Chicago to New Orleans by Train

The rail journey south from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast follows a historic corridor. Travelers leave the busy streets of Illinois behind and ride through the agricultural heartland before entering the American South. You will pass through college towns, rolling farmland, and the blues country of the Mississippi Delta. The route operates daily as of 2026, providing a reliable connection between the Midwest and Louisiana. Whether you choose a standard seat or a private room, the trip offers a relaxed alternative to driving or flying. It is a practical way to see a large section of the country from a comfortable vantage point.

Your train options

The City of New Orleans is the only direct train on this route. It runs daily in each direction as an overnight service, taking about 19 to 20 hours. You have several choices for accommodation on board. Budget travelers can book a coach seat, which features reclining seats and leg rests. If you are sleeping in coach overnight, bringing a blanket is a good idea. For more privacy and a flat bed, passengers can upgrade to a Superliner Roomette or a Superliner Bedroom. Families might consider the Family Bedroom, and an Accessible Bedroom is available for those with mobility needs. You can learn more about these options in our guide to Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms. All passengers have access to a lounge or café car for snacks and drinks. Dining service is included exclusively for sleeping car passengers.

The journey

The scenery on this route changes gradually as you move south, though what you see in daylight depends on the time of year and the exact schedule. Departing Chicago, the train rolls through flat Illinois farmland and college towns such as Champaign. You will skirt the edge of the Shawnee Hills before crossing into the South. Intermediate stops include Kankakee, Mattoon, Effingham, Centralia, and Carbondale in Illinois. Further south, the train calls at Fulton, Newbern, and Memphis. Between Memphis and Jackson, the tracks run through the Mississippi Delta. You might spot cotton fields and small Delta towns like Greenwood and Yazoo City during daylight hours. The final stretch passes through Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, McComb, and Hammond. Approaching New Orleans, the train crosses a long trestle through the Manchac area, offering views of the swamps along Lake Pontchartrain before arriving in the city.

The stations

The 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 trains and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop. The station features a classic Beaux Arts waiting room called the Great Hall, opened in 1925. Sleeping car and premium passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. The journey ends at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. This 1954 modernist station also serves intercity buses. It is the terminus for several long distance routes. Upon arrival, passengers can catch the Loyola Avenue streetcar from outside the station toward the French Quarter.