Chicago, IL to Houston, TX train with Amtrak

Wed, Nov 19
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
Italo
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

Showing times and prices for Nov 19

Cheapest price

$272

Average price

$272

Fastest journey

23 h 23 m

Average duration

23 h 23 m

Trains per day

1

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 $272.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Houston, TX on Wed, Nov 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 1512 km distance in an average of 23 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 23 h 23 m .

On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 23 h 23 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.

Amtrak
06:52PM23h23
Chicago, IL
06:15PMHouston, TX
$2721One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €103. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €103, and a train costs an average of €176.

Distance: 939 miles (1512 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€268

Average price

€168

Average price

€166

Average price

Cheapest

24h 38m

Average total duration

24h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

26h 19m

Average total duration

25h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

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, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:56 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
23h23
7:15 PM Houston Station, Houston, TX1 transfer
amtrak421 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK7:52 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
23h23
7:15 PM Houston Station, Houston, TX1 transfer

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
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25

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 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $217 (€176) but you can travel from only $43 (€35) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 13:52. 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 $43 (€35)
Distance
939 miles (1512 km)
Average train duration
24h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
$217 (€176)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
23h 23m
First train
13:05
Last train
13:52
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 $43 (€35)

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX from $43 (€35). 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
$235 (€190)
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
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.
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.
To fully experience Houston, TX, including its cultural attractions, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, spending three to four days is recommended.
The train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX takes 23h 23m and runs 2 per day.
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.
The distance by train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is 939 miles (1512 km).
The last train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leaves at 1:52 PM.
Train ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $217 (€176), while the average price is around $331 (€268).
The train station in Chicago, IL that goes to Houston, TX is Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL, which connects to Houston Station, 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 cheapest way to get from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX is by flight, with a cost of around $43 (€35).
The first train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX leaves at 1:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX.
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

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