Chicago → Washington DC
3 trains on this corridor — fastest 17h 55m on the Capitol Limited, fares from $62. Compare timetables and classes below, then book with our rail desk.
Trains on route
3
Fastest
17h 55m · Capitol Limited
Cheapest (indicative)
from $62 · Floridian
Origin stations
CHI
Amtrak · Overnight · Daily · ~61% on-time
16:05
Chicago Union Station (CHI)
10:00 +1 day
Washington Union Station (WAS)
Choose a class · indicative fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
Bedroom (Sleeper)
Private room with en-suite
indicative
Amtrak · Long-Distance · 3× weekly (Sun·Wed·Fri from New York) · ~61% on-time
17:45
Chicago Union Station (CHI)
16:55 +1 day
Washington Union Station (WAS)
Choose a class · indicative fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
Amtrak · Long-Distance · Daily · ~60% on-time
18:40
Chicago Union Station (CHI)
12:50 +1 day
Washington Union Station (WAS)
Choose a class · indicative fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
Bedroom (Sleeper)
Private room with en-suite
indicative
The Capitol Limited covers Chicago to Washington DC in about 17h 55m, departing Chicago Union Station at 16:05. Schedules are indicative — we confirm live timings before booking.
Indicative fares start from $62 on the Floridian. Amtrak fares are dynamic and rise as seats sell, so exact pricing is confirmed at booking. Business Class, First Class and sleeper accommodations cost more.
Our timetable lists 3 services on this corridor: Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Floridian. Frequencies vary by day of week and season.
Send an enquiry from any train on this page — our rail desk confirms live availability, holds the best class for your budget, and issues tickets through the operator’s official or authorised channels, with support for changes and refunds afterwards.
Hotels in Washington DC
Stay near the station or the sights — free-cancellation options.
Flights to Washington DC
Compare the train against flight times and fares.
Travel Insurance
Cover delays, cancellations and baggage on any itinerary.
Schedules and fares shown are indicative, compiled from official operator timetables. Rail operators adjust timings, fares and running days without notice — our rail desk confirms live availability and exact pricing before any booking is ticketed.