Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Richmond

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Richmond. Travelling by train from Chicago to Richmond usually takes 23 hours and 31 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 20 hours and 17 minutes.

Distance: 619 mi (996 km)
Fastest train: 20h 17m
Lowest price: US$123.00
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Richmond Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Richmond?

There are usually 8 daily coach trips from Chicago to Richmond.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$198.03	Avg. PriceUS$155.85Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips4	Daily Trips8
Duration	Duration23h 31mFaster	Duration26h 12m

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Chicago to Richmond cost about US$169 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$122.26 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Richmond by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Richmond will cost between US$134 and US$279. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Richmond by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Richmond often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$163. If you're thinking of travelling from Chicago to Richmond during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$251 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Richmond on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about US$122.26 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Richmond?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Richmond. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	24h 16m	US$195.99
Amtrak Floridian	1	20h 20m	US$206.69

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 3 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Richmond every day, as well as 5 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$104.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Richmond start from US$111, and on average cost US$206.69. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Richmond. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station. And in Richmond trains arrive at 7519 Staples Mill Rd.
From Chicago to Richmond train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 20 hours and 20 minutes. If you are looking to get to Richmond faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express service options with a travel time of 20 hours and 17 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Richmond on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost US$111 for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Chicago to Richmond

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Richmond. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Richmond. 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 Richmond to Chicago. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Chicago to Richmond for US$94.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Richmond is approximately 619 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 17 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)

619

Distance (km)

996

The earliest train departs Chicago at 17:35 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:40. 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

5:35pm

Last train

6:40pm

Trains from Chicago to Richmond are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Friday

City Information

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.

Richmond

As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travellers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favourites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for coach travel, and visitors can catch coaches that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Chicago:

Union Station

Where is the train station in Richmond?

Main arrival station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd

Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city centre, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important stop for routes travelling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to holiday destinations along the East Coast in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC local bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.

Train stations in Richmond:

7519 Staples Mill Rd
Main Street Station

Need a return trip from Richmond to Chicago?

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