How to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles

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2 ways to go from Chicago to Los Angeles

Bus
Average Price$93 - $733Average Duration2d 5h
70kg CO₂e
Cheapest
Train
Average Price$142 - $1,535Average Duration2d 2h
255kg CO₂e
Fastest
Most eco-friendly
Busbud recommends taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 2 hours 17 minutes and with fares starting at just $142, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
2d 2hAverage Duration
$142Cheapest ticket
255kgCO₂ emissions
TodayNov 5
TomorrowNov 6
from $220
ThuNov 7
from $199
FriNov 8
from $157
SatNov 9
from $199
SunNov 10
from $162
MonNov 11
TueNov 12

Next departures to Los Angeles

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: November 6 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 6 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: November 9 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 6 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Lankershim/Magnolia - North Hollywood
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 6 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: November 9 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 6 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

From Chicago to Los Angeles: Trip Overview

Travel the 1747 miles (2818 km) from Chicago to Los Angeles by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles is $222. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$222
Average trip duration2d 3h
Number of daily departures4
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure5:15am
Distance1747 miles (2818 km)
Latest departure11:35pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $93
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 $220 and a travel time of 7 hours 45 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus offer tickets starting at $93.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. The trip typically takes 11 hours 5 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.

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 $93, and the average price is $220. 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 5h, although the fastest bus will take about 1d 21h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1748 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.

  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 Union Station and arrive at Ramirez Street bus stop, UCLA, 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 1748 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 Union Station and arrive at Ramirez Street bus stop, UCLA, East LA I-5 & I-710.

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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