Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule


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Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

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  • Overview
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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Chicago to New Orleans. Traveling by train from Chicago to New Orleans usually takes around 20 hours and 36 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 $110.00
Trains per day 1
Most frequent service Amtrak City of New Orleans
Train lines 2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Chicago to New Orleans

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Pros: They were able to upgrade me to a roomette. Cons: Nothing.

Pros: They were able to upgrade me to a roomette. Cons: Nothing.

Pros: The view and the speed. Cons: Hot foods like hamburgers etc. Even more speed. Tips: Pack only what you need.

Pros: The view and the speed. Cons: Hot foods like hamburgers etc. Even more speed. Tips: Pack only what you need.

The average price for a train ticket to New Orleans is $111.00, On this route train tickets are priced higher than other routes, even so it is likely a better deal than flying or driving to New Orleans and a lot less hassle as well. Wanderu ensures that you find great deals on train tickets everytime, we search all of the best train options to present you the lowest prices available from our partner carriers.

Monthly average prices

$275$220 $165$110$55JFMA MJJASOND

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to New Orleans 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 $151 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to New Orleans in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $262 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

$400$320 $240$160$803020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to New Orleans from Chicago will be about $713.00 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Chicago to New Orleans?

2 train services operate from Chicago to New Orleans. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

  • Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

    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 1 Amtrak trains from Chicago to New Orleans every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $428.

  • Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

    Amtrak City of New Orleans

    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 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.

How far is New Orleans from Chicago?

New Orleans is 926.3 miles (1,490.7 kilometers) from Chicago via I-55 N and I-57 N.

How big is New Orleans?

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.

Is there a megabus for traveling from Chicago to New Orleans?

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.

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to New Orleans 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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

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 New Orleans?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to New Orleans. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to New Orleans?

The distance between Chicago and New Orleans is approximately 835 miles, or 1344 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 36 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Because many passengers travel from Chicago to New Orleans at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for trains. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the train, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Chicago at 5:00am and arrives in New Orleans around 19 hours later.

How many train schedules are there most days?

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Chicago.

City Information

Chicago

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule
Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule
Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

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

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

Image credit: Unsplash

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

Image credit: Unsplash

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

Image credit: Unsplash

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?

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

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

  • Pacific Central Station

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

Where is the train station in New Orleans?

Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

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

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Amtrak Chicago to New Orleans schedule

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Does Amtrak run from Chicago to New Orleans?

Your journey on the City of New Orleans takes you 900 miles through the heart of our nation's musical heritage — from Chicago with its world-class Chicago Symphony Orchestra and still vibrant electric blues scene, to Beale Street in Memphis.

How much is a train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?

Chicago to New Orleans train information.

What is the name of the Amtrak train from Chicago to New Orleans?

The City of New Orleans is an Amtrak passenger train which operates on an overnight schedule between Chicago and New Orleans. The train is a successor to the Illinois Central Railroad's Panama Limited. ... City of New Orleans (train).

Is Amtrak running to New Orleans?

Amtrak says it is now running all the New Orleans trains that it operated before the COVID-19 pandemic began 2½ years ago.