# Travel >> Transportation >> Trains

How to Book Train Travel From Chicago to Los Angeles

Taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles might not be the first idea that pops into your head, but sometimes it's not the destination that counts, it's the journey. A two day trip through some of the country's most spectacular landscapes doesn't even compare with a short plane ride. They are wholly different experiences.

Computer with Internet access to make reservations.

Instructions

Choose Which Line to Travel On
- 1
  Book a trip on the Southwest Chief for the quickest trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. With stops in Kansas City, Albuquerque and Flagstaff, this route follows the old Santa Fe Railway and the famous Route 66. The trip takes just less than two days, about 43 hours.
- 2
  Book a ticket on a Texas Eagle train for a longer journey to the same destination. At almost 3 days, approximately 70 hours, the Texas Eagle runs daily from Chicago to San Antonio, TX. From there you pick up the Sunset Limited route that extends across the southern length of the country.
Understand How Amtrak Charges Passengers
- 3
  Book your ticket as early as you can because ticket prices go up as you near the departure date. Tickets go on sale 11 months prior to departure.
- 4
  Expect to pay more if your are traveling to Los Angeles for the holidays. Like airplane tickets, train prices go up on holidays and high travel times.
- 5
  Take advantage of any discounts you might qualify for. Students, seniors, veterans and active military, AAA members and NARP members all enjoy fare discounts with proper identification and advance booking.