How to travel from Washington to Chicago

Explore all travel options from Washington to Chicago in one place. Book your perfect trip today

Trusted by 75M+ travelers every year looking for bus and train tickets
Serving 2M+ bus and train routes in more than 85 countries
Dedicated customer service from booking to travel

2 ways to go from Washington to Chicago

Bus
Average Price$61 - $388Average Duration1d 5h
24kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average Price$100 - $994Average Duration1d
87kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the train from Washington to Chicago

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 minute and with fares starting at just $100, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
1d Average Duration
$100Cheapest ticket
87kgCO₂ emissions
TodayJan 22
from $106
TomorrowJan 23
from $98
FriJan 24
from $84
SatJan 25
from $79
SunJan 26
from $134
MonJan 27
from $72
TueJan 28
from $75
WedJan 29
from $70

Next departures to Chicago

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
    Departure time: January 23 at
    Departure city: Washington
    Departure location: Union Station
    Arrival time: January 24 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: 537-517 W. Jackson Blvd
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
    Departure time: January 23 at
    Departure city: Washington
    Departure location: Union Station
    Arrival time: January 24 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: January 23 at
    Departure city: Washington
    Departure location: Union Station
    Arrival time: January 24 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: January 23 at
    Departure city: Washington
    Departure location: Union Station
    Arrival time: January 24 at
    Destination city: Chicago
    Destination location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Accepted payments

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • China Union Pay
  • Diners Club Canada
  • Discover Click to Pay
  • JCB payment
  • Klarna (Pay over time)
  • Google Pay

From Washington to Chicago: Trip Overview

Travel the 592 miles (955 km) from Washington to Chicago by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Washington to Chicago is $127. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$127
Average trip duration1d 2h
Number of daily departures2
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure2:00am
Distance592 miles (955 km)
Latest departure11:55pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $61
Fastest mode of travelTrain - 17h 40m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Washington to Chicago

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Washington to Chicago is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Washington to Chicago for an average of $120 and a travel time of 4 hours 22 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus offer tickets starting at $61.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Washington to Chicago. The trip typically takes 22 hours 8 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $100. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Union Station, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Washington to Chicago is sometime an option travelers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Washington to Chicago and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Helpful tips to choose the best way to go from Washington to Chicago

Chicago is located approximately 594 miles from Washington. The most popular departure point for buses is the Union Station station, while most trains depart mostly from Union Station.

Although flying is an option, taking the train proves to be the quickest and often the most cost-effective choice, with tickets starting at just $61 when booking with Greyhound and FlixBus.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Washington to Chicago?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs $61, and the average price is $120. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Washington and Chicago?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Washington to Chicago in roughly 1d .

  3. How do I travel from Washington to Chicago without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Washington to Chicago?

    The average travel time between Washington and Chicago is around 1d 5h, although the fastest bus will take about 18h 5m. This is the time it takes to travel the 593 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Washington to Chicago?

    When taking the bus from Washington to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, FlixBus.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Washington and Chicago?

    The number of buses from Washington to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Washington to Chicago by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Washington to Chicago?

    Buses traveling between Washington and Chicago leave from Union Station or Dupont Circle and arrive at Downtown Greyhound Station, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Polk St & Canal St.

  8. How long is the train trip from Washington to Chicago?

    A train trip between Washington and Chicago is around 1d , although the fastest train will take about 17h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 593 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between Washington and Chicago?

    The number of trains from Washington to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Washington to Chicago by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Washington to Chicago?

    Trains traveling between Washington and Chicago leave from Union Station or Dupont Circle and arrive at Downtown Greyhound Station, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Polk St & Canal St.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Washington to Chicago

Buses from Chicago to Washington

Go by train

Trains from Washington to Chicago

Trains from Chicago to Washington

Popular routes