5.0
Pros: The view and the speed. Cons: Hot foods like hamburgers etc. Even more speed. Tips: Pack only what you need.
Pros: The view and the speed. Cons: Hot foods like hamburgers etc. Even more speed. Tips: Pack only what you need.
Trains from Chicago to New Orleans
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Trip Summary
There are 27 daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Chicago to New Orleans usually takes around 51 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can make the trip in 19 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 835 mi (1344 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 42m |
| Lowest price | $142.71 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Chicago to New Orleans
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?
In the last month, $322.18 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans. Given how far apart Chicago and New Orleans are from each other, there's no getting around the fact that most train tickets are on the pricier side. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $184.35 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to New Orleans will vary between C$284 and C$532. Planning a train trip to New Orleans within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is C$305. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to New Orleans by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$180 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to New Orleans in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$341 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to New Orleans from Chicago will be about C$184.35 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to New Orleans?
2 train services operate from Chicago to New Orleans. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 26 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 26 | 2d 4h 51m | $364.94 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 19h 43m | $160.85 |
Amtrak
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 26 Amtrak trains from Chicago to New Orleans every day, as well as 15 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $163.
Amtrak City of New Orleans
The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak route that runs daily trains from Chicago to New Orleans and vice versa. The City of New Orleans includes a sightseer lounge with panoramic windows for the best views of the five states along the route. Affordable Coach seats cost about for a trip from Chicago to New Orleans. However, the City of New Orleans also offers private roomettes and bedrooms for added comfort and luxury (and a higher price). Passengers who book sleeper accommodations will enjoy included meals, and all passengers can stop into the cafe car to purchase meals and snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is New Orleans from Chicago?
New Orleans is 926.3 miles (1,490.7 kilometers) from Chicago via I-55 N and I-57 N.
How big is New Orleans?
New Orleans city proper is 349.85 square miles (906.10 square kilometers). It has a city population of 343,829 and a metro population of 1,262,888.
Is there a megabus for traveling from Chicago to New Orleans?
Unfortunately, there is no Megabus traveling from Chicago to New Orleans. Greyhound is the only bus carrier traveling from Chicago to New Orleans, with 6 trips offered per day, and an average price of $85.50. It takes, on average, 21 hours of travel to get there.
There is, however, an Amtrak route to New Orleans from Chicago that costs an average of $136.62. It also takes 20 hours to get there, but you’ll be in for a much more comfortable ride.
Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to New Orleans?
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to New Orleans. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to New Orleans?
The distance between Chicago and New Orleans is approximately 835 miles, or 1344 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 51 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 42 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains from Chicago to New Orleans 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Chicago at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Chicago to New Orleans?
There are 27 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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.
New Orleans
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionDeparture stations
Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.
All train stations in Chicago:
Union Depot
1301 W 11th St
Union Station
200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
41 Central St
Union Station - 1 Union Pl
Airport - 5601 S 6th St
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
11 W Baltimore Ave
245 Second St
BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
South Station
5885 Horton St
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
Where is the train station in New Orleans?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionArrival stations
Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
Train stations in New Orleans:
Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Need a return trip from New Orleans to Chicago?
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