Covering over 2,200 miles in roughly 43 hours, the Southwest Chief is Amtrak’s Chicago to Los Angeles service. Departing from Chicago Union Station in the afternoons, it arrives at LA Union Station the morning of the second day. Coach fares start around USD 130-250, and private sleeping rooms around USD 600-1,000+ for one traveler, depending on the date and how early you book. Fares are subject to change. Please check Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app for the latest fares and schedules.
At a Glance: Chicago to Los Angeles by Train
| Detail | Information |
| Main train | Amtrak Southwest Chief (Train 3 westbound, Train 4 eastbound) |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Distance | About 2,265 miles |
| Travel time | About 43 hours (around 2 nights onboard) |
| Departure station | Chicago Union Station, 225 S Canal St |
| Arrival station | Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N Alameda St |
| Accommodation types | Coach seat, Roomette, Bedroom, Family Bedroom, Accessible Bedroom |
| Typical coach fare | Roughly USD 130–250 (varies widely) |
| Typical Roomette fare | Roughly USD 600–1,000+ for 1–2 people |
| Booking window | Up to about 11 months in advance |
Why Take a Train From Chicago to Los Angeles? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
It takes less time to fly to your destination, but some prefer to take the train. Here’s what makes rail travel more attractive to passengers than flying.
- Spectacular scenery. The Southwest Chief follows part of the old Santa Fe Railway route. Large windows and the Sightseer Lounge car show you plains, mesas, red rock country, pine forests, and desert sunsets that you never see at 35,000 feet.
- More space and comfort. Coach seats have generous legroom, wide recline, leg rests, and power outlets. You can walk around, visit the lounge or café car,r and stretch whenever you like. There are no cramped middle seats.
- A relaxed, stress-free experience. There are no long security lines, no tight baggage limits, ts and no baggage fees for standard allowances. You can arrive at the station shortly before departure.
- Sleeper options. If you book a Roomette or Bedroom, you get a private room with beds and a door, and in some rooms a private toilet and shower. This turns the trip into a mini hotel stay on rails.
- Meals are included with sleeper tickets. Sleeping car passengers typically receive dining car meals as part of the fare, which can offset part of the price.
- Lower environmental impact. Rail travel generally produces fewer emissions per passenger-mile than flying or solo driving, which matters to eco-conscious travelers.
- Stopovers at famous destinations. You can break your trip in places like Albuquerque, Flagstaff, or Santa Fe (via Lamy) and continue later by buying separate tickets.
- Reliable in many conditions. Trains operate through many weather conditions that can delay flights, although freight congestion and track work can still cause delays.
Which Trains Go from Chicago to Los Angeles? Major Rail Services Explained
The trip is straightforward, with only one direct, single-train option available, whereas there are several connecting alternatives.
The Southwest Chief (Direct)
This is the answer to “what train goes from Chicago to Los Angeles?” It goes directly from Chicago to LA, taking the southern-central route and doesn’t require a change of train. It’s the fastest and simplest train option.
Connecting Options
| Option | How it works | Approx. total time | Best for |
| Southwest Chief (direct) | One train, no transfers | ~43 hours | Most travelers |
| California Zephyr + Thruway/Coast Starlight | Chicago to Emeryville (Bay Area), then onward to Southern California by rail/bus | 3+ days | Scenic northern route through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada |
| Texas Eagle + Sunset Limited | Chicago to San Antonio, then to Los Angeles | 3+ days | Southern route travelers and Texas stopovers |
Note: The Sunset Limited does not run every day, so planning matters. The California Zephyr route is famous for the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada but takes longer and involves a connection. For most people, the direct Southwest Chief is the practical choice.
Popular Train Routes from Chicago to Los Angeles From Major US Cities
Most people don’t start their journeys in Chicago. They connect through here, or take other Amtrak routes that interconnect with the Southwest Chief. Below are some ways of reaching the Chicago-to-Los Angeles leg of your journey.
| Starting city | Typical route | Notes |
| New York City | Lake Shore Limited to Chicago, then Southwest Chief | Overnight to Chicago, then the long ride west |
| Washington, D.C. | Capitol Limited to Chicago, then Southwest Chief | Scenic Appalachian segment |
| Boston | Lake Shore Limited (via Albany) to Chicago | Connection in Chicago required |
| Milwaukee / Minneapolis | Hiawatha or Empire Builder to Chicago | Short connection to Union Station |
| Kansas City | Boards the Southwest Chief directly | Mid-route boarding point |
| Albuquerque / Flagstaff | Boards the Southwest Chief directly | Great for Southwest stopovers |
Note: If you are connecting in Chicago, allow a minimum of three hours between arrival and departure. Through-ticketing on one Amtrak reservation helps protect you if the first train runs late.
Chicago to Los Angeles Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
The Southwest Chief takes a more southerly route across the US, and leaves Chicago in the mid-afternoon and arrives in Los Angeles early on the second morning. Travel time is approximately 43 hours. Be sure to allow for time zone changes, as you travel from Central Time to Pacific Time. Train schedules can change, so be sure to check exact departure times with Amtrak before purchasing tickets.
Major Stops Along the Route
| Region | Key station stops |
| Illinois / Iowa / Missouri | Chicago, Naperville, Galesburg, Fort Madison, Kansas City |
| Kansas / Colorado | Topeka, Newton, Dodge City, La Junta, Trinidad |
| New Mexico | Raton, Las Vegas, NM, Lamy (for Santa Fe), Albuquerque, Gallup |
| Arizona | Flagstaff, Williams Junction, Kingman |
| California | Needles, Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino, Fullerton, Los Angeles |
Smart Ticket Tips
- Book early. Amtrak uses bucket pricing, so the cheapest fares sell out first. Booking months ahead usually gives the best price.
- Be flexible with dates. Midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends or holidays.
- Compare coach and sleeper. Sleeper fares include meals, so the true price gap is smaller than it looks.
- Use the Amtrak app. E-tickets live on your phone, and you can track delays in real time.
- Watch for sales. Amtrak runs promotions throughout the year, especially in off-peak seasons.
Chicago to Los Angeles Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
A two-night rail trip is different from a short commuter ride. These tips make it comfortable.
- Pack a small overnight bag. Keep essentials (medication, charger, toiletries, snacks, a light blanket) at your seat. Larger bags can go on the luggage rack or lower level.
- Bring a power strip or portable charger. Outlets exist, but they can be shared or limited.
- Do not rely on Wi-Fi. Coverage is spotty in remote desert and mountain areas. Download movies, music, maps, and books before you leave.
- Dress in layers. Cabins can be cool at night and warm in the afternoon sun.
- Bring earplugs and an eye mask. They help you sleep in a reclining seat.
- Pack snacks and water. The café car is convenient, but having your own supplies saves money.
- Arrive early at the station. Aim for about 45 minutes to an hour before departure, longer if checking bags.
- Use the fresh-air stops. During longer station stops (such as Albuquerque or Kansas City), you can step off to stretch, but listen to the crew’s announcements so you do not miss departure.
- Choose your seat side wisely. Seat choice is flexible, and the scenery switches sides at different points of the route.
- Keep realistic expectations about time. Freight railroads own much of the track, so delays can happen. Build some flexibility into your plans.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Chicago to Los Angeles
Direct Route: Southwest Chief
The most direct route is also the simplest. Board in Chicago, and get off in Los Angeles two nights later. Along the way, you can sleep over in sleeping cars. No need to change trains. Your bags can be checked through route and at station areas with bag check service.
Highlights of the direct route:
- Mississippi River crossing near Fort Madison, Iowa
- Kansas plains and the historic Santa Fe Trail corridor
- Raton Pass, a dramatic climb across the Colorado–New Mexico border
- Albuquerque, the largest city stop, with Old Town nearby
- Flagstaff, gateway to the Grand Canyon region
- Cajon Pass and the descent into the Los Angeles basin
Connecting Routes
If you want more scenery or a longer adventure, you can build a connection:
- Northern route: The California Zephyr runs from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area through Denver, the Rockies, Utah, and the Sierra Nevada. From there, you can continue to Southern California by Amtrak California rail and bus links, including the Coast Starlight.
- Southern route: The Texas Eagle goes from Chicago to San Antonio, where it can connect with the Sunset Limited toward Los Angeles on scheduled days.
Note: These options are better for travelers who treat the trip as a vacation instead of just transportation. Expect to spend at least three days and plan hotel nights if there are overnight layovers.
Business Class vs Coach on Chicago to Los Angeles Trains
The Southwest Chief doesn’t feature Business Class, but Amtrak offers Business Class on some shorter routes as well as corridor routes. Long-distance routes like the Southwest Chief usually feature Coach Class, with an upgrade to Premium Class (which features sleeper accommodations). Services can be altered, so be sure to double-check when booking.
| Feature | Coach | Roomette | Bedroom |
| Best for | Budget travelers | Solo travelers or couples | Families, couples wanting space |
| Sleeping | Reclining seat with leg rest | Two seats that convert to bunk beds | Sofa and bed, more floor space |
| Private toilet | No (shared restrooms) | No (shared restrooms nearby) | Yes, often with shower |
| Meals | Purchased separately | Included in fare | Included in fare |
| Privacy | Open seating car | Private room with door | Larger private room |
| Price level | Lowest | High | Highest |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Coach if you are on a tight budget, comfortable sleeping upright, and traveling light. Coach seats are far roomier than airline seats.
- Choose a Roomette if you want real beds, privacy,y and included meals.
- Choose a Bedroom if you travel with a partner or child, need an in-room toilet and shower, or want more space.
Note: Many travelers pick coach for one direction and a sleeper for the other. The sleeper gives you a better night’s rest, especially on a two-night trip.
Chicago to Los Angeles Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About Chicago to Los Angeles Station
Two major stations anchor your journey.
Chicago Union Station
- Address: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL
- Location: In the Loop, near the Willis Tower and the Chicago River
- Facilities: Great Hall, restaurants, shops, restrooms, baggage services, lounges
- Transit connections: CTA buses, nearby “L” stops, Metra commuter rail, taxis and rideshares
- Premium lounge: Sleeper car passengers can usually use the Metropolitan Lounge, which offers seating, snacks, Wi-F, i and boarding assistance. Check Amtrak’s current rules for eligibility.
Los Angeles Union Station
- Address: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles, near Chinatown, Olvera Street and City Hall
- Facilities: Historic terminal with restaurants, shops, baggage services, and waiting areas
- Transit connections: Metro rail lines, Metrolink, buses, taxis and rideshares, and links toward the airport via FlyAway service
Station Comparison
| Feature | Chicago Union Station | Los Angeles Union Station |
| Style | Neoclassical, Great Hall | Mission Revival and Art Deco blend |
| Local transit | CTA, Metra | Metro, Metrolink |
| Lounge for sleeper passengers | Yes (Metropolitan Lounge) | Typically no equivalent lounge |
| Nearby attractions | Millennium Park, Riverwalk | Olvera Street, Chinatown, DTLA |
How to Book Train Tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking is straightforward and can be done in minutes.
- Open Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. These are the official sources for fares and schedules.
- Enter your route. Choose Chicago, IL (CHI) as the origin and Los Angeles, CA (LAX) as the destination.
- Select your travel date. Use the flexible dates or fare calendar to find lower prices.
- Add passengers. Include adults, seniors, children, and any travelers who need accessibility services.
- Choose the Southwest Chief. Review departure and arrival times.
- Pick your service class. Select Coach, Roomette, Bedroom, or another sleeper.
- Choose a fare type. Cheaper fares may have more restrictions, while flexible fares allow changes with fewer penalties.
- Select seats or rooms. Coach seat assignment details may vary; sleeper rooms are reserved at booking.
- Enter traveler details and pay. Major credit cards and other payment options are accepted.
- Save your e-ticket. Store it in the app and bring a valid photo ID.
Extra booking notes:
- Tickets typically go on sale around 11 months before departure.
- Children aged 2–12 often receive a discount when traveling with an adult, and infants under 2 can usually ride free on a lap, subject to Amtrak rules.
- Discounts may be available for seniors, military and veterans, and certain organizations or partners.
- Amtrak Guest Rewards lets you earn points toward future trips.
- A USA Rail Pass can be useful if you plan several train segments in one month.
Chicago to Los Angeles Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Prices change with demand, season, and how early you book. The table below shows typical ranges, not guaranteed fares.
| Accommodation | Typical one-way price range (USD) | Meals included? |
| Coach seat | 130–250 (can exceed 300 at peak times) | No |
| Roomette (1–2 passengers) | 600–1,000+ | Yes |
| Bedroom (1–2 passengers) | 1,000–1,800+ | Yes |
How to Save Money
- Book early. The lowest fare buckets sell first.
- Travel midweek. Tuesdays, Wednesdays,s and Thursdays are usually cheaper.
- Avoid peak seasons. Summer and holidays push prices up.
- Use discounts. Check eligibility for senior, military, AAA, child, and other fares.
- Bring your own food. Pack sandwiches, fruit, and snacks for coach travel.
- Consider a Guest Rewards redemption. Points can offset the fare.
- Compare split trips. Sometimes buying two separate segments is cheaper, but check that you will not lose through-ticket protection.
- Sign up for fare alerts and newsletters. Amtrak sales appear often.
Is a Sleeper Worth It?
A Roomette is more expensive than a coach ticket, true. A Roomette, however, includes meals and a bed. Also, a Roomette offers more privacy. So, for the solo traveler who values sleep and wants to save money, a Roomette is a good option.
Best Time to Travel from Chicago to Los Angeles by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
The best season depends on what you want from the journey.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild weather, lower fares, green landscapes | Occasional storms in the Plains |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Long daylight for sightseeing, vacation atmosphere | Higher fares, crowded trains, desert heat |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Excellent visibility, comfortable temperatures, golden foliage in some areas | Fares rise around holidays |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cheaper fares outside holidays, snowy scenery at Raton Pass | Weather delays possible, shorter daylight hours |
- Best overall: Late spring and early fall usually offer the best mix of weather, scenery,y and price.
- Tip on daylight: Because the train runs through the night, plan which famous landscapes you want to see in daylight. Seasonal sunrise and sunset times change which sections you pass after dark.
- Holiday warning: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s travel sells out early. Book as far ahead as possible and expect higher fares.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Chicago to Los Angeles: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Here is a straightforward comparison of the common ways to travel between Chicago and Los Angeles. Costs are rough estimates and vary with date and fuel prices.
| Factor | Train | Bus | Car | Plane |
| Travel time | ~43 hours | ~45+ hours with transfers | ~30–35 hours of driving | ~4.5 hours flight |
| Typical cost (USD) | 130–1,000+ | ~150–300 | Fuel, hotels, and wear on vehicle | ~100–400+ |
| Comfort | High for coach, very high for sleeper | Moderate | Flexible but tiring | Moderate |
| Scenery | Excellent | Good but limited | Excellent, flexible | Limited |
| Stress level | Low | Medium | High (traffic, fatigue) | Medium (airports) |
| Baggage freedom | Generous | Limited | Unlimited | Fees and limits |
| Best for | Experience-focused travelers | Tight budgets | Road trippers, families with lots of gear | Speed |
Verdict
- Choose the train if you want the experience, comfort, and scenery and have time to spare.
- Choose the plane if you must arrive quickly.
- Choose the car if you want full control and stops along Route 66 or other roads.
- Choose the bus only if budget is the single most important factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Yes. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief runs daily between Chicago Union Station and Los Angeles Union Station without requiring a train change.
2. How long does the train from Chicago to Los Angeles take?
The journey takes about 43 hours, covering around 2,265 miles. You will spend two nights onboard. Delays can add to this time.
3. How much does a train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles cost?
Coach fares commonly range from about USD 130 to 250 or more, while Roomettes and Bedrooms cost significantly more but include meals. Prices depend on demand and how early you book.
4. Can I sleep on the train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Yes. Coach seats recline with leg rests, and sleeper accommodations (Roomettes and Bedrooms) offer beds. Many travelers find a sleeper more restful for a two-night journey.
5. Are meals included on the Southwest Chief?
Meals are generally included for sleeper passengers. Coach passengers can buy food in the café or dining car, or bring their own snacks.
6. Does the train have Wi-Fi and power outlets?
Seats and rooms usually have power outlets, but Wi-Fi coverage is unreliable on this long-distance route. Download entertainment and maps in advance.
7. How early should I book my ticket?
Book as early as possible, ideally several months ahead. Tickets generally go on sale around 11 months before departure, and the lowest fares sell out first.
8. How much luggage can I bring?
Amtrak generally allows two carry-on bags plus a personal item, and many stations with baggage service allow checked bags within set limits. Check Amtrak’s current baggage policy before you travel.
9. Is the train safe for solo travelers?
Train travel is generally considered safe, and crews are onboard around the clock. As anywhere, keep valuables with you, stay aware of your surroundings,s and lock your sleeper room door at night.
10. What are the best scenic parts of the Chicago to Los Angeles train route?
Popular highlights include the Mississippi River crossing, Raton Pass, the New Mexico high desert near Albuquerque and Lamy, the Arizona stretch near Flagstaff, and the Cajon Pass descent into Southern California.