Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train with Amtrak

Sat, Mar 21
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 21

Cheapest price

$462

Average price

$2671

Fastest journey

1 d 19 h 32 m

Average duration

1 d 23 h 19 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

2802 km

Cheap tickets

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 $2671 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $462.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL for Union Station, Los Angeles, CA on Sat, Mar 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Mar 21 the direct trains cover the 2802 km distance in an average of 1 d 23 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 19 h 32 m .

On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest trains will take 2 d 2 h 17 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.

Amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 3 Southwest Chief
09:50AM48h07
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
07:57AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
$4621One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak3 Southwest Chief
02:25PM43h32
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
07:57AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
$37431One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief
07:40AM50h17
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
07:57AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
$38101One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $54, and a train costs an average of $164.

Distance: 1741 miles (2802 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$321

Average price

$280

Average price

$223

Average price

Cheapest

50h 1m

Average total duration

49h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

44h 50m

Average total duration

44h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 53m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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 tomorrow, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:37 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak381 Carl Sandburg · 3 Southwest Chief12:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
50h17
2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 transfer
amtrak319 Lincoln Service Missouri River Runner · 3 Southwest Chief2:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
48h07
2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 transfer
amtrak3 Southwest Chief7:25 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL
43h32
2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, 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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Journey information

Overview: Train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 49h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $164 (€133) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by flight.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 13:15, the last at 20:25. The fastest train covers the 1741 miles (2802 km) distance in 43h 32m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $54 (€44)
Distance
1741 miles (2802 km)
Average train duration
49h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
$164 (€133)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
43h 32m
First train
13:15
Last train
20:25
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $54 (€44)

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 (€44). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
43h 32m
Cheapest Price
$164 (€133)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $164 (€133), while the average price is around $321 (€261).
The train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA takes 43h 32m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is 1741 miles (2802 km).
The first train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA leaves at 1:15 PM.
The last train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA leaves at 8:25 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $54 (€44).
The train journey from Chicago Union Station, IL to Union Station, CA is considered scenic as it traverses diverse landscapes, including the Mississippi River, the Rocky Mountains, and deserts, offering picturesque views of the American Midwest and West Coast.
A day trip from Chicago Union Station, IL to Union Station, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 43h 32m and covers 1741 miles (2802 km). The frequency is 8 per day for trains.
Yes, you can take the train from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Chicago
Los Angeles
The major train station for departures in Chicago is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
24
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. Access via Canal Street.
Dining
Dining
  • The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
  • Lou Mitchell's
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel
  • JW Marriott Chicago
  • W Chicago - City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: Metra services
  • Hall 3: food court and retail shops
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • CTA: Blue Line, Pink Line

Most popular trains to and from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA and Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL

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