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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Richmond to Alton. Traveling by train from Richmond to Alton usually takes 35 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 31 hours and 8 minutes.
Distance | 698 mi (1123 km) |
Fastest train | 31h 8m |
Lowest price | $267.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Richmond to Alton?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to Alton. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 6 | 1d 11h 16m | $331.08 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from Richmond to Alton every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $267.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Richmond and Alton is approximately 698 miles, or 1123 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 35 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 31 hours and 8 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 Richmond to Alton 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Richmond at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Alton to Richmond.
City Information
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 travelers. 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 favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.
Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses 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 Richmond?
Image credit: Eli Christman
Link to image attributionImage credit: Avinash Kunnath
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd
Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city center, 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 terminal for routes traveling 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 vacation destinations along the East Coast in [South Carolina(/train-tickets/us-sc/), Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.
All train stations in Richmond:
7519 Staples Mill Rd
1500 E Main St
Where is the train station in Alton?
Main arrival station: Multi-Modal Transportation Center
Alton has one train station.
All train stations in Alton:
Multi-Modal Transportation Center
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Need a return trip from Alton to Richmond?
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