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 dramatic shift from the laid-back California coast to the vibrant urban landscape of the Windy City, each destination brimming with distinctly different cultural vibes and experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago

Chicago boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Wicker Park

• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and live music.

• Trendy shops and eclectic dining options abound.

Lincoln Park

• Scenic parklands with lakefront views.

• Family-friendly with attractions like the zoo and museums.

The Loop

• Heart of the city with iconic skyscrapers.

• Access to world-class theaters and dining experiences.

Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Chicago.

Millennium Park

Visit early morning on weekdays for a quieter atmosphere.

Art Institute of Chicago

Explore on Thursday evenings for extended hours and fewer visitors.

Navy Pier

Go during weekdays in the early afternoon to enjoy shorter lines.

Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers shaping the city’s climate. Visiting in spring or fall typically offers mild temperatures and a more enjoyable travel experience, avoiding the extremes of winter chill or summer heat.

Dining Recommendation in Chicago

Indulge in Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, where the buttery crust and layers of gooey cheese create a hearty experience that’s a welcome shift from Los Angeles' lighter fare. The warm, inviting atmosphere paired with locally sourced ingredients 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 the sunny shores of Los Angeles to the vibrant city of Chicago, spanning an adventurous driving distance of 2027 miles. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way. 💸 Plan your budget wisely as the prices for the road trip from Los Angeles to Chicago by car can range from $360 to $550, depending on factors such as gas prices, accommodation, and food stops. Consider carpooling with friends or taking advantage of cost-saving tips to make the most of your travel funds. 🌆 Arrive in the bustling metropolis of Chicago after approximately 31 hours and 17 minutes on the road, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, iconic landmarks, delicious food scene, and friendly Midwestern hospitality. Your cross-country adventure promises a mix of excitement, relaxation, and new discoveries at every turn.

Average price

$360 - $550

🚂 Embark on an unforgettable train journey from Los Angeles to Chicago with Amtrak. 🌆 Departing three times a week, on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, the scenic route takes approximately 2 days and 13 hours. 🛤️ Enjoy the relaxed pace and stunning views as you travel from coast to city. 🌄 Traverse the 2,716-mile distance from Los Angeles to the bustling streets of Chicago by train. 💰 Ticket prices range from $110 to $750, offering flexibility for all travelers. 🎫 The Amtrak service provides a comfortable and convenient way to explore the diverse landscapes of the United States. 🏙️ Arrive at Chicago Union Station after a captivating 2-day and 14-hour journey aboard the Texas Eagle train. 🚆 Experience the charm of train travel and the excitement of reaching your destination. 🚉 For more information and reservations, visit the official Amtrak website at https://www.amtrak.com/.

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 choice with a direct flight taking just 3 hours and 50 minutes. Southwest Airlines provides flights between Los Angeles Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. 🌆 Upon arrival in Chicago, you can immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and explore iconic landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier. With a flight duration of 6 hours, you'll have plenty of time to plan your itinerary for an exciting trip. 💸 The prices for flights between Chicago and Los Angeles can range from $97 to $615, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this route promises a seamless and enjoyable journey.

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.

🚌 Despite the lack of a direct bus route, travelers can embark on a 47-hour journey from Los Angeles Union Station to Chicago Bus Station with transfers in Las Vegas and St Louis. 🛣️ Route options range from 2,260 to 2,540 miles and involve multiple steps. Each transfer point offers travelers the chance to explore different cities along the way. 💵 Prices for the trip vary from $235 to $480, making bus travel a budget-friendly option for those looking for an adventurous and scenic route from the West Coast to the Midwest.

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 1753 miles by air. By train, it takes approximately 1 day to reach Chicago from Los Angeles. If you opt for a combination of train and flight, it will take about 7 hours and 34 minutes. By car, the journey takes around 31 hours and 17 minutes, while the bus ride can take as long as 47 hours and 35 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago is by train and fly, which costs between $130 and $380 and takes approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes. This option allows for a more affordable journey while still providing a relatively efficient travel time. Alternatively, the fastest option is to fly, which takes 6 hours and 5 minutes and costs between $85 and $550. This option offers a quicker travel time, but may be more expensive depending on the airline and time of booking.

The prices for traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago by train range from $110 to $750. Alternatively, taking a bus from Chicago to Los Angeles can cost anywhere between $243 and $456. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of year, availability, and any discounts or promotions offered by the transport companies. It is advisable to check with the specific train or bus providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

To get from Los Angeles to Chicago without using public transportation, you can choose to drive the entire distance. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 2027 miles, which takes an estimated 31 hours and 17 minutes. The prices for this drive can vary from $360 to $550, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

To travel from Los Angeles to Chicago without a car, the best options are by bus or by plane. Taking a bus from Los Angeles to Chicago typically takes around 47 hours and 35 minutes, with prices ranging from $240 to $460. On the other hand, flying is a quicker option, taking approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes, with prices ranging from $85 to $650. There is also the option of taking a train, which can take around 2 days and 13 hours and costs between $110 and $750, but it is a less popular choice due to the longer travel time.

Yes, there is a direct link between Los Angeles and Chicago. Amtrak operates a train service that departs from Los Angeles and arrives at Chicago Union Station. The journey takes approximately 2 days and 13 hours, with trains departing three times a week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, but Greyhound USA operates bus services with transfers, taking approximately 47 hours and 35 minutes to reach Chicago from Los Angeles.

The flight between Los Angeles and Chicago typically takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and flight route. As for the cost, prices for a flight between Chicago and Los Angeles can range from $87 to $615, depending on factors such as airline, class of service, and how far in advance the ticket is booked.

There are a wide range of accommodation options available in and around Chicago. With over 1116 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices start at $58 per night, making it possible to find affordable options. Some popular areas to stay in Chicago include downtown, near the Magnificent Mile, or in trendy neighborhoods like Wicker Park or Lincoln Park.

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

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Los Angeles to Chicago

Best Neighbourhoods in Chicago

Best Times To Visit Chicago's Attractions

Chicago Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Chicago

Los Angeles - Chicago operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Useful tips for plane travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Los Angeles

Trips to Chicago

Popular routes