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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Sterling, 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 1h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 571 miles (920 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$247 Average price | $258 Average price | $129 Average price Cheapest | $134 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 11m Average total duration 16h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 21m Average total duration 19h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m 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 Sterling, VA:
A bus is $118 (€97) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA costing on average $247 (€203).
A bus is $129 (€106) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA costing on average $258 (€212).
Other travel options to Sterling, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 16h 41m.
Bus takes on average 19h 51m.
Tickets start at around $247 (€203) compared to roughly $134 (€111) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-112.17 (€-92.26). The journey takes 16h 41m versus 10h 15m 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, VA
USAUSA
Trains from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 16h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $224 (€184) but you can travel from only $85 (€70) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 10:28, the last at 16:21. The fastest train covers the 571 miles (920 km) distance in 16h 41m.
Distance 571 miles (920 km) |
Average train duration 16h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $224 (€184) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 16h 41m |
First train 10:28 AM |
Last train 4:21 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Sterling, 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 Sterling, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA
Most Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA trains use the Union Station to Manassas Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, VA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Sterling, VA and Chicago, IL
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