The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX
Cheapest price
$326
Average price
$330
Fastest journey
23 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 18 m
Trains per day
2
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX will cost around $330 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $326.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX without transferring at least once.
21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK2:10 PM23h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:45 PMHouston Station, Houston, TX$3261One-way1 transfer
21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited2:10 PM45h00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:10 AMHouston Station, Houston, TX$3351One-way1 transfer
21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK2:10 PM23h35Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:45 PMHouston Station, Houston, TX$3261One-way1 transfer
21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited2:10 PM45h00Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:10 AMHouston Station, Houston, TX$3351One-way1 transfer
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 $67. 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 flight costs an average of $67, and a train costs an average of $200.
Distance: 939 miles (1512 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$399 Average price | $220 Average price Cheapest | $248 Average price | $220 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 10m Average total duration 24h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 29m Average total duration 24h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX:
A flight is $28 (€23) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX costing on average $248 (€201).
A flight is $179 (€144) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX costing on average $399 (€322).
Other travel options to Houston, TX take longer:
Train takes on average 24h 40m.
Bus takes on average 24h 59m.
Tickets start at around $399 (€322) compared to roughly $220 (€177) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-179.25 (€-144.85). The journey takes 24h 40m versus 16h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 23h35 | 1:45 PM Houston Station, Houston, TX | 1 transfer | |
421 Texas Eagle · 6021 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 23h35 | 1:45 PM Houston Station, Houston, TX | 1 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX
Trains from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 24h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $200 (€161) but you can travel from only $67 (€54) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 13:05, the last at 15:45. The fastest train covers the 939 miles (1512 km) distance in 23h 10m.
Distance 939 miles (1512 km) |
Average train duration 24h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $200 (€161) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 23h 10m |
First train 1:05 PM |
Last train 3:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX from $67 (€54). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX
- 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 adjacent to the station.
- Irma's Southwest Grill
- The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Lancaster Hotel
- Hotel ICON
- Magnolia Hotel Houston
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for Amtrak services
- Waiting area and ticket office located in the main hall.
- Bus: Several lines available
- METRORail: Red Line
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX
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