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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to New Orleans

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Chicago to New Orleans Train Schedule

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Chicago to New Orleans.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
HUF 40,605
Avg. Price
HUF 64,756
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
1d 2h 55m
Duration
1d 2h 25m

Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Chicago to New Orleans. The train trip from Chicago to New Orleans is usually about 25 hours and 27 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak City of New Orleans train can get you there in as little as 19 hours and 42 minutes.

Distance835 mi (1344 km)
Fastest train19h 42m
Lowest priceHUF 37,000
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Chicago to New Orleans

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Diane

May 19, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: They were able to upgrade me to a roomette. Cons: Nothing.

5.0

Arthur

March 29, 2020- Solo travel

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: The view and the speed. Cons: Hot foods like hamburgers etc. Even more speed. Tips: Pack only what you need.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Chicago and New Orleans cost HUF 52,153, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 26 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around HUF 36,734 more.

Average train ticket prices from Chicago to New Orleans by travel date

HUF 126,135HUF 84,090HUF 42,045MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Chicago to New Orleans will range from HUF 44,736 to HUF 123,781. If you're planning to travel by train to New Orleans in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Chicago you can find in the next 7 days is HUF 50,790. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

HUF 75,681HUF 60,545HUF 45,409HUF 30,272HUF 15,136AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Chicago to New Orleans, with the average price at just HUF 48,100. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to HUF 68,954. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

HUF 92,499HUF 73,999HUF 55,499HUF 37,000HUF 18,5003020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Chicago to New Orleans. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around HUF 36,734. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

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 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak21d 4h 27mHUF 66,260
Amtrak City of New Orleans119h 42mHUF 83,394
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Chicago to New Orleans every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from HUF 38,009.

  • 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 about traveling by train from Chicago to New Orleans

New Orleans is 926.3 miles (1,490.7 kilometers) from Chicago via I-55 N and I-57 N.
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.

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.

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.

The distance between Chicago and New Orleans is approximately 835 miles, or 1344 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 27 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to New Orleans on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Chicago at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 3 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

New Orleans, LA - NOL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

New Orleans, LA - NOL-2

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?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in New Orleans?

Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave - NOLAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

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.

All train stations in New Orleans:

  • Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

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