Traveling to Memphis by train. Look no further for all your Amtrak travel route options, ticket prices, train schedules, and more Memphis travel tips in the USA train travel guide.
Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most music-filled cities in America. It is the birthplace of blues music and music legends, home to Graceland, Beale Street, Memphis BBQ, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Whether you are into music, history, or are just hungry, Memphis is a great source of entertainment and offers powerful experiences.
Arriving in Memphis by train is an Amtrak dream.
More people are traveling to their favorite destinations across the United States by train. Memphis is a prime location in the center of Amtrak train routes. If you have never traveled by train to Memphis, you will appreciate the experience after reading this guide.
Travel routes to Memphis, ticket costs, train schedules, the Memphis train station, train travel preparation, what to expect on train travel, and more are all included in this guide. After reading this guide, you will be able to travel to Memphis, Tennessee, by train.
Why Take a Train to Memphis? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
Many travelers tend to fly or drive rather than take the train. However, for a city such as Memphis, which is serviced by the Amtrak City of New Orleans line, train travel is a great option. Here’s why.
- Flyers Have No Comfort Competition: Coach on an Amtrak long-distance train is not like coach on a commercial flight. Coach on Amtrak has much more seat recline, real legroom, and a built-in footrest. Opulent, and in a separate train car, is a private room with a bed that folds down and windows that you own, with included food. This is the way that travel should be.
- Breathtaking Views: The train routes that go through and around Tennessee have some of the best views of the South and Midwest that the country can provide. From fields and faraway small towns and forests with rivers in between, train travel is the best. Fly or drive, and you miss it all.
- Stressing is for the Airport: No need to arrive three hours early, gone are the security hassles, and all the fees for the airport. Amtrak has you showing your ticket to board. It’s that easy.
- Arrives Downtown, Not in the Suburbs: Memphis Central Station is in the South Main Arts District, conveniently located in the center of Memphis and close to Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Riverfront, and more. Most people know that all airports are far away from city centers.
- Generous Luggage Policy: Other than the two free carry-on bags and two free checked bags, Amtrak takes the lead when it comes to longer trips and baggage in comparison to most airlines.
- Environmentally Responsible: If the motive is to travel more responsibly, travelling by rail is the most eco-friendly option when compared to driving or flying.
- Affordable Fares When Booked Early: Amtrak coach tickets from Chicago to Memphis for as low as $29 mean that if you plan ahead, it is often cheaper to travel by rail than by air for longer total journeys from New York, considering the large number of hidden costs associated with air travel.
Which Trains Go to Memphis? Major Rail Services Explained
Two major Amtrak routes provide service to the rest of the nation from Memphis via Amtrak, the passenger rail service of the United States.
| Train Name | Full Route | Direction | Key Cities Served |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago → New Orleans | North-South | Chicago, Champaign, Carbondale, Memphis, Jackson, Hammond, New Orleans |
| Texas Eagle + City of New Orleans | Los Angeles → New Orleans | West-East (via Chicago) | LA, Dallas, San Antonio, Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans |
The City of New Orleans makes daily stops in Memphis as part of its year-round operations, traveling between New Orleans and Chicago. It operates in both directions every day. Memphis Central Station is one of its key stops.
The train, which is named after a song by Arlo Guthrie and a song by Steve Goodman, is a long-distance train service of Amtrak that is popular and historic. The ride between Memphis, Illinois, and the Mississippi Delta, and through Tennessee and the Delta, is a ride with much cultural value.
The Texas Eagle is another long-distance service that connects from Los Angeles to Chicago. Passengers traveling from Texas or the West Coast can board the City of New Orleans at Chicago Union Station to travel to Memphis.
Travelers coming from the East Coast do have to go to Chicago to travel to Memphis on the City of New Orleans. This is also true for those coming from Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Popular Train Routes to Memphis From Major US Cities
Here’s an overview of common train routes that connect major US cities to Memphis.
| Departure City | Train(s) Used | Approx. Duration | Transfer Required? |
| Chicago, IL | City of New Orleans | 9-11 hours | No – Direct |
| New Orleans, LA | City of New Orleans | 7-9 hours | No – Direct |
| New York, NY | Lake Shore Limited → City of New Orleans | 28-34 hours | Yes – Chicago |
| Washington D.C. | Capitol Limited → City of New Orleans | 26-30 hours | Yes – Chicago |
| Boston, MA | Lake Shore Limited → City of New Orleans | 32-38 hours | Yes – Chicago |
| Los Angeles, CA | Southwest Chief → City of New Orleans | 50-60 hours | Yes – Chicago |
| Dallas, TX | Texas Eagle → City of New Orleans | 20-24 hours | Yes – Chicago |
| San Antonio, TX | Texas Eagle → City of New Orleans | 22-26 hours | Yes – Chicago |
| Atlanta, GA | Crescent → City of New Orleans | 26-32 hours | Yes – New Orleans |
| Miami, FL | Silver Star → City of New Orleans | 36-42 hours | Yes – New Orleans |
Most travelers travel through either Chicago (from the North, East, and West) or New Orleans (from the Southeast and South Florida). Since both cities are great, many travelers build a short layover into their trip to explore either city and then continue traveling to Memphis, either to the North or South.
NYC to Memphis Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
The train trip from New York City to Memphis is one of the most popular train routes in America, and for good reason! The folks who believe the journey is just as important as the destination will appreciate this trip the most, as it is sure to be memorable.
The Route Breakdown: Travelers leave from NY Penn Station on the Lake Shore Limited. This train travels overnight and arrives in Chicago at Chicago Union Station. After spending the day in Chicago, travelers board the City of New Orleans in the evening. This train arrives in Memphis early the next morning.
| Leg | Train | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| New York Penn Station → Chicago Union Station | Lake Shore Limited | ~3:40 PM | ~9:45 AM (next day) | ~18 hours |
| Chicago Union Station → Memphis Central Station | City of New Orleans | ~8:05 PM | ~6:15 AM (next day) | ~10 hours |
Total Trip Duration: 30-36 hours from New York to Memphis with a layover in Chicago.
Helpful New York City to Memphis Train Travel Tips:
If your budget permits, book the overnight New York to Chicago leg in a Sleeper Roomette. The Roomette has a bunk bed that can be a lower and upper sleeper, provides dining car all-inclusive meals, a private restroom with a shower, and a Roomette attendant. This leg of the journey can really be the most enjoyable and relaxing.
If you are traveling in coach and on a budget, the coach seats on the Lake Shore Limited are roomy and comfortable for overnight travel. Plan to bring a neck pillow, light blanket, and noise-canceling headphones.
You should plan to have a layover time in Chicago of at least 3-4 hours. This should be enough time to accommodate the Lake Shore Limited if it arrives slightly late, and gives you time to have a meal in the city or visit and explore Chicago Union Station, which is one of the most beautiful train stations in the country.
You should plan to purchase your tickets as early as you can. The route of the City of New Orleans from Chicago to Memphis is very popular, and the lowest Saver Fares sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Memphis Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
First time on a long-distance Amtrak journey? Here’s how to make it a pleasant experience.
- Get to the Station Early: Amtrak’s advice is to show up 30 minutes before departure, but if you are at a major station such as Union Station in Chicago, you should budget about 45 minutes to an hour. A 30-minute head start for the Memphis station should be plenty.
- Take Advantage of the Amtrak App: The Amtrak mobile app is a great travel companion because it keeps your digital tickets, updates you when your train is arriving, and allows you to change your reservations. There is no need to print your ticket.
- Think About Your Pack: For an overnight trip, it is a great idea to pack a neck pillow and a travel blanket. A reusable water bottle and snacks are a great idea because they will be cheaper than what is available for purchase in the Café Car, which is available on all long-distance trains. Download your entertainment before boarding.
- Cafe and Lounge Cars: All long-distance Amtrak trains have a Cafe Car and a Lounge Car. The Café Car is where you buy your food and snacks, while the Lounge Car has large, panoramic windows. The dining car is available to sleeper car patrons only and has multi-course meals as part of the ticket.
- Dress Comfortably: When planning your train ride, comfort is key to your attire. Amtrak is a very laid-back service, so plan to dress in layers. Trains often run cool, so summer riders would do best to bring a light jacket or sweater.
- Engage With the Experience: The best way to travel is to be an active participant in your voyage. Enjoy the experience instead of just the destination. Take in the scenery that is only visible from a train, and especially make an effort to get to know your travel neighbors. Don’t forget the American touch that this service provides!
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Memphis
A good understanding of direct and connecting routes enables you to plan your travel journey better.
| Route Type | Origin Cities | Route Details |
| Direct (No Transfer) | Chicago, IL | City of New Orleans – straight through, no change required |
| Direct (No Transfer) | New Orleans, LA | City of New Orleans – straight through, no change required |
| One Connection | New York, Boston, Washington, D.C. | Transfer at Chicago Union Station |
| One Connection | Dallas, San Antonio, Los Angeles | Transfer at Chicago Union Station |
| One Connection | Atlanta, Miami, Orlando | Transfer at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal |
| Two Connections | Seattle, Portland, Denver | Transfer at Chicago, sometimes with an additional connection |
Use the Multi-City option each time you intend to book connecting travel on Amtrak.com. Or, as always, book your travel as a through-ticket if available. Amtrak’s system will present the best connecting options. Should your first train’s arrival be delayed to the extent you miss a connection, Amtrak will put you on the next available service with no added charge to you, but only if you booked both segments as a through-ticket.
Business Class vs Coach on Memphis Trains
The service class you select can substantially impact your trip to Memphis. Here’s a complete summary:
| Feature | Coach Class | Business Class | Sleeper Roomette | Sleeper Bedroom |
| Seat Width | Standard reclining | Wider, more padding | Private room | Larger private room |
| Legroom | Good | Excellent | N/A (bed) | N/A (bed) |
| Meals Included | No | No | Yes – full dining | Yes – full dining |
| Electrical Outlets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (varies) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private Space | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Shower Access | No | No | Shared (some trains) | Private |
| Price Range | $29-$150 | $80-$220 | $150-$400 | $300-$600+ |
| Best For | Budget travelers | Comfort on medium trips | Overnight journeys | Couples, longer trips |
Our Recommendation:
For the Chicago to Memphis or New Orleans to Memphis leg (daytime or short overnight), Coach class is perfectly comfortable and offers a great value. For longer overnight legs like New York to Chicago, a Sleeper Roomette is worth the additional cost. It truly changes the game and is inclusive of all meals.
Memphis Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About Memphis Central Station
Memphis Central Station is more than a train station. It’s a destination!
| Detail | Information |
| Station Name | Memphis Central Station |
| Amtrak Code | MEM |
| Address | 545 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 |
| Neighborhood | South Main Arts District |
| Year Built | 1914 |
| Architecture | Beaux-Arts style |
| Current Status | Active Amtrak station + boutique hotel + restaurant |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Parking | Available nearby |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Taxi/Rideshare | Uber and Lyft are readily available |
Around the Station:
Originally focused on rail transportation, the Memphis Grand Central Station now caters to tourists and visitors. Majestic views are in every direction as the Beaux-Arts closed station’s restoration leaves much of its old charm. The Central Station Memphis hotel, part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection, and restaurants are just a part of what’s inside. The station also hosts several live musical and cultural events.
Beaux-Arts designs elegance, and Memphis serves Southern hospitality. Travel back in time before you even step outside.
Getting Around From the Station:
The South Main Arts District is a part of Memphis known for its vibrant art and hospitality. From Central Station, attractions that make Memphis the culture capital of the South are reachable on foot for the most part. The famous Beale Street is only 0.7 miles away. If you plan on rolling to it, expect it to take you 15 minutes of walk time or 3 minutes for a ride from the app.
Nearby Attractions:
| Attraction | Distance from Station |
| Beale Street | 0.7 miles (15-min walk) |
| National Civil Rights Museum | 0.5 miles (10-min walk) |
| Mississippi Riverfront | 0.3 miles (6-min walk) |
| Sun Studio | 1.4 miles (5 min by car) |
| Graceland (Elvis Presley’s Home) | 9 miles (15 min by car) |
| Memphis Farmers Market | 0.2 miles (4-min walk) |
| South Main Arts District galleries | Walking distance |
How to Book Train Tickets to Memphis: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking Amtrak tickets is an easy, quick process. Here are the steps.
Step 1 – Visit Amtrak.com or Use the Amtrak App
Full features for booking train travel are available on the app and the website. Booking by phone is available at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Step 2 – Enter Travel Information
Choose One Way, Round Trip or Multi-City and enter the departure city. You can enter “Memphis, TN” or the station code as MEM. Select the date and enter the number of passengers.
Step 3 – Look At Trains and Corresponding Travel Times
All trains and connections for your requested travel will be returned by Amtrak. Multi-leg travel provides connection options. For your selection, view departure, arrival and travel duration.
Step 4 – Select Service Class
Travel can be Coach, Business or one of the Sleepers (Roomette or Bedroom). Travel class selections will include a fare display. Saver fare is the lowest cost, but the most restrictive. Value and Flexible fares have higher costs but allow for changes and cancellations.
Step 5 – Create or Login Amtrak Guest Rewards Account
Creating the account is free and typically takes a minute. The account also provides points for future travel once the points are redeemed.
Step 6 – Enter Traveling and Payment Information
Contact information and payment for the travel can be completed with any standard fare transaction. Payment can be completed on the Amtrak website using PayPal.
Step 7 – Getting and Saving Your E-Ticket
Getting your ticket via email takes no time at all. It shows up in the Amtrak app, and ticketing is completely contactless. On the train, the conductor will verify your ticket by scanning it on your phone.
Valuable Booking Advice:
- An Amtrak ticket can be purchased 11 months in advance. The best prices go the quickest.
- Tickets are less expensive for journeys on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday rather than a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
- Amtrak’s Rail Sale sends out emails with flash sales every Tuesday. Sign up for free on the Amtrak website.
- Discounted fares are available for AAA members, seniors 65 and up, students, and members of the military.
- If you have plans for quite a few train journeys in the USA, consider getting the Amtrak USA Rail Pass for more savings.
Memphis Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
There are many factors that impact Memphis train ticket prices. Your departure location, when the ticket is purchased, service class, and travel time all impact ticket price.
| Departure City | Early Booking (Saver) | Average Fare | Peak / Last-Minute |
| Chicago, IL | $29-$59 | $59-$99 | $99-$150 |
| New Orleans, LA | $29-$49 | $49-$79 | $79-$120 |
| New York City, NY | $79-$140 | $140-$220 | $220-$350 |
| Washington D.C. | $89-$160 | $160-$260 | $260-$400 |
| Dallas, TX | $99-$170 | $170-$280 | $280-$420 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $149-$250 | $250-$400 | $400-$550+ |
How to Save Money on Your Train to Memphis:
- Book as early as possible for the best deals. Although Saver fares are Amtrak’s cheapest fare, they sell out quickly, so book early to secure the best fare.
- The best fares are available on weekdays. Amtrak’s fares on Tuesday and Wednesday are significantly cheaper in comparison to fares on Friday and Sunday.
- Subscribe to the Amtrak Rail Sale for deal notifications. Amtrak sends out offers to discounted rail fares every Tuesday with many exceptional deals.
- Travel on Amtrak Guest Rewards. Sign up for free, and every fare earns points for free future travel.
- Use your AAA membership, travel as a student, as a senior, or in the military for discounts. With Amtrak, these fares are approximately 10-15% less.
- Contemplate the USA Rail Pass if planning multiple destinations. The set number of journeys over a fixed period can save a lot of fare costs.
- Be open to different travel dates, as being a little flexible with these can save from $30 to $50 or even more with the right fare deal.
Best Time to Visit Memphis by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Memphis is a year-round destination, but the four seasons mean highly varying ticket prices for potential customers and staff offering highly varying potential ticket-buying experiences.
| Season | Temperature | Crowd Level | Train Fares | Highlights |
| Spring (March-May) | 60-80°F, mild | High | Moderate-High | Memphis in May, Beale Street Music Festival, BBQ Fest |
| Summer (June-Aug) | 85-95°F, humid | Moderate | Moderate | Graceland, outdoor concerts, and long daylight hours |
| Fall (Sept-Nov) | 55-75°F, comfortable | Low-Moderate | Low-Moderate | Perfect weather, fewer crowds, great for exploring |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 35-50°F, cool | Low | Lowest | Budget travel, New Year’s Eve on Beale Street |
Best Overall Time to Visit Memphis by Train: Late April to May is the best time to visit Memphis. The warm weather is pleasant, the abundance of city festivals keeps the locals engaged, and the train journey through the Spring landscape is beautiful.
Traveling to Memphis is most enjoyable in October and November. The weather remains pleasant, the crowds are minimal, and the prices are lower. Enjoy leisurely strolls down Beale Street and short waits at Memphis’ best restaurants.
Key Events that Drive Demand (Book Trains Early):
The Memphis in May International Festival is the largest of its kind in the American South. It takes place throughout May. The Beale Street Music Festival is the first of May’s three-day world-class music festivals, and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest takes place in mid-May.
Tens of thousands of Elvis Presley fans flood Graceland and the surrounding areas in August during Elvis Week. Train tickets and hotel rooms are in high demand.
Beale Street in Memphis is one of the best places in the South to celebrate New Year’s. Train tickets to Memphis are in high demand around this time and should be booked early.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Memphis: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Traveling by any means has its advantages. Here’s a no-nonsense comparison so you can decide:
| Factor | Train (Amtrak) | Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus) | Car (Self-Drive) | Plane |
| Comfort | Excellent | Basic | Good | Cramped |
| Cost | Low-Moderate | Lowest | Moderate (gas + tolls) | Moderate-High (with fees) |
| Speed | Moderate | Slow | Fast | Fastest |
| Scenic Experience | Outstanding | Limited | Good | None |
| Luggage Allowance | Excellent (free) | Limited | Unlimited | Restrictive (fees) |
| Eco-Friendliness | Very Good | Good | Poor | Worst |
| Stress Level | Very Low | Medium | Medium-High | High |
| City Center Access | Downtown arrival | Downtown arrival | Door-to-door | Far from the center |
| Food & Amenities | Cafe Car, Dining Car | Vending only | Whatever you bring | Overpriced and limited |
The Bottom Line:
- For the majority of solo travelers and couples, the train is the ideal option since it is the most comfortable, takes the most time, and has the best overall experience. The train is best for medium-distance travel since it has the most affordable, comfortable, and convenient balance. The plane and bus cannot match the train’s features.
- The bus is the only option that is cheaper than the train. However, the bus sacrifices comfort and convenience to achieve that lower price.
- If the group is larger than three or if you are bringing a lot of luggage and want to be flexible with your itinerary, driving is best.
- The only option that is better in terms of time is the plane. The train is a multi-day trip if you are coming from the Pacific Coast, so the plane is the better option.
- If you are coming from anywhere in the Midwest or South and traveling to Memphis, the train is the best option. The winner is most likely the train if you are traveling from Chicago or New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is a direct Amtrak route available to Memphis?
The City of New Orleans train makes a daily stop at Memphis Central Station. A transfer is not necessary when boarding from Chicago or New Orleans.
Q2. What is the Memphis train route?
The City of New Orleans (Amtrak) runs a significant route between Chicago and New Orleans with a stop in Memphis.
Q3. What is the approximate trip duration for the train from Chicago to Memphis?
Plan for about 9-11 hours for the overnight trip.
Q4. What is the cost of a train ticket to Memphis?
An early bird purchase for a coach ticket is about $29-$59, while last-minute purchases will increase the fare. The more tickets purchased, the lower the fares.
Q5. What is the address of the Memphis Amtrak station?
The address of Memphis Central Station is 545 S Main St, Memphis, TN. The station is located in the South Main Arts District, which is a short distance from Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum.
Q6. How much luggage can I bring on the Amtrak train?
Amtrak has a very generous luggage policy when compared with most airlines. Per person, there are 2 free checked bags and 2 free carry-on luggage.
Q7. Is there a meal on the train to Memphis?
There is a meal option on the train to Memphis, which is a long-distance route. Other long-distance routes also have a café car. A dining car is available to sleep car guests, and is also included in the fare.
Q8. How early should I arrive at the Memphis train station?
To be on the safe side, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled train departure. For those checking bags, arrive at least 45 minutes early.
Q9. Are Amtrak trains to Memphis on time?
Train delays are always a possibility because Amtrak shares its tracks with freight rail companies. Always include extra time in your schedule for delays, especially for connections.
Q10. Can I book a round-trip ticket to Memphis by train?
Yes. You can book round-trips by selecting Round Trip on Amtrak.com. For a flexible return date, purchase two separate one-way tickets.