- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Cheapest price
$116
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
12 h 12 m
Average duration
12 h 12 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
416 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.
Of the 1 trains that leave Alton, IL for Memphis, TN on Tue, Aug 18, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 18 the direct trains cover the 416 km distance in an average of 12 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 12 m .
On Tue, Aug 18 the slowest trains will take 12 h 12 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $232.
Distance: 258 miles (416 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $392 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest |
12h 42m Average total duration 12h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 53m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $108 (€88).
A bus is $333 (€270) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Alton, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $392 (€318).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 12m.
Train takes on average 12h 12m.
The table below shows live departures for Alton, IL to Memphis, TN trains for today, Monday, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
422 Texas Eagle · 59 City Of New Orleans | 8:56 AM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 19h46 | 4:42 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 transfer | |
22 Texas Eagle · 59 City Of New Orleans | 8:56 AM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 19h46 | 4:42 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 1 transfer | |
21 Texas Eagle · 8359 AMTRAK · 59 City Of New Orleans | 6:30 PM Alton Station, Alton, IL | 10h12 | 4:42 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, 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 Alton, IL to Memphis, TN run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $90 (€73) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 22:45, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 258 miles (416 km) distance in 12h 12m.
Distance 258 miles (416 km) |
Average train duration 12h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $90 (€73) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 12h 12m |
First train 10:45 PM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Memphis, TN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis, TN trip today.
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Major museum of Memphis music history inside a former recording studio. A must for soul, blues, and rock fans exploring the city's sound.
Interactive museum on Stax Records and Southern soul legends. Worth visiting for Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and immersive music storytelling.
Memphis's legendary entertainment street, famous for live music, neon, and history. A classic walk for atmosphere, nightlife, and cultural identity.
Mississippi riverfront park with broad lawns, monuments, and skyline views. Ideal for an easy walk and classic river scenery.
Large urban park with old-growth forest, trails, playgrounds, and zoo access. Excellent for nature, families, and a break from downtown.
Memphis-style pork ribs are slow-smoked over hardwood, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are the city’s most iconic barbecue tradition.
Pulled pork shoulder is smoked until tender, chopped or shredded, and often topped with slaw. It is a staple of Memphis barbecue joints.
Barbecue spaghetti mixes smoked pork, tomato-based sauce, and spaghetti. This quirky Memphis specialty reflects the city’s barbecue creativity.
Beloved traditional barbecue spot famous for pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and barbecue spaghetti. Casual and deeply tied to Memphis food culture.
Historic fine dining destination serving refined Southern cuisine and an acclaimed brunch. Elegant setting inside a former mansion in Midtown.
Long-running Memphis institution for fried chicken and Southern sides. Bustling, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong local following.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels and dining are generally below New York or Miami, while car, rideshare, and attraction costs can add up.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alton, 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.

Most Alton, IL to Memphis, TN trains use the Alton Station to Memphis Central Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Alton, IL and Memphis, TN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Alton Station is 4 km from Alton city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Alton Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Alton Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alton Station.
Memphis Central Station is 2 km from Memphis city centre. Public transport options include:
Memphis Central Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Central BBQ, Arcade Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Memphis Central Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Memphis Central Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Memphis Central Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Memphis Central Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Napoleon, The Peabody Memphis.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need