Southwest Chief
Chicago, IL → Los Angeles, CA · 2265 miles · 43h
2265 miles
43h
Daily
90 mph
8
About the Southwest Chief
The old Santa Fe route. Raton Pass, the high desert of New Mexico, the pueblos near Lamy and Albuquerque, then the Mojave into Los Angeles Union Station.
What makes this route worth taking
- Raton Pass at 7,588 feet
- Closest rail access to Santa Fe (via Lamy) and the Grand Canyon (via Flagstaff)
- Native American Cultural Interpreter program in season
- Sightseer Lounge across the Southwest
- Traditional dining for sleeping-car guests
Agent's tip
Flagstaff is the Grand Canyon gateway — we can package the rail leg with the canyon shuttle in one call.
Classes of service on this route
The Southwest Chief operates with Superliner II. Available accommodation:
Sleeping-car fares on this route include all meals for everyone in the room, priority boarding, station lounge access where available and a dedicated car attendant. Once meals are priced separately, the gap between coach and a Roomette narrows considerably — and for two people travelling together it frequently closes entirely.
States and provinces served
Stations along the route
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago |
| 2 | Naperville |
| 3 | Mendota |
| 4 | Princeton |
| 5 | Galesburg |
| 6 | Fort Madison |
| 7 | La Plata |
| 8 | Kansas City |
| 9 | Lawrence |
| 10 | Topeka |
| 11 | Newton |
| 12 | Hutchinson |
| 13 | Dodge City |
| 14 | Garden City |
| 15 | Lamar |
| 16 | La Junta |
| 17 | Trinidad |
| 18 | Raton |
| 19 | Las Vegas NM |
| 20 | Lamy |
| 21 | Albuquerque |
| 22 | Gallup |
| 23 | Winslow |
| 24 | Flagstaff |
| 25 | Kingman |
| 26 | Needles |
| 27 | Barstow |
| 28 | Victorville |
| 29 | San Bernardino |
| 30 | Riverside |
| 31 | Fullerton |
| 32 | Los Angeles |
Station lists reflect the principal calling pattern. Individual departures may omit stops or add seasonal calls. Schedules, equipment and station stops are set by the carrier and change without notice — confirm current details with your agent at the time of booking.
Booking the Southwest Chief
Fares on this route move in buckets and only ever step upward, so the cheapest time to book is the moment your dates are firm. Our agents check the live reservation system, test alternative fare constructions, apply every discount you qualify for and — where the view matters — note your preferred side of the train on the reservation.
Call +1 (888) 821-4679 and describe the trip. Most bookings are confirmed inside five minutes.
