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How to get fromChicago to Los Angelesby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car, train, or bus

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There are 10 ways to get from Chicago to Los Angeles by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car, train, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane MDW - LAX
    6h 42m
    $150–618

  2. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane ORD - LAX
    6h 58m
    $130–378

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angelestrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    43h 32m
    $650–1,500

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus FlixBus 2510 / ...
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US1210
    47h 25m
    $326–624

  5. Drive 2,012.7 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Los Angelescar car 2,012.7 mi
    31h 33m
    $368–531

  6. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Burbank Bob Hope Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)plane plane MDW - BUR
    7h 27m
    $198–865

  7. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Long Beach Airport (LGB)plane plane MDW - LGB
    8h 14m
    $138–561

  8. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Ontario International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Ontario International Airport (ONT)plane plane MDW - ONT
    2. Take the train from Rancho Cucamonga to L.A. Union Stationtrain train
    8h 36m
    $182–719

  9. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to John Wayne Airport Orange County, line 43 bus, train

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane ORD - SNA
    2. Take the bus from Harbor-Macarthur to Fullerton Trans Ctr Dock 2bus bus
    3. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Los Angelestrain train
    10h 19m
    $204–445

  10. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to San Diego International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego to Los Angelestrain train
    10h 5m
    $210–840

Chicago to Los Angeles by train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Trains
Duration43h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket$650Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to Los Angeles.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,773.7 mi
  • Duration: 6h 42m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Los Angeles, CA, USA?

Southwest Airlines flies from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) every 4 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles once daily. Tickets cost $650–1,500 and the journey takes 43h 32m.

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Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

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