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Trip Summary
There are 4 daily trains from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles usually takes around 74 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 69 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 2388 mi (3843 km) |
| Fastest train | 69h 59m |
| Lowest price | $372.69 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Philadelphia to Los Angeles
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?
The average price for a train ticket from Philadelphia to Los Angeles is $474.14, The lengthy distance traveled between Philadelphia and Los Angeles often means relatively more expensive train tickets. By booking your trip at least 23 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $250.29 more.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during December. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, with the average price at just $507. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in May, when the average price goes up to $653. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, book online with Wanderu at least 23 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $250.29 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Los Angeles?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Los Angeles. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 3d 2h 45m | $641.88 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Los Angeles every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $373.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Philadelphia and Los Angeles is approximately 2388 miles, or 3843 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 74 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 69 hours and 59 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.
City Information
Philadelphia
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.
The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Where is the train station in Los Angeles?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Union Station
Union Station is the main train station in Los Angeles and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. The station was opened in 1939 and has become one of California’s busiest transportation hubs, serving more than 100 thousand passengers per day. Every Amtrak route that goes through Los Angeles stops at Union Station. In addition, the area around the station serves as the main bus stop for several bus carriers that conduct trips in and out of the city. Located in Downtown LA, Union Station offers easy transit connections to other parts of the city via three Metro Rail lines and one Metro Busway line, as well as a shuttle service to LAX airport. Union Station also serves as the main LA hub for six lines of Metrolink, Southern California’s primary commuter rail service.
Train stations in Los Angeles:
Union Station
10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth
Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
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