Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Charlottesville

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Charlottesville. Traveling by train from Chicago to Charlottesville usually takes 23 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 20 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance: 553 mi (889 km)
Fastest train: 20h 40m
Lowest price: RON 660.25
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Chicago to Charlottesville Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Charlottesville?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Charlottesville.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceRON 1,258.21	Avg. PriceRON 604.33Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips2	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration23h 57mFaster	Duration27h 45m

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

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Charlottesville was RON 812.61. 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 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 974.21 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Charlottesville by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Charlottesville will cost between RON 651 and RON 956. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Charlottesville by month

Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Charlottesville 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 RON 776. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Charlottesville during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,667 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Chicago to Charlottesville on Wanderu at least 6 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 974.21 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Chicago to Charlottesville?

2 train services operate from Chicago to Charlottesville. 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	24h 30m	RON 1,267.83
Amtrak Cardinal	1	20h 40m	RON 1,200.45

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 2 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Charlottesville every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 803.38.
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 Charlottesville per day, with an average trip length of 20 hours and 40 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Charlottesville

Trains leave the station in Chicago twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Charlottesville to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Charlottesville for RON 496.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Chicago and Charlottesville is approximately 553 miles, or 889 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 40 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.

Distance (mi)

553

Distance (km)

889

The earliest train departs Chicago at 5:55pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:40pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:55pm

Last train

6:40pm

Trains from Chicago to Charlottesville 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 traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

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.

Charlottesville

Lovingly called Mr. Jefferson’s City by locals, Charlottesville is one of Virginia's best destinations with plenty of interesting attractions to draw in not only fans of history but also of arts and culture. The prime attraction of the city is the famous estate of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello. This 5000-acre mansion is an architectural masterpiece that combines Parisian and Italian elements, giving you a day’s worth of exploration. For those looking for a more idyllic landscape, try Carter Mountain Orchard, which offers apple-picking sessions as well. The University of Charlottesville is also a must-not-miss destination. As the only university in the U.S. to be designated a World Heritage Site, it offers interesting insights into the history of education of the country.

Charlottesville’s wines are famous around the country, and the Monticello Wine Trail is perfect for trying out the best wines that the region has to offer. For an amazing dinner experience, C & O Restaurant, which has been in business since 1976, will be a great choice.

The city’s busiest bus stop is the Greyhound bus stop located downtown at 310 W Main St. For trains, head over to the nearby Amtrak train station, also on W Main St. Charlottesville is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal, Crescent and Northeast Regional lines. The city’s main airport is the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, 8 miles from 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 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 Charlottesville?

Main arrival station: Train Station - 810 W Main St

Train Station - 810 W Main St - CVSAMT-0

Train Station - 810 W Main St - CVSAMT-1

The Union Station in Charlottesville opened in 1885 and today remains the center of rail transportation in Charlottesville. Three Amtrak lines run through the Charlottesville station: the Cardinal route from Chicago to New York, the Crescent route from New Orleans to New York, and the Northeast Regional route from Roanoke to Boston. Inside the barn-red building, you can have a seat in the indoor waiting room, purchase a snack to go from vending machines, or learn more about Charlottesville from the tourism pamphlets available. The station is just steps away from the University of Virginia campus, and from the station, you can stroll to one of many excellent restaurants along Main Street.

All train stations in Charlottesville:

Train Station - 810 W Main St

Need a return trip from Charlottesville to Chicago?

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