- 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.
Cheapest price
$346
Average price
$602
Fastest journey
1 d 20 h 34 m
Average duration
2 d 5 h 39 m
Trains per day
11
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 $602 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $346.
Of the 11 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Jun 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 2802 km distance in an average of 2 d 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 20 h 34 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 2 d 13 h 49 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.
422 Texas Eagle
422 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
422 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
4 Southwest Chief
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
4 Southwest Chief · 382 Carl Sandburg
422 Texas Eagle · 22 Texas Eagle
422 Texas EagleOmio 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 $82. 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 $82, and a bus costs an average of $138.
Distance: 1741 miles (2802 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$324 Average price | $258 Average price Cheapest | $346 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 $66 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $324 (€269).
A flight is $88 (€73) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $346 (€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, Thursday, June 25. 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 | 4:55 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 44h34 | 3:29 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 · 382 Carl Sandburg | 4:55 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 50h56 | 9:51 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer |
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 $162 (€134) but you can travel from only $82 (€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 $162 (€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 premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
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.
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.
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.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
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.
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.

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