IL → DC · about 597 miles
Chicago to Washington bus & train schedule
Amtrak and Greyhound run 24 direct buses and trains a week from Chicago to Washington. The fastest takes 16 hours 35 minutes; the first departure leaves at 6:30 AM and the last at 6:40 PM.
Timetable data from · Schedule last changed
- Buses and trains a week
- 24
- Fastest trip
- 16h 35m
- First departure
- 6:30 AM
- Last departure
- 6:40 PM
Timetable
Times are local to each stop. Timetables published by tds.ai, refreshed October 15, 2026. Schedules change, so check times when you book.
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Days | Stops | Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | 12:50 AM +1 day | 17h 20m | Daily | Chicago Bus Station to Washington DC Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable |
| 5:35 PM New | 1:10 PM +1 day | 18h 35m | Sun | Chicago Union Station to Washington Union Station | Amtrak Full timetable |
| 5:55 PM | 6:44 PM +1 day | 23h 49m | Tue, Thu, Sat | Chicago Union Station to Washington Union Station | Amtrak Full timetable |
| 6:00 PM | 11:35 AM +1 day | 16h 35m | Daily | Chicago Bus Station to Washington DC Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable |
| 6:40 PM | 1:10 PM +1 day | 17h 30m | Daily | Chicago Union Station to Washington Union Station | Amtrak Full timetable |
Route map
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Where to board in Chicago Where you get off in Washington The route of the busiest trip
Where to board in Chicago
Where buses and trains stop in Washington
Return trip: Washington to Chicago
Questions
How long is the bus or train from Chicago to Washington?
The fastest direct bus or train takes 16 hours 35 minutes; the typical trip is 18 hours 35 minutes.
What time is the first departure from Chicago to Washington?
The earliest departure is at 6:30 AM (Daily) and the last at 6:40 PM (Daily).
Which bus and rail companies go from Chicago to Washington?
Amtrak and Greyhound run direct buses and trains on this route.
Where do I board in Chicago?
Buses and trains to Washington leave from Chicago Union Station and Chicago Bus Station.