Cheap train tickets from Roanoke to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Roanoke to Chicago. Traveling by train from Roanoke to Chicago usually takes 25 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 25 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 518 mi (834 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 7m |
| Lowest price | $219.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Roanoke to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Roanoke to Chicago?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Roanoke to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$237.50 | Avg. Price$196.94Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration25h 57mFaster | Duration32h 28m |
There are several train options that can take you from Roanoke to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Roanoke to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Roanoke to Chicago was $219.00. Considering the distance between Roanoke and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $37.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Roanoke to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Roanoke 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 $163. If you're thinking of traveling from Roanoke to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $240 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 Roanoke to Chicago on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about $37.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Roanoke to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Roanoke to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 25h 57m | $237.50 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Roanoke to Chicago every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $219.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Roanoke to Chicago
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Chicago to Roanoke. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Roanoke to Chicago for $99.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Roanoke and Chicago is approximately 518 miles, or 834 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 hours and 7 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)
518
Distance (km)
834
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Roanoke at 8:38am and arrives in Chicago around 25 hours later.
First train
8:38am
Last train
8:38am
Trains from Roanoke 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Roanoke
The idyllic city of Roanoke sits against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the site of the famous Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. Fun and adventure are indeed the best things that Roanoke has to offer, especially if you start your visit at the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest man-made neon light that gets illuminated every night.
The Blue Ridge is one of Roanoke's major tourist attractions. Experience the Blue Ridge Day tour package to fully explore the area's history, heritage, culture, and entertainment. Make sure that your adventure includes The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, among others.
To enjoy Roanoke's nightlife, try doing the Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl. That's how you get to enjoy exquisite craft beers from the city's finest breweries. If you want to shop, there's a wide selection of antiques and farmer's produce for sale in the Blue Ridge area.
Getting around Roanoke is easy with the Valley Metro bus line. This bus service covers not just the City of Roanoke but Vinton and Salem as well. There's also the Star Line Trolley that connects Downtown Roanoke and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. To travel to other exciting destinations, Amtrak trains and Jefferson Lines, OurBus, and Wanda Coach buses provide service to cities including Richmond, Atlanta, and New York.
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 Roanoke?
Main departure station: 55 Norfolk Ave SW
The Roanoke Greyhound Station is right in the heart of the city- not too far from the Amtrak station. The bus stop itself is basically just a waiting room, but it does offer indoor seating and has a few vending machines if you want to stock up on snacks. For a more substantial meal, several restaurants and fast-food classics like McDonald's are within easy walking distance.
All train stations in Roanoke:
- 55 Norfolk Ave SW
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 Roanoke?
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