- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$805
Average price
$2158
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h 32 m
Average duration
3 d 2 h 52 m
Trains per day
6
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 $2158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $805.
It's difficult to get from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited
143 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
143 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
49 Lake Shore Limited · 421 Texas EagleOmio 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 $128. 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 $128, and a train costs an average of $388.
Distance: 2445 miles (3936 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$823 Average price | $330 Average price Cheapest | $463 Average price | $590 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 $133 (€109) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $463 (€380).
A flight is $493 (€404) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $823 (€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 $823 (€675) compared to roughly $590 (€484) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-232.60 (€-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.
The table below shows live departures for New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Friday, July 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
143 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 9:47 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 73h25 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 10:52 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 72h20 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 11:05 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 72h07 | 8:12 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 3:40 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 67h32 | 8:12 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 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 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 $388 (€318) but you can travel from only $128 (€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 $388 (€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 |
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 hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, known for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with a high-profile collection featuring works by Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Vast urban park with trails, scenic overlooks, and access to some of the city’s best outdoor viewpoints.
Classic Southern California waterfront area popular for ocean views, walks, and iconic beach atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for street culture, murals, skate energy, and people-watching.
A Los Angeles classic of thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, usually served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s most iconic old-school sandwiches.
Small corn-tortilla tacos filled with meats such as carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas, topped simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa. They reflect the city’s deep Mexican culinary influence.
Grilled marinated meats cooked at the table, commonly enjoyed with banchan in Koreatown. Los Angeles is especially famous for its vibrant Korean barbecue culture.
Popular upscale restaurant in the Arts District known for house-made charcuterie, pasta, and a stylish industrial setting.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich, old-school counter service, and classic Los Angeles atmosphere.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and lively traditional flavors in a vibrant setting.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially lodging, parking, and dining. Casual food is manageable, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20% is common for good service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.

Most New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Penn Station to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Glendale Station. Use this guide to compare New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penn Station is 4 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
Penn Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00. Information desks are located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Luggage storage is baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall. .
Available at Penn Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Penn Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penn Station: Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Nearby hotels include The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea, Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street.
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.
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