Trains from Houston to Los Angeles
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Train Route Overview: Houston to Los Angeles
There is one daily train from Houston to Los Angeles. Traveling by train from Houston to Los Angeles usually takes around 36 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Sunset Limited train can make the trip in 36 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 1371 mi (2206 km) |
| Fastest train | 36h 40m |
| Lowest price | $171.82 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Sunset Limited |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Houston to Los Angeles?
In the last month, $171.82 was the average price of a train ticket from Houston to Los Angeles. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 8 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $48.73 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Houston to Los Angeles by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for April. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$232 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Houston to Los Angeles in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$378 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Los Angeles from Houston will be about C$48.73 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Houston to Los Angeles?
2 train services operate from Houston to Los Angeles. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 20h 20m | $235.94 |
| Amtrak Sunset Limited | 1 | 1d 12h 40m | $190.43 |
Amtrak
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 1 Amtrak trains from Houston to Los Angeles every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $236.
Amtrak Sunset Limited
The Sunset Limited is an Amtrak train that travels nearly 2,000 miles through the American Southwest from Los Angeles to New Orleans. The mountain, desert, and bayou landscapes along the route make the Sunset Limited one of the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Travelers can book a coach seat or upgrade to a roomette for additional space and sleeping accommodations. All classes of service can stay connected with seatside power outlets and access the cafe car to purchase snacks. A Coach ticket for a comfortable, convenient, and scenic ride from Houston to Los Angeles on the Sunset Limited usually costs about .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Houston to Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Houston to Los Angeles?
How long is the train journey from Houston to Los Angeles?
The distance between Houston and Los Angeles is approximately 1371 miles, or 2206 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 36 hours and 40 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains departing from Houston to Los Angeles tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Houston at 11:00am and arrives in Los Angeles around 36 hours later.
Is there a direct train from Houston to Los Angeles?
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Los Angeles with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Los Angeles to Houston.
City Information
Houston
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 Houston?
Image credit: Bill Bradford
Link to image attributionDeparture stations
The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.
All train stations in Houston:
902 Washington Ave
Railroad Museum - 123 Rosenberg St
Where is the train station in Los Angeles?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionArrival stations
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
Need a return trip from Los Angeles to Houston?
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