How much is the train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to New Orleans start from R 2 019. The average price for this train route is around R 2 382. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to New Orleans?

The average train journey time from Chicago to New Orleans is 23h 42m, covering a distance of 1345 km. The quickest train can get you there in 19h 42m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to New Orleans route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 2 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to New Orleans?

The earliest train from Chicago to New Orleans departs at 08:15. And the latest train departs at 20:05.

Train Chicago to New Orleans from R 1 930 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to New Orleans on 1 December
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	CheapestFastest

Next departures from Chicago to New Orleans on 2 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	Cheapest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	Fastest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to New Orleans on 3 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	Cheapest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	Fastest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to New Orleans on 4 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	Cheapest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	Fastest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to New Orleans on 5 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	CheapestFastest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to New Orleans on 6 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	CheapestFastest
Train	20:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	19h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags
Train	16:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	23h 42m	15:47	Union Passenger Terminal	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:32 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to New Orleans

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach New Orleans. The journey takes about 23 hours 42 minutes and with fares starting at just R 2 019, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

23h 42mAverage duration

1345 kmDistance

122kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 1 275 - R 7 265	Average duration1d 3h	CO₂ emissions 34kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 019 - R 10 660	Average duration23h 42m	CO₂ emissions 122kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and New Orleans?

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

New Orleans

A
Union Passenger Terminal
1001 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA
Visit page

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 614 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5614 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 2 019

US train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to New Orleans by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to New Orleans start from R 2 019. The average price for this train route is around R 2 382. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to New Orleans?
The average train journey time from Chicago to New Orleans is 23h 42m, covering a distance of 1345 km. The quickest train can get you there in 19h 42m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to New Orleans route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to New Orleans?
The earliest train from Chicago to New Orleans departs at 08:15. And the latest train departs at 20:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

27/11

R 4 806

28/11

R 3 824

Today

R 4 859

30/11

R 12 436

01/12

R 11 419

02/12

R 3 701

03/12

R 3 316

04/12

R 5 561

The cheapest trip from Chicago to New Orleans was searched and found on 03 Dec 2025 with a price of R 3 316

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to New Orleans as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 3 316 to R 12 436 for a train ticket from Chicago to New Orleans based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 3 316, which is on 2025-12-03.