The cheapest and fastest trains from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$574
Average price
$597
Fastest journey
1 d 39 m
Average duration
1 d 39 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1512 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL will cost around $597 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $574.
It's difficult to get from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
6022 AMTRAK · 22 Texas Eagle
6022 AMTRAK · 422 Texas Eagle
6022 AMTRAK · 22 Texas Eagle
6022 AMTRAK · 422 Texas EagleTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €113. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €113, and a train costs an average of €151.
Distance: 939 miles (1512 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€275 Average price | €224 Average price | €174 Average price Cheapest |
24h 34m Average total duration 24h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 46m Average total duration 26h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Houston, TX to Chicago, IL trains for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6022 AMTRAK · 22 Texas Eagle | 7:05 PM Houston Station, Houston, TX | 24h39 | 7:44 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, November 28 | |||||
![]() | 6:05 PM Houston, TX | 24h39 | 6:44 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 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.
Nov 28
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Why should you book Houston to Chicago trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Houston to Chicago. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Houston to Chicago.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Houston to Chicago.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
Trains from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 24h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $187 (€151) but you can travel from only $83 (€67) 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 24h 39m.
Distance 939 miles (1512 km) |
Average train duration 24h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $187 (€151) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 24h 39m |
First train 13:05 |
Last train 13:52 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Houston, TX and Chicago, IL from $83 (€67). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
Traveling between Houston, TX and Chicago, IL is made convenient with Amtrak's reliable train service. The journey offers a comfortable ride through diverse landscapes as you traverse approximately 1,100 miles. With multiple daily departures available, passengers can enjoy scenic views while relaxing in spacious seating options. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, the connection between these two cities ensures an enjoyable travel experience.
Train Connection: Houston to Chicago
Traveling from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL takes approximately 24 hours and 37 minutes. There are 1 connection per day for this route, and the journey is not direct. Passengers will need to change trains during their trip.
Houston, TX to Chicago, IL Train Connection
The first daily train journey departs from Houston at 18:05 and arrives in Chicago at 19:05. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for exploring the vibrant culture of both cities.
Train Tickets Price for Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Houston to Chicago is $192 (173.0€). The average ticket price tends to be around $273 (245.7€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
Exploring Chicago's Iconic Landmarks
Welcome to the Willis Tower, once known as the Sears Tower, which held the title of the tallest building in the world for 25 years after its completion in 1973. This iconic skyscraper not only symbolizes Chicago's architectural innovation but also offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where you can step out onto The Ledge—glass boxes that extend beyond the building’s edge! As we explore this landmark, you'll discover how it has become a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Next up is Millennium Park, an urban oasis that opened in 2004 and quickly became one of Chicago's most beloved public spaces. Home to stunning art installations like Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (affectionately known as "The Bean") and a vibrant calendar of events including concerts and festivals, this park beautifully blends nature with culture right in downtown Chicago. Its unique design features interactive fountains and lush gardens that invite visitors to relax while soaking up some local artistry.
Finally, let’s head over to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront treasure stretching along Lake Michigan since its opening in 1916. Originally built as a shipping facility, today it boasts attractions such as amusement rides at Pier Park and cultural venues like theaters showcasing live performances year-round. With dining options offering lakefront views alongside shops filled with local craftspeople's creations, Navy Pier truly captures Chicago's spirit while providing endless entertainment for all ages!
FAQs: Trains from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Houston, TX
More options for your journey from Houston, TX to Chicago, IL
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