Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a flight costs an average of $98.
Distance: 574 miles (925 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$159 Average price | $111 Average price Cheapest | $248 Average price | $136 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 55m Average total duration 18h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 55m Average total duration 21h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 51m Average total duration Fastest 6h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA costing on average $159 (€131).
A bus is $137 (€112) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA costing on average $248 (€203).
Other travel options to Herndon, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 25m.
Bus takes on average 21h 25m.
Tickets start at around $159 (€131) compared to roughly $136 (€111) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.34 (€-19.16). The journey takes 18h 25m versus 10h 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 18h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $158 (€129) but you can travel from only $96 (€78) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:20, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 574 miles (925 km) distance in 18h 25m.
Distance 574 miles (925 km) |
Average train duration 18h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $158 (€129) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 18h 25m |
First train 9:20 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Herndon, 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 Herndon, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA
Most Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA trains use the Union Station to Alexandria Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Herndon, VA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Herndon, VA leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Herndon, VA
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