Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Alexandria
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Chicago to Alexandria Train Schedule
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Chicago to Alexandria. Traveling by train from Chicago to Alexandria usually takes 21 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 18 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 596 mi (959 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 25m |
| Lowest price | £77.26 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Chicago to Alexandria
- Amtrak tickets: £116 one-way
- Amtrak Cardinal tickets: £77 one-way
- Amtrak Floridian tickets: £110 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Alexandria?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Alexandria was £139.15. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £164.10 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Alexandria by month
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Alexandria on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about £164.10 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Chicago to Alexandria?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago to Alexandria. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 5 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 22h 29m | £187.83 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 23h 33m | £220.93 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 18h 25m | £189.65 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Alexandria every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £116.
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Chicago to Alexandria per day, with an average trip length of 23 hours and 33 minutes.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Chicago to Alexandria start from £110, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Alexandria. Amtrak Floridian in Chicago leaves from Union Station . And in Alexandria trains arrive at 110 Callahan Dr .
From Chicago to Alexandria train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 18 hours and 25 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Alexandria on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Alexandria
The distance between Chicago and Alexandria is approximately 596 miles, or 959 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 25 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 spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Chicago to Alexandria are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Alexandria. 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 Alexandria to Chicago.
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 vacation 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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation 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 bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Alexandria
Alexandria is a charming, historic city in Virginia, located just a few miles south of Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River. Alexandria's Old Town entrances visitors with its preserved brick sidewalks and 18th-century homes and buildings; you'll feel transported to the era of the city's founding in 1749. This quarter, especially along King Street, features boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops in quaint, intimate settings.
Thanks to its vicinity to the capital, Alexandria boasts a unique food scene with many high-class restaurants for you to enjoy. The most popular local establishments include The Warehouse, Chart House, and Chadwicks. You can even dine in Gadsby's Tavern, a favorite of some of the nation's founders in the 1780s, and learn more about early American life in the adjacent Gadsby's Tavern Museum.
Washington, D.C. and all its travel connections are only a water taxi away, but the city is also well-served by transportation options directly out of Alexandria. Intercity Amtrak routes regularly arrive at Alexandria Union Station, including the Northeast Regional, Silver Service, Crescent, Cardinal, and Carolinian. The two nearest airports to the city are the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
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 bus 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 Alexandria?
Main arrival station: 110 Callahan Dr
Alexandria has one train station.
All train stations in Alexandria:
110 Callahan Dr
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