- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$939
Average price
$939
Fastest journey
1 d 19 h 29 m
Average duration
1 d 19 h 29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2753 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Elgin, 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 Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $939 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $939.
It's difficult to get from Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $235. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $235, and a flight costs an average of $291.
Distance: 1710 miles (2753 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$290 Average price | $291 Average price | $235 Average price Cheapest | $407 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
43h 29m Average total duration 42h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 31m Average total duration Fastest 8h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 48h 35m Average total duration 48h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $55 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $290 (€233).
A bus is $56 (€45) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $291 (€234).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 42h 59m.
Bus takes on average 48h 5m.
Tickets start at around $290 (€233) compared to roughly $407 (€328) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $117 (€94). The journey takes 42h 59m versus 28h 53m 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 Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:55 AM Elgin, IL | 44h02 | 7:57 AM Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 Elgin, IL to Los Angeles, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 42h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $290 (€233) but you can travel from only $235 (€189) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:51, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 1710 miles (2753 km) distance in 42h 59m.
Distance 1710 miles (2753 km) |
Average train duration 42h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $290 (€233) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 42h 59m |
First train 9:51 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Elgin, 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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