The Capitol Limited is an Amtrak train that runs between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, covering about 764 miles and passing through cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The route offers scenic views of river valleys and mountains, following historic railroad lines. The train typically runs once daily in each direction, with an average journey time of about 17 hours and 30 minutes. It provides comfortable seating and sleeper cars for an overnight journey, connecting important cities in the U.S. and offering passengers a unique way to see the country while traveling between the East Coast and the Midwest. Keep reading this guide to learn more about what to expect on your journey.
Major Stations on the Amtrak Capitol Limited Route
The Amtrak Capitol Limited route connects travelers with some of the most iconic cities along the East Coast, featuring major stations like Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Chicago.
| Route | Station | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Washington, DC – Union Station (WAS) | 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002-4214 |
| Maryland | Rockville, MD (RKV) | 307 South Stonestreet Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850 |
| West Virginia | Harpers Ferry, WV (HFY) | Potomac Street & Shenandoah Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 |
| West Virginia | Martinsburg, WV (MRB) | 229 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401 |
| Maryland | Cumberland, MD – Amtrak Station (CUM) | 201 East Harrison Street, Cumberland, MD 21502 |
| Pennsylvania | Connellsville, PA (COV) | North Water Street & West Peach Street, Connellsville, PA 15425 |
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh, PA – Amtrak Station (PGH) | 1100 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
| Ohio | Alliance, OH (ALC) | 820 East Main Street, Alliance, OH 44601 |
| Ohio | Cleveland, OH (CLE) | 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44114 |
| Ohio | Elyria, OH (ELY) | 410 East River Road, Elyria, OH 44035 |
| Ohio | Sandusky, OH (SKY) | 1200 North Depot Street, Sandusky, OH 44870-3165 |
| Ohio | Toledo, OH (TOL) | 415 Emerald Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604-8817 |
| Indiana | Waterloo, IN (WTI) | 485 West Van Vleek Street, Waterloo, IN 46793 |
| Indiana | Elkhart, IN (EKH) | 131 Tyler Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46515 |
| Indiana | South Bend, IN (SOB) | 2702 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46628 |
| Illinois | Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) | 255 South Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60606-5702 |
Schedule Details of the Amtrak Capitol Limited Route
Plan your trip with confidence by exploring the full schedule details for the Amtrak Capitol Limited route, including daily departure times and approximate trip duration to ensure a smooth travel experience.
| Departure Station | Washington, DC – Union Station (WAS) |
| Arrival Station | Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) |
| Total Distance | Approximately 764 miles (1230 km) |
| Travel Time | About 17 hours and 30 minutes |
| Service Frequency | Daily in each direction |
Know how to get the Most Current Capitol Limited Schedule:
- Visit the Official Amtrak Website: Head to www.amtrak.com and use the “Book Tickets” feature. Enter your departure and arrival stations, along with your travel date, to access the most accurate and updated schedule.
- Use the Amtrak Mobile App: Download the free Amtrak app on your smartphone to check schedules, book tickets, and receive live updates on train status.
- Call Amtrak Customer Support: Dial 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with a representative who can provide the latest schedule information and assistance.
- Check Station Displays: If you are already at a station, digital boards and ticket counters display current departure times and any service updates.
Note: This route offers an overnight journey with scenic views through cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland, providing a comfortable way to connect the East Coast and Midwest.
Explore All Amtrak Routes situated across the United States.
Onboard Amenities Offered on the Amtrak Capitol Limited
The Amtrak Capitol Limited offers a variety of onboard amenities designed to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable:
- Seating and Sleeping Accommodations: Choose from Coach Class seating or upgraded options like Superliner Roomettes and Bedrooms, which include comfortable seats that convert into beds. Roomettes and Bedrooms offer privacy, bedding, and personal service.
- Dining Services: Sleeping car passengers receive complimentary meals in the Dining Car, featuring chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Coach passengers can purchase meals and snacks in the Café Car.
- Restroom and Shower Facilities: Shared restrooms and showers are available, stocked with towels and soap.
- Electrical Outlets and Climate Control: Electrical outlets are available at seats for charging devices, and climate control ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the train.
- Additional Services: Complimentary morning coffee, luggage assistance, and staff support are provided to enhance the travel experience.
- Coach Class Seating: Offers wide, reclining seats with ample legroom, leg rests, and foot rests for passenger comfort. Seats include fold-down trays, individual reading lights, and power outlets for charging devices.
Note: This combination of amenities supports a relaxing and scenic overnight trip between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, passing through notable cities and natural landscapes along the route.
For any inquiry or doubt about Amtrak Routes and Schedules, you can contact Amtrak representatives at (1-800-872-7245) or visit www.Amtrak.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The train connects Washington, D.C., and Chicago, stopping at key cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Alliance, Ohio.
The trip covers about 764 miles and usually takes around 17 hours and 30 minutes. It is an overnight route offering scenic views along the way.
Coach Class features comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom, power outlets, and reading lights. Seating is unassigned at boarding but grouped by destination.
Amtrak assists passengers with missed connections due to delays, including alternate arrangements. The company may hold connecting trains for a limited time.
Schedules and real-time updates are available on the Amtrak website, mobile app, and station information boards. Customer service is also reachable by phone.