Travel by train from Los Angeles, CA, to New York, NY
The train from Los Angeles, CA, to New York, NY, lasts on average . Around trains depart a day from Los Angeles to New York. The average price is , and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around .
Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S.., operates the train from Los Angeles to New York. The two largest cities in the United States are on opposite sides of the continent; hence, there are no direct connections. Amtrak offers various options to get to New York from L.A., however, the fastest and cheapest way would be through Chicago with the Southwest Chief and then the Lakeshore Limited to New York. You can tailor your trip according to your preferences, but we recommend this route. It is just as breathtaking as it is practical. Another beautiful but slower option for the same price is the Texas Eagle, which arrives in Chicago 20 hours later than the Southwest Chief. Both services from L.A. to Chicago have Superliner trains, double-decker sleeper cars, and an observation deck, while the Lakeshore Limited has single-deck Viewliner trains.
The Texas Eagle 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. Keep in mind you may need to change trains in San Antonio.
The Southwest Chief is a faster, and 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 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.
The Lakeshore Limited is a train service between Chicago and New York. It passes through Cleveland, South Bend, and Buffalo along some of the most stunning shorelines of the U.S. The name refers to the route following the Mohawk River, the Erie Canal, and the south shore of Lake Michigan. The scenery along the famous Native American Highway, as it is also called, is truly spectacular. It stops in 22 cities, and its estimated journey time is about 19 hours. It leaves New York once a day, every day. It is a Viewliner train with sleeper cars and a café on board.
Amtrak offers four sleeping options on their trains.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 L.A.X. with The FlyAway express bus service.
You will end your journey at New York's Penn Station's newest addition - Moynihan Train Hall. Recently opened in 2021, the new transportation facility and architectural marvel is situated across 8th Avenue from Penn Station. Fun fact or a warning: Penn Station is the busiest train station in the western hemisphere, so be prepared to find your new terminal in time.
So if you plan to travel to New York 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 from Los Angeles to New York.
