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

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles start at $217. The average price for this train route is around $305. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

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

The average train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles takes 2d 2h and covers 2803 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 19h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Chicago to Los Angeles route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 5 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Los Angeles?

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

Train Chicago to Los Angeles from $208 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on December 17
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:15pm	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
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 8h	9:11pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on December 18
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
9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on December 19
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:45pm	UCLA	Cheapest
2:25pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	7:57am	Union Station	Fastest
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
1:52pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	5:35am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on December 20
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
9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	7:57am	Union Station	No tags
3:05pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	5:15pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on December 21
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
9:50am	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	7:57am	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for Chicago to Los Angeles on December 22
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:00pm	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 14h	2:25am	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 December 23
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
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 8:21 PM 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, 2 hours 55 minutes, and with fares starting at just $143, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

33bus per day

2d 2hAverage Duration

2801 kmDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$143 - $1,021	Average Duration2d 2h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$217 - $2,105	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

4/55,652 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5652 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 $217

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

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 at $217. The average price for this train route is around $305. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The average train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles takes 2d 2h and covers 2803 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 19h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Los Angeles route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 5 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The earliest train from Chicago to Los Angeles departs at 7:15am. 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

12-15

$455

12-16

$526

Today

$650

12-18

$684

12-19

$886

12-20

$2,280

12-21

$606

12-22

$618

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on Dec 15, 2025 with a price of $455

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 $455 to $6,275 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 $606 which is on 2025-12-21.

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to Los Angeles, US?

The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel time2d 2h	Avg Price$319	Daily Departures33
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel time2d 2h	Avg Price$305	Daily Departures5

The best way to travel between Chicago and Los Angeles, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $305 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $217. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Los Angeles, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Chicago to Los Angeles, US in about 2d 2h —that's the fastest way to get there!