Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL Train

11/03/2024
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Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train

The journey from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train is 1,742.96 mi and takes 60 hr 4 min. There are 7 connections per day, with the first departure at 9:51 AM and the last at 10:00 PM. It is possible to travel from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train for as little as $125.92 or as much as $299.89. The best price for this journey is $125.92.

Lowest Price $125.92
Journey Duration 60 hr 4 min
Connection per Day 7
Lowest Price $125.92
Highest Price $299.89
First Departure 9:51 AM
Last Departure 10:00 PM
Distance 1,742.96 mi
Departure Los Angeles, CA
Arrival Chicago, IL
Carriers Amtrak

Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL Train Times

Departure date
Sunday, Nov 3, 2024

Travel by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL

The train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, lasts on average 60 hr 4 min. Around 7 trains depart a day from Los Angeles to Chicago. The average price is $207.66, and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $125.92.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Los Angeles to Chicago. Two Amtrak servicesconnect the two cities directly: the Southwest Chief and the Texas Eagle. Amtrak also offers different transfer options in Portland and San Antonio for a higher price. The Southwest Chief is about 20 hours faster than the Texas Eagle  for the same price. Both services have Superliner trains, double-decker sleeper cars, and an observation deck.

The Texas Eagle leaves Los Angeles around 10 pm. This train route is the longest in the United States and runs from Los Angeles to Chicago, with frequent stops in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, and California. Enjoy comfortable seating on the upper and lower levels with Superliner rail cars as you travel through some of America's most beautiful landscapes -from Illinois, home of Abraham Lincoln, to the Mississippi River and the Ozarks in Little Rock, to the stunning Piney Woods of East Texas - Luckily you can take advantage of observations decks on all Superliner trains. The whole journey last 65 hours, which is three nights on the train. You may need to change trains in San Antonio, so keep that in mind.

The 43-hour journey with the Amtrak Southwest Chief, will take you through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Take a breathtaking trip across the Mississippi through eight stunning states. Enjoy the wheat fields and ranches, ancient pueblos and missions, deserts and mountains that can't be seen from mere highways from the comfort of a Superliner deck. Traveling through curving canyons, barely wider than the train itself, is something only a train ride can provide. This train usually leaves Union station in the morning hours.

Amtrak offers four sleeping options on their trains.

  1. The Roomette is, at first glance, a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage options will surprise you at every step. They start with two comfortable recliner seats, which turn into a bed, and a second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling, making enough space for two people to sleep and have a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
  2. The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 
  3. The Two-Room Suite on a train offers twice the space of a regular Bedroom accommodation. During the day, the suite features two sofas and separate chairs for seating; at night, these furnishings convert into upper and lower beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. It includes two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.
  4. The Family room is only available on the Superliner trains. It provides comfortable accommodations for up to four people, with full-sized beds and fold-down bunks. Passengers can access hot showers, extra storage space, a sink, and an enclosed lavatory. 

If you opt for the sleeping car, remember that you must book the entire unit alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.

You will start your journey at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, between Alameda Street, Cesar Chavez Avenue, Vignes Street, and the Hollywood Freeway. The Terminal Annex building is on the opposite side of the Chavez Avenue underpass. It is not far from Chinatown, and Patsaouras Transit Plaza on the east side of the Station is a stop for the Metro Local, Metro Rapid, and Metro Express lines, the municipal lines as the DASH shuttles. You can reach LAX with The FlyAway express bus service.

Chicago Union Station is a bustling one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. It serves as a gateway to 15 Amtrak train lines, connecting travelers to destinations nationwide. Additionally, Union Station provides access to bus carriers such as Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Jefferson Lines and connections to Metra commuter lines. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is within walking distance to the nearest Chicago L lines. It offers numerous amenities and services, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Chicago is one of the cradles of American culture, home of Jazz, deep-dish pizza, and the famous Second City comedy theater. The Willis Tower's Skydeck provides unbeatable views of the city and Lake Michigan, making it a tourist must-visit destination. At over 1,300 feet, the observation deck is the highest in the U.S. Another popular spot for visitors is Millennium Park, where they can snap the iconic selfie with the Bean sculpture before exploring the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a bustling tourist attraction with parks, restaurants, and various entertainment options situated on the picturesque Lake Michigan. Wrigleyville is a haven for baseball enthusiasts, as it's home to the iconic Wrigley Field and numerous sports bars.

So if you plan to travel to Chicago from Los Angeles by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Los Angeles and Chicago.

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Compare prices and tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL

Cheap train tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL

The cheapest Los Angeles, CA - Chicago, IL train tickets can be found for as low as $152.08 if you’re lucky, or $222.58 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $364.32.

Find the best day to travel to Chicago, IL by train

When travelling to Chicago, IL by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Compare services on board when travelling from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
196.35kg
Bus
210.38kg
Flight
561kg
Car
448.8kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL are 196.35kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL? By taking the train between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL you will save 364.65kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 14.03kg compared to a bus and 252.45kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL?
A train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is $207.66. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $125.92.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is $125.92. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL by train?
Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is 1,742.96 mi.
How long does the train between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL take?
Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL is on average 60 hr 4 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 43 hr 23 min.
How many train connections per day go from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL?
Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL has 7 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL leave?
The earliest train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL departs at 9:51 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL depart?
The latest train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL departs at 10:00 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $125.92 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL?
There are on average 2 direct connection(s) from Los Angeles, CA to go to Chicago, IL.
What's the fastest journey time between Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL is 43 hr 23 min.
Is there a direct train from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL?
Yes, there is a direct train between Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL.
What are the CO2 emissions for Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL by train?
The train journey from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL creates 196.35kg of CO2 emissions.

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