Los Angeles, CA, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $77: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Los Angeles to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$77 - PlaneBest price

1753 milesDistance

6h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles to Chicago with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Traveling From Los Angeles to Chicago

The journey from Los Angeles to Chicago offers a fascinating contrast, seamlessly shifting from the sun-soaked beaches and laid-back lifestyle of SoCal to the vibrant urban atmosphere and architectural wonders of the Windy City.

Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago

Chicago’s neighborhoods each offer distinct charms and vibrant experiences.

Lincoln Park

• Home to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Nature Museum.

• Lush parks and waterside views along Lake Michigan.

Wicker Park

• Trendy shops, bars, and a lively arts scene.

• Renowned for its food scene and music venues.

The Loop

• Heart of downtown with stunning architecture.

• Close to attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute.

Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions

Planning your visit can make a significant difference in your experience of Chicago's attractions.

Millennium Park

Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and serene views.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Late afternoons on weekdays are quieter, allowing ample time to explore.

Willis Tower Skydeck

Try visiting right after opening or close to closing for shorter lines.

Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Chicago experiences a diverse climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters, which can significantly influence your travel plans. The best times to explore the city are typically late spring and early fall, when mild temperatures and pleasant conditions enhance your experience.

Dining Recommendation in Chicago

Don’t miss out on trying deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, a Chicago staple that delivers a hearty, savory experience quite different from the fresh and light fare often found in Los Angeles. The rich flavor profile, combined with the warm, inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, creates a dining experience that truly captures the essence of Midwestern comfort food.

Los Angeles - Chicago operators

Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration

3h 53m

Estimated price

$140-460

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago Midway (MDW) via Albuquerque

Average Duration

5h 50m

Estimated price

$140-460

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago Midway (MDW) via Denver

Average Duration

6h 27m

Estimated price

$140-460

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago Midway (MDW) via Kansas City

Average Duration

5h 50m

Estimated price

$140-460

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago Midway (MDW) via St. Louis

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$140-460

Website

united.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 7m

Estimated price

$110-420

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via Denver

Average Duration

5h 43m

Estimated price

$110-420

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

Estimated price

$200-400

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via Denver

Average Duration

5h 43m

Estimated price

$200-400

Website

aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 6m

Estimated price

$130-450

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

Estimated price

$200-470

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via Phoenix

Average Duration

5h 47m

Estimated price

$200-470

Website

spirit.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 4m

Estimated price

$65-330

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via Las Vegas

Average Duration

5h 47m

Estimated price

$150-350

Website

flyfrontier.com

Plane from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to Chicago Midway (MDW) via Dallas/Ft.Worth

Average Duration

6h 8m

Estimated price

$110-900

Plane from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to Chicago Midway (MDW) via Denver

Average Duration

6h 25m

Estimated price

$110-900

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via Denver

Average Duration

5h 40m

Estimated price

$65-310

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

48h 13m

Estimated price

$110-750

Contact phone

(800) 371-LINK (5465)

Website

metrolinktrains.com

Train from L. A. Union Station to Rancho Cucamonga

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

$9-26

Train from L. A. Union Station to Tustin

Average Duration

Estimated price

$9-25

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration

5h 45m

Estimated price

$30-75

Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration

33h 15m

Estimated price

$170-320

Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration

6h 39m

Estimated price

$35-85

Los Angeles to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Los Angeles and Chicago offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from Los Angeles to Chicago spanning over 3262.1 km, promising scenic views and unforgettable memories along the way in approximately 31 hours and 17 minutes of driving time. 💸 The journey offers a range of budget options for travelers, with prices for the trip by car typically ranging between $360 and $550, providing flexibility for different preferences and travel styles.

Average price

$360 - $550

🚂 Travel on the iconic train journey from Los Angeles to Chicago for a scenic 2-day, 13-hour adventure. 🎟️ Sit back and enjoy the 4371.0 km journey with ticket prices ranging from $110 to $750, experiencing the charm of train travel from coast to coast in the USA.

Departure Point

Los Angeles station

Arrival Point

Chicago Union Station

Useful tips for train travellers

• On your trip from Los Angeles to Chicago, consider Amtrak's Southwest Chief service, which offers onboard catering options. You can enjoy a range of meals prepared fresh in the dining car, along with beverages available for purchase. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and dining reservations are recommended to ensure timely service.

• For seat selection, Amtrak provides several options: First Class (with roomettes or bedrooms), Business Class, and Coach Class for this route. First Class offers the most comfort, including wider seats and more legroom. Business Class typically features larger seating configurations, while Coach Class is more budget-friendly with standard seating. A good choice for a balance of comfort and cost might be Business Class.

• The primary operators on the Los Angeles to Chicago route are Amtrak and Southwest Chief. You can find more details on their services at the following links: Amtrak [amtrak.com], and for trip planning and updates, visit [amtrak.com Upon arrival in Chicago at Union Station, you can use the restroom facilities, and there are luggage services available if you need to leave your bags while you explore the city.

🛫 Flying from Los Angeles to Chicago is a convenient option with the quickest direct flight taking only 3 hours and 50 minutes. 💸 Depending on the time of booking and other factors, the prices for a flight between Chicago and Los Angeles can range from $97 to $615, making it accessible for various budgets.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

Chicago Midway Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Check Southwest Airlines' schedule ahead of time, as flights can often fill up fast on this popular route; booking early can save you money and ensure you get the best flight times.

• Upon arriving at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), be prepared to navigate the airport as it can be quite busy; follow the signs for baggage claim and ground transportation, and consider using the airport’s app to find real-time updates and amenities.

• Expect to pay around $35 to $50 for a taxi ride from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago; for public transport, consider taking the Orange Line train for a cost-effective option at around $2.50.

🚌 While there is no direct bus from Los Angeles to Chicago, travelers can take a route that includes transfers in Las Vegas and St. Louis. The journey, operated by Greyhound USA, takes approximately 47 hours and 39 minutes. 🛣️ Route 1 involves a 2-day, 4-hour trip spanning 3637.1 km with a transfer in St. Louis. Passengers take a bus from Los Angeles to New York, then change to a bus bound for Chicago. Each leg is operated by Greyhound with specific departure and arrival information provided for planning. 🗺️ For Route 2, a longer 2-day, 7-hour journey covers 4087.7 km with two transfers in Dallas and Detroit before reaching Chicago. Passengers travel from Los Angeles to Dallas, then onward through Detroit before finally arriving in Chicago 95th & Dan Ryan.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Union Station

Arrival Point

Chicago Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to Chicago.

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The distance between Los Angeles and Chicago is approximately 2821 km or 3263 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around to reach Chicago from Los Angeles. By plane, the travel time is approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes. If driving, it takes around 31 hours and 17 minutes to reach Los Angeles from Chicago by car, while the bus journey takes approximately 47 hours and 35 minutes to travel between the two cities.

There are two cost-effective and time-efficient transportation options for traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago. The cheapest option is to take a train and then fly, which costs between $130 and $380 and takes approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes. Alternatively, the fastest option is to fly directly from Los Angeles to Chicago, which takes about 6 hours and 5 minutes and can cost between $85 and $550.

The prices for train tickets between Los Angeles and Chicago range from $110 to $750. Meanwhile, bus tickets between the two cities cost anywhere from $243 to $456.

One option to get from Los Angeles to Chicago without using public transportation is to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 3262 km, and it takes around 31 hours and 17 minutes to drive from Los Angeles to Chicago. The prices for this journey can vary between $360 and $550 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

The best option to travel from Los Angeles to Chicago without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 47 hours and 35 minutes, depending on the specific route and traffic conditions, and costs around $240-$460. Alternatively, you can choose to fly, which is a quicker option, taking around 6 hours and 6 minutes and costing between $85 and $650. There is also the possibility of taking a train, which may take longer, around 2 days and 13 hours, but offers different comfort levels and pricing options, ranging from $110 to $750.

Yes, there is a direct train link between Los Angeles and Chicago. The train service operated by Amtrak departs from Los Angeles and arrives at Chicago Union Station. The journey takes approximately 2 days and 13 hours, with services operating three times a week. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Passengers would need to take a bus from Los Angeles Union Station to St Louis Bus Station, and then transfer to another bus to reach Chicago Bus Station, with a total travel time of approximately 47 hours and 35 minutes.

The flight between Los Angeles and Chicago typically takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on the specific flight and any layovers. As for the cost, the price of a flight between Chicago and Los Angeles can range from $87 to $615, depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the class of service.

There are numerous accommodation options available near Chicago, with over 1116 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start as low as $58, offering a range of affordable choices. Whether you prefer luxury accommodation or budget-friendly options, Chicago has a variety of hotels to suit every traveler's needs.