Cheap train tickets from Houston to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Houston to Chicago. Travelling by train from Houston to Chicago usually takes 1 day and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day and 44 minutes.
- Distance
- 942 mi (1516 km)
- Fastest train
- 24h 44m
- Lowest price
- US$201.00
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Houston to Chicago Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Houston to Chicago?
There are usually 42 daily coach trips from Houston to Chicago.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$262.16 | Avg. PriceUS$212.73Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips42 |
Duration | Duration24h 45mFaster | Duration33h 8m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Houston to Chicago (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Houston to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Houston to Chicago?
In the last month, train tickets from Houston to Chicago cost about US$237 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Houston and Chicago, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$49.02 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Houston to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Houston to Chicago will cost between US$211 and US$345. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Houston to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from Houston 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 US$227. If you're thinking of travelling from Houston to Chicago during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$280 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 Houston to Chicago on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about US$49.02 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Houston to Chicago?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Houston 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 | 24h 45m | US$262.16 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there is 1 Amtrak train from Houston to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$201.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Houston to Chicago
While the train is the main method of transport from Houston to Chicago, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a coach or express shuttle.
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 hand 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 Houston. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Houston to Chicago for US$110.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Houston and Chicago is approximately 942 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day and 44 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
942
Distance (km)
1516
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Houston at 13:05 and arrives in Chicago around 24 hours later.
First train
1:05pm
Last train
1:05pm
Trains from Houston 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 travelling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Houston



Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial centre in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best holiday destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main coach and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 holiday 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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Houston?
Main departure station: 902 Washington Ave

The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Toilets, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.
All train stations in Houston:
- 902 Washington Ave
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 coach 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.
Train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago to Houston?
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