- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jun 22
Cheapest price
$926
Average price
$926
Fastest journey
1 d 21 h 48 m
Average duration
1 d 21 h 48 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2797 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $926 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $926.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
4:54 PM45h48East Los Angeles, CA2:42 PMChicago, IL$9261One-way1 transfer
- 4:54 PM45h48East Los Angeles, CA2:42 PMChicago, IL$9261One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $128. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $128, and a bus costs an average of $230.
Distance: 1737 miles (2797 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$267 Average price | $198 Average price Cheapest | $273 Average price | $407 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
46h 22m Average total duration 45h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 4m Average total duration Fastest 7h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 50h 37m Average total duration 50h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is a flight with an average price of $198 (€162).
This is compared to other travel options from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $69 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $267 (€219).
A flight is $75 (€61) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $273 (€223).
The fastest way to travel from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 7h 4m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 45h 52m.
Bus takes on average 50h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between East Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $267 (€219) compared to roughly $407 (€333) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $140 (€115). The journey takes 45h 52m versus 29h 3m 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.
Compare prices and tickets East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Trains from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 11 times per day, taking around 45h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $200 (€164) but you can travel from only $128 (€105) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 14:25. The fastest train covers the 1737 miles (2797 km) distance in 43h 23m.
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 $128 (€105)
Distance 1737 miles (2797 km) |
Average train duration 45h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $200 (€164) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 43h 23m |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 2:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 $128 (€105)
Train companies: Metrolink Trains from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL trainsMetrolink Trains trains will get you between East Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL from $128 (€105). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Metrolink Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
45h 48m
Cheapest Price
$926 (€758)
Metrolink Trains frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
- Must visit
Museum Of Science And Industry
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
- Must visit
The Magnificent Mile
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
Gene & Georgetti
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Alinea
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
United States Dollar
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
FAQs: Trains from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $200 (€164), while the average price is around $267 (€219).
The train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL takes 43h 23m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is 1737 miles (2797 km).
The first train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 7:15 AM.
The last train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 2:25 PM.
There is no high speed train available from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL.
There is no direct train service currently available from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL.
The train station in East Los Angeles, CA that goes to Chicago, IL is Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, which connects to Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
The cheapest way to get from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight, with a cost of around $128 (€105).
The train journey from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL on the Southwest Chief route offers scenic views, including the stunning desert landscapes of the American Southwest, the red rock formations of New Mexico, and the rolling plains of the Midwest, providing a diverse and picturesque travel experience.
A day trip from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is not feasible as the journey takes 43h 23m and covers 1737 miles (2797 km). The trip frequency is 1 per day for trains.
In Chicago, IL, you can explore the Museum of Science and Industry and its interactive exhibits, enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, take a river cruise to view iconic architecture, and attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for a free and enjoyable day. For sights, don't miss Millennium Park with its modern art, the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the entertainment hub of Navy Pier, panoramic views from Willis Tower Skydeck, and the fascinating exhibits at the Field Museum.
To fully experience Chicago, IL, plan for at least 3-4 days to visit key attractions such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and explore diverse neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL.
Since neither East Los Angeles, CA nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Chicago, IL include Milwaukee, WI, South Bend, IN, New Buffalo, MI, Racine, WI, Elkhart, IN.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
East Los Angeles
Chicago
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
3 km
Number of platforms
24Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street
Dining
- The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
- Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
WC
- $1
Hotel
- The Kimpton Gray Hotel
- JW Marriott Chicago
- W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
- Hall 2: Metra services
- Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
- Bus: Several lines available
- CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line
More options for your journey from East Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chicago, IL and East Los Angeles, CA
Most popular train connections to Chicago, IL
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