How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles cost?

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Los Angeles is $312. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Chicago to Los Angeles?

A train trip between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 2d 2h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 19h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2805 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Los Angeles?

The number of trains from Chicago to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 5. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?

When taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Chicago to Los Angeles from $213 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 22
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 23
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	7:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	5:35am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 24
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	5:35am	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	5:35am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	7:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 27
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	CheapestFastest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags
9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on November 28
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:05pm	UCLA	No tags
1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	5:35am	Union Station	No tags
7:15am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	5:35am	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:08 AM CST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Los Angeles

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 2 days, 5 hours 40 minutes, and with fares starting at just $157, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

41bus per day

2d 5hAverage Duration

2808 kmDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$157 - $911	Average Duration2d 5h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$223 - $2,937	Average Duration2d 2h	CO₂ emissions 255kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Los Angeles, US?

Chicago

A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Los Angeles, US

A
Ramirez Street bus stop
530 Ramirez St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
B
UCLA
571-581 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,597 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5597 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $223

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Los Angeles, US by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to Los Angeles is $312. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Chicago to Los Angeles?
A train trip between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 2d 2h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 19h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2805 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Los Angeles?
The number of trains from Chicago to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 5. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?
When taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-19

$252

11-20

$252

Today

$570

11-22

$578

11-23

$613

11-24

$701

11-25

$623

11-26

$465

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on Nov 19, 2025 with a price of $252

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $252 to $5,377 for a train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $465 which is on 2025-11-26.