- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.










Cheapest price
$840
Average price
$2594
Fastest journey
70h 15m
Average duration
80h 12m
Trains per day
10
Distance
4167 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $105. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.3 - 3.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $105, and a train costs an average of $295.
Distance: 2591 miles (4170 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$942 Average price | $260 Average price Cheapest | $441 Average price | $687 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
70h 6m Average total duration 69h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 17m Average total duration Fastest 7h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 65h 29m Average total duration 64h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 43h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.3 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 12.5 - 25.0kg CO2 emissions | 4.2 - 10.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $180 (€148) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $441 (€362).
A flight is $681 (€560) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $942 (€774).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 64h 59m.
Train takes on average 69h 36m.
Tickets start at around $942 (€774) compared to roughly $687 (€565) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-254.62 (€-209.38). The journey takes 69h 36m versus 43h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 6:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 77h02 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 6:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 76h57 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 91h45 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 70h22 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 70h22 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 91h45 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 91h38 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 70h15 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 91h38 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 70h15 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 69h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $295 (€243) but you can travel from only $105 (€86) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 2591 miles (4170 km) distance in 70h 7m.
Distance 2591 miles (4170 km) |
Average train duration 69h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $295 (€243) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 70h 7m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, known for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with a high-profile collection featuring works by Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Vast urban park with trails, scenic overlooks, and access to some of the city’s best outdoor viewpoints.
Classic Southern California waterfront area popular for ocean views, walks, and iconic beach atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for street culture, murals, skate energy, and people-watching.
A Los Angeles classic of thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, usually served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s most iconic old-school sandwiches.
Small corn-tortilla tacos filled with meats such as carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas, topped simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa. They reflect the city’s deep Mexican culinary influence.
Grilled marinated meats cooked at the table, commonly enjoyed with banchan in Koreatown. Los Angeles is especially famous for its vibrant Korean barbecue culture.
Popular upscale restaurant in the Arts District known for house-made charcuterie, pasta, and a stylish industrial setting.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich, old-school counter service, and classic Los Angeles atmosphere.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and lively traditional flavors in a vibrant setting.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially lodging, parking, and dining. Casual food is manageable, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20% is common for good service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Traveling between Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA offers a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of America by train. The primary provider for this journey is Amtrak, which connects these two cities with comfortable service options. While there are no direct trains covering the entire distance in one go due to the vast expanse separating them, travelers can enjoy various routes that may include transfers at key junctions along the way. Prepare for an adventure filled with picturesque landscapes as you traverse from coast to coast!
The train connection from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 70 hours and 10 minutes. There are about 1 connection per day for this route, and the journey is not direct.
The first daily train journey departs from Boston at 12:40 PM and arrives in Los Angeles at 5:50 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for crossing the country while enjoying scenic views along the way.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Boston and Los Angeles is $43 (39€).
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has since become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Its towering letters, standing at 45 feet tall and spanning 350 feet long, are not just a backdrop for photos but represent the allure of Los Angeles as the heart of cinema. As we hike up to get a closer view, you'll appreciate how this landmark embodies both history and aspiration.
Next on our journey is Griffith Observatory, which opened its doors in 1935 with the mission to make astronomy accessible to everyone. This stunning Art Deco structure offers breathtaking views of both the stars above and downtown LA below while serving as a hub for scientific education through its exhibits and planetarium shows. The observatory's unique location within Griffith Park allows visitors to connect with nature while exploring humanity’s quest to understand the universe.
Finally, we arrive at The Getty Center—a masterpiece designed by architect Richard Meier that showcases art from ancient times through modern works amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. Opened in 1997, it stands out not only for its impressive collection but also for its innovative use of natural light throughout galleries that enhances your viewing experience. Here you can immerse yourself in culture while enjoying panoramic views over Los Angeles—truly making it one-of-a-kind!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA 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.

Most Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the South Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
South Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Legal Sea Foods, Tavern in the Square
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at South Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at South Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at South Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include InterContinental Boston, The Langham, Boston, Boston Harbor Hotel.
Back Bay Station is 1 km from Boston city centre. Public transport options include:
Back Bay Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Sorellina, Atlantic Fish Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Back Bay Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Back Bay Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Back Bay Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Back Bay Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Back Bay Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Copley Square Hotel, The Westin Copley Place, Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
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