Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Nashville
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Chicago to Nashville. Traveling by train from Chicago to Nashville usually takes 15 hours and 50 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 398 mi (640 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 50m |
| Lowest price | $116.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Chicago to Nashville Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to Nashville?
There are usually 17 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Nashville.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$126.78 | Avg. Price$106.09Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips17 |
Duration | Duration15h 50m | Duration11h 17mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Nashville:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Nashville?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Nashville was $119.33. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $19.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Nashville by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Nashville will cost between $116 and $130. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Nashville by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Nashville 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 $116. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Nashville during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $134 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 Nashville on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $19.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to Nashville?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Nashville, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 15h 50m | $126.78 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Nashville every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $116.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Nashville
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 carry-on 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 Nashville to Chicago. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Nashville for $51.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Chicago and Nashville is approximately 398 miles, or 640 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 50 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)
398
DISTANCE (KM)
640
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:55pm and arrives in Nashville around 15 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
5:55pm
LATEST TRAIN
5:55pm
Trains from Chicago to Nashville are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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
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 does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Nashville?
Main arrival station: Greyhound: Bus Station
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:
- Greyhound: Bus Station
Need a return trip from Nashville to Chicago?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Chicago
Continue by train from Nashville
Check out these popular routes
- Portland to Seattle Train$51+
- Seattle to New York Train$600+
- Los Angeles to San Diego Train$42+
- San Diego to Los Angeles Train$36+
- Portland, ME to Seattle, WA Train$490+
- Philadelphia to New York Train$54+
- Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA Train$53+
- New York to Philadelphia Train$57+
- Washington, DC to New York Train$110+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.