Memphis, TN, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $22: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Memphis to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$22 by trainBest price
782 kmDistance
5h 8m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Memphis to Chicago with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Memphis - Chicago operators
Explore transport companies operating between Memphis and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Memphis to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
10h 35mEstimated price
$22-190Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Memphis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station
Average Duration
14h 35mEstimated price
$1145-1147Contact phone
901-274-6282Website
http://matatransit.com
Bus from Second@Exchange to American Way Transit Center
Average Duration
39mEstimated price
$222-222Contact phone
+1 888 358 6762Website
http://tornadobus.com
Bus from Memphis to Little Rock
Average Duration
2hEstimated price
$223-7576Website
http://southwest.com
Plane from Memphis Airport (MEM) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Average Duration
1h 36mEstimated price
$1148-7572Website
http://aa.com
Plane from Memphis (MEM) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
2hEstimated price
$1148-1149Website
http://united.com
Plane from Memphis (MEM) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
1h 56mEstimated price
$1148-7571Website
http://delta.com
Plane from Memphis (MEM) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
4h 28mEstimated price
$1142-7573Memphis to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Memphis and Chicago offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Memphis to Chicago covering 535 miles of beautiful landscapes and diverse scenery. Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you make your way north towards the Windy City.
💸 Experience the flexibility of budget-friendly travel with driving costs ranging from $95 to $140 for the journey from Memphis to Chicago by car. Save on airfare and explore charming towns and attractions along the way.
🏙️ Arrive in Chicago after approximately 8 hours and 41 minutes of driving, ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, iconic architecture, and delicious deep-dish pizza that the city is famous for. Begin your urban adventure in the bustling metropolis of the Midwest.
Average price
$95 - $140
🚆 Travel from Memphis to Chicago by train offers a convenient and scenic journey. The direct train service operated by Amtrak takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes, departing once daily from Memphis station to Chicago Union Station.
🛤️ For those looking for a quicker route with a single transfer, a journey with a total duration of 9 hours and 53 minutes is available. This route includes a transfer at Homewood station before reaching Chicago Union Station, providing an efficient way to travel between the two cities.
🌆 Travelers can also opt for a slightly longer but direct route taking 10 hours and 35 minutes to reach Chicago Union Station from Memphis. This direct service on the City Of New Orleans train by Amtrak offers a more straightforward journey for those looking to avoid transfers during their trip.
Departure Point
Memphis station
Arrival Point
Chicago Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Memphis to Chicago, you will likely travel with Amtrak, which provides onboard catering services. While onboard, you can enjoy a variety of meal options, including regional specialties, snacks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase in the café car. Be sure to check the menu early, as some dishes may have limited availability during peak service hours.
• Amtrak offers several seating options on the route from Memphis to Chicago. You can choose from Coach Class, which is more economical, or Business Class, which offers a higher level of comfort with extra legroom, complimentary drinks, and snacks. First Class isn't typically offered on this route, but Business Class will suit those looking for a more relaxed experience during your travels.
• When you arrive in Chicago, you will likely arrive at Union Station (amtrak.com). A useful tip is that Union Station does not have luggage storage services; however, there are public restrooms you can use. To get to the city center from the station quickly, consider taking the 'L' train—specifically the Pink Line or the Blue Line—which both provide direct access to various parts of downtown. The nearest entrance to the 'L' station is just a short walk from Union Station, making it easy to navigate.
🛫 Flying from Memphis to Chicago is a convenient and quick journey with the direct flight taking just 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Departure Point
Memphis Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago Midway Airport
🚌 The journey from Memphis to Chicago by bus takes approximately 16 hours and 29 minutes, with transfers along the way.
💰 Prices for the bus tickets between Memphis and Chicago typically range from $71 to $151, offering budget-friendly travel options for this route.
Departure Point
Memphis Bus Station
Arrival Point
Chicago Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your ticket, consider taking the Greyhound service that departs from Airways Transit Center to minimize transfers; this route takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes directly to Chicago.
• Make sure to download the Greyhound app, which allows you to track your bus in real-time, manage your bookings, and get updates about any potential delays during your journey to Chicago.
• Upon arrival at the Chicago Bus Station, use the public transport options, such as the 'L' train or city buses, directly accessible from Union Station; familiarize yourself with the city transit map in advance to ease your navigation.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Memphis to Chicago.
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The distance between Memphis and Chicago is approximately 782.1 km by air. By train, it takes around 10 hours and 35 minutes to travel between the two cities. Taking a combination of Line 36 bus and a flight to Chicago Midway Airport can get you there in about 5 hours and 8 minutes. Road travel by car takes approximately 8 hours and 41 minutes, while a bus journey from Memphis to Chicago can take around 11 hours and 24 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Memphis to Chicago would be by train, with prices ranging from $22 to $190. Although it takes longer, at 10 hours and 35 minutes, it is a more affordable choice. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option would be to take a line 36 bus to Memphis and then fly to Chicago, which takes approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes with prices varying from $85 to $550.
The prices of train tickets between Memphis and Chicago range from $22 to $190, depending on factors such as the type of service and the time of booking. Bus tickets for the same route have a price range of $41 to $141, with variations based on the bus company and the fare type chosen.
To get from Memphis to Chicago without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is approximately 861.0 km, and it takes about 8 hours and 41 minutes. The cost of driving from Memphis to Chicago can vary between $95 and $140 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The easiest way to travel from Memphis to Chicago without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes and the ticket prices range from $22 to $190, depending on the type of train and the class you choose.
Yes, there is a direct link between Memphis and Chicago. There is a daily train operated by Amtrak that departs from Memphis and arrives at Chicago Union Station, with a travel time of approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Passengers would need to transfer in Memphis and the journey, including transfers, would take about 11 hours and 24 minutes.
The flight between Memphis and Chicago typically takes 1 hour and 35 minutes on a direct flight. As for the cost, it can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. On average, the cost of a one-way flight from Memphis to Chicago can range from $100 to $300, whereas a round-trip ticket can range from $200 to $600.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Chicago with over 1116 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $58 per night, offering a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.