The cheapest and fastest trains from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$204
Average price
$251
Fastest journey
20 h 53 m
Average duration
23 h 48 m
Trains per day
4
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 $251 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $204.
Of the 4 trains that leave Richmond, VA for Chicago, IL on Thu, Apr 02, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 993 km distance in an average of 23 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 h 53 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 1 d 2 h 18 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.
05:52PM20h53Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$2041One-way0 transfers
04:06PM22h39Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$2141One-way0 transfers
12:27PM26h18Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$2611One-way0 transfers
01:23PM25h22Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$3241One-way0 transfers
05:52PM20h53Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$2041One-way0 transfers
04:06PM22h39Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$2141One-way0 transfers
01:23PM25h22Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$3241One-way0 transfers
12:27PM26h18Richmond, VA02:45PMChicago, IL$2611One-way0 transfers
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 $90. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $90, and a flight costs an average of $84.
Distance: 617 miles (993 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$204 Average price | $330 Average price | $195 Average price Cheapest |
21h 25m Average total duration 20h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 5m Average total duration Fastest 4h 5m 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, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
94 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian | 3:06 PM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 22h39 | 1:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
4051 AMTRAK · 40 Floridian | 3:30 PM Main Street Station, Richmond, VA | 22h15 | 1:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
4051 AMTRAK · 51 Cardinal | 3:30 PM Main Street Station, Richmond, VA | 23h55 | 3:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
4051 AMTRAK · 51 Cardinal | 4:00 PM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 23h25 | 3:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian | 4:52 PM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 20h53 | 1:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect |
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.
Apr 02
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Apr 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL
Trains from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 20h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $92 (€75) but you can travel from only $84 (€68) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:52, 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 20h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $92 (€75) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 20h 53m |
First train 03:52 |
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 $84 (€68). 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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