The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA
Cheapest price
$973
Average price
$973
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 d 2 h 47 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2971 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA 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, CA will cost around $973 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $973.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Richmond, CA on Wed, Jul 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 2971 km distance in an average of 2 d 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 47 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 2 d 2 h 47 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.
2:00 PM50h47Chicago, IL4:47 PMRichmond, CA$9731One-way0 transfers
2:00 PM50h47Chicago, IL4:47 PMRichmond, CA$9731One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $590. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 48h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $590, and a train costs an average of $973.
Distance: 1846 miles (2971 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$973 Average price | $590 Average price Cheapest | $424 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
53h 17m Average total duration 52h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48h 52m Average total duration Fastest 48h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA:
A bus is $383 (€315) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA costing on average $973 (€800).
Other travel options to Richmond, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 52h 47m.
Tickets start at around $973 (€800) compared to roughly $424 (€348) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-549.34 (€-451.56). The journey takes 52h 47m versus 30h 45m 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:00 PM Chicago, IL | 50h47 | 4:47 PM Richmond, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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, CA 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.
Jul 22
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 52h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $973 (€800) but you can travel from only $590 (€485) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:54, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 1846 miles (2971 km) distance in 50h 47m.
Distance 1846 miles (2971 km) |
Average train duration 52h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $973 (€800) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 50h 47m |
First train 6:54 AM |
Last train 9:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Richmond, CA from $590 (€485). 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, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA 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, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA
Most Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA trains use the Union Station to Richmond Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Richmond, CA 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 Richmond, CA 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.
Which Richmond, CA station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Richmond Station from Richmond city centre
Richmond Station train station facilities and services
Richmond Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Richmond Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Richmond Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Richmond Station: Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Richmond Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
