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

The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles start from R 2 652. The average price for this train route is around R 3 726. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

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

The average train journey time from Chicago to Los Angeles 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 Chicago to Los Angeles 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 Chicago to Los Angeles?

The earliest train from Chicago to Los Angeles departs at 07:15. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

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

Next departures

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 12 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	07:57	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
13:52	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	05:35	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 13 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:00	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 14h	02:25	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 14 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 15 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	07:57	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 16 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	CheapestFastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 17 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
08:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	07:57	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 18 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 19 December
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	Cheapest
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	Fastest
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:45	UCLA	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:12 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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, 3 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just R 1 870, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

35bus per day

2d 3hAverage duration

2808 kmDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 1 870 - R 12 280	Average duration2d 3h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 652 - R 9 096	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

4/55 639 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5639 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 Chicago to Los Angeles, US 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 Chicago to Los Angeles?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles start from R 2 652. The average price for this train route is around R 3 726. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The average train journey time from Chicago to Los Angeles 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 Chicago to Los Angeles 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 Chicago to Los Angeles?
The earliest train from Chicago to Los Angeles departs at 07:15. And the latest train departs at 15:05.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

10/12

R 7 678

11/12

R 5 240

Today

R 4 860

13/12

R 4 825

14/12

R 4 566

15/12

R 4 860

16/12

R 3 009

17/12

R 5 586

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 3 009

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 R 3 009 to R 47 468 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 R 3 009, which is on 2025-12-16.