- Must visit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Cheapest price
$819
Average price
$907
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h 32 m
Average duration
3 d 3 h 12 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
3936 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, 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 Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA will cost around $907 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $819.
It's difficult to get from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited
49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief
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
195 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
143 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief
19 Crescent · 1 Sunset LimitedOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $105. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $105, and a train costs an average of $290.
Distance: 2445 miles (3936 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$753 Average price | $270 Average price Cheapest | $425 Average price | $154 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
68h 32m Average total duration 68h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration Fastest 6h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 63h 58m Average total duration 63h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $154 (€127) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $425 (€348).
A flight is $483 (€396) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $753 (€617).
Other travel options to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 63h 28m.
Train takes on average 68h 2m.
Tickets start at around $753 (€617) compared to roughly $154 (€126) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-599.47 (€-491.24). The journey takes 68h 2m versus 40h 48m 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 Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Friday, June 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 | 72h37 | 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 | |
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 Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 68h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $290 (€238) but you can travel from only $98 (€80) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 10:40, the last at 20:40. The fastest train covers the 2445 miles (3936 km) distance in 67h 17m.
Distance 2445 miles (3936 km) |
Average train duration 68h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $290 (€238) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 67h 17m |
First train 10:40 AM |
Last train 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Union Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Union Station trip today.
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Celebrated museum of portraits of influential Americans, sharing a historic building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
World-class art museum with masterworks from Europe and America, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
Historic neighborhood of row houses, political institutions, and leafy streets that is ideal for walking near Union Station.
Washington’s monumental park corridor lined with museums and memorials, essential for first-time visitors and long scenic walks.
Central district known for museums, theaters, and lively streets, popular with visitors exploring downtown on foot.
An All-Beef Hot Dog On A Poppy Seed Bun With Mustard, Relish, Onion, Tomato, Sport Peppers, Pickle, And Celery Salt. It Is A Classic Chicago Specialty.
Thin-Sliced Roast Beef Simmered In Jus And Served On A Roll, Often Dipped And Topped With Giardiniera Or Sweet Peppers. A Defining Chicago Sandwich.
A Thick, Pan-Baked Pizza With Layers Of Cheese, Toppings, And Chunky Tomato Sauce. It Is One Of Chicago's Most Famous Comfort Foods.
A Nationally Acclaimed Fine Dining Restaurant In The West Loop Offering A Refined Tasting Menu Experience.
A Celebrated West Loop Restaurant Known For Bold Small Plates, Creative Cooking, And A Lively Atmosphere.
A Historic Diner Near Union Station Known For Breakfast, Classic American Plates, And Old-School Chicago Hospitality.
Costs are moderate by major U.S. city standards. Fast food is affordable, but sit-down dining and station-area prices are higher.
Restaurants: tip 18-20% before tax for table service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Cafes: optional small tip. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 1-5 depending on service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Penn Station, New York, NY to Union Station, 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 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
