- Must visit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Major Smithsonian museum with American art from colonial to contemporary periods, including works in the shared Penn Quarter complex. Worth the short trip from Union Station.
Cheapest price
$1261
Average price
$1779
Fastest journey
1 d 18 h 39 m
Average duration
2 d 4 h 26 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1335 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Union Station, Denver, CO 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 Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA will cost around $1779 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1261.
It's difficult to get from Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
6 California Zephyr · 3 Southwest Chief
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
6 California Zephyr · 3 Southwest ChiefOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $207.
Distance: 829 miles (1335 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$346 Average price | $159 Average price | $134 Average price Cheapest | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
39h 38m Average total duration 39h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 58m Average total duration 24h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $25 (€21) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $159 (€131).
A flight is $213 (€175) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $346 (€286).
Other travel options to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 28m.
Train takes on average 39h 8m.
Tickets start at around $346 (€286) compared to roughly $2 (€2) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-344.23 (€-283.72). The journey takes 39h 8m versus 14h 33m 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 Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK | 8:46 AM Union Station, Denver, CO | 42h39 | 2:25 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
6 California Zephyr · 3 Southwest Chief | 6:59 PM Union Station, Denver, CO | 62h13 | 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 Union Station, Denver, CO to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 39h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $207 (€171) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:59, the last at 15:46. The fastest train covers the 829 miles (1335 km) distance in 41h 39m.
Distance 829 miles (1335 km) |
Average train duration 39h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $207 (€171) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 41h 39m |
First train 12:59 AM |
Last train 3:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Smithsonian museum with American art from colonial to contemporary periods, including works in the shared Penn Quarter complex. Worth the short trip from Union Station.
One of the leading art museums in the US, with masterworks spanning Europe and America plus a noted sculpture garden. A top cultural stop in central Washington.
Smithsonian museum near Union Station showcasing American mail history, stamp collections, and historic postal vehicles. A strong nearby museum choice for visitors arriving by rail.
Washington's monumental central park-like corridor lined with museums and memorials. Essential for walking between many of the city's headline sights.
Historic waterfront neighborhood with cobbled streets, Federal architecture, and scenic canal-side walks. A classic favorite beyond the monumental core.
Picturesque waterfront walking area best known for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials. One of Washington's most photographed outdoor spots.
A smoky, coarse-ground sausage, often split and topped with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of Washington, D.C.'s signature street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce popular on fried chicken and wings in Washington, D.C. It is a distinctive local carryout staple.
An oversized pizza slice associated with late-night eating in Washington, D.C. It is especially famous in nightlife areas.
A respected restaurant in the Union Market area, known for steaks, grilled meats, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
A historic, well-known Washington restaurant near the National Mall, popular for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American fare in a traditional setting.
A large, established downtown restaurant known for American dishes, sushi, and a lively atmosphere. Convenient for visitors exploring central Washington.
Costs are moderate for a major U.S. transit hub. Fast food is affordable, but sit-down dining and drinks nearby can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up for taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 1-5 depending on service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Union Station, Denver, CO 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.
