How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles cost?

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Los Angeles is R 3 856. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

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

A train trip between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 2d 2h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 19h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2805 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Chicago and Los Angeles?

The number of trains from Chicago to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 5. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?

When taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Chicago to Los Angeles from R 2 569 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 14 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
13:52	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	05:35	Union Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 15 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	No tags
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 16 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 17 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	No tags
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 18 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
13:52	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	05:35	Union Station	No tags
13:52	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 17h	05:35	Union Station	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 19 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	No tags
09:50	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 20 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Next departures from Chicago to Los Angeles on 21 November
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	17:05	UCLA	No tags
15:05	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d 4h	17:05	UCLA	No tags
14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 19h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags
07:15	Chicago (Union Station), IL	3d	05:35	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags
07:40	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 2h	07:57	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:15 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, 5 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just R 1 916, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

55bus per day

2d 5hAverage duration

2808 kmDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 1 916 - R 10 995	Average duration2d 5h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 2 681 - R 56 779	Average duration2d 2h	CO₂ emissions 255kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 583 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5583 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 2 681

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

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

Stops in Chicago

A - Union Station

Stops in Los Angeles, US

A - Ramirez Street bus stop

B - UCLA

Frequently asked questions on the trip Chicago - Los Angeles, US

How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to Los Angeles is R 3 856. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles?
A train trip between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 2d 2h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 19h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2805 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Chicago and Los Angeles?
The number of trains from Chicago to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 5. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?
When taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11/11

R 3 041

12/11

R 4 439

Today

R 4 806

14/11

R 3 705

15/11

R 4 195

16/11

R 3 618

17/11

R 4 195

18/11

R 4 020

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, US was searched and found on 11 Nov 2025 with a price of R 3 041

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 3 041 to R 51 623 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 3 618, which is on 2025-11-16.