Route snapshot
| Route | Chicago (CHI) to Los Angeles (LAX) |
|---|---|
| Stations | Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles Union Station |
| Trains | Southwest Chief |
| Typical travel time | about 43h |
| How often | Typically one departure per day, so check the schedule for your travel date. |
Chicago to Los Angeles train: what to expect
At about 43h, this is an overnight (or multi-day) journey. Compare a coach seat with a sleeper room, since sleeper fares on long-distance trains often include meals. Typically one departure per day, so check the schedule for your travel date.
Stations in Chicago and Los Angeles
Trains on this route run between Chicago Union Station and Los Angeles Union Station. In Chicago the station is at 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL. Union Station is the hub for Amtrak routes fanning out across the Midwest and the whole country. In Los Angeles the station is at 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA. Note that the station code LAX is shared with the airport, but this is the downtown train station.
How to book cheap Chicago to Los Angeles train tickets
- Book early: Fares generally rise as the seats on a train sell, so booking a few weeks ahead is usually the cheapest approach.
- Stay flexible by a day: Moving your trip by a day, or choosing a midweek or off-peak departure, can lower the fare noticeably.
- Check discounts: Senior, student, child and other eligible fares may be available, so ask when you call.
- On this route: The Southwest Chief crosses the plains, the desert Southwest and the mountains in two nights.
More train tickets from Chicago
- Chicago to St. Louis train tickets
- Washington DC to Chicago train tickets
- Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul train tickets
- Chicago to Detroit train tickets
- Chicago to Milwaukee train tickets
- Chicago to New Orleans train tickets
More train tickets from Los Angeles
- Los Angeles to San Diego train tickets
- Los Angeles to Oakland train tickets
- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara train tickets
- Los Angeles to Anaheim train tickets
- Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo train tickets
- Los Angeles to Sacramento train tickets
More ways to book
New to rail travel? Read our guide on how to book a train, learn how to find cheap train tickets, or browse all train tickets from Chicago and from Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The trip takes about 43h on the Southwest Chief, depending on the departure you choose.
How much do Chicago to Los Angeles train tickets cost?
Fares depend on the travel date, how far ahead you book, the seat class and how full the train is. The cheapest tickets are usually bought early for off-peak departures. Call (888) 885-6306 and our team will check the lowest available fare for your dates.
Which stations do Chicago to Los Angeles trains use?
Trains run between Chicago Union Station (CHI) and Los Angeles Union Station (LAX). Always confirm the station on your ticket, since some cities have more than one.
Is there a direct train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Many departures on this route are direct, but schedules vary by day and season, and some trips may involve a connection. Check the departures for your travel date before booking.
How do I book a train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Enter your cities and date in the search box on this page, or call (888) 885-6306. Our team can find and confirm a fare for you.