Discover the iconic Southwest Chief, a 40+ hour journey connecting Chicago to Los Angeles daily. This epic train ride takes you through the middle of the American West, crossing eight states with beautiful views, wide wheat fields, tall mountains, deserts, and old pueblos. You will go past the big Mississippi River and through narrow canyon passages that highways can not reach, giving you great sights at every turn. Whether you want adventure or to relax, this route offers an unforgettable look at America’s natural beauty, right outside your window. In this blog, you will learn about this iconic route along its key stations and onboard services.
Key Stations on the Amtrak Southwest Chief Route
Here are the key stations along the iconic Amtrak Southwest Chief route, connecting major cities from Chicago to Los Angeles.
| Route | Stops | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) | 255 South Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60606-5702 |
| Illinois | Naperville, IL (NPV) | 105 E. Fourth Ave., Naperville, IL 60540 |
| Illinois | Mendota, IL (MDT) | 783 Main Street, Mendota, IL 61342 |
| Illinois | Princeton, IL (PCT) | 107 Bicentennial Drive, Princeton, IL 61356 |
| Illinois | Galesburg, IL (GBB) | 225 South Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL 61401 |
| Iowa | Fort Madison, IA (FMD) | 810 10th Street, Suite 1, Fort Madison, IA 52627 |
| Missouri | La Plata, MO (LAP) | 535 North Owensby Street, La Plata, MO 63549 |
| Missouri | Kansas City, MO – Union Station (KCY) | 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108-2410 |
| Kansas | Lawrence, KS (LRC) | 413 East 7th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 |
| Kansas | Topeka, KS (TOP) | 500 SE Holliday Place, Topeka, KS 66607-1100 |
| Kansas | Newton, KS (NEW) | 414 North Main Street, Newton, KS 67114 |
| Kansas | Hutchinson, KS (HUT) | North Walnut Street & East 3rd Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67501 |
| Kansas | Dodge City, KS (DDG) | 201 East Wyatt Earp Boulevard, Dodge City, KS 67801 |
| Kansas | Garden City, KS (GCK) | 100 North 7th Street, Garden City, KS 67846 |
| Colorado | Lamar, CO (LMR) | 109 E Beech Street, Lamar, CO 81052 |
| Colorado | La Junta, CO (LAJ) | 1 West First Street, La Junta, CO 81050 |
| Colorado | Trinidad, CO (TRI) | 110 West Pine Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 |
| New Mexico | Raton, NM (RAT) | 201 South First Street, Raton, NM 87740-3903 |
| New Mexico | Las Vegas, NM (LSV) | 500 Railroad Avenue at Lincoln, Las Vegas, NM 87701 |
| New Mexico | Lamy, NM (LMY) | 152 Old Lamy Trail, Lamy, NM 87540 |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) | 320 1st Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-3405 |
| New Mexico | Gallup, NM (GLP) | 201 East Highway 66, Gallup, NM 87301 |
| Arizona | Winslow, AZ (WLO) | 303 East Second Street (Route 66), Winslow, AZ 86047 |
| Arizona | Flagstaff, AZ – Amtrak Station (FLG) | 1 East Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5530 |
| Arizona | Kingman, AZ (KNG) | 402 Andy Devine, Kingman, AZ 86401 |
| California | Needles, CA (NDL) | 950 Front Street, Needles, CA 92363 |
| California | Barstow, CA – Harvey House Railroad Depot (BAR) | 685 North First Avenue, Barstow, CA 92311 |
| California | Victorville, CA – Amtrak Station (VRV) | 16858 South D Street, Victorville, CA 92395 |
| California | San Bernardino, CA (SNB) | 1170 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410-1715 |
| California | Riverside, CA (RIV) | 4066 Vine Street, Riverside, CA 92507-4223 |
| California | Fullerton, CA (FUL) | 120 East Santa Fe Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832 |
| California | Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX) | 800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2902 |
Schedule Details for Amtrak Southwest Chief Route and Train
The Amtrak Southwest Chief is a scenic long-distance train route that connects Chicago to Los Angeles, offering travelers a comfortable and iconic cross-country journey. Here are the key details of this route:
| Southwest Chief Route Departure Station | Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) |
| Southwest Chief Route Arrival Station | Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX) |
| Total Distance Covered | 2,265 miles |
| Journey Duration | About 40+ hours |
| Service Frequency | Daily Departure |
How to Check Arrival and Departure Times?
- Visit the Official Website: Enter your departure and destination stations, along with your travel date, to view the latest schedule.
- Use the Amtrak Mobile App: Download from the App Store or Google Play for real-time schedule updates, alerts, and ticketing options.
- Call Customer Service: Reach out at 1-800-872-7245 for personalized assistance or specific questions about schedules.
- Check for Service Alerts: Look for any notifications or updates on the website or app that might affect your travel plans.
- Keep Updated: Regularly review these sources to stay informed about schedule changes or disruptions.
Explore All Amtrak Routes situated across the United States.
Onboard Services Available on the Southwest Chief Amtrak Routes
- Checked Baggage Service: Passengers have the option to check their larger luggage ahead of time, making travel more comfortable and hassle-free, especially for longer journeys or when carrying extra belongings.
- Seating Options: The train offers comfortable coach-class seats on both the lower and upper levels, providing travelers a relaxed and scenic way to enjoy their journey with ample legroom and adjustable features.
- Superliner Roomette: A compact, private space ideal for overnight travel, offering a cozy bed and essential amenities for restful sleep.
- Superliner Bedroom: A more spacious sleeping area with additional amenities, including a private bathroom, for enhanced comfort during longer trips.
- Superliner Bedroom Suite: An upgraded suite that provides extra space, privacy, and comfort with multiple beds and private facilities for families or groups.
- Superliner Family Room: Designed for families, this room offers increased space, multiple beds, and a welcoming environment for travelers with children.
- Superliner Accessible Bedroom: Specially designed with accessibility features, this room ensures comfort and ease of use for passengers with mobility challenges.
- Bicycle Service: The trains provide a secure, train-side checked bicycle service, allowing cyclists to bring their bikes along without hassle, perfect for exploring destinations upon arrival or enjoying scenic rides.
- Traditional Dining: Enjoy a full-service, plated meal experience in the dining car, with an elegant atmosphere and attentive service.
- Cafe Service: For quick bites and beverages, the cafe provides a casual and convenient option, perfect for those on the go or looking for a lighter meal.
- Meals on Board: Eastbound and westbound trains serve a variety of meals, including dinner, breakfast, and lunch, with menus that are updated regularly. Passengers can enjoy freshly prepared dishes either in the dining car or at the cafe.
- Pets on Board: Small dogs and cats are welcome to travel with you, provided they meet certain requirements. Learn about pet reservations, fees, approved carriers, and guidelines to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for your furry friends.
For any inquiry or doubt about Amtrak Routes and Schedules, you can contact Amtrak representatives at (1-800-872-7245) or visit www.Amtrak.com.
Mostly Asked Questions
The trip usually takes about 40+ hours from Chicago to Los Angeles.
It departs from Chicago’s Union Station and arrives at Los Angeles Union Station.
The Southwest Chief route covers approximately 2,265 miles.
Yes, checked baggage service is available for larger luggage, making your trip more comfortable.
Use the Amtrak website, mobile app, or call customer service at 1-800-872-7245 for the latest updates.