Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL Train

Travel by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL

The train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, lasts on average 59 hr 26 min. Around 6 trains depart a day from Los Angeles to Chicago. The average price is $354.28, and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $125.92.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Los Angeles to Chicago. Two Amtrak servicesconnect the two cities directly: the Southwest Chief and the Texas Eagle. Amtrak also offers different transfer options in Portland and San Antonio for a higher price. The Southwest Chief is about 20 hours faster than the Texas Eagle  for the same price. Both services have Superliner trains, double-decker sleeper cars, and an observation deck.

The Texas Eagle leaves Los Angeles around 10 pm. This train route is the longest in the United States and runs from Los Angeles to Chicago, with frequent stops in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, and California. Enjoy comfortable seating on the upper and lower levels with Superliner rail cars as you travel through some of America's most beautiful landscapes -from Illinois, home of Abraham Lincoln, to the Mississippi River and the Ozarks in Little Rock, to the stunning Piney Woods of East Texas - Luckily you can take advantage of observations decks on all Superliner trains. The whole journey last 65 hours, which is three nights on the train. You may need to change trains in San Antonio, so keep that in mind.

The 43-hour journey with the Amtrak Southwest Chief, will take you through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Take a breathtaking trip across the Mississippi through eight stunning states. Enjoy the wheat fields and ranches, ancient pueblos and missions, deserts and mountains that can't be seen from mere highways from the comfort of a Superliner deck. Traveling through curving canyons, barely wider than the train itself, is something only a train ride can provide. This train usually leaves Union station in the morning hours.

Amtrak offers four sleeping options on their trains.

1. The Roomette is, at first glance, a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage options will surprise you at every step. They start with two comfortable recliner seats, which turn into a bed, and a second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling, making enough space for two people to sleep and have a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
2. The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price. 
3. The Two-Room Suite on a train offers twice the space of a regular Bedroom accommodation. During the day, the suite features two sofas and separate chairs for seating; at night, these furnishings convert into upper and lower beds, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements. It includes two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers.
4. The Family room is only available on the Superliner trains. It provides comfortable accommodations for up to four people, with full-sized beds and fold-down bunks. Passengers can access hot showers, extra storage space, a sink, and an enclosed lavatory. 

If you opt for the sleeping car, remember that you must book the entire unit alone or with someone. Also, the coach has comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.

You will start your journey at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, between Alameda Street, Cesar Chavez Avenue, Vignes Street, and the Hollywood Freeway. The Terminal Annex building is on the opposite side of the Chavez Avenue underpass. It is not far from Chinatown, and Patsaouras Transit Plaza on the east side of the Station is a stop for the Metro Local, Metro Rapid, and Metro Express lines, the municipal lines as the DASH shuttles. You can reach LAX with The FlyAway express bus service.

Chicago Union Station is a bustling one of the biggest U.S. transportation hubs, ranking as the third busiest train station in the United States. It serves as a gateway to 15 Amtrak train lines, connecting travelers to destinations nationwide. Additionally, Union Station provides access to bus carriers such as Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Jefferson Lines and connections to Metra commuter lines. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is within walking distance to the nearest Chicago L lines. It offers numerous amenities and services, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.

Chicago is one of the cradles of American culture, home of Jazz, deep-dish pizza, and the famous Second City comedy theater. The Willis Tower's Skydeck provides unbeatable views of the city and Lake Michigan, making it a tourist must-visit destination. At over 1,300 feet, the observation deck is the highest in the U.S. Another popular spot for visitors is Millennium Park, where they can snap the iconic selfie with the Bean sculpture before exploring the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a bustling tourist attraction with parks, restaurants, and various entertainment options situated on the picturesque Lake Michigan. Wrigleyville is a haven for baseball enthusiasts, as it's home to the iconic Wrigley Field and numerous sports bars.

So if you plan to travel to Chicago from Los Angeles by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Los Angeles and Chicago.