Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 08

Cheapest price

$558

Average price

$558

Fastest journey

2 d 2 h 47 m

Average duration

2 d 2 h 47 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

2971 km

Cheap tickets

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 $558 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $558.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Richmond, CA on Sat, Nov 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 08 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 Sat, Nov 08 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.

Amtrak
02:00PM50h47
Chicago, IL
04:47PMRichmond, CA
$5581One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight 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 flight with prices starting from €81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 17h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €81, and a train costs an average of €190.

Distance: 1846 miles (2971 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€237

Average price

€81

Average price

Cheapest

€220

Average price

52h 53m

Average total duration

52h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

20h 12m

Average total duration

Fastest

17h 12m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

66h 30m

Average total duration

66h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA trains for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:29 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 5 California Zephyr1:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
59h07
12:47 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA1 transfer
amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
78h03
1:55 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2 transfers
amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
78h03
1:55 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2 transfers
amtrak5 California Zephyr · 747 Capitol Corridor8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
56h21
4:21 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA1 transfer
amtrak5 California Zephyr8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
52h47
12:47 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
53h30
1:55 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2 transfers
amtrak3 Southwest Chief · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner8:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
53h30
1:55 AM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2 transfers

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, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13
Fri
Nov 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 52h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $234 (€190) but you can travel from only $99 (€81) by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:54, the last at 14:25. The fastest train covers the 1846 miles (2971 km) distance in 52h 47m.

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
Flight from $99 (€81)
Distance
1846 miles (2971 km)
Average train duration
52h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
$234 (€190)
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
52h 47m
First train
06:54
Last train
14:25
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
Flight from $99 (€81)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Richmond, CA from $99 (€81). 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
52h 47m
Cheapest Price
$337 (€274)
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 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.

FAQs
To fully experience Richmond, CA, including its parks, museums, and waterfront, spending 2 to 3 days would be ideal.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA is 1846 miles (2971 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA leaves at 6:54 AM.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $234 (€190), while the average price is around $292 (€237).
The last train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA leaves at 2:25 PM.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 52h 47m. However, there are 5 train trips available per day. The distance is 1846 miles (2971 km).
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $99 (€81).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA offers scenic views, particularly through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, showcasing picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and expansive forests.
The train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA takes 52h 47m and runs 5 per day.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Richmond, CA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Richmond Station, Richmond, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA

Chicago
Richmond
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Richmond.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

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