How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles start from $154. The average price for this train route is around $215. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles?

The average train ride duration from Chicago to Los Angeles is 2d 2h, covering a distance of 1738 miles (2803 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 19h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the Chicago to Los Angeles route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 5 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to Los Angeles?

The earliest train departs from Chicago to Los Angeles at 7:15am. And the latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Train Chicago to Los Angeles from $147 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on March 16
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on March 17
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
2:10pm	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
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on March 18
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	5:45pm	UCLA	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 March 19
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	5:45pm	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 March 21
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	5:45pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:45pm	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 March 22
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 8h	9:11pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:45pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:45pm	UCLA	No tags
2:10pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	5:35am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on March 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	5:45pm	UCLA	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:45pm	UCLA	No tags
7:40am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:29 PM CDT.

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, 2 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $98, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

47bus per day

2d 2hAverage Duration

1737 milesDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$98 - $645	Average Duration2d 2h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$154 - $1,153	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

4/55,768 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5768 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $154

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

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

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles start from $154. The average price for this train route is around $215. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The average train ride duration from Chicago to Los Angeles is 2d 2h, covering a distance of 1738 miles (2803 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 19h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chicago to Los Angeles route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 5 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The earliest train departs from Chicago to Los Angeles at 7:15am. And the latest train departs at 3:05pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

03/14

$944

03/15

$484

Today

$1,406

03/17

$407

03/18

$338

03/19

$329

03/20

$280

03/21

$357

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on Mar 20, 2026 with a price of $280

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 $280 to $2,259 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 $280 which is on 2026-03-20.