The cheapest and fastest trains from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$1180
Average price
$1194
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 4 m
Average duration
2 d 6 h 5 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
2971 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Richmond, CA 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, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $1194 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1180.
Of the 4 trains that leave Richmond, CA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Apr 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 04 the direct trains cover the 2971 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 4 m .
On Sat, Apr 04 the slowest trains will take 2 d 11 h 16 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.
6 California Zephyr8:35 AM52h04Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$11801One-way0 transfers
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr8:10 AM52h29Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$11871One-way1 transfer
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr8:10 AM52h29Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$11991One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg8:35 AM59h16Richmond Station, Richmond, CA9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$12091One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr8:35 AM52h04Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$11801One-way0 transfers
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr8:10 AM52h29Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$11871One-way1 transfer
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr8:10 AM52h29Richmond Station, Richmond, CA2:39 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$11991One-way1 transfer
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg8:35 AM59h16Richmond Station, Richmond, CA9:51 PMChicago Union Station, Chicago, IL$12091One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $131. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $131, and a train costs an average of $233.
Distance: 1846 miles (2971 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$311 Average price | $281 Average price Cheapest | $307 Average price |
52h 2m Average total duration 51h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration Fastest 5h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 64h 25m Average total duration 63h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Friday, April 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr | 3:10 PM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA | 52h29 | 7:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
720 Capitol Corridor · 6 California Zephyr | 3:10 PM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA | 52h29 | 7:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
6 California Zephyr | 3:35 PM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA | 52h04 | 7:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
6 California Zephyr · 382 Carl Sandburg | 3:35 PM Richmond Station, Richmond, CA | 59h16 | 2:51 AM 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, CA to Chicago, IL 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.
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Journey information
Overview: Train from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 51h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $233 (€190) but you can travel from only $131 (€106) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:32, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 1846 miles (2971 km) distance in 52h 4m.
Distance 1846 miles (2971 km) |
Average train duration 51h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $233 (€190) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 52h 4m |
First train 7:32 AM |
Last train 6:00 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Richmond, CA and Chicago, IL from $131 (€106). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Richmond, CA 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, CA to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Located in the main hall
- Hall 1: Main entrance, BART platforms
- Hall 2: Amtrak platforms
- BART: Richmond Line
- Amtrak: Capitol Corridor
- 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, CA
More options for your journey from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL
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