Question 1

Is it safe to travel by train from Chicago to Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can you take a train all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Chicago to Los Angeles. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

Question 3

When are trains the most crowded?

Accepted Answer

Trains from Chicago to Los Angeles are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.

Question 4

Which train should you take from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

In the last month, €122.10 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 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €90.37 more than that for a same-day booking.

Question 6

Is there a direct train from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

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 €246.08.

Question 7

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

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 37 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.

Question 8

When are the first and last trains of the day?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Where is the train station in Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

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:

Question 10

Where is the train station in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

There is one train station in Chicago:

Question 11

Prices as travel date approaches

Accepted Answer

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Los Angeles from Chicago will be about €90.37 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Question 12

Monthly average prices

Accepted Answer

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for . That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles in , expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to 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.

Question 13

Need a return trip from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Search Train Tickets

Question 14

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

Accepted Answer

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Lowest price	€122.10
Fastest train	43h 10m
Trains per day	5
Train lines	3

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	2d 22h 26m	€236.62
Amtrak Southwest Chief	1	1d 19h 11m	€152.63
Amtrak Texas Eagle	1	2d 17h 51m	€148.09

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?

Train service from Chicago to Los Angeles

Chicago to Los Angeles Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Price trends for trains from Chicago to Los Angeles

Monthly average prices

Prices as travel date approaches

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Chicago

Continue by train from Los Angeles

Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.