The cheapest and fastest trains from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$140
Average price
$143
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
15 h 55 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
774 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL will cost around $143 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
Of the 3 trains that leave Memphis, TN for Chicago, IL on Sun, Mar 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 01 the direct trains cover the 774 km distance in an average of 15 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Sun, Mar 01 the slowest trains will take 23 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.
58 City Of New Orleans · 392 Illini
58 City Of New Orleans
58 City Of New Orleans · 390 Saluki
58 City Of New Orleans
58 City Of New Orleans · 390 Saluki
58 City Of New Orleans · 392 IlliniTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $67. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 480 miles (774 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$163 Average price | $108 Average price Cheapest | $329 Average price |
11h 2m Average total duration 10h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL train times
The table below shows live departures for Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL trains for tomorrow, Sunday, March 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
58 City Of New Orleans · 392 Illini | 4:45 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 23h00 | 3:45 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
58 City Of New Orleans | 4:45 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 10h30 | 3:15 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
58 City Of New Orleans · 390 Saluki | 4:45 AM Memphis Central Station, Memphis, TN | 14h15 | 7:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:45 AM Memphis, TN | 23h00 | 3:45 AM 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Trains from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $96 (€76) but you can travel from only $67 (€54) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 480 miles (774 km) distance in 10h 30m.
Distance 480 miles (774 km) |
Average train duration 10h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€76) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 10h 30m |
First train 08:15 |
Last train 23:40 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available near the station.
- Central BBQ
- Arcade Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Hotel Napoleon
- The Peabody Memphis
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform for Amtrak trains
- Bus: MATA Bus services available
- Trolley: Main Street Trolley
- 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 Memphis, TN
More options for your journey from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL
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