Rome2Rio

How to get fromWashington to Chicagoby plane, bus (Greyhound), train (Amtrak), car, train, or subway

Find Transport to Chicago

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from Washington to Chicago by plane, bus (Greyhound), train (Amtrak), car, train, or subway

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane DCA - MDW
    2h 36m
    $111–601

  2. Bus (Greyhound)

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Washington Union Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0164
    17h 10m
    $100–210

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Washington Union Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Floridian / ...
    17h 48m
    $230–500

  4. Drive 686.9 mi

    1. Drive from Washington to Chicagocar car 686.9 mi
    11h 56m
    $126–182

  5. Fly Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Fly from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DCA - ORD
    2h 59m
    $162–845

  6. Train to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Take the train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshalltrain train
    2. Fly from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane BWI - MDW
    4h 20m
    $124–850

  7. Subway to Washington Dulles International Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take the subway from Farragut West, Blue/Orange/Silver Line Track 2 Platform to Washington Dulles International Airport, Silver Line Center Platformsubway subway
    2. Fly from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane IAD - ORD
    4h 45m
    $184–908

  8. Train to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take the train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshalltrain train
    2. Fly from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane BWI - ORD
    4h 48m
    $184–1,100

Washington to Chicago by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar14Weekly Buses
Duration17h 10mAverage Duration
Ticket$100Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Washington to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 609.5 mi
  • Duration: 2h 36m

What companies run services between Washington, DC, USA and Chicago, IL, USA?

Southwest Airlines and Delta fly from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) every 4 hours. Alternatively, Greyhound USA operates a bus from Washington Union Station to Chicago Bus Station twice daily. Tickets cost $100–210 and the journey takes 17h 10m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers