- Must visit
Springfield Museums
A campus of art, science, and history museums around the Quadrangle, making it the city’s main museum destination.
Cheapest price
$292
Average price
$425
Fastest journey
1 d 21 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 3 h 24 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
2609 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL will cost around $425 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $292.
Of the 8 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for Springfield, IL on Wed, Jun 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 2609 km distance in an average of 2 d 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 21 h 35 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 2 d 10 h 3 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 · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
422 Texas Eagle
422 Texas Eagle · 306 Lincoln Service
422 Texas Eagle · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
422 Texas Eagle · 22 Texas Eagle
4 Southwest Chief · 5521 AMTRAK
4 Southwest Chief · 318 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner
4 Southwest Chief · 305 Lincoln Service
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 Springfield, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $167. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $167, and a flight costs an average of $406.
Distance: 1621 miles (2609 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$298 Average price | $463 Average price | $273 Average price Cheapest | $389 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
56h 45m Average total duration 56h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 58m Average total duration Fastest 6h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 47h 36m Average total duration 47h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 27h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Springfield, IL:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Springfield, IL costing on average $298 (€240).
A bus is $190 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Los Angeles, CA to Springfield, IL costing on average $463 (€374).
Other travel options to Springfield, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 47h 6m.
Train takes on average 56h 15m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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 Springfield, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 56h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $178 (€144) but you can travel from only $167 (€134) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:22, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 1621 miles (2609 km) distance in 44h 11m.
Distance 1621 miles (2609 km) |
Average train duration 56h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $178 (€144) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 44h 11m |
First train 8:22 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Springfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Springfield trip today.
A campus of art, science, and history museums around the Quadrangle, making it the city’s main museum destination.
Family-friendly museum celebrating Springfield-born Theodor Seuss Geisel with immersive exhibits and original Seuss material.
Major sports museum honoring basketball legends, with interactive exhibits and strong appeal beyond sports fans.
Springfield’s premier cultural district, combining museums, historic architecture, and landscaped public space in one walkable area.
Large urban park with trails, gardens, water features, and event spaces, beloved by locals for outdoor time.
Walkable downtown area where civic history, architecture, and public monuments come together in the city center.
A local Chinese American specialty of breaded fried chicken topped with brown gravy, oyster sauce, and cashews. It is strongly associated with Springfield, Missouri.
Breaded and fried ravioli served with marinara. While linked more broadly to Missouri, it is a familiar regional appetizer in Springfield.
Smoky cubes of brisket point with a caramelized bark, reflecting the strong Ozarks and Missouri barbecue culture around Springfield.
A long-running local favorite for Italian comfort food, especially pasta, toasted ravioli, and a relaxed neighborhood feel.
A downtown brunch and comfort food spot known for hearty breakfasts, biscuits and gravy, and a welcoming local atmosphere.
An established upscale restaurant known for steaks, seafood, and polished service in a refined downtown setting.
Typical U.S. city pricing. Fast food and coffee are reasonable, while sit-down dining and hotels vary by area and season.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 1-5 depending on service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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