- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$310
Average price
$530
Fastest journey
1 d 20 h 34 m
Average duration
2 d 8 h 46 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
2802 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from 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 Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $530 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $310.
Of the 6 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for Chicago, IL on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 2802 km distance in an average of 2 d 8 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 20 h 34 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 3 d 1 h 50 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.
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
4 Southwest Chief
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight
4 Southwest Chief
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK · 14 Coast StarlightOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 1m. 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 $83, and a bus costs an average of $139.
Distance: 1741 miles (2802 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$327 Average price | $260 Average price Cheapest | $349 Average price |
48h 35m Average total duration 48h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 1m Average total duration Fastest 5h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 47h 14m Average total duration 46h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.8kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $67 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $327 (€269).
A flight is $89 (€73) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $349 (€287).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 46h 44m.
Train takes on average 48h 5m.
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Coast Starlight · 28 Empire Builder | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 76h54 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight | 12:55 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 73h50 | 4:45 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4 transfers | |
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner | 4:55 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 49h05 | 8:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
4 Southwest Chief | 4:55 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 44h34 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg | 4:55 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 50h56 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 7:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 65h26 | 2:39 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 48h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $163 (€134) but you can travel from only $83 (€68) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 1741 miles (2802 km) distance in 43h 23m.
Distance 1741 miles (2802 km) |
Average train duration 48h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $163 (€134) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 43h 23m |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
A top natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, fossils, and broad science collections.
A large hands-on science museum with a German submarine, space exhibits, and interactive engineering displays.
Chicago’s signature downtown park, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and major seasonal events.
The city’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, and bustling urban energy along North Michigan Avenue.
A popular pedestrian waterfront with excellent skyline views, bridges, and easy access to boat architecture tours.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Traveling between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL offers a scenic journey across the United States with Amtrak as your primary train provider. The distance of approximately 2,000 miles can be covered in about 40 hours on the iconic Southwest Chief route. This long-distance trip allows you to experience diverse landscapes while enjoying comfortable amenities onboard. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this connection provides an unforgettable travel experience through some of America's most captivating regions.
Traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL takes approximately 42 hours and 55 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day between these two cities. Passengers will depart from Union Station, CA and arrive at Union Station, IL.
The first daily train journey departs from Los Angeles at 5:00 AM. This early start allows travelers to begin their adventure across the country promptly. The last departure time for this route is also at 5:00 AM, ensuring that passengers have a consistent schedule for planning their travels between these two cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Los Angeles and Chicago is $140 (126€). The average ticket price tends to be around $241 (217.0€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
Welcome to the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, which was completed in 1973 and held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. This iconic skyscraper not only symbolizes Chicago's architectural innovation but also offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where you can step out onto glass ledges that extend four feet outside of the building! As we explore this landmark, you'll discover how it has become a central part of Chicago’s skyline and an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience urban heights.
Next up is Millennium Park, inaugurated in 2004 as a vibrant public space designed to celebrate art and culture within our bustling city. The park features unique attractions like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate—affectionately known as "The Bean"—and Jay Pritzker Pavilion with its stunning outdoor concerts that draw crowds throughout summer months. Here at Millennium Park, you’ll find lush gardens interspersed with striking sculptures that invite both relaxation and inspiration amidst Chicago’s energetic atmosphere.
Finally, let me take you to Navy Pier—a historic waterfront destination originally opened in 1916—and now one of Chicago's most visited attractions. Stretching over six hundred thousand square feet along Lake Michigan, it boasts thrilling rides like the Centennial Wheel alongside charming shops and diverse dining options perfect for families or couples alike. As we stroll down this lively pier filled with entertainment venues and seasonal events such as fireworks displays during summer nights, you'll see why it's cherished by locals and tourists who seek unforgettable experiences by water.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from 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.

Most Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
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, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
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