The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
- Cheapest price on Nov 03
- $275
- Average ticket price on Nov 03
- $451
- Fastest journey on Nov 03
- 1 d 19 h 57 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 03
- 2 d 9 h 24 m
- Trains on Nov 03
- 12
- Distance
- 2802 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 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 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA will cost around $451 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $275.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 12 trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct trains cover the 2802 km distance in an average of 2 d 9 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 19 h 57 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest trains will take 2 d 17 h 25 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.
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief7:40 AM 49h47 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $275 1 One-way 1 transfer
421 Texas Eagle2:10 PM 65h25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $365 1 One-way 0 transfers
3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM 43h57 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $365 1 One-way 0 transfers
319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 421 Texas Eagle9:50 AM 69h45 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $383 1 One-way 1 transfer
301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle7:15 AM 72h20 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $383 1 One-way 1 transfer
3 Southwest Chief1:30 PM 43h57 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $365 1 One-way 0 transfers
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief7:40 AM 49h47 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $275 1 One-way 1 transfer
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus2:00 PM 62h25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 2:25 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $384 1 One-way 2 transfers
21 Texas Eagle · 1 Sunset Limited2:10 PM 65h25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $552 1 One-way 1 transfer
21 Texas Eagle · 421 Texas Eagle2:10 PM 65h25 Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA $602 1 One-way 1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 53h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $160 (€134) but you can travel from only $54 (€46) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:40, the last at 19:25. The fastest train covers the 1741 miles (2802 km) distance in 43h 32m.
Distance 1741 miles (2802 km) |
Average train duration 53h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $160 (€134) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 43h 32m |
First train 12:40 PM |
Last train 7:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Frequently asked questions about your Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
Live departures
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 Southwest Chief | 1:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 43h57 | 7:27 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus | 2:00 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 62h25 | 2:25 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3710 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h10 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 80h06 | 9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h10 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
27 Empire Builder · 11 Coast Starlight · 3810 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner | 3:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 76h10 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 4 transfers | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
301 Lincoln Service · 421 Texas Eagle | 7:15 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 72h20 | 5:35 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief | 7:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 49h47 | 7:27 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
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA from $54 (€46). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
Most Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Getting to Union Station from Los Angeles city centre
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
