How to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles

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2 ways to go from Chicago to Los Angeles

Bus
Average Price$109 - $720Average Duration2d 4h
70kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Most eco-friendly
Train
Average Price$142 - $1,611Average Duration2d 2h
255kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from Chicago to Los Angeles

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 4 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $109, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4bus per day
2d 4hAverage Duration
$109Cheapest ticket
70kgCO₂ emissions
TodayDec 22
from $441
TomorrowDec 23
from $278
TueDec 24
from $203
WedDec 25
from $235
ThuDec 26
from $208
FriDec 27
from $230
SatDec 28
from $507
SunDec 29
from $278

Next departures to Los Angeles

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
    Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
    Arrival time: December 25 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
    Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 25 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 26 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 26 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 25 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 25 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

From Chicago to Los Angeles: Trip Overview

Travel the 1741 miles (2808 km) from Chicago to Los Angeles by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles is $251. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$251
Average trip duration2d 3h
Number of daily departures4
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure6:00am
Distance1741 miles (2808 km)
Latest departure11:35pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $109
Fastest mode of travelTrain - 1d 19h
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Chicago to Los Angeles

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Chicago to Los Angeles is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Chicago to Los Angeles for an average of $248 and a travel time of 7 hours 13 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus, Amtrak offer tickets starting at $109.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. The trip typically takes 10 hours 49 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $142. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Chicago (Union Station), IL, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Chicago to Los Angeles is sometime an option travelers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Helpful tips to choose the best way to go from Chicago to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is located approximately 1745 miles from Chicago. The most popular departure point for buses is the Downtown Greyhound Station station, while most trains depart mostly from Union Station.

Although flying is an option, taking the train proves to be the quickest and often the most cost-effective choice, with tickets starting at just $109 when booking with Greyhound, FlixBus and Amtrak.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs $109, and the average price is $248. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Chicago and Los Angeles?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Chicago to Los Angeles in roughly 2d 2h.

  3. How do I travel from Chicago to Los Angeles without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    The average travel time between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 2d 4h, although the fastest bus will take about 1d 21h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1742 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?

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

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Chicago and Los Angeles?

    The number of buses from Chicago to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    Buses traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at UCLA, Ramirez Street bus stop, East LA I-5 & I-710.

  8. 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 1742 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains 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 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    Trains traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at UCLA, Ramirez Street bus stop, East LA I-5 & I-710.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Chicago to Los Angeles

Buses from Los Angeles to Chicago

Go by train

Trains from Chicago to Los Angeles

Trains from Los Angeles to Chicago

Popular routes