Cheap train tickets from New Orleans to Chicago
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from New Orleans to Chicago. Traveling by train from New Orleans to Chicago usually takes 26 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 19 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 835 mi (1344 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 30m |
| Lowest price | $133.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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New Orleans to Chicago Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from New Orleans to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from New Orleans to Chicago.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$204.00 | Avg. Price$129.10Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration26h 7m | Duration25h 38mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from New Orleans to Chicago (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from New Orleans to Chicago:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from New Orleans to Chicago?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New Orleans to Chicago was $168.74. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $83.72 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to Chicago by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New Orleans to Chicago will cost between $112 and $319. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to Chicago by month
Ticket prices for the train from New Orleans to Chicago often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $165. If you're thinking of traveling from New Orleans to Chicago during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $219 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from New Orleans to Chicago on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $83.72 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from New Orleans to Chicago?
There are multiple trains that travel from New Orleans to Chicago, including Amtrak, Amtrak City of New Orleans. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 29h 30m | $202.38 |
| Amtrak City of New Orleans | 1 | 19h 30m | $207.18 |
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 New Orleans to Chicago every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $133.
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 $207.18 for a trip from New Orleans to Chicago. 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 New Orleans to Chicago
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from New Orleans to Chicago. 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 Chicago to New Orleans. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from New Orleans to Chicago for $99.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between New Orleans and Chicago is approximately 835 miles, or 1344 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 26 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 30 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 New Orleans at 11:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:45pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:45am
LATEST TRAIN
1:45pm
Trains from New Orleans to Chicago 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in New Orleans?
Main departure 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
Where does the train arrive 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 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to New Orleans?
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