Trains from Chicago to Nashville
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Trip Summary
There are 12 daily trains from Chicago to Nashville. Traveling by train from Chicago to Nashville usually takes around 31 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 398 mi (640 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 49m |
| Lowest price | $107.50 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Nashville?
In the last month, $179.15 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Nashville. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 21 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $73.01 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 Nashville will vary between $166 and $205. Planning a train trip to Nashville within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Chicago over the next 7 days is $166. 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 Nashville 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 $107 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Nashville in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $174 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 21 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Nashville from Chicago will be about $73.01 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Nashville?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Chicago to Nashville. However, there are 12 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 12 | 1d 7h 20m | $186.47 |
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 12 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Nashville every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $108.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Nashville 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 Nashville?
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Nashville?
The distance between Chicago and Nashville is approximately 398 miles, or 640 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 31 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 49 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?
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Chicago to Nashville 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 Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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 11:00pm. 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 Nashville?
There are 12 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Nashville 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.
Nashville
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Nashville may be the capital of the state of Tennessee, but it’s actually much more famous as the country music capital of the world. If you are a fan of country music, or music in general, Nashville is a must-visit destination. Here you can visit several one-of-a-kind museums dedicated to the genre and attend amazing live performances every day at pretty much every bar or venue across town.
There are two places that you absolutely must visit while you’re in town: the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum (for obvious reasons), and the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, known as country’s most famous stage. Once you get those out of the way, head over to Broadway and snatch yourself a pair of cowboy boots before embarking on a tour of the many bars and restaurants that make up Nashville’s most famous street.
And if you’re looking to escape the country-ness of it all, you might want to head over to East Nashville where you will find hip new restaurants and bars full of young and artistic crowds. It’s definitely worth checking out the area, if only for the several Insta-ready murals you will find there.
While there is no Amtrak train service that goes to Nashville, there are several bus carriers that serve the city and the main bus station is located very conveniently downtown, not too far from all the hustle and bustle of Music City. The Nashville International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city, but there is a direct bus transit service that will take you from there all the way to the heart of town.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Chicago?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Haydn Blackey
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Airport - 5601 S 6th St
The Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located on the western edge of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The station serves as a rail link for the airport and also as a more accessible transport link for residents living in the south of Milwaukee compared to the central Intermodal Station. Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service is the only train that operates at the station and runs northwards to downtown Milwaukee and southwards to Chicago Union Station, where passengers can change for travel across the entire Midwest region. The airport station also has a shuttle service to the airport terminal.
All train stations in Chicago:
Airport - 5601 S 6th St
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Union Depot
5885 Horton St
Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd
Uptown Station - 11 Uptown Cir
Gateway Center
Valley Station - 401 I St
Union Station
Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street
Union Station
100 N Third St
Union Station
King St Station - 303 S Jackson St
Where is the train station in Nashville?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Ave S
The primary bus station in Nashville is in the heart of the SoBro (“South of Broadway”) neighborhood, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and music venues. From this station, you can catch Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, and Amtrak Thruway buses offering trips to destinations throughout the United States. To make traveling stress-free, this station is open 24 hours a day and includes restrooms, vending machines, and charging stations for your phone.
All train stations in Nashville:
Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Ave S
Need a return trip from Nashville to Chicago?
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