Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, 09 Oct
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SNCF | TGV INOUI
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2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
Trenitalia
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct

Cheapest price on 09 Oct

462S$

Average ticket price on 09 Oct

686S$

Fastest journey on 09 Oct

1 d 19 h 57 m

Average journey duration on 09 Oct

2 d 10 h 52 m

Trains on 09 Oct

10

Distance

2802 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA will cost around 686S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 462S$.

Fast trains

On Fri, 09 Oct, we found 10 trains from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 2802 km distance in an average of 2 d 10 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 19 h 57 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 d 21 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak3 Southwest Chief
    1:30 PM43h57
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    7:27 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    462 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
    7:40 AM49h47
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    7:27 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    500 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle
    7:15 AM72h20
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    610 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle
    9:50 AM69h45
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    652 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak21 Texas Eagle · 421 Texas Eagle
    2:10 PM65h25
    Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
    5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    763 S$1One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA

USAUSA
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Trains from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 52h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 202S$ but you can travel from only 58S$ by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 2802 km distance in 43h 32m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from 58S$
Distance
2802 km
Average train duration
52h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
202S$
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
43h 32m
First train
12:20 AM
Last train
10:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from 58S$

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Thursday, 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
43h57
7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus2:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
62h25
2:25 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA2 changes
Friday, 9 October
Amtrak301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
72h20
5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 change
Amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief7:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
49h47
7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 change
Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle9:50 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
69h45
5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA from 58S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
43h 32m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
202S$
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA can start from as little as 202S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA is 600S$; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA is 43h 32m to travel the 2802 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 12:20 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 10:00 pm.
Yes, there are 1 direct trains a day from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to Los Angeles, CA. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Los Angeles, CA from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 43h 32m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Most Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Chicago
Arrival train stations in Los Angeles

Which Chicago, IL station do trains to Los Angeles, CA leave from?

Trains from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Chicago, IL city centre at 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Union Station225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre

Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus28, 151 · 7m · 5S$ · every ~13 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.

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