How to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles, United States of America

The distance between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 1,771 miles (2,850km) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 5h 55m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Chicago to Los Angeles by plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Los AngelesChicago if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Long Beach (LGB).

  • Duration5h 55m
  • Flight time4h 25m
  • Typical cost
    $285
Operated by

Southwest Airlines

💰 Cheapest
2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Los Angeles.

  • Duration1 day 19h
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    $240
3
bus
+
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Indianapolis and then to Los Angeles.

  • Duration2 days 1h
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    $315
Operated by

Greyhound USA

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Los Angeles.

  • Duration1 day 7h
  • Distance2,015 miles (3,243km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Chicago and Los Angeles

There are several options for getting from Chicago to Los Angeles by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around $240 and will take around 1 day 19h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 5h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $285.

The distance between Chicago and Los Angeles is around 1,771 miles (2,850km).

It takes around 5h 55m to get from Chicago and Los Angeles by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 7h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Chicago to Los Angeles is to fly which takes around 5h 55m and will set you back approx $285.

The cheapest way to travel between Chicago and Los Angeles, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around $240 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles. It typically takes around 1 day 19h and departs twice daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles with no changeovers required. The train runs twice daily and takes 1 day 19h.

Amtrak run train services between Chicago and Los Angeles. Trains depart twice daily and will take around 1 day 19h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Chicago and Los Angeles. It typically takes around 2 days 1h and departs twice daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Indianapolis. These services run twice daily and will take a minimum of 2 days 1h.

Greyhound USA, Hoosier Ride and Barons Bus run regular bus services between Chicago and Los Angeles. Buses run twice daily and take around 2 days 1h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Chicago and Los Angeles. Flights depart from Chicago Midway (MDW) and arrive at Long Beach (LGB). The flight takes around 4h 25m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Chicago and Los Angeles with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 4h 25m.

Southwest Airlines fly between Chicago and Los Angeles. Flights depart from Chicago Midway (MDW) and and arrive into Long Beach (LGB). These flights usually take around 4h 25m.

The flight from Chicago to Los Angeles typically takes around 4h 25m. Flights depart from Chicago Midway (MDW) and and arrive into Long Beach (LGB).

The closest major airport to Los Angeles is Bob Hope Airport (BUR) (BUR) which is approximately 19km (12 miles) from Los Angeles. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (LAX) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) (SNA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Chicago and Los Angeles. The distance is around 2,015 miles (3,243km) by road and it will take around 1 day 7h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Chicago to Los Angeles is to fly which takes, on average, 5h 55m and will usually cost around $285.

How do I get from Chicago to Los Angeles

Compare travel optionsbetween Chicago and Los Angeles

Transport options from Chicago to Los Angeles
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
5h 55m
$285
hourly2,850km (1,771 miles)
Train
1 day 19h
$240
twice daily3,584km (2,227 miles)
Bus
2 days 1h
$315
twice daily3,758km (2,335 miles)
Drive
1 day 7h
$200
on demand3,243km (2,015 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Chicago and Los Angeles

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Los Angeles

The following major airports near Los Angeles offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

BUR
Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
12 miles (19km) from Los Angeles
LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
International Airport
Distance
12 miles (20km) from Los Angeles
SNA
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
International Airport
Distance
34 miles (54km) from Los Angeles