Amtrak Roomette Chicago to New Orleans: Full Tour and Real Cost Breakdown
Sometimes travel is not just about getting there. It is about how you feel while you are getting there. That was the biggest difference for me on our Amtrak trip from Chicago to Memphis and then on to New Orleans.
For three people, we paid about $1,700 total, which came out to about $566 per person. For that price, we booked two Amtrak roomettes instead of trying to squeeze everyone into one space.
That was not a small expense, so the real question is fair. Was it worth it?
As someone who loves travel and also looks at decisions through the lens of financial planning, I believe a trip like this needs both excitement and honesty. The memories matter, but so does understanding what you are paying for.
The Route: Chicago to Memphis to New Orleans
This trip was on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route, which travels between Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans. Amtrak describes the full route as a daily journey through major music cities, including Chicago, Memphis's Beale Street, and New Orleans.
Our first leg was from Chicago to Memphis.
We left Chicago around 8:00 p.m. and arrived in Memphis around 6:00 a.m. That first part was about 10 hours, so having a private roomette made a major difference.
The second leg from Memphis to New Orleans was about 9 hours. It was more of a daytime ride, with time to eat, sit in the observation car, and watch the scenery change.
That is what made the trip feel different from flying. It was not only transportation. It became part of the vacation.
What We Paid to Ride An Amtrak
Here is the real cost breakdown from our trip:
Total cost: About $1,700
Number of travelers: 3
Cost per person: About $566
Room setup: 2 roomettes
Route: Chicago to Memphis to New Orleans
When you look at $1,700 on its own, it can feel high. I understand that.
But when you break it down, the cost included more than a seat on a train. We were paying for private space, sleeping accommodations, meals, access to sleeper car benefits, and the experience of traveling through multiple cities by rail.
That does not automatically make it inexpensive. It means the value depends on the kind of trip you want.
Why We Booked Two Roomettes
There were three of us traveling.
Instead of trying to make one room work, we booked two roomettes for more space, flexibility, and a little more breathing room.
A roomette is small. I want to be clear about that.
When people hear “private room,” they may imagine more space than what is actually there. The roomette is compact. You have seats that convert into sleeping space, a door you can close, curtains for privacy, and enough room to settle in for the ride.
It is not luxury in the traditional sense.
It is practical. It is convenient. It gives you privacy, rest, and a better way to manage an overnight train ride.
For three people, two roomettes made the trip much more comfortable.
What Comes With an Amtrak Roomette
One reason the price made more sense is that roomette passengers receive sleeper-car benefits.
Amtrak states that private room customers receive complimentary onboard meals, lounge access at major stations, priority boarding, and support from a First Class attendant.
For us, that included:
Private roomette space
Meals on board
Access to the First Class lounge in Chicago
Sleeper car restroom access
Shower access, even though we did not use it
A quieter place to sleep during the overnight portion
That matters when you are traveling overnight.
You are not sitting upright in coach trying to sleep. You can close the door, pull the curtains, get settled, and have your own space.
The Chicago Departure Experience
Leaving from Chicago at night gave the trip a different feeling.
Because we were in sleeper accommodations, we had access to the lounge at Chicago Union Station before boarding. That helped set the tone.
Instead of waiting in the main station, we had a calmer place to sit, grab snacks and coffee, and get organized before getting on the train.
That may sound small, but when you are about to be on a train for hours, those details matter. It made the experience feel more organized and more comfortable.
And honestly, when you are paying for a sleeper car, you want the full experience to feel worth the money from the beginning.
The Roomette Tour: Small, Private, and Useful
The roomette itself is not large.
It works because it gives you what you need for this kind of trip: a place to sit, sleep, store a few things, and have privacy.
During the day, you have seating. At night, the space converts into a sleeping area.
For me, the biggest benefit was not having to take the overnight Chicago-to-Memphis ride in a regular coach seat. That changed the entire trip.
A roomette gives you a place to reset. You can close the door, dim the space, and settle into the rhythm of the train. That is where the value showed up for me.
Meals Were Part of the Experience
Including meals helped with the overall value.
When we left Chicago, we had dinner on the train. That made the trip feel classic in a way that I really appreciated.
There is something about leaving the city at night, going to dinner on the train, and knowing you are waking up in another city.
That is different from rushing through an airport, sitting at a gate, and landing a few hours later. This felt slower, but in a good way.
Bathrooms and Shower Access
Sleeper car passengers also have access to restrooms and a shower. We did not use the shower because we got off and stayed in Memphis, but having that option matters on a longer trip.
There were multiple bathrooms in the sleeper car area, and that helped make the ride more manageable.
Sometimes the value of a travel upgrade is not only about what feels exciting. It is about what makes the trip easier.
Memphis as a Stopover
Memphis was not just a pass-through for us. We got off and stayed in the city.
That is one of the things I liked about this route. You can make it a multi-city trip rather than treating it solely as transportation to New Orleans.
Chicago to Memphis was the overnight portion. Memphis to New Orleans was the scenic daytime portion. That gave the trip variety.
Looking for Things to Do in Chicago, Memphis, or New Orleans
Was $1,700 Worth It?
For us, yes. But I would not tell everyone to spend $1,700 without thinking through the purpose of the trip.
If you are comparing Amtrak only against the lowest possible airfare, this may not look like the cheaper option.
But if you compare it as part transportation, part hotel, part dining, and part experience, the value becomes clearer.
Who This Amtrak Trip Makes Sense For
This kind of Amtrak roomette trip may be worth considering if you enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
It may also make sense if you want a slower travel experience, you are building a multi-city itinerary, or you do not want to sleep upright in coach overnight.
It may not be the right choice if your only goal is to get from Chicago to New Orleans for the lowest possible price.
That is where intentional spending comes in. A good trip does not have to be the cheapest trip. It should be a trip that fits your budget, your priorities, and the kind of experience you actually want.
My Financial Takeaway
As a financial counselor, I often tell clients that spending decisions need context.
The question is not always, “Is this expensive?”
A better question is, “Does this cost make sense for the value I am receiving, and does it fit the plan?”
For this trip, the roomette gave us comfort, privacy, meals, and a travel experience we would not have had on a flight. That made it worth it for us.
But the key is planning for it before you book. Know your route, compare your options, and decide what matters most for your family.
Final Thoughts on Train Travel
Our Amtrak roomette trip from Chicago to Memphis to New Orleans gave us a different kind of travel experience.
For $1,700, the value was in the private space, the meals, the lounge access, the overnight comfort, and the experience itself.
Planning a trip and trying to make the numbers work? Harris Financial Coaching can help you build a travel budget that supports the memories without creating financial stress.
Annette has shared financial insights in national outlets, including Forbes, GOBankingRates, and Bankrate, on topics such as financial independence, saving on travel, and making thoughtful borrowing decisions.
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