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Cheap train tickets from Chicago to New Orleans
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Chicago to New Orleans usually takes 23 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
- RON 447.86
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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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.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 937.50 | Avg. PriceRON 663.34Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration23h 54mFaster | Duration25h 53m |
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
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to New Orleans:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans was RON 806.56. 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 368.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to New Orleans by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to New Orleans will cost between RON 480 and RON 1,182. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to New Orleans by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to New Orleans 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 RON 753. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to New Orleans during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 960 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 Chicago to New Orleans on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 368.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
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:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 26h 3m | RON 895.76 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 19h 42m | RON 1,019.08 |
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 RON 452.48.
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 RON 1,019.08 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.
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to New Orleans for RON 392.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
The distance between Chicago and New Orleans is approximately 835 miles, or 1344 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 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.
Distance (mi)
835
Distance (km)
1344
The earliest train departs Chicago at 8:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:05pm. 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
8:15am
Last train
8:05pm
Trains from Chicago to New Orleans are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Thursday
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 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?
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?
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
Need a return trip from New Orleans to Chicago?
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