Chicago to Los Angeles by train

Riding the rails from the Midwest to Southern California offers a classic American travel experience. The direct route connects two of the busiest rail hubs in the country without the need to change trains.

You will cross the country on this trip, moving from the prairies of Illinois to the deserts of the Southwest and finally into the Los Angeles basin. Whether you are traveling for a vacation or simply prefer to avoid flying, this long-distance route provides a comfortable and scenic alternative.

Your train options

The Southwest Chief is the only direct train between these two cities. As of 2026, it operates daily in each direction and takes about 43 hours to complete the trip. Because this is a multi-day journey, you will sleep on board.

Passengers can choose standard coach class, which features reclining seats and leg rests. If you want more privacy and a flat bed, you can book a Superliner Roomette or a Superliner Bedroom. The train also offers a Family Bedroom and an Accessible Bedroom for those who need them.

All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car to watch the scenery. Those booking sleeper accommodations generally have meals included in the Dining car. Choosing between coach and a sleeper depends on your budget and comfort preferences, as sleeping in coach overnight is cheaper but less private.

The journey

The route covers a vast and changing landscape. Leaving Chicago, the train passes through the Illinois prairie and crosses the Mississippi River at Fort Madison before entering northern Missouri farmland. Westbound travelers usually cross the old Santa Fe main line in Kansas at night.

The terrain climbs significantly by the time you reach Trinidad, leading up to Raton Pass. This is the highest point on the route at roughly 7,580 feet. You then travel across the high plains and mesas of northern New Mexico along the historic Santa Fe Trail.

Between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, the train rolls through the red rock country of western New Mexico and the Painted Desert near Winslow. After passing the Ponderosa pine forests around Flagstaff, the train descends through the Mojave Desert and Cajon Pass into the Los Angeles basin. This final desert section is mostly crossed at night when traveling westbound.

The stations

Your trip begins at Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just a short walk or bus ride from the Loop. Its Great Hall opened in 1925 and serves as a classic Beaux Arts waiting room. Premium passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. The station connects to Metra commuter trains and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop.

You will arrive at Los Angeles Union Station, which opened in 1939 with a landmark mix of Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture. This terminus connects easily to Metro Rail lines, Metrolink commuter trains, and the FlyAway bus to LAX airport. It serves as a hub for the Pacific Surfliner and the terminus for the Coast Starlight and Sunset Limited.