City to city
Los Angeles to Houston by Train
You can travel direct from Los Angeles to Houston on the Amtrak Sunset Limited, a journey that takes about 35 to 42 hours across the Southwest.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Limited | about 35 to 42 hours | Three times a week in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
Taking the train from Southern California to Texas offers a comfortable alternative to flying or driving. The Sunset Limited route guide covers the entire southern tier of the United States, connecting Los Angeles and New Orleans. For passengers heading to Houston, the trip provides a relaxing way to cross the vast landscapes of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. You will spend at least one night on board, giving you time to enjoy the dining car and lounge. Whether you choose a standard coach seat or upgrade to a private sleeper, the train provides a steady pace across the desert.
Your train options
The only direct train between these cities is the Sunset Limited. It runs three times a week in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 35 to 42 hours and involves sleeping on the train. You have several choices for your accommodation on board. The most affordable option is a Coach ticket, which provides reclining seats and leg rests. If you want more privacy and a flat bed, you can book a Superliner Roomette or Bedroom. The sleeper cars also include options like the Family Bedroom and Accessible Bedroom. All passengers can use the Sightseer Lounge car to watch the scenery. Those in sleeper classes have meals included in the Dining car, while coach passengers can purchase food. Because this is an overnight journey, booking a roomette is a popular choice for extra comfort, though sleeping in coach overnight is entirely possible if you are on a budget.
The journey
Leaving Los Angeles, the train heads east through California stops like Pomona, Ontario and Palm Springs. Depending on the current timetable, you will pass through the Coachella Valley and the Imperial Valley. Crossing into Arizona, the route takes you past the Saguaro desert landscapes around Yuma, Maricopa and Tucson. You will see the desert basins and ranges of Arizona and New Mexico, stopping in Benson, Lordsburg and Deming. The train then follows the Rio Grande valley near the United States and Mexico border as it approaches El Paso. Continuing east into remote West Texas, the scenery shifts to the Chihuahuan Desert and the Big Bend country around Alpine and Sanderson. You will also cross the Pecos River high bridge area before reaching Del Rio and San Antonio. From San Antonio, the train completes its Texas transit to Houston. Since the trip takes over a day, some of these desert and border landscapes will pass by in the dark.
The stations
Your trip begins at Los Angeles station, which opened in 1939. The building is a notable mix of Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture. It serves as a terminus for several long routes and connects to Metro Rail lines, Metrolink commuter trains and the FlyAway bus to LAX airport. You will arrive at the Houston station, a small Amtrak facility located northwest of downtown by the freight yards. The Sunset Limited serves this stop three times a week. As of 2026, Houston has no other Amtrak service.
Tips
- Book your tickets early because the Sunset Limited only runs three times a week.
- Read our first time on Amtrak guide to understand how dining and boarding work.
- Bring a blanket or extra layers if you plan on sleeping in coach overnight.
- Check the timetable carefully to see which desert sections you will pass during daylight hours.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to change trains between Los Angeles and Houston?
No, you do not need to change trains. The Sunset Limited provides a direct service between Los Angeles and Houston. Every train listed for this route goes straight through without requiring a transfer.
How long is the train ride from Los Angeles to Houston?
The journey on the Sunset Limited takes about 35 to 42 hours. Because the train only runs three times a week, you should check the exact schedule for your travel dates to confirm departure and arrival times.