The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA
Cheapest price
$260
Average price
$390
Fastest journey
19 h 42 m
Average duration
23 h 10 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
1345 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA will cost around $390 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $260.
Of the 4 trains that leave Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL for Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA on Sun, May 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 1345 km distance in an average of 23 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 19 h 42 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 1 d 5 h 32 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.
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans4:05 PM21h42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$2601One-way1 transfer
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans8:15 AM29h32Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$2711One-way1 transfer
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans4:05 PM21h42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$2871One-way1 transfer
59 City Of New Orleans6:05 PM19h42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$7411One-way0 transfers
59 City Of New Orleans6:05 PM19h42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$7411One-way0 transfers
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans4:05 PM21h42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$2871One-way1 transfer
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans4:05 PM21h42Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$2601One-way1 transfer
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans8:15 AM29h32Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL1:47 PMUnion Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA$2711One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $48, and a train costs an average of $148.
Distance: 835 miles (1345 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$266 Average price | $177 Average price | $174 Average price Cheapest | $190 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 12m Average total duration 19h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 23m Average total duration 23h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA:
A flight is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA costing on average $177 (€142).
A flight is $92 (€74) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA costing on average $266 (€214).
Other travel options to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 42m.
Bus takes on average 23h 53m.
Tickets start at around $266 (€214) compared to roughly $190 (€153) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-76.39 (€-61.50). The journey takes 19h 42m versus 13h 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 Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans | 4:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 21h42 | 1:47 PM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
393 Illini · 59 City Of New Orleans | 4:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 21h42 | 1:47 PM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
59 City Of New Orleans | 6:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 19h42 | 1:47 PM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
391 Saluki · 59 City Of New Orleans | 8:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 29h32 | 1:47 PM Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA 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.
May 31
Jun 01
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Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA
Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 19h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $148 (€119) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 835 miles (1345 km) distance in 19h 42m.
Distance 835 miles (1345 km) |
Average train duration 19h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $148 (€119) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 19h 42m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA from $48 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA 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 Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans, LA
- 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
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, accessible 24/7.
- Cochon Restaurant
- Herbsaint
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hyatt Regency New Orleans
- Le Pavillon Hotel
- Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Hall 3: bus and streetcar connections
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: Loyola-UPT Line


