- Must visit
Monticello Visitor Center and Exhibition Galleries
Museum at Monticello presenting Jefferson, slavery, and plantation history through artifacts and exhibitions on the mountain estate.
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$199
Fastest journey
20 h 40 m
Average duration
20 h 40 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
889 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Charlottesville, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Charlottesville, VA will cost around $199 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Charlottesville, VA on Sat, Aug 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 889 km distance in an average of 20 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 h 40 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 20 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Trains from Chicago, IL to Charlottesville, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 20h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $123 but you can travel from only $117 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 20h 40m.
Distance 552 miles (889 km) |
Average train duration 20h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $123 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 20h 40m |
First train 8:55 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Charlottesville, VA trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
41 Floridian · 147 Northeast Regional | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 23h52 | 7:32 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 19 Crescent | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 25h07 | 8:47 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Charlottesville, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlottesville, VA trip today.
Museum at Monticello presenting Jefferson, slavery, and plantation history through artifacts and exhibitions on the mountain estate.
Leading university art museum with global collections from antiquity to today. Strong African art and rotating scholarly exhibitions.
Museum devoted to Kluge-Ruhe's major collection of Australian Aboriginal art. A distinctive cultural stop rare in the United States.
Eight-block pedestrian main street lined with shops, theaters, and public art. It is Charlottesville's most popular place to stroll.
Historic UNESCO-listed lawn framed by pavilions and student rooms. A walk here reveals Jefferson's influential campus vision.
Large city park with trails, sports fields, and wooded creek scenery. A local favorite for relaxing and outdoor recreation.
Virginia Ham is salt-cured and aged, often served in biscuits. It reflects central Virginia’s long pork-curing tradition and regional flavor.
Peanut Soup is a creamy, savory soup linked to Virginia’s historic peanut-growing culture, especially popular in traditional inns and regional dining rooms.
Brunswick Stew is a hearty tomato-based stew with chicken and vegetables, widely associated with Virginia gatherings, tailgates, and community meals.
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant on West Main serving refined New American dishes with local ingredients in an elegant setting.
Popular artisanal bakery and café for breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in a busy, casual neighborhood setting.
Beloved casual spot for Virginia barbecue, smoked meats, and classic Southern sides with a relaxed local feel.
Moderate for U.S. college towns: hotels can rise on event weekends, dining is mid-priced, and most visitors need a car or rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are optional for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Charlottesville, VA 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 Charlottesville, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Charlottesville, VA trains use the Union Station to Charlottesville Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Charlottesville, VA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Charlottesville Amtrak is 1 km from Charlottesville city centre. Public transport options include:
Charlottesville Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Local, Maya Restaurant, Public Fish & Oyster
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Graduate Charlottesville, Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown, Omni Charlottesville Hotel.
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