Cheap train tickets from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL. Travelling by train from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL usually takes 2 days, 8 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak California Zephyr train can make the trip in 2 days, 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance: 1847 mi (2973 km)
Fastest train: 52h 4m
Lowest price: RON 1,051.36
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest coach & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most coach & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL Train Timetable

There are several train options that can take you from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL?

In the last month, train tickets from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL cost about RON 1,172 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Richmond, CA and Chicago, IL, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 1,500.81 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL will cost between RON 746 and RON 1,897. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL by month

Ticket prices for the train from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only RON 1,228. If you're thinking of travelling from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 2,461 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 1,500.81 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL?

2 train services operate from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	58h 51m	RON 1,510.17
Amtrak California Zephyr	1	52h 10m	RON 1,877.76

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from RON 764.62.
Amtrak California Zephyr is one of the longest train routes in the United States, spanning from Chicago to Emeryville. With views of the Colorado and Mississippi rivers, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Rockies, it highlights some of the most stunning views the US has.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Richmond, CA and Chicago, IL is approximately 1,847 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 days, 8 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days, 4 hours and 4 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

1847

Distance (km)

2973

The earliest train departs Richmond, CA at 8:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 10:36. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

8:00am

Last train

10:36am

Trains from Richmond, CA to Chicago, IL are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Saturday

City Information

Richmond

Richmond is a city in the San Francisco Bay Area, popular for its rich naval history, specifically its role in the World War 2 home front. During this time, thousands of workers moved to the city to support wartime industries. Richmond features different waterfront neighbourhoods and houses facing the river with miles of waterfront areas. Richmond offers its residents scenic parks, shorelines, and outdoor spaces, including Tilden Regional Park, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and Regional Parks Botanic Garden. The city also has some unique places to check out, like the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, which combines a park with a rail museum, and the Redwood Valley Railway.

In and around Richmond, there are exciting things to do, like zipline adventures in Sonoma and Brazen Racing. The city boasts a fast-growing craft beer scene, with popular names like Fieldwork Brewing and East Brother Beer Company. You can time your visit to participate in the Richmond Main Street Initiative, beer and food, and art festivals. For shopping and restaurants, check out Downtown Richmond.

Richmond is easily accessible from 137 other cities by train, with most trains provided by Amtrak Capitol Corridor. If you prefer to travel by coach, you can follow the routes provided by FlixBus US US from tens of other cities. Within Richmond, there are dedicated public transit routes through BART and Amtrak.

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban holiday destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transport hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Richmond, CA?

Main departure station: BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave

There is one train station in Richmond, CA.

All train stations in Richmond, CA:

BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave

Where is the train station in Chicago, IL?

Main arrival station: Union Station

The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves coach carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Train stations in Chicago, IL:

Union Station

Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Richmond, CA?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train timetables and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.