Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Fri, Dec 19
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Dec 22

Cheapest price

$344

Average price

$363

Fastest journey

22 h 46 m

Average duration

23 h 48 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

889 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL will cost around $363 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $344.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.

Amtrak134 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian
08:55AM24h50
Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA
08:45AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$3441One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak20 Crescent · 40 Floridian
10:59AM22h46
Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA
08:45AMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
$3821One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €84. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 20h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €84, and a train costs an average of €102.

Distance: 552 miles (889 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€149

Average price

€99

Average price

Cheapest

21h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

20h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

24h 25m

Average total duration

23h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL train times

The table below shows live departures for Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:35 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak1:52 PM Charlottesville, VA
20h08
10:00 AM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28

Why should you book Charlottesville to Chicago trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Charlottesville to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Charlottesville to Chicago.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Charlottesville to Chicago.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 20h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $127 (€102) but you can travel from only $105 (€84) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 08:55, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 552 miles (889 km) distance in 21h 8m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $105 (€84)
Distance
552 miles (889 km)
Average train duration
20h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
$127 (€102)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
21h 8m
First train
08:55
Last train
18:40
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $105 (€84)

Train companies: Amtrak from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charlottesville, VA and Chicago, IL from $105 (€84). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
21h 8m
Cheapest Price
$127 (€102)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $127 (€102), while the average price is around $186 (€149).
The distance by train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL is 552 miles (889 km).
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
The first train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 8:55 AM.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
The cheapest way to get from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $105 (€84).
The last train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
A day trip from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey duration is 21h 8m. However, there are 2 train trips available per day. The distance between the two cities is 552 miles (889 km).
The train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL takes 21h 8m and runs 2 per day.
The train station in Charlottesville, VA that goes to Chicago, IL is Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL.
The train journey from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL offers scenic views, especially as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills of Virginia and West Virginia, providing a glimpse of rural American countryside before reaching the urban expanse of Chicago.
There is no high speed train available from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, you can take the train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, there is a direct train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL

Charlottesville
Chicago
The major train station for departures in Charlottesville is Charlottesville Amtrak. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Charlottesville Amtrak for your trip from Charlottesville to Chicago.
Charlottesville AmtrakWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available near the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Local
  • Maya Restaurant
  • Public Fish & Oyster
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Graduate Charlottesville
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown
  • Omni Charlottesville Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Platform area for boarding
Public transit options for Charlottesville Amtrak
  • Bus: Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) services available

Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and Charlottesville, VA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Chicago, ILCharlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL train

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