The cheapest and fastest trains from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$635
Average price
$668
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h 17 m
Average duration
2 d 22 h 35 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
3936 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New York, NY 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 New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $668 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $635.
It's difficult to get from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief3:40 PM67h17Penn Station, New York, NY7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$6351One-way1 transfer
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief10:52 AM72h05Penn Station, New York, NY7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$6791One-way2 transfers
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief10:35 AM72h22Penn Station, New York, NY7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$6881One-way2 transfers
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief3:40 PM67h17Penn Station, New York, NY7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$6351One-way1 transfer
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief10:52 AM72h05Penn Station, New York, NY7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$6791One-way2 transfers
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief10:35 AM72h22Penn Station, New York, NY7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$6881One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $130. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 15h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $130, and a train costs an average of $395.
Distance: 2445 miles (3936 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$837 Average price | $336 Average price Cheapest | $471 Average price | $600 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
45h 21m Average total duration 44h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 54m Average total duration Fastest 15h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 63h 52m Average total duration 63h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.2 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 11.8 - 23.6kg CO2 emissions | 3.9 - 9.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $136 (€109) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $471 (€380).
A flight is $501 (€404) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $837 (€675).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 44h 51m.
Bus takes on average 63h 22m.
Tickets start at around $837 (€675) compared to roughly $600 (€484) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-236.72 (€-190.92). The journey takes 44h 51m versus 40h 54m 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.
Live departures
New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Tuesday, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 10:35 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 72h22 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 10:52 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 72h05 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 3:40 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 67h17 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA?
Journey information
Overview: Train from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
Trains from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 44h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $395 (€318) but you can travel from only $130 (€105) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:40, the last at 22:16. The fastest train covers the 2445 miles (3936 km) distance in 67h 17m.
Distance 2445 miles (3936 km) |
Average train duration 44h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $395 (€318) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 67h 17m |
First train 6:40 AM |
Last train 10:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 91 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA from $130 (€105). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
Traveling between New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA offers a unique experience with Amtrak as the primary train provider. The journey spans approximately 2,800 miles and takes around 3 days to complete. Passengers can enjoy scenic views of diverse landscapes while onboard comfortable sleeper cars or spacious coaches. With multiple stops along the way, this cross-country adventure provides an opportunity to explore various cities and attractions en route.
Train Connection: New York to Los Angeles
The train journey from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 67 hours and 20 minutes. There are no direct connections available for this route; travelers will need to make at least one transfer during their trip. On average, there are about 1 connection per day between these two cities.
New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
The first daily train journey departs from New York at 14:52 and arrives in Los Angeles at 20:40. This connection offers travelers a chance to experience the scenic route across the country while enjoying comfortable amenities on board.
Train Tickets Price for New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between New York and Los Angeles is $421 (379.0€). The average ticket price tends to be around $522 (469.8€), making it a significant option for travelers looking to explore these two cities across the United States.
Exploring the Icons of Los Angeles
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Its towering letters stand at 45 feet tall and can be seen from miles away, representing not just Los Angeles but also the allure of cinema that draws millions to this vibrant city each year. As we take in this breathtaking view, remember that it’s more than just a sign; it's a testament to ambition and creativity.
Perched atop Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory opened its doors in 1935 with the mission to make astronomy accessible to everyone. This architectural gem offers stunning views of both downtown Los Angeles and the vast night sky while housing fascinating exhibits about space exploration. Whether you’re gazing through one of its telescopes or enjoying a planetarium show, you'll find yourself inspired by humanity's quest for knowledge beyond our world.
The Getty Center is renowned not only for its impressive collection of European paintings but also for its striking modern architecture designed by Richard Meier amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. Opened in 1997, it serves as both an art museum and cultural hub where visitors can immerse themselves in art history while enjoying panoramic views over Los Angeles. Don't miss out on exploring how The Getty combines artistic expression with environmental sustainability—it's truly unique!
FAQs: Trains from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall.
- Baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall.
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Magnolia Bakery
- Starbucks
- The Pennsy Food Hall
- Nick + Stef's Steakhouse
- Penn & Sushi
- Krispy Kreme Donuts
- T.G.I. Friday's
- NY Pizza Suprema
- Blarney Stone
- & many more
- Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
- The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea
- Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
- Located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
- Subway lines: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E
- Bus lines: M7, M20
- Train lines: Acela, Adirondack, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter, PATH, New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, AirTrain Newark, AirTrain JFK
- 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Vignes Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue.
- Traxx Restaurant
- Union Station Cafe
- Philippe The Original
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $1
- DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
- Cost $10
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: Main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink
- Hall 2: Metro Rail connections
- Hall 3: Bus terminal
- Metro: Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including DASH and Metro Bus
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- $0.50
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Bus: Several lines available
- Metro: Orange Line
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- Located near the main entrance
- Free
- The station is a single-level facility with platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak services.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Metrolink: Ventura County Line
Most popular train connections from New York, NY
More options for your journey from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA
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