Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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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

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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
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Nov 08
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Nov 09
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Nov 10
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Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL

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Icon of train
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 $102 (€84)
Distance
552 miles (889 km)
Average train duration
20h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
$124 (€102)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
21h 8m
First train
08:55
Last train
18:40

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL start from as low as $124 (€102) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $182 (€149) depending on the train type and class.
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 $102 (€84)

Train companies: Amtrak from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charlottesville, VA and Chicago, IL from $102 (€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
$124 (€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
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.
The last train from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:40 PM.
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.
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.
Train ticket prices from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $124 (€102), while the average price is around $182 (€149).
The cheapest way to get from Charlottesville, VA to Chicago, IL is by bus, with a cost of around $102 (€84).
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.
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).

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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