Compare train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles
Chicago-Los Angeles Train Timetable
Trip Summary
How much are train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles?
| Lowest Price | £114.56 |
| Fastest Train | 43h 10m |
| Trains Per Day | 5 |
| Train Lines | 3 |
Train service from Chicago to Los Angeles
Chicago to Los Angeles Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Los Angeles right now?
We stand behind CDC guidelines that caution passengers against non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to completely abstain. Whether it’s for work, to take care of family or to get back home, some circumstances inevitably require travel. If you’re one of those individuals who still needs to book a trip, you can continue to do so on Wanderu.
Know that most train companies are still running at this time, though some have limited service. Visit our COVID-19 travel guide for resources and daily updates on the coronavirus and COVID travel restrictions.
In order to keep vehicles as clean and sanitized as possible, train companies are taking extra precautions for coronavirus. For details on what various companies are doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles?
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?
In the last month, £168.48 was the average price of a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA. Given how far apart Chicago and Los Angeles are from each other, there's no getting around the fact that most train tickets are on the pricier side. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 21 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £91.42 more than that for a same-day booking.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The distance between Chicago and Los Angeles is approximately 1742 miles, or 2804 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 67 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 43 hours and 10 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 from Chicago to Los Angeles are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Chicago at 13:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 13:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Los Angeles to Chicago. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Los Angeles for £68.26.
Which train should you take from Chicago to Los Angeles?
There are 3 train lines with service from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 2d 22h 37m | £201.93 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 1d 19h 11m | £142.18 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 2d 17h 50m | £137.78 |
Where is the train station in Chicago?
There is one train station in Chicago:
- Union Station - 225 S Canal St
Where is the train station in Los Angeles?
There are more train stations and stops in Los Angeles than most cities. Most trains from Chicago will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Los Angeles:
- Union Station
- Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
- 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd
Price trends for trains from Chicago to Los Angeles
Average prices by travel date
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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