Amtrak · Long-Distance
Southwest Chief
Chicago to Los Angeles along the historic Santa Fe Trail — Kansas prairies, New Mexico pueblos and the Arizona high desert, with a Grand Canyon connection at Flagstaff.
Train numbers
3 / 4
End-to-end
41h · 3,645 km
Frequency
Daily
On-time
~65%
Route & indicative timetable
Outbound departure 14:50 · return departs 17:52
- Chicago Union Station CHI
Chicago, Illinois
dep 14:50
- Kansas City Union Station KCY
Kansas City, Missouri
arr 22:05 dep 22:15
- Albuquerque Alvarado Transportation Center ABQ
Albuquerque, New Mexico
arr 15:45 dep 16:30+1 day
- Flagstaff Station FLG
Flagstaff, Arizona
arr 20:40 dep 20:40+1 day
- Los Angeles Union Station LAX
Los Angeles, California
arr 07:50 +2 days
Classes & indicative end-to-end fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
Bedroom (Sleeper)
Private room with en-suite
indicative
- Coach: Reserved reclining seat · Power outlets · Big luggage allowance
- Roomette (Sleeper): Private room for 1–2 · All meals included · Beds + daytime seating
- Bedroom (Sleeper): Private room with en-suite · All meals included · Sleeps 2 adults
Onboard amenities
- • Flagstaff is the jumping-off point for Grand Canyon National Park (90 min by shuttle).
Amtrak policies
- Baggage:
- Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
- Pets:
- Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
- Bikes:
- Trainside or checked bike service on most routes for $10–$20; folding bikes ride free as carry-on. Reserve a bike space when booking.
- Refunds:
- Fully refundable up to 24h after purchase; after that, refundability depends on fare family (Flex fully refundable, Value 75% or eCredit, Saver 50% eCredit within window).
- Accessibility:
- Accessible seating/bedrooms on every train, wheelchair assistance at staffed stations, 10% rail-fare discount for passengers with a disability.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Southwest Chief take?
The full run from Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles Union Station is scheduled at about 41h. It operates daily.
How much is a ticket on the Southwest Chief?
Indicative end-to-end fares start at $160 in Coach, rising through Roomette (Sleeper) and Bedroom (Sleeper). Fares are dynamic — we confirm exact pricing at booking.
Is food available on the Southwest Chief?
Yes — a dining car serves full meals (included for sleeper passengers) and a café car sells snacks.
Can I take luggage on the Southwest Chief?
Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
Are pets allowed on the Southwest Chief?
Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
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Schedules and fares shown are indicative, compiled from official operator timetables. Rail operators adjust timings, fares and running days without notice — our rail desk confirms live availability and exact pricing before any booking is ticketed.