- Must visit
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Hands-on transportation museum focused on Roanoke's rail history, with locomotives, model trains, and exhibits inside a former freight station.
Flights from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA depart on average 34 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $417 but you can travel from only $103 by bus.
There are 3 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:00. The fastest flight covers the 518 miles (834 km) distance in 1h 58m. August is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 518 miles (834 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $417 |
Flights per day 34 |
Direct flights 3 |
Fastest flight 1h 58m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $149 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 37m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $149, while a flight costs an average of $711.
Distance: 518 miles (834 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$711 Average price | $263 Average price | $149 Average price Cheapest | $131 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 23h 22m Average total duration 22h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 43m Average total duration 22h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Roanoke, VA:
A bus is $114 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA costing on average $263.
A bus is $562 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA costing on average $711.
Other travel options to Roanoke, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 13m.
Train takes on average 22h 52m.
Compare train, bus, 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.
Discover the best of Roanoke, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Roanoke, VA trip today.
Hands-on transportation museum focused on Roanoke's rail history, with locomotives, model trains, and exhibits inside a former freight station.
Contemporary and historic art museum in a striking modern building downtown. Its galleries and sculpture spaces make it a leading cultural stop.
Regional history museum covering southwest Virginia through artifacts, photographs, and changing exhibits in downtown Roanoke.
Downtown open-air market district with historic buildings, local shops, and frequent events. It is the city's liveliest area for walking and people-watching.
Mountain park with scenic overlooks, trails, and access to the Roanoke Star. A top outdoor area for views, short hikes, and sunset visits.
Urban greenway following the Roanoke River through parks and downtown. It is ideal for walking, cycling, and seeing the city at a relaxed pace.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Roanoke, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA flights use the O'Hare International Airport to Roanoke airport pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Roanoke, VA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
O'Hare International Airport is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
O'Hare International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants are located in all terminals, offering a variety of cuisines including American and intertiol. Top options include Tortas Frontera and Publican Tavern.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at O'Hare International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as Hilton Chicago O'Hare are located on airport grounds, with others like the Hyatt Regency nearby..
Roanoke is 3 km from Roanoke city centre. Public transport options include:
Roanoke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several restaurants and cafes located in the main terminal.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. ATMs are aTMs are located near check-in area and baggage claim.
Ticket office support is available at Roanoke.
Available at Roanoke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roanoke: Terminal is fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need