Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA train

Thu, May 21
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
ÖBB
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
ÖBB
2,000+ travel companies
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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 $98. 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 $98, and a flight costs an average of $87.

Distance: 571 miles (920 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$251

Average price

$262

Average price

$131

Average price

Cheapest

$137

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

The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA is a bus with an average price of $131 (€106).

This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA:

A bus is $120 (€97) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA costing on average $251 (€203).

A bus is $131 (€106) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA costing on average $262 (€212).

The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 49m.

Other travel options to Sterling, VA take longer:

Train takes on average 16h 41m.

Bus takes on average 19h 51m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Sterling, VA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $251 (€203) compared to roughly $137 (€111) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-114.00 (€-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.

Thu
May 21
Fri
May 22
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May 23
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May 24
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May 25
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May 27

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA

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Icon of train

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 $227 (€184) but you can travel from only $87 (€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.

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 $87 (€70)
Distance
571 miles (920 km)
Average train duration
16h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$227 (€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
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 $87 (€70)

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $227 (€184), while the average price is around $251 (€203).
The train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA takes 16h 41m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA is 571 miles (920 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA leaves at 10:28 AM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA leaves at 4:21 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Sterling, VA is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Manassas Station, Manassas, VA.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA is by flight, with a cost of around $87 (€70).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA offers scenic views, particularly through the Appalachian Mountains and rural landscapes of Indiana and Ohio, providing passengers with a pleasant visual experience.
In Sterling, VA, you can explore the local dining scene with a food tour of diverse restaurants or visit the Sterling Community Center for local events and activities. Enjoy a round of golf at the Algonkian Golf Course or spend a day at Volcano Island Waterpark for family-friendly fun. Discover Algonkian Regional Park's hiking trails and scenic views or explore Claude Moore Park's nature preserve and educational programs. Shop and dine at Dulles Town Center or attend a workshop at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, which also offers interactive exhibits showcasing the area's agricultural history.
For a fulfilling experience in Sterling, VA, spending two to three days allows time to explore local attractions like the Algonkian Regional Park, visit nearby wineries, and enjoy dining options.
No, you cannot take the train from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Sterling, VA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Sterling, VA, travelers should be cautious of common scams such as fake ticket sales and unauthorized ride services. It's important to use official transportation providers and verify ticket authenticity. Additionally, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Sterling, VA

Chicago
Sterling
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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
address
Address
225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
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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