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Memphis to Chicago train

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Memphis - Chicago Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Memphis to Chicago. Traveling by train from Memphis to Chicago usually takes 10 hours and 35 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance483 mi (777 km)
Fastest train10h 35m
Lowest price£72.86
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Memphis to Chicago

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Maimuna

February 26, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: How fast and efficient everything was. Cons: Turning the A/C off occasionally. Tips: Bring a blanket and a pillow if you’re riding for more than a couple hours.

4.0

Marie

May 26, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: Waa traveling with friends for my birthday. Didn't like the quiet hours when we were celebrating. Should offer a car for celebrating. Cons: Should have cars for celebrations. Everyone don't sleep. Tips: None.

5.0

Jessica

August 2, 2022- Business

Amtrak City of New Orleans

We arrived to Chicago early, it was a quiet and smooth ride, and the staff was so friendly and helpful!

4.0

Kevin

June 17, 2022- Business

Amtrak City of New Orleans

Pros: It was a different experience than flying or riding a bus. Cons: Communicating the lateness of arriving to our location 4 hours but not really complaining outside of they should offer snacks when its that late. People that were smokers were unable to get a smoke in. We were on for 14 hours for what was expected to be 11 hours. Wish food had been a more fresher varieties. Tips: Bring a small personal fan. Extra snacks.

Price trends for trains from Memphis to Chicago

Monthly average prices

£101£81£61£40£20MJJASONDJFMA

Prices as travel date approaches

£162£130£97£65£323020100

Which train should you take from Memphis to Chicago?

Amtrak City of New Orleans is the one and only train line which connects Memphis to Chicago. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak City of New Orleans110h 35m£79.05

  • 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 Memphis 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

The distance between Memphis and Chicago is approximately 483 miles, or 777 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 35 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Memphis to Chicago. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Memphis at 8:00pm and arrives in Chicago around 10 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Chicago with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Chicago to Memphis.

City Information

Memphis

Nestled on the bank of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a city that constantly vibes to the rhythm of the South. Audiophiles who have fallen in love with the voice of Elvis Presley will find Graceland a must-see destination during their trip. Let the voices of Johnny Cash and B. B. King guide you to the famous Sun Studio, considered the birthplace of rock ‘n roll itself. As the day comes to an end, unwind at the famous Beale Street, where top musicians started out their career, and enjoy live music at one of the local theaters. You'll meet all sorts of visitors, and see why Memphis is one of the best destinations for bachelorette parties. The street also features some of the best restaurants in town, so make sure to check those out.

Memphis is more than just a musical center of the South. It was the vibrant center of the civil rights movement, and it was here that Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath. Travelers interested in the city’s history should definitely take a tour around the National Civil Rights Museum. The moving and surreal exhibitions will offer a wealth of new perspectives.

Memphis' principal train hub is the Memphis Central Station, which has been in service since 1914. From there, you can travel by train to cities such as Chicago, Jackson, and Baton Rouge. On the outskirts of town, you will find the Memphis International Airport, and not far from it is the main bus stop used by Greyhound and other carriers.

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 is the train station in Memphis?

Central Station - 545 S Main St - MEMAMT-0

Image credit: Reading Tom

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Main departure station: Central Station - 545 S Main St

Memphis Central Station is a historic train station that has served as the central hub of Memphis’ transportation since 1914. It is the only full-service Amtrak station in the state of Tennessee, and serves the City of New Orleans train line, which runs from Chicago to New Orleans. A luxury Hilton hotel is located at the station, complete with two restaurants and a bar. From the Memphis Central Station downtown, it is a quick walk to the Memphis Farmers Market, National Civil Rights Museum, and Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River.

All train stations in Memphis:

  • Central Station - 545 S Main St

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Chicago, IL - Union Station - CHIUST-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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:

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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