Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train with Amtrak

Wed 08 Jul
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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  • Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK
    14:1023h35
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    13:45Houston Station, Houston, TX
    £2771One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited
    14:1045h00
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    11:10Houston Station, Houston, TX
    £3091One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

The cheapest option from Chicago to Houston is flight, with an average price of £160. Omio recommends booking the flight, as it is the most popular option from Chicago to Houston among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the is your best option, as it emits only .

Distance: 1512 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£289

Average Price

£160

Average Price

Cheapest option

£180

Average Price

25h 10m

Average total duration

24h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest option

3h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

25h 29m

Average total duration

24h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 8 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
23h35
13:45 Houston Station, Houston, TX1 change
Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
45h00
11:10 Houston Station, Houston, TX1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Houston, TX by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
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20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX?

The best time to book your train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chicago, IL to Houston, TX route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Typically, there are 2 trains per day from Chicago to Houston, including direct trains, taking around 24h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £145 but you can travel from only £48 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 15:45. The fastest train covers the 1512 km distance in 23h 10m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £48
Distance
1512 km
Average train duration
24h 40m
Lowest ticket price
£145
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
23h 10m
First train
13:05
Last train
15:45
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £48

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX from £48. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 10m
Cheapest Price
£145
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Houston, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is 1512 km.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leaves at 13:05.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX departs at 15:45.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
To get from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Houston, TX is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, and it arrives at Houston Station, Houston, TX.
Booking trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is moderately scenic, featuring views of the Illinois countryside, the Mississippi River, and stretches of rural landscapes in Missouri and Arkansas. However, much of the route passes through urban and industrial areas, offering limited scenic vistas.
In Houston, TX, you can explore the vibrant street art in the Houston Heights, enjoy a Houston Symphony performance, or discover the culinary scene through a food tour. Attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest of its kind, or catch a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. For sights, visit Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, or relax at Buffalo Bayou Park.
For a fulfilling experience in Houston, TX, spending three to four days is ideal. This allows time to explore popular attractions like the Space Center Houston, the Museum District, and Buffalo Bayou Park, while also enjoying the city's diverse dining and cultural scenes.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Houston, TX

Most Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trains use the Union Station to Houston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Houston, TX train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in Houston

Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Houston, TX leave from?

Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre

Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus28, 151 · 7m · £3 · every ~13 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USAChicago, IL to Houston, TX train

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