The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
Cheapest price
$225
Average price
$283
Fastest journey
20 h 17 m
Average duration
22 h 38 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
993 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA will cost around $283 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $225.
Of the 7 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Richmond, VA on Sat, Apr 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 11 the direct trains cover the 993 km distance in an average of 22 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 h 17 m .
On Sat, Apr 11 the slowest trains will take 1 d 7 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.
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK5:55 PM22h50Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:45 PMMain Street Station, Richmond, VA$2251One-way1 transfer
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK5:55 PM22h20Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:15 PMStaples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA$2251One-way1 transfer
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK · 99 Northeast Regional5:55 PM24h52Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:47 PMMain Street Station, Richmond, VA$2411One-way2 transfers
41 Floridian · 99 Northeast Regional6:40 PM23h38Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:18 PMStaples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA$3001One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian · 99 Northeast Regional6:40 PM24h07Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:47 PMMain Street Station, Richmond, VA$3011One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian6:40 PM20h17Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL3:57 PMStaples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA$3661One-way0 transfers
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK5:55 PM22h20Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:15 PMStaples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA$2251One-way1 transfer
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK5:55 PM22h50Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL5:45 PMMain Street Station, Richmond, VA$2251One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian · 99 Northeast Regional6:40 PM23h38Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:18 PMStaples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA$3001One-way1 transfer
41 Floridian · 99 Northeast Regional6:40 PM24h07Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL7:47 PMMain Street Station, Richmond, VA$3011One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $116. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $116, and a flight costs an average of $84.
Distance: 617 miles (993 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$232 Average price | $206 Average price Cheapest | $364 Average price |
20h 9m Average total duration 19h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 16m Average total duration 19h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA trains for tomorrow, Friday, April 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK | 10:55 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h50 | 9:45 PM Main Street Station, Richmond, VA | 1 transfer | |
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK · 99 Northeast Regional | 10:55 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 24h52 | 11:47 PM Main Street Station, Richmond, VA | 2 transfers | |
50 Cardinal · 4050 AMTRAK | 10:55 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 22h20 | 9:15 PM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Richmond, 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.
Apr 11
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Apr 17
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 19h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $137 (€110) but you can travel from only $84 (€67) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:52, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 617 miles (993 km) distance in 20h 17m.
Distance 617 miles (993 km) |
Average train duration 19h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $137 (€110) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 20h 17m |
First train 3:52 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Richmond, VA from $84 (€67). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single-level layout with an enclosed waiting area and ticketing services.
- Bus: GRTC Route 19
- Taxi services available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available at the station with access from Main Street.
- The Roosevelt
- Lemaire Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- The Berkeley Hotel
- Omni Richmond Hotel
- The Commonwealth
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform access, ticket office, and waiting area
- Bus: GRTC Pulse
- Several local bus lines available
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA
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