture, home of Jazz, deep-dish pizza, and the famous Second City comedy theater. The Willis Tower's Skydeck provides unbeatable views of the city and Lake Michigan, making it a tourist must-visit destination. At over 1,300 feet, the observation deck is the highest in the U.S. Another popular spot for visitors is Millennium Park, where they can snap the iconic selfie with the Bean sculpture before exploring the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a bustling tourist attraction with parks, restaurants, and various entertainment options situated on the picturesque Lake Michigan. Wrigleyville is a haven for baseball enthusiasts, as it's home to the iconic Wrigley Field and numerous sports bars.

So if you plan to travel by train from Washington to Chicago, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Washington and Chicago.