The cheapest and fastest trains from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$259
Average price
$301
Fastest journey
22 h 44 m
Average duration
1 d 3 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
993 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL will cost around $301 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $259.
Of the 2 trains that leave Richmond, VA for Chicago, IL on Mon, Dec 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 01 the direct trains cover the 993 km distance in an average of 1 d 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 h 44 m .
On Mon, Dec 01 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 22 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.




Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €78, and a flight costs an average of €80.
Distance: 617 miles (993 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€178 Average price | €213 Average price | €116 Average price Cheapest |
21h 52m Average total duration 21h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 50m Average total duration 21h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Sunday, November 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
98 Silver Meteor · 51 Cardinal | 9:52 AM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 30h08 | 4:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
96 Northeast Regional · 4051 AMTRAK · 51 Cardinal | 2:42 PM Main Street Station, Richmond, VA | 25h18 | 4:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
4051 AMTRAK · 51 Cardinal | 4:30 PM Main Street Station, Richmond, VA | 23h30 | 4:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
4051 AMTRAK · 51 Cardinal | 5:00 PM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 23h00 | 4:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL 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.
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Journey information
Overview: Train from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 10 times per day, taking around 21h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $115 (€93) but you can travel from only $97 (€78) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 617 miles (993 km) distance in 20h 53m.
Distance 617 miles (993 km) |
Average train duration 21h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $115 (€93) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 20h 53m |
First train 04:52 |
Last train 18:40 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Richmond, VA and Chicago, IL from $97 (€78). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Richmond, VA
More options for your journey from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
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