City to city
Los Angeles to San Antonio by train
You can travel direct from Los Angeles to San Antonio on the Sunset Limited train, a journey that takes about 30 to 37 hours.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Limited | about 30 to 37 hours | Three times a week in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
The trip from Southern California to Texas crosses some of the most remote and arid landscapes in the United States. Amtrak operates a direct service between Los Angeles and San Antonio, removing the need for any transfers. This route covers vast distances across California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Passengers spend at least one night on board, making it a true long-distance rail experience. Whether you are traveling for a vacation or visiting family, the train offers a relaxed alternative to driving or flying.
Your train options
The only direct train on this route is the Sunset Limited. As of 2026, it runs three times a week in each direction. The journey takes about 30 to 37 hours, meaning you will spend overnight on this trip. Passengers can book Coach class, which offers reclining seats and leg rests. For a more comfortable overnight experience, you might reserve a Superliner Roomette or a Superliner Bedroom. The train also has a Family Bedroom and an Accessible Bedroom available. Since this is a long journey, sleeper passengers have meals included in the Dining car. Coach passengers can also purchase food on board. All travelers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car, which features large windows for viewing the landscape. If you are trying to save money, sleeping in coach overnight is possible, but a roomette provides a flat bed and more privacy.
The journey
Leaving Los Angeles, the train travels through the Coachella Valley, the Imperial Valley area and the Saguaro desert. Depending on your direction of travel and the time of year, you may pass through these California and Arizona sections at night. The train stops in communities like Palm Springs, Yuma, Maricopa and Tucson. As you move through Arizona and New Mexico, the route crosses desert basins and ranges. You will stop in Benson, Lordsburg and Deming before reaching El Paso. Near El Paso, the tracks follow the Rio Grande valley close to the US and Mexico border. Continuing into Texas, the landscape shifts to remote West Texas. The train stops in Alpine, Sanderson and Del Rio. Along this stretch, you can see the Chihuahuan Desert, the Big Bend country around Alpine and the Pecos River high bridge area before arriving in San Antonio.
The stations
Your trip begins at Los Angeles Union Station, which opened in 1939. The building is a landmark mix of Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture. It serves as a terminus for the Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited, and a hub for the Pacific Surfliner. You can connect here to Metro Rail lines, Metrolink commuter trains and the FlyAway bus to LAX airport. You will arrive at the San Antonio station, an Amtrak station located east of downtown next to the historic Sunset Station building. Here, Texas Eagle through cars are switched to or from the Sunset Limited. The River Walk and the Alamo are a short ride away.
Tips
- Book your sleeper accommodations early because the Sunset Limited only runs three times a week.
- Spend time in the Sightseer Lounge car to get the best views of the desert landscape.
- Read our first time on Amtrak guide if you are unfamiliar with train travel in the US.
- Check the current timetable to see which scenic sections you will pass during daylight hours.
Questions travellers ask
Do I have to change trains between Los Angeles and San Antonio?
No, you do not need to change trains for this trip. The Sunset Limited provides a direct service between Los Angeles and San Antonio. Every train listed for this specific route goes straight through without requiring a transfer.
How long does the train take from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
The direct train journey takes about 30 to 37 hours from start to finish. Because of the long distance across several states, you will definitely spend overnight on this trip. You can book a sleeper cabin or a coach seat for the journey.