Cheap train tickets from Richmond to Chicago

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Richmond to Chicago. Traveling by train from Richmond to Chicago usually takes 25 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 20 hours and 53 minutes.

Distance: 619 mi (996 km)
Fastest train: 20h 53m
Lowest price: DKK 875.08
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Richmond to Chicago Train Schedule

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

There are usually 12 daily bus trips available from Richmond to Chicago.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceDKK 1,958.67	Avg. PriceDKK 998.64Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips5	Daily Trips12
Duration	Duration25h 58mFaster	Duration27h 7m

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

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Richmond to Chicago was DKK 1,243.54. 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 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around DKK 2,583.72 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Chicago by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Richmond to Chicago will cost between DKK 915 and DKK 1,658. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Chicago by month

Ticket prices for the train from Richmond to Chicago 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 DKK 1,395. If you're thinking of traveling from Richmond to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of DKK 1,967 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Richmond to Chicago on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about DKK 2,583.72 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Richmond to Chicago?

2 train services operate from Richmond to Chicago. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	27h 13m	DKK 2,097.58
Amtrak Floridian	1	20h 53m	DKK 1,400.56

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 4 Amtrak trains from Richmond to Chicago every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from DKK 875.08.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Richmond to Chicago start from DKK 1,065.89, and on average cost DKK 1,400.56. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Chicago. Amtrak Floridian in Richmond leaves from 7519 Staples Mill Rd. And in Chicago trains arrive at Union Station.

From Richmond to Chicago train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 20 hours and 53 minutes.

If you are looking to travel to Chicago on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost DKK 1,065.89 for a one-way weekend reservation from Richmond.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond to Chicago

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Richmond to Chicago. 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 to Richmond. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Richmond to Chicago for DKK 552.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Richmond and Chicago is approximately 619 miles, or 996 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 53 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)

619

Distance (km)

996

The earliest train departs Richmond at 3:52am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:52pm. 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

3:52am

Last train

12:52pm

Trains from Richmond to Chicago 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.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Saturday

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Richmond?

Main 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 Chicago?

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 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

Need a return trip from Chicago to Richmond?

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