Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train with Amtrak

Thu, 06 Nov
+ Add return
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

Showing times and prices for 06 Nov

Cheapest price

£245

Average price

£245

Fastest journey

23 h 23 m

Average duration

23 h 23 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

1512 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX will cost around £245 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £245.

Fast trains

To travel from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX you need to make at least one change.

Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK
13:5223h23
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
13:15Houston Station, Houston, TX
£2451One-way
1 change

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £96, and a train costs an average of £163.

Distance: 1512 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£248

Average Price

£155

Average Price

£154

Average Price

Cheapest

24h 38m

Average total duration

24h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

26h 19m

Average total duration

25h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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 today, Wednesday 5 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 19:09
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited19:52 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
45h18
17:10 Houston Station, Houston, TX1 change
amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK19:52 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
23h23
19:15 Houston Station, Houston, TX1 change
Thursday 6 November
amtrak18:52 Chicago, IL
23h23
18:15 Houston, TX0 changesdirect

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.

Thu
06 Nov
Fri
07 Nov
Sat
08 Nov
Sun
09 Nov
Mon
10 Nov
Tue
11 Nov
Wed
12 Nov

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
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Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 24h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £163 but you can travel from only £33 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 13:52. The fastest train covers the 1512 km distance in 23h 23m.

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 £33
Distance
1512 km
Average train duration
24h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£163
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
23h 23m
First train
13:05
Last train
13:52
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 £33

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX from £33. 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 23m
Cheapest Price
£176
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
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.
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.
The train distance from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is 1512 km.
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.
To get from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX covers a distance of 1512 km and takes approximately 23h 23m. Trains run 2 per day.
The first train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leaves at 13:05.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £163, while the average price tends to be around £248.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is by flight, costing approximately £33.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX departs at 13:52.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
There is no night train service from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.

popular train stations

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

Chicago
Houston
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Houston.
Union StationWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

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

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Most popular train connections to Houston, TX

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