- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$310
Average price
$505
Fastest journey
1 d 19 h 32 m
Average duration
2 d 16 h 28 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
2802 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $505 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $310.
Of the 6 trains that leave Chicago, IL for Los Angeles, CA on Wed, May 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 2802 km distance in an average of 2 d 16 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 19 h 32 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 3 d 4 h 10 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.
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
3 Southwest Chief
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner
3 Southwest Chief
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold RunnerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $104. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 13h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $104, and a bus costs an average of $163.
Distance: 1741 miles (2802 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$357 Average price | $291 Average price Cheapest | $373 Average price | $424 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 38m Average total duration 26h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 5m Average total duration Fastest 13h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 47h 20m Average total duration 46h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.8kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg 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 Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $66 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $357 (€288).
A flight is $82 (€66) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $373 (€301).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 26h 8m.
Bus takes on average 46h 50m.
The journey is about 3h 1m faster (26h 8m by train vs 29h 9m by car) and roughly $67 (€54) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($357 (€288) vs $424 (€342)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle | 7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 72h20 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief | 7:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 50h17 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle | 9:50 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 69h45 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
421 Texas Eagle | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h25 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
21 Texas Eagle · 421 Texas Eagle | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h25 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
21 Texas Eagle · 1 Sunset Limited | 2:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 65h25 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
3 Southwest Chief | 2:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 43h32 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h10 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 80h06 | 9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h10 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h10 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 26h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $168 (€135) but you can travel from only $104 (€84) 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 1741 miles (2802 km) distance in 43h 32m.
Distance 1741 miles (2802 km) |
Average train duration 26h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€135) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 43h 32m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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 Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA is a scenic adventure made easy by Amtrak. This iconic train service offers comfortable rides across the vast landscapes of America, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. With multiple routes available, passengers can experience stunning views while connecting these two cities known for their unique cultures and attractions. Whether you're heading to explore Chicago's rich history or bask in the sunny allure of Los Angeles, Amtrak provides an efficient way to travel with convenience at your fingertips.
The train connection from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 43 hours and 10 minutes. There are 1 direct connection per day available for this route. Passengers will depart from Union Station, IL and arrive at Union Station, CA.
The first daily train journey departs from Chicago at 7:00 PM and arrives in Los Angeles at 8:50 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for evening travel between these two cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Chicago and Los Angeles is $154 (139.6€). The average ticket price tends to be around $232 (208.8€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
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, offer breathtaking views of Los Angeles while representing the allure and glamour that draws millions to this city each year. As we hike up to get a closer look, you'll feel the excitement that comes with being part of such a legendary landmark.
Griffith Observatory opened its doors in 1935 and quickly became one of Southern California's most beloved public spaces for both education and recreation. This stunning Art Deco structure not only offers spectacular panoramic views of downtown LA but also serves as a gateway to understanding our universe through its fascinating exhibits on astronomy. Be sure to check out the Zeiss refracting telescope; it’s your chance to gaze into space just like countless visitors have done before you!
The Getty Center is renowned not only for its impressive collection of European paintings but also for its striking architecture designed by Richard Meier set against beautifully landscaped gardens. Opened in 1997, this cultural haven attracts art lovers from around the globe who come here not just for world-class art but also to enjoy serene vistas overlooking Los Angeles' sprawling landscape. Don’t miss exploring how modern design harmonizes with nature—it's truly an experience unlike any other!
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.

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