Are you packing your bags for the City of Angels? Get the scoop on everything you should know for the train ride into LA. From booking to station wait times, heads up about everything, including route options, schedules, and ticket prices. This guide will be handy for both travel rookies who plan to ride the rails for the first time and veteran Amtrak users who ride the rails on the regular.
Amtrak has provided train services to Los Angeles from a number of cities. They include: the Chicago to Los Angeles route, the Seattle to Los Angeles route, the New Orleans to Los Angeles route, and the San Diego to Los Angeles route. Amtrak’s long-distance network coach and sleeper services also terminate at and depart from Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS).
Why Take a Train to Los Angeles? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
There is no other method of transportation for visitors to the City of Angels that is as comfortable and scenic as taking the train. This is why the train is the method of transportation of choice for this city every year. Here are the reasons why:
1. The airport is free of lengthy TSA lines, delays at the gate, and high-priced food at airports: If you take a train from Los Angeles, you arrive at Union Station – right within the downtown area, relaxed and at peace.
2. It’s a scenic route: you won’t get anywhere. Amtrak’s routes from Los Angeles pass through some of the most stunning scenery in America. Southwest Chief travels through the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona. Its Coast Starlight hugs the Pacific coastline, from Seattle to LA. This view can’t be recreated from 35,000ft.
3. Additional Space & Comfort: Train seats are much more spacious than standard plane seats. Relax on the sofa, take a bite in the dining car, or choose an extra sleeper roomette to have an exclusive cabin that comes with a bed as the miles whizz across the sky from your window.
4. Eco-friendly Travel: Trains produce less carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile in comparison to flying or driving an automobile. Selecting the train route for travel to Los Angeles is a responsible decision for those who are concerned about the environment.
5. City-Center to City Centre: LA Union Station (LAUS) is situated on 800 North Alameda Street in downtown LA and is directly linked via LAUS via the Metro Rail network, making journeys to and from LA easy and cost-effective.
6. No baggage charges: Amtrak offers two baggage bags for carry-on as well as two personal belongings; there are no unexpected fees when you check-in.
Which Trains Go to Los Angeles? Major Rail Services Explained
Los Angeles Union Station is a well-connected rail station in the western United States. Amtrak long-distance trains make several stops here.
| Train Name | Route | Key Cities Served | Frequency |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago → Los Angeles | Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff | Daily |
| Coast Starlight | Seattle → Los Angeles | Portland, Sacramento, San Jose | Daily |
| Sunset Limited | New Orleans → Los Angeles | Houston, San Antonio, Tucson | 3x/week |
| Pacific Surfliner | San Diego → San Luis Obispo | Anaheim, LA, Santa Barbara | Multiple daily |
| Empire Builder (+ transfer) | Chicago → Seattle → LA | Denver, Salt Lake City (connection) | Daily |
| Texas Eagle (+ transfer) | Chicago → San Antonio → LA | St. Louis, Dallas (connection) | Daily |
. At the same time, the Southwest Chief and Coast Starlight primarily provide service to Los Angeles for long-distance routes, the Pacific Surfliner is the most popular train for short trips within Southern California.
Popular Train Routes to Los Angeles From Major US Cities
There are many train routes to Los Angeles that connect you to various starting locations. The most popularly traveled train corridors are listed below:
| Origin City | Train(s) | Approx. Duration | Direct? |
| New York City | Lake Shore Limited + Southwest Chief | 65-70 hours | No (Chicago transfer) |
| Chicago | Southwest Chief | ~40 hours | Yes |
| Seattle | Coast Starlight | ~35 hours | Yes |
| San Francisco | Coast Starlight | ~12 hours | Yes |
| San Diego | Pacific Surfliner | ~3 hours | Yes |
| New Orleans | Sunset Limited | ~48 hours | Yes |
| Denver | California Zephyr + transfer | ~30-36 hours | No |
| Albuquerque | Southwest Chief | ~17 hours | Yes |
| Phoenix | No direct Amtrak | N/A | No |
Note: Phoenix currently has no Amtrak service. Travelers from Phoenix typically drive to Tucson or Flagstaff to board the Sunset Limited or Southwest Chief, respectively.
NYC to Los Angeles Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
The New York to Los Angeles train route is famous for being a true cross-country train trip and is the longest train route in the United States at over 2,700 miles.
The Route:
- Step 1: Get on the Lake Shore Limited at New York Penn Station (or Chicago-bound trains coming from the other Northeast cities)
- Step 2: Transfer at Chicago Union Station
- Step 3: Board the Southwest Chief to Los Angeles Union Station
Key Details:
| Detail | Info |
| Total Distance | ~2,728 miles |
| Approximate Duration | 65-70 hours (about 3 days) |
| Transfer City | Chicago, IL |
| Departure Station (NYC) | New York Penn Station |
| Arrival Station (LA) | Los Angeles Union Station |
| Average Coach Fare | $150-$350 |
| Sleeper Roomette Fare | $500-$1,200+ |
Chicago Layover Tip: Your time in Chicago can be from 1 to 12+ hours, depending on your connections. With a variety of dining options, the Metropolitan Lounge (for Business and sleeper passengers) is located in Union Station, which easily makes your layover in Chicago a planned destination.
Ticket Tip: Save the most money by booking your train trip from New York to Los Angeles 6 to 8 weeks in advance. The early bird gets the sleeper tickets on the Southwest Chief.
Los Angeles Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
If you’ve never been on a long-distance Amtrak train previously, this is information on what to expect, as well as tips to make the most of your trip from Los Angeles:
Before You Board
- Get to the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are a sleeper, make sure to check-in at the designated lounge.
- Install Amtrak.com. It provides real-time status of trains as well as your e-ticket and makes it easy to select a seat.
- Take snacks with you and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Car food in restaurants is tasty, but it is expensive.
On the Train
- Make sure you get your seat in the Coach class (seats do not always get assigned on every route).
- Take advantage of the observation/lounge car for the best view and the best social setting.
- Make sure your valuables are safe and secure, particularly overnight in the coach.
- Take a neck pillow, an eye mask, and headphones for travel on the Coach.
Sleeper Passengers
- Roomettes come with fold-down beds as well as electricity outlets and complimentary dinners in the dining car.
- The bedrooms are bigger and have a bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Your room’s staff will make your bed at night. Be sure to tip them after the travel ($5-$10/night is the norm).
Connectivity
- A lot of Amtrak trains provide free WiFi, but signals aren’t always reliable in the remote regions.
- The power outlet is available in the majority of seats and throughout sleeping areas.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Los Angeles
Some trains from Los Angeles are direct. This is a brief breakdown to aid you with planning:
Direct (No Transfer Needed):
- Chicago – Los Angeles via Southwest Chief
- Seattle – Los Angeles via Coast Starlight
- San Francisco – Los Angeles via Coast Starlight
- New Orleans – Los Angeles via Sunset Limited
- San Diego – Los Angeles via Pacific Surfliner
Connecting Routes (Transfer Required):
- New York – Chicago – Los Angeles (Lake Shore Limited + Southwest Chief)
- Boston – Chicago – Los Angeles (Lake Shore Limited + Southwest Chief)
- Denver – Salt Lake City or Emeryville – Los Angeles (California Zephyr + Coast Starlight)
- Dallas – San Antonio – Los Angeles (Texas Eagle + Sunset Limited)
| Route Type | Best For | Booking Tip |
| Direct long-distance | West Coast, Midwest travelers | Book early for sleepers |
| Connecting via Chicago | East Coast travelers | Allow 2-4 hour Chicago layover |
| Pacific Surfliner | SoCal regional trips | Flexible same-day booking often fine |
Business Class vs Coach on Los Angeles Trains
Business Class vs Coach can be the difference between comfort and discomfort on a long flight to Los Angeles.
| Feature | Coach | Business Class | Sleeper (Roomette) |
| Seat Type | Standard reclining | Premium wider seats | Private cabin with beds |
| Legroom | Standard | Extra legroom | Full bed |
| Power Outlets | Yes (most trains) | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (where available) | Yes | Yes |
| Meals | Purchase separately | Complimentary beverages | All meals included |
| Refundable Ticket | No (Saver) / Yes (Flex) | Yes | Yes |
| Amtrak Guest Rewards Points | Standard | 25% bonus | 25-50% bonus |
| Best For | Budget travelers | Comfort-conscious day riders | Overnight / long-distance |
| Price vs Coach | – | ~30-50% more | 3-5x more |
Our Recommendation: For trips under 8 hours (San Diego or San Francisco to LA), Coach is perfectly adequate. However, for the Southwest Chief (Chicago to LA, ~40 hours) or Coast Starlight, consider upgrading to at least Business Class – or, for a truly better experience, a Sleeper.
Los Angeles Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About Los Angeles Union Station
Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS), located at 800 N Alameda Street, is the busiest rail terminal in the western United States. Opened in 1939, it features a unique combination of Mission Revival and Art Deco architectural styles. LAUS is one of the most integrated transit centers in the country. It serves Amtrak long-distance trains, Amtrak regional trains, Metrolink, and the LA Metro Rail system. LAUS has a large waiting room with a high ceiling, original tile, and gardens, which have been designated a California Historic Landmark. It has a ticket office, checked baggage, a food hall, shops, parking, and is fully accessible. The numerous ways to travel to and from LAUS make it the best point in the city for visitors and commuters.
Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) is the main hub for all intercity Amtrak services to and from Los Angeles.
Station Details:
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Los Angeles Union Station |
| Station Code | LAX (Amtrak) |
| Address | 800 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| Year Built | 1939 |
| Architectural Style | Mission Revival / Art Deco |
| Daily Passengers | ~100,000+ (combined rail & Metro) |
Facilities at LAUS:
- Tickets Office – Amtrak Lounge Service-rich tickets, a waiting area, and the Metropolitan Lounge for premium passengers
- Cafes & Restaurants – Numerous dining options in the terminal’s historic structure, such as Traxx Restaurant
- Metro Rail Access – Direct links to Metro Rail Access, the Metro Red/Purple Lines, Gold Line, as well as the Silver Line bus rapid transit
- Rideshare Service -Pickup designated Uber/Lyft pickup areas outside the station
- Luggage Storage – available at a cost per day
- Accessibility – Complete ADA conformity, including accessibility to elevators, accessible bathrooms, and assistance with boarding
- Parking – Parking structure on-site that is rated daily.
How to Get to Los Angeles from Union Station:
- Metro Rail: l Red Line (B Line) towards Hollywood, Koreatown, or Downtown. The Gold Line reaches Pasadena and East LA.
- DASH Bus: Cost-effective LADOT shuttles link to a variety of urban neighborhoods in downtown LA.
- Uber/Lyft: Available right away outside the station. Typical wait time is 3-8 mins.
- Rental Cars: There are several large rental companies operating close to the station.
Los Angeles Union Station is actually a very beautiful train station and is a place worth spending a few minutes in. It was built in 1939 and features beautiful handcrafted tiled floors and palm-lined gardens.
How to Book Train Tickets to Los Angeles: Step-by-Step Guide
The process of booking the Amtrak train ticket from Los Angeles is straightforward. How to go about it:
Step 1: Visit Amtrak.com or launch the Amtrak App. Go to .amtrak.com on a desktop or download the no-cost Amtrak application on iOS as well as Android.
Step 2: Enter Your Trip Details
- Select “Round Trip” or “One Way”
- Input your city of origin as well as “Los Angeles, CA (LAX).”
- Choose your travel date(s)
- Input the details of the number of people who are passengers.
Step 3: Search Results of Search for Available Trains will display train schedules, times of departure, and fare categories (Saver value, Flexible, Value Sleeper, Business). The cheapest Saver fares are, however, they are not refundable. Flexible rates are higher but permit cancellations and changes.
Step 4: Choose the fare you want to pay and then choose the fare class you prefer. If you are traveling overnight, you can choose a Coach Seat, Roomette, or Bedroom.
Step 5: Set up your own Amtrak Account or Login. Create a new Amtrak Guest Rewards Account and get points for every trip.
Step 6: Input the Passenger Information & Pay. Fill in the name, contact information, and payment details. Amtrak will accept all major credit cards.
Step 7: Download Your E-Ticket. Your ticket will be sent to you via email and then stored inside the Amtrak application. Printing is not required; present your mobile or your name to the conductor.
Pro Tip: Amtrak frequently offers discount vouchers and multiple-ride passes. Go to Amtrak.com for discounts in the “Deals” section of Amtrak.com before making a reservation.
Los Angeles Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Prices for train tickets to Los Angeles depend on a number of factors, such as the departure city, when the ticket is bought, the type of train, and the class of the ticket.
Typical Price Ranges:
| Route | Coach (Saver) | Coach (Flexible) | Business Class | Sleeper (Roomette) |
| San Diego → LA | $15-$35 | $35-$60 | N/A | N/A |
| San Francisco → LA | $40-$80 | $80-$130 | $100-$160 | $250-$500 |
| Chicago → LA | $80-$200 | $150-$300 | $220-$380 | $400-$1,200 |
| New York → LA | $150-$350 | $280-$500 | $380-$600 | $700-$2,000+ |
| New Orleans → LA | $70-$180 | $130-$280 | N/A | $350-$900 |
| Seattle → LA | $60-$160 | $120-$260 | $180-$320 | $350-$1,000 |
How to Save Money on Train Tickets to Los Angeles:
- OK Cheaper tickets are available at least 11 months prior to departure, and they are among the most affordable. If you reserve your tickets earlier you book, the less money you will save.
- Travel mid-week – Tuesdays and Wednesdays departures are typically less expensive than Sunday or Friday.
- Participate in Amtrak Guest Rewards: You’re free, and you get points for future travel.
- Make use of Multi-City Booking: Sometimes, purchasing two short segments is less expensive than booking a single through-ticket.
- Keep an eye out for sales: Amtrak has seasonal sales, particularly during the months of January and September.
- AAA and Senior Discounts: AAA and Senior Discounts – Amtrak provides a 10% discount to AAA members, senior citizens (65plus), or military students.
- Children travel: Free or are discounted for children 2-12 years old. Kids get half price off of adult coach tickets.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Los Angeles has great weather, but the best time to travel and book a train ticket is based on what you want:
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Train Fares | Best For |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild, 65-75°F | Moderate | Moderate | Sightseeing, outdoor activities |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm, 75-90°F | Busy | Higher | Beach trips, theme parks |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Pleasant, 65-80°F | Moderate | Lower | Best overall value |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cool, 55-70°F | Lower (except holidays) | Lowest | Budget travel, fewer crowds |
Peak Booking Periods to Watch:
- Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day – Make reservations at least a month in advance; Sleepers are sold out quickly.
- Christmas and Thanksgiving – The busiest travel season for trains of the year. Book 3 to 4 months in advance
- Rose Bowl / New Year’s – The Rose Bowl / New Year’s Eve, L os Angeles gets very busy at the end of December and early January.
For the best savings, book your trip for September through early November for the best weather, the least amount of people, and the most economical tickets.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Los Angeles: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
What advantages does traveling by train to Los Angeles have over other means of traveling?
From San Diego
At only $15-35 for a ticket and in a travel time of 2.5-3 hours, the Pacific Surfliner is hands-down the best option for coastal California travel. Driving feels like a waste of time because of LA’s infamous traffic, and you have to pay for downtown parking, which costs between $25-$50 for the day.
From San Francisco
The Coast Starlight is a beautiful option to travel down the coast of California, but with an 11-12 hour travel time, it is much slower than driving or flying. For those who prefer a beautiful, comfortable, and stress-free trip, the train is the best option. Sleeper Roomettes provide a much more comfortable and interesting overnight trip.
From Chicago
The Southwest Chief is the longest option with a travel time of 43 hours. Driving the same route would be much more uncomfortable. This train crosses beautiful desert landscapes in New Mexico and Arizona that you totally miss if you drive. With a Sleeper Roomette and Meals Included, this is much more of an adventure than just a rail journey.
From Seattle
The Coast Starlight has a 35-40 hour travel time and is the slowest option because of how beautiful and scenic the trip is. The portion of the trip that goes through the Cascade Mountains and the coastline of California is especially breathtaking. If you have the time, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
| Factor | Train (Amtrak) | Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus) | Car (Drive) | Plane |
| Comfort | – | – | – | – |
| Scenic Experience | – | – | – | – |
| Cost (from Chicago) | $80-$200+ | $60-$120 | $150-$250 (gas/wear) | $80-$300+ |
| Speed (from Chicago) | ~40 hours | ~35-40 hours | ~30 hours | ~4 hours |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Low | High | Very High |
| Luggage Flexibility | High | Limited | Unlimited | Fee-heavy |
| City Center Arrival | Yes (Union Station) | Varies | No (parking needed) | No (LAX is remote) |
| Stress Level | Low | Medium | High (traffic) | High (security) |
Train travel is best for Comfort, Scenery, and Stress-free travel. This is not the fastest travel option, but for travelers who value the journey and scenery over the end goal and who want to avoid the hassle of LAX travel, the Train to Los Angeles is the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct Amtrak train that goes to Los Angeles?
Yes! Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited, and Pacific Surfliner all serve LA directly. No transfer is required.
2. How long does the train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles take?
Around 40 to 43 hours in the Southwest Chief via Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff.
3. What is the Los Angeles train station called?
Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS), 800 N Alameda Street, LA 90012 – the most important railroad terminal in the western US.
4. What price does an Amtrak ticket for Los Angeles cost?
Coach 15-$350, based on where you are from. Sleeper Roomettes: $250-$2,000+. Get your reservations in advance to receive the lowest rates.
5. Is it true that Amtrak has sleeper trains that go to Los Angeles?
Yes! Southwest Chief and Coast Starlight have Roomette & Bedroom for sleepers, with all meals included.
6. Is it possible to travel by train from New York to Los Angeles?
Yes, one Chicago transfer. Lake Shore Limited – Southwest Chief. Total: ~65-70 hours.
7. Does Los Angeles Union Station have parking?
Yes – on-site parking structure available. Alternatives off-site are more affordable to stay for longer periods of time.
8. Is Wi-Fi available on Wi-Fi trains going to Los Angeles?
Free Wi-Fi is available on the Pacific Surfliner, Southwest Chief & Coast Starlight. There may be a difference in signal strength when you are in areas that are remote.
9. What’s the baggage policy for trains going to Los Angeles?
2 carry-ons for free (50 pounds each) and 2 personal items. The check-in baggage is available at LAUS at a cost.
10. Are you secure for me to ride the train to Los Angeles?
Yes, trained personnel and security on site at LAUS. Be sure to keep an eye on your possessions.