DC → IL · about 597 miles
Washington to Chicago bus & train schedule
Amtrak and Greyhound run 17 direct buses and trains a week from Washington to Chicago. The fastest takes 17 hours 48 minutes; the first departure leaves at 1:50 AM and the last at 3:57 PM.
Timetable data from · Schedule last changed
- Buses and trains a week
- 17
- Fastest trip
- 17h 48m
- First departure
- 1:50 AM
- Last departure
- 3:57 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:50 AM | 8:05 PM | 19h 15m | Daily | Washington DC Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable |
| 11:39 AM | 10:25 AM +1 day | 23h 46m | Wed, Fri, Sun | Washington Union Station to Chicago Union Station | Amtrak Full timetable |
| 3:57 PM | 8:45 AM +1 day | 17h 48m | Daily | Washington Union Station to Chicago Union Station | Amtrak Full timetable |
| 3:57 PM | 9:45 AM +1 day | 18h 48m | Sun | Washington Union Station to Chicago Union Station | Amtrak Full timetable |
Route map
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Where to board in Washington Where you get off in Chicago The route of the busiest trip
Where to board in Washington
Where buses and trains stop in Chicago
Return trip: Chicago to Washington
Questions
How long is the bus or train from Washington to Chicago?
The fastest direct bus or train takes 17 hours 48 minutes; the typical trip is 19 hours 15 minutes.
What time is the first departure from Washington to Chicago?
The earliest departure is at 1:50 AM (Daily) and the last at 3:57 PM (Sun).
Which bus and rail companies go from Washington to Chicago?
Amtrak and Greyhound run direct buses and trains on this route.
Where do I board in Washington?
Buses and trains to Chicago leave from Washington (Union Station).