Traveling by train from Chicago, IL, to Washington, DC
The train ride from Chicago, IL, to Washington, DC, lasts on average 25 h 51 min. Around 3 trains depart a day between Chicago and Washington, the average price is $371.13 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $94.
Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Chicago to Washington. 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 operatesthrice a week. Another difference is that the Cardinal is a Viewliner train, and the Capitol Limited is a 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.
Amtrak also offer the option of changin 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 long-distance trains between Chicago and Washington, DC. 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 an 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 you must 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.
Chicago Union Station is one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. It is a gateway to 15 Amtrak train lines, connecting travelers to nationwide destinations. Union Station also 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.
You will end your journey 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.
So if you plan to travel by train from Chicago to Washington, 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 Chicago and Washington.
