Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train with Amtrak

Wed 07 Oct
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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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£220

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£262

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

23 h 35 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

1 d 10 h 18 m

Trains on 07 Oct

2

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 £262 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £220.

Fast trains

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

  • Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 Connecting Bus
    14:1023h35
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    13:45Houston Station, Houston, TX
    £2201One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited
    14:1045h00
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    11:10Houston Station, Houston, TX
    £3051One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

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Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 37h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £135 but you can travel from only £27 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 15:45. The fastest train covers the 1512 km distance in 37h 9m.

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 £27
Distance
1512 km
Average train duration
37h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
£135
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
37h 9m
First train
13:05
Last train
15:45
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
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 £27

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trains for today, Tuesday 6 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 Connecting Bus14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
23h35
13:45 Houston Station, Houston, TX1 change
Amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 6021 Connecting Bus14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
23h35
13:45 Houston Station, Houston, TX1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX from £27. 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 Amtrak Duration
37h 9m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£135
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

Complete guide to Houston, TX

Things to do in Houston, TX

Discover the best of Houston, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Houston, TX trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

A leading fine arts museum with collections spanning antiquity to modern works, plus impressive architecture and sculpture gardens.

  • Must visit

Houston Museum of Natural Science

A science museum with space, palaeontology and natural history halls, plus interactive displays popular with all ages.

  • Must visit

The Menil Collection

A house museum displaying Byzantine frescoes and pre-Columbian, African and Surrealist art in an intimate setting.

US dollar ($)

Moderate for a major US city: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while public transport is limited so taxis or car hire can raise daily costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-15 for fast food or casual spots.
Mid-range
$20-40 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
$75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink in bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small tips are appreciated in cafés for counter or table service.

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 cost of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £135, while the average price tends to be around £464.
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX covers a distance of 1512 km and takes approximately 37h 9m. Trains run 2 per day.
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.
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.
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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