The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN
Cheapest price
£117
Average price
£181
Fastest journey
10 h 37 m
Average duration
14 h 5 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
774 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN will cost around £181 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £117.
Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Memphis, TN every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 774 km distance in an average of 14 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 20 h 27 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans16:0512h37Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£1171One-way1 change
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans8:1520h27Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£1491One-way1 change
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans16:0512h37Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£1661One-way1 change
59 City Of New Orleans18:0510h37Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£2941One-way0 changes
59 City Of New Orleans18:0510h37Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£2941One-way0 changes
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans16:0512h37Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£1661One-way1 change
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans16:0512h37Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£1171One-way1 change
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans8:1520h27Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL4:42Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN£1491One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £36, and a flight costs an average of £64.
Distance: 774 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£117 Average Price | £81 Average Price Cheapest | £263 Average Price |
10h 57m Average total duration 10h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 18m Average total duration 10h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN trains for today, Saturday 23 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans | 8:15 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 20h27 | 4:42 Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 change | |
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans | 16:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 12h37 | 4:42 Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 change | |
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans | 16:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 12h37 | 4:42 Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 change | |
59 City Of New Orleans | 18:05 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 10h37 | 4:42 Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 0 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 Memphis, TN 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.
24 May
25 May
26 May
27 May
28 May
29 May
30 May
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN
Trains from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £79 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 774 km distance in 10h 37m.
Distance 774 km |
Average train duration 10h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £79 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 10h 37m |
First train 8:15 |
Last train 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Memphis, TN from £36. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Memphis, TN
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available near the station.
- Central BBQ
- Arcade Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Hotel Napoleon
- The Peabody Memphis
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform for Amtrak trains
- Bus: MATA Bus services available
- Trolley: Main Street Trolley
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN
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