- Must visit
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Major art museum with strong American, Fabergé, and global collections; one of Richmond’s signature cultural stops.
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Cheapest price
$199
Average price
$239
Fastest journey
19h 15m
Average duration
26h 42m
Buses per day
19
Distance
959 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $106. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $106, and a flight costs an average of $90.
Distance: 617 miles (993 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$210 Average price Cheapest | $248 Average price | $356 Average price | $253 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 16m Average total duration 19h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 9m Average total duration 19h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA:
A bus is $37 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA costing on average $248 (€204).
A bus is $145 (€120) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA costing on average $356 (€293).
Other travel options to Richmond, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 39m.
Bus takes on average 19h 46m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 26h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 28h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 22h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 32h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $136 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · + FlixBus | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h25 | 11:20 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h35 | 11:30 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 23h55 | 10:50 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 24h05 | 11:20 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 24h15 | 11:30 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 23h35 | 10:50 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 29h05 | 4:20 PM Richmond, Mechanicsville Tpke (Exxon), VA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h55 | 4:20 PM Richmond, Mechanicsville Tpke (Exxon), VA | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h25 | 8:10 PM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 22h55 | 5:55 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h15 | 2:15 PM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 27h05 | 11:20 PM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 22h55 | 7:10 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 31h05 | 6:55 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 27h20 | 3:10 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus+![]() | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 35h00 | 10:50 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 4 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 30h45 | 6:55 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 27h00 | 3:10 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 34h40 | 10:50 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
· | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h40 | 3:10 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 19h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $106 (€87) but you can travel from only $90 (€74) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 617 miles (993 km) distance in 19h 15m.
Distance 617 miles (993 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€87) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 19h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Richmond — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Richmond trip today.
Major art museum with strong American, Fabergé, and global collections; one of Richmond’s signature cultural stops.
Large science museum in a historic railroad station, popular for interactive exhibits, families, and special presentations.
City history museum focused on Richmond’s people, neighborhoods, and daily life, with rotating exhibitions and historic spaces.
Popular river island park with trails, rocks, old industrial remains, and dramatic James River views.
Large estate park with gardens, grounds, and scenic walking areas; one of Richmond’s favorite outdoor destinations.
Lively shopping and strolling district known for independent businesses, murals, and one of the city’s most recognizable streetscapes.
Tender biscuits filled with salty cured Virginia ham, a classic snack tied to the Commonwealth’s long ham-curing tradition.
A creamy Southern spread of cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise, commonly served with crackers or sandwiches in Richmond.
A hearty regional stew usually made with chicken or pork, tomatoes, beans, and vegetables, long associated with Virginia gatherings.
Bustling barbecue spot famous for smoked brisket, ribs, and craft beer, with a casual, lively vibe.
Beloved deli and restaurant known for Jewish comfort food, creative brunch, and a nostalgic retro interior.
Refined restaurant in The Jefferson Hotel known for upscale Virginia cuisine, polished service, and an elegant dining room.
Prices are moderate by U.S. city standards. Dining is reasonable, while hotels can rise during events and peak weekends.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few USD.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Richmond, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Richmond, VA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station) is 3 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include: