How to Book Train Travel From Los Angeles to St. Louis

Book the Very Scenic Route

• 1

  Book your ticket through the Amtrak Web site (see Resources below) or call Amtrak at (800)872-7245.

• 2

  Start at Los Angeles Union Station. Board the 14 Coast Starlight train. You'll be on board for about 22 hours.

• 3

  Change trains in Klamath, Oregon. Take Amtrak bus 3014 for 11 hours to Pasco, Washington.

• 4

  Board the 28 Empire Builder train at Pasco Station in Washington. This is the longest leg of the trip at 40 hours total.

• 5

  Arrive at Chicago Union Station and look for the 305 Lincoln Service. You'll finally arrive in St. Louis in about 5 hours.

Travel on the Southwest Chief and Lincoln Service

• 6

  Get there somewhat quickly. With one connection and 48 hours of travel time, this itinerary is slightly longer than using the faster Southwest Chief and Kansas City Mule.

• 7

  Depart the Los Angeles Union Station on a train called the 4 Southwest Chief. It takes up the majority of this travel time with 42 hours on board.

• 8

  Arrive at Chicago Union Station. Grab your seat on the 305 Lincoln Service, which brings you to your last stop in St. Louis in just over 5 hours.

Take the Southwest Chief and Kansas City Mule

• 9

  Get there faster. The 4 Southwest Chief and 316 Kansas City Mule are the quickest options, taking just about 40 hours to deliver you to St. Louis.

• 10

  Depart from Los Angeles Union Station aboard the 4 Southwest Chief. In 34 hours, you'll be in Kansas City, ready for your one and only connection.

• 11

  Change trains. Get on the 316 Kansas City Mule for a quick 5-hour trip into St. Louis, Missouri.