The cheapest and fastest trains from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$760
Average price
$1696
Fastest journey
2 d 22 h 16 m
Average duration
3 d 3 h 9 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
3844 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $1696 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $760.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited3:38 PM88h5730th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7601One-way1 transfer
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief12:01 PM70h5630th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$17821One-way2 transfers
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief12:32 PM70h2530th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$18101One-way2 transfers
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief12:41 PM70h1630th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$24311One-way2 transfers
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief12:41 PM70h1630th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$24311One-way2 transfers
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief12:32 PM70h2530th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$18101One-way2 transfers
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief12:01 PM70h5630th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$17821One-way2 transfers
19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited3:38 PM88h5730th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7601One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $141. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $141, and a train costs an average of $292.
Distance: 2388 miles (3844 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$809 Average price | $374 Average price Cheapest | $452 Average price |
62h 31m Average total duration 62h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 38m Average total duration Fastest 6h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 70h 28m Average total duration 69h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.2 - 3.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 11.5 - 23.1kg CO2 emissions | 3.8 - 9.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief | 12:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 74h42 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 4:01 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 70h56 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 4:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 70h25 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
43 Pennsylvanian · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 4:41 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 70h16 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 62h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $292 (€237) but you can travel from only $141 (€115) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 2388 miles (3844 km) distance in 69h 54m.
Distance 2388 miles (3844 km) |
Average train duration 62h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $292 (€237) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 69h 54m |
First train 8:15 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and Los Angeles, CA from $141 (€115). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
Traveling between Philadelphia, PA and Los Angeles, CA offers a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of America by train. The primary provider for this journey is Amtrak, which connects these two cities with comfortable service options. While there are no direct trains covering this long distance in one go, travelers can enjoy connecting routes that showcase diverse landscapes along the way. Whether you're looking to explore historical sites or soak up California's sun-soaked culture upon arrival, taking the train adds an adventurous twist to your travel plans!
Train Connection: Philadelphia to Los Angeles
The train journey from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 69 hours and 59 minutes. There are no direct connections available for this route; travelers will need to make at least one transfer during their trip. On average, there is 1 connection per day between these two cities.
Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
The first daily train journey departs from Philadelphia at 12:15 PM and arrives in Los Angeles at 7:55 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for crossing the country while enjoying scenic views along the way.
Train Tickets Price for Philadelphia to Los Angeles
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Philadelphia and Los Angeles is $273 (245.7€). This fare offers travelers an economical option to experience the scenic journey across the country, while average prices tend to be higher at around $453 (407.7€).
Exploring the Icons of Los Angeles
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Its towering letters, standing at 45 feet tall and spanning 350 feet long, attract millions of visitors each year who seek to capture that perfect photo against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the sign represents a rich history intertwined with film culture and serves as a reminder of how far Hollywood has come since its humble beginnings.
Perched atop Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and quickly became one of Southern California's most beloved landmarks for both locals and tourists alike. This stunning facility not only offers breathtaking views of the city skyline but also provides free public access to exhibits about space science—making it a hub for education and inspiration. The observatory’s unique architecture blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings while housing powerful telescopes that allow visitors to gaze upon celestial wonders like never before.
The Getty Center stands out not just for its impressive collection of art but also for its striking modern architecture designed by Richard Meier amidst beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Los Angeles. Opened in 1997, this cultural institution is dedicated to promoting knowledge through visual arts while offering guests immersive experiences ranging from guided tours to educational programs—all set within serene surroundings filled with sculptures and fountains. With no admission fee required, The Getty Center invites everyone to explore masterpieces from ancient times through contemporary works without any barriers or costs involved.
FAQs: Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
- 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
- Bridgewater's Pub
- The Porch at 30th Street Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- The Study at University City
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
- Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
- SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
- Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
- Bus: Several lines available
- 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Vignes Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue.
- Traxx Restaurant
- Union Station Cafe
- Philippe The Original
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $1
- DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
- Cost $10
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: Main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink
- Hall 2: Metro Rail connections
- Hall 3: Bus terminal
- Metro: Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including DASH and Metro Bus
Most popular train connections from Philadelphia, PA
More options for your journey from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
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