- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$752
Average price
$865
Fastest journey
2 d 22 h
Average duration
3 d 2 h 22 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
4170 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $865 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $752.
It's difficult to get from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
449 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle
449 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas Eagle
449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas EagleOmio 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 $107. 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 $107, and a train costs an average of $300.
Distance: 2591 miles (4170 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$957 Average price | $265 Average price Cheapest | $448 Average price | $698 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 $183 (€148) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $448 (€362).
A flight is $692 (€560) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $957 (€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 $957 (€774) compared to roughly $698 (€565) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-258.76 (€-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 tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
99 Northeast Regional · 19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited | 8:40 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 95h55 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
99 Northeast Regional · 19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited | 8:45 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 95h50 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 70h07 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 70h07 | 7:57 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 · 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 · 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 | 70h00 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 70h00 | 7:57 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 $300 (€243) but you can travel from only $107 (€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 $300 (€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 art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, famous for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with works by Warhol, Kusama, and Koons; one of Downtown Los Angeles's most popular cultural stops.
Classic Southern California waterfront area with ocean views, street performers, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for skate culture, murals, performers, and nonstop people-watching.
Large urban park with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and access to several of Los Angeles's best-known attractions.
A classic Los Angeles sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a French roll, often served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s best-known historic dishes.
Baja-style fish tacos are deeply rooted in Southern California food culture, especially in Los Angeles. They usually feature battered or grilled fish with cabbage, crema, and salsa.
Los Angeles is famous for its taco culture, and al pastor is a local favorite. Marinated pork is shaved from a spit and served on small corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and pineapple.
Legendary Hollywood restaurant serving classic American fare, steaks, and martinis. Formal, old Los Angeles atmosphere with deep culinary history.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich. Old-school atmosphere and one of Los Angeles’s most famous classic food institutions.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Lively, established dining room with strong local and national recognition.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially hotels, parking, and dining. Budget eats exist, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Small counter-service tips are optional.
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.

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