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

The cheapest train tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago start from R 2 652. The average price for this train route is around R 3 816. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

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

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

Which train operators serve the Los Angeles to Chicago route?

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

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

The earliest train from Los Angeles to Chicago departs at 09:51. And the latest train departs at 22:00.

Train Los Angeles to Chicago from R 2 542 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from Los Angeles to Chicago on 16 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
17:19	Union Station	2d 2h	21:51	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
17:19	Union Station	1d 19h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Los Angeles to Chicago on 17 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
17:19	Union Station	1d 19h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Los Angeles to Chicago on 18 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
17:19	Union Station	2d 2h	21:51	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
17:19	Union Station	1d 19h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Los Angeles to Chicago on 19 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
22:00	Union Station	2d 13h	13:44	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
17:19	Union Station	1d 19h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Los Angeles to Chicago on 20 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
19:13	Union Station	2d 17h	14:39	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
17:19	Union Station	1d 19h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Next departures from Los Angeles to Chicago on 21 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
17:19	Union Station	2d 2h	21:51	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Cheapest
17:19	Union Station	1d 19h	14:42	Chicago (Union Station), IL	Fastest
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
09:51	Union Station	3d 4h	16:45	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags
17:19	Union Station	2d	20:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:33 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Los Angeles to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 6 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just R 2 208, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

37bus per day

2d 6hAverage duration

2819 kmDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 2 208 - R 9 496	Average duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 652 - R 22 572	Average duration2d 2h	CO₂ emissions 255kg CO₂e

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

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
Visit page

Chicago

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

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 648 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5648 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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at R 2 652

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

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

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

How much is the train ticket from Los Angeles to Chicago?
The cheapest train tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago start from R 2 652. The average price for this train route is around R 3 816. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Los Angeles to Chicago?
The average train journey time from Los Angeles to Chicago is 2d 2h, covering a distance of 2803 km. The quickest train can get you there in 1d 19h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Los Angeles to Chicago route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 5 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Los Angeles to Chicago?
The earliest train from Los Angeles to Chicago departs at 09:51. And the latest train departs at 22:00.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/12

R 5 240

13/12

R 4 687

Today

R 5 690

15/12

R 5 447

16/12

R 5 655

17/12

R 6 571

18/12

R 7 211

19/12

R 7 678

The cheapest trip from Los Angeles, US to Chicago was searched and found on 13 Dec 2025 with a price of R 4 687

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

You can expect to pay from R 4 687 to R 72 662 for a train ticket from Los Angeles, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 5 447, which is on 2025-12-15.