Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train with Amtrak

Wed, Feb 18
+ Add return
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

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

Showing times and prices for Feb 18

Cheapest price

$257

Average price

$272

Fastest journey

23 h 23 m

Average duration

1 d 10 h 12 m

Trains per day

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX will cost around $272 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $257.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Houston, TX on Wed, Feb 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Feb 18 the direct trains cover the 1512 km distance in an average of 1 d 10 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 23 h 23 m .

On Wed, Feb 18 the slowest trains will take 1 d 21 h 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.

Amtrak
07:52PM23h23
Chicago, IL
07:15PMHouston, TX
$2571One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
08:10PM45h00
Chicago, IL
05:10PMHouston, TX
$2871One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio 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 flight with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €32, and a train costs an average of €138.

Distance: 939 miles (1512 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus

€348

Average price

€158

Average price

Cheapest

€210

Average price

24h 59m

Average total duration

24h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

26h 6m

Average total duration

25h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

FlixBus

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, Tuesday, February 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:31 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak7:52 PM Chicago, IL
23h23
7:15 PM Houston, TX0 transfersDirect
amtrak8:10 PM Chicago, IL
23h35
7:45 PM Houston, TX0 transfersDirect

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 bus, train, or flight

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.

Wed
Feb 18
Thu
Feb 19
Fri
Feb 20
Sat
Feb 21
Sun
Feb 22
Mon
Feb 23
Tue
Feb 24

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
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 24h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $174 (€138) but you can travel from only $40 (€32) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 14:10. The fastest train covers the 939 miles (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 $40 (€32)
Distance
939 miles (1512 km)
Average train duration
24h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$174 (€138)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
23h 23m
First train
13:05
Last train
14:10
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 $40 (€32)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX from $40 (€32). 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
$174 (€138)
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

FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

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
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $174 (€138), while the average price is around $439 (€348).
The train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX takes 23h 23m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is 939 miles (1512 km).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leaves at 1:05 PM.
The last train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leaves at 2:10 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
There is no direct train service currently available from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Houston, TX is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Houston Station, Houston, TX.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is by flight, with a cost of around $40 (€32).
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX offers glimpses of diverse landscapes, including expansive fields, small towns, and stretches of rural countryside, though it is primarily known for urban and industrial views rather than traditional scenic vistas.
A day trip from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is not feasible as the journey takes 23h 23m. The distance is 939 miles (1512 km), with a frequency of 2 trips per day for trains.
In Houston, TX, you can visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, explore vibrant street art in the Houston Heights, and enjoy performances at the Houston Symphony. Discover the culinary scene with a food tour, and catch a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. For sights, explore Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy outdoor activities at Buffalo Bayou Park with its trails and gardens.
To fully experience Houston, TX, including its cultural attractions, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, spending three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to 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.
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 transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

Most popular trains to and from Houston, TX and Chicago, IL

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone