Compare 1,000+ train, bus and airline operators on Omio
Ways to travel from Washington D.C. to Chicago
Typical journey times and the lowest fares we found for each way to travel.
Journey times and fares come from Omio's route data, last checked on October 12, 2026. Prices change often and depend on your travel date. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Good to know
- Over land, the quickest option is the bus, at about 17h 10m.
- By train the journey takes about 17h 48m, with fares from €92; by bus it takes about 17h 10m, with fares from €55.
- Some connections include a change of train or bus. Omio shows the exact timetable and any changes before you book.
- The flight time covers the flight itself. Allow extra time to reach the airports and pass security, which can make ground transport just as fast on shorter routes.
Top tours and experiences in Chicago
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady
4.97,483 reviews1h 30m
from €52
Check availability
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
4.63,717 reviews45m
from €25
Check availabilityAll things to do in Chicago →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Chicago
Hotels close to the centre of Chicago, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Ready to explore Chicago?
About Chicago
Chicago is America's architecture capital, a lakefront city of landmark skyscrapers, world-class museums and deep-rooted neighborhoods. From river architecture cruises and deep-dish pizza to blues clubs, Lake Michigan beaches and a vast public art collection, it is one of the most rewarding big cities in the United States.
Keep exploring
Return journey
More routes from Washington D.C.
More routes to Chicago
Minneapolis to Chicago
Flight · 1h 37m · Bus from €38
New York City to Chicago
Flight · 2h 32m · Bus from €68
Boston to Chicago
Flight · 2h 52m · Flight from €39
Los Angeles to Chicago
Flight · 4h 10m · Flight from €85
Nashville to Chicago
Bus · 9h 15m · Bus from €42
Toronto to Chicago
Flight · 1h 50m · Bus from €49
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers based on current route data.
How long does it take to get from Washington D.C. to Chicago?+
The quickest option is usually by plane, which takes about 2h 14m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Washington D.C. to Chicago?+
The cheapest fares are usually by bus, from around €55. Prices depend on the date and how early you book.
Is there a train from Washington D.C. to Chicago?+
Yes. Omio lists train connections from Washington D.C. to Chicago, with a typical journey time of about 17h 48m. Some connections may include a change.
Is there a bus from Washington D.C. to Chicago?+
Yes. Buses run from Washington D.C. to Chicago, with a typical journey time of about 17h 10m and fares from around €55.
