Chicago to Memphis by train

Taking the train from Illinois to Tennessee is a straightforward trip down the middle of the country. The route connects two major cities, leaving the busy streets of Chicago for the musical heritage of Memphis. Because the train travels direct, you avoid the hassle of changing connections. The journey runs overnight as of 2026, meaning you can sleep through much of the trip and arrive ready to explore in the morning. Whether you choose a standard seat or upgrade to a private room, the train offers a comfortable way to travel south.

Your train options

The City of New Orleans is the only direct train on this route. As of 2026, it operates daily in each direction. The trip takes about 10 to 11 hours and runs overnight. Passengers can choose from several classes. The most affordable option is Coach, which features reclining seats and leg rests. If you want more privacy and a flat bed for the overnight journey, you can book a Superliner Roomette or a larger Superliner Bedroom. The train also offers a Family Bedroom and an Accessible Bedroom. When choosing your ticket, consider how well you sleep in a standard seat. Sleeping in coach overnight is a budget friendly choice, but a roomette provides a private space and a real bed. Sleeping car passengers also receive dining service, while all travelers have access to a lounge or café car for snacks and drinks.

The journey

The trip from Chicago to Memphis heads south through the heart of the Midwest. Because this is an overnight train, the scenery you see will depend on the time of year and the exact schedule. During the daylight portions of the trip, you will pass flat Illinois farmland and college towns such as Champaign and Urbana. As the train moves further south toward Carbondale, the landscape shifts to the edge of the Shawnee Hills. The train makes several stops in between the two cities. You will pass through Homewood, Kankakee, Champaign, Mattoon, Effingham, Centralia, and Carbondale in Illinois. Before crossing into Tennessee, the route also stops at Fulton and Newbern. By the time the train pulls into Memphis, you have crossed a large section of the American interior, though much of the final stretch happens in the dark.

The stations

Your trip begins at Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop and connects easily to Metra commuter trains and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop. The station features the Great Hall, a classic Beaux Arts waiting room opened in 1925. Premium passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. You will arrive at Memphis Central Station, a restored 1914 building that includes a hotel. The station is a short walk to Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.