- 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.
Cheapest price
£395
Average price
£571
Fastest journey
23 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 18 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1512 km
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 £571 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £395.
To travel from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX you need to make at least one change.
21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK
421 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK
21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited
421 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited
421 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK
21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK
21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited
421 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset LimitedOmio recommends booking the flight 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 £75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £75, and a train costs an average of £145.
Distance: 1512 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£266 Average Price | £157 Average Price | £136 Average Price Cheapest |
25h 23m Average total duration 24h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 34m Average total duration 25h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK | 14:10 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 23h35 | 13:45 Houston Station, Houston, TX | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 24h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £145 but you can travel from only £54 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 15:45. The fastest train covers the 1512 km distance in 23h 23m.
Distance 1512 km |
Average train duration 24h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £145 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 23h 23m |
First train 13:05 |
Last train 15:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Houston, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Houston, TX trip today.
A leading fine arts museum with collections spanning antiquity to modern works, plus impressive architecture and sculpture gardens.
A science museum with space, palaeontology and natural history halls, plus interactive displays popular with all ages.
A house museum displaying Byzantine frescoes and pre-Columbian, African and Surrealist art in an intimate setting.
A 2.5 km urban park built on former rail lines, with skyline views, public art, lawns and regular community events.
A vast downtown green space with fountains, lawns, skyline views and frequent outdoor events beside major civic buildings.
A walkable arts neighbourhood known for bungalows, galleries, green spaces and the serene Rothko Chapel nearby.
Slow-smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, central to Texas barbecue culture and a staple across Houston smokehouses.
Tex-Mex staple of sizzling grilled beef or chicken with peppers and onions, usually served with tortillas and Houston’s strong Mexican-American flavours.
Creamy queso dip made with melted cheese and chillies, a beloved Tex-Mex starter found across Houston restaurants and game-day tables.
Refined restaurant offering seasonal American tasting menus with polished service and an intimate dining room.
Bustling barbecue spot serving brisket, ribs and house-made sausages in an unfussy, smokehouse setting.
Long-running casual Tex-Mex restaurant known for fajitas, queso and lively group dining in central Houston.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Houston Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Irma's Southwest Grill, The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Houston Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Houston Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Houston Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Houston Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Lancaster Hotel, Hotel ICON, Magnolia Hotel Houston.
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