Cheap train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles
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Trip Summary
There are usually 13 daily train trips available from Chicago to Los Angeles. Traveling by train from Chicago to Los Angeles usually takes 64 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Southwest Chief train can make the trip in 44 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 1742 mi (2804 km) |
| Fastest train | 44h 42m |
| Lowest price | $152.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Chicago to Los Angeles Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Chicago to Los Angeles?
There are usually 15 daily bus trips available from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$505.14 | Avg. Price$314.83Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips13 | Daily Trips15 |
Duration | Duration64h 23m | Duration51h 2mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Chicago to Los Angeles (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
Chicago to Los Angeles Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from Chicago to Los Angeles:
- Amtrak: 11 daily trains from $164
- Amtrak Southwest Chief: 1 daily train from $152
- Amtrak Texas Eagle: 2 daily trains from $218
What is the price of a train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles was $379.47. Considering the distance between Chicago and Los Angeles, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $457.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Los Angeles by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles will cost between $240 and $476. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Chicago to Los Angeles by month
Ticket prices for the train from Chicago to Los Angeles often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $326. If you're thinking of traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $519 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $457.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?
There are multiple trains that travel from Chicago to Los Angeles, including Amtrak, Amtrak Southwest Chief, Amtrak Texas Eagle. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 11 | 66h 13m | $481.92 |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | 1 | 44h 42m | $454.45 |
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 2 | 65h 25m | $827.29 |
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 11 Amtrak trains from Chicago to Los Angeles every day, as well as 16 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $164.
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by America’s largest train service, Amtrak. The full route travels over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, which takes over 43 hours. The train covers the stretch from Chicago to Los Angeles in about 44 hours and 42 minutes. In addition to standard Coach Class seats, the Southwest Chief offers several sleeper cabin options on longer journeys. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic train routes in America, thanks to the stunning views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the Grand Canyon you’ll see from your train window.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Chicago to Los Angeles
There are 13 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 set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Chicago to Los Angeles for $126.
TRIPS PER DAY
13
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Chicago and Los Angeles is approximately 1742 miles, or 2804 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 64 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 44 hours and 42 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
1742
DISTANCE (KM)
2804
The earliest train departs Chicago at 7:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:05pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:15am
LATEST TRAIN
3:05pm
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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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 does the train leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Union Station
The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
All train stations in Chicago:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in Los Angeles?
Main 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.
All train stations in Los Angeles:
- Union Station
- Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
- 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth
- 592 Gayley Ave
Need a return trip from Los Angeles to Chicago?
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