The Southwest Chief is Amtrak’s long-distance passenger train between Chicago and Los Angeles. The route covers 2,265 miles (3,645 km), runs daily in both directions, and links the Midwest, Great Plains, Southwest, and Southern California with major stops such as Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Service | Amtrak Southwest Chief, a daily long-distance public transport route between Chicago and Los Angeles |
| Distance | 2,265 miles (3,645 km) |
| Running time | About 43 hours, or two nights onboard |
| Main train numbers | Train 3 westbound and Train 4 eastbound |
| Major stops | Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles |
| Scenic areas | Raton Pass, the New Mexico desert, the Painted Desert, and the Red Cliffs of Sedona |
| Ridership | 261,485 passengers in fiscal year 2024, up 3% from FY2023 |
| History | Successor to the Super Chief, first launched in 1936 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway |
Amtrak Southwest Chief Map
Amtrak Southwest Chief map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Amtrak Southwest Chief map in PDF format.
Route Overview
The Amtrak Southwest Chief route runs between Chicago Union Station and Los Angeles Union Station, crossing Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It is both a cross-country train and a practical transportation link for shorter city-to-city trips along the same corridor.
The full route timetable takes about 43 hours. Along the way, passengers pass plains, desert, red rock country, and mountain sections, including Raton Pass and landscapes in New Mexico and Arizona. Westbound travel is often favored for scenery because it can place key desert and mountain views in daylight.
Onboard service may include Coach Class seats, Superliner roomettes, bedrooms, bedroom suites, family rooms, accessible bedrooms, checked baggage, trainside checked bicycle service, Traditional Dining, Cafe Service, and the Sightseer Lounge. Amenities vary by train, so it is worth checking the exact train schedule and booking details before travel.
States and Regions Served
The Southwest Chief serves a wide slice of the United States, linking the Midwest with the Great Plains, the Southwest, and Southern California. This makes it useful not only for long-distance rail travel, but also for regional public transport between intermediate stations.
- Midwest: Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri
- Great Plains: Kansas and parts of Colorado
- Southwest: New Mexico and Arizona
- Southern California: California stations from Needles to Los Angeles
Travelers also use the route for side trips, including Santa Fe via the Lamy Shuttle Service and the Grand Canyon area via bus connections from Flagstaff to Williams, Arizona.
Main Cities on the Route
The main cities on the Southwest Chief route include Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles. Each works well as a start, end, or stopover point, depending on your route plan.
- Chicago, Illinois: Eastern terminus at Chicago Union Station, with access to museums, architecture, Grant Park, and Wrigley Field.
- Kansas City, Missouri: A major stop at Kansas City Union Station, known for jazz, barbecue, and museums.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: A key Southwest stop with Old Town, local culture, and connections to New Mexico attractions.
- Flagstaff, Arizona: A popular station for dark skies and Grand Canyon trips.
- Los Angeles, California: Western terminus at Los Angeles Union Station and a major gateway to Southern California.
Other important stops include Dodge City, La Junta, Raton, Gallup, Winslow, Kingman, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Lamy is the stop for shuttle service to Santa Fe hotels, with advance reservations required.
Full Journey vs Shorter Trips
The Southwest Chief is often described as a Chicago-to-Los Angeles train, but many passengers use it for shorter trips. The full ride covers 2,265 miles (3,645 km) and takes about 43 hours, while intermediate trips can be much shorter.
Only 8% of passengers travel the entire distance between Chicago and Los Angeles. Most riders use the train for end-point-to-intermediate travel or between intermediate cities, which gives the route value beyond the full coast-to-coast experience.
For example, starting or ending in Kansas City cuts about 8 hours from the full journey to Los Angeles. Travelers focused on desert scenery may choose Albuquerque as a start or end point. Coach is most common on trips under 500 miles (805 km), while sleeping car service is used more often on longer overnight journeys.
Stations and Stops
The Southwest Chief stations stretch across eight states between Chicago and Los Angeles. Several stops connect with local transport, regional buses, or shuttle services, including Flagstaff for the Grand Canyon area and Lamy for Santa Fe.
Connection buses link Flagstaff with Williams, Arizona, for the Grand Canyon Railway. The Lamy Shuttle Service meets Southwest Chief trains daily for travel to Santa Fe hotels, with return service to Lamy also available. Advance reservations are required.
Full Station List by State
The stations list below follows the Southwest Chief route order from east to west. Use it as a route plan when comparing stations, transfers, and possible stopovers.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) | Illinois; eastern terminus and major Amtrak hub |
| Naperville, IL (NPV) | Illinois station west of Chicago |
| Mendota, IL (MDT) | Illinois intermediate stop |
| Princeton, IL (PCT) | Illinois intermediate stop |
| Galesburg, IL (GBB) | Illinois stop with Amtrak service connections noted in route materials |
| Fort Madison, IA (FMD) | Iowa stop on the route |
| La Plata, MO (LAP) | Missouri intermediate stop |
| Kansas City, MO – Union Station (KCY) | Missouri; major city stop |
| Lawrence, KS (LRC) | Kansas intermediate stop |
| Topeka, KS (TOP) | Kansas state capital stop |
| Newton, KS (NEW) | Kansas intermediate stop |
| Hutchinson, KS (HUT) | Kansas intermediate stop |
| Dodge City, KS (DDG) | Kansas stop on the Great Plains section |
| Garden City, KS (GCK) | Kansas intermediate stop |
| Lamar, CO (LMR) | Colorado stop |
| La Junta, CO (LAJ) | Colorado stop and focus of proposed future connection planning |
| Trinidad, CO (TRI) | Colorado stop near the New Mexico border |
| Raton, NM (RAT) | New Mexico stop near the Raton Pass scenic section |
| Las Vegas, NM (LSV) | New Mexico intermediate stop |
| Lamy, NM (LMY) | New Mexico stop for shuttle service to Santa Fe hotels |
| Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) | Major New Mexico stop |
| Gallup, NM (GLP) | New Mexico stop west of Albuquerque |
| Winslow, AZ (WLO) | Arizona intermediate stop |
| Flagstaff, AZ – Amtrak Station (FLG) | Arizona stop for Grand Canyon connections via Williams |
| Kingman, AZ (KNG) | Arizona intermediate stop |
| Needles, CA (NDL) | California stop near the state line |
| Barstow, CA – Harvey House Railroad Depot (BAR) | California stop |
| Victorville, CA – Amtrak Station (VRV) | California stop |
| San Bernardino, CA (SNB) | Southern California stop with connecting service listed in route materials |
| Riverside, CA (RIV) | Southern California stop near the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa |
| Fullerton, CA (FUL) | Southern California stop with Thruway connections listed in route materials |
| Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX) | California; western terminus and major transport hub |
Schedule and Train Status
The Southwest Chief schedule runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles. It is not a metro-style service with frequent opening hours, closing time, or a last train every few minutes; instead, the timetable is built around one daily train in each direction.
For timings today, schedule today, and live train status, check Amtrak for your exact travel date. Timetables can change because of holidays, special events, construction, and other operating reasons. The status display in the source material can be checked by train number, station, or time.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Operating pattern | Daily service in each direction |
| Starting time | Varies by station and direction; check the current Amtrak timetable |
| Running time | About 43 hours for the full Chicago-Los Angeles route |
| Westbound Train 3 | Published duration shown as 43h 32m in the source material |
| Eastbound Train 4 | Published duration shown as 43h 23m in the source material |
| Frequency | One daily departure each way |
| Opening times and working hours | Station and service hours vary; use the current Amtrak schedule for exact travel-day information |
| Train status note | Source material notes active, completed, and awaiting-departure train statuses may be displayed |
| Arizona time reminder | Double-check Arizona calling times during spring and fall clock changes in other states |
Daily Departures
Amtrak Southwest Chief departures are scheduled daily. The route serves major stations including Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Fullerton, and Los Angeles, along with many intermediate stops.
Some station times may be arrival-only or departure-only, so the time shown for your station may not always represent both boarding and alighting. Always use the current train schedule for your exact date before heading to the station.
Train 3 Westbound and Train 4 Eastbound
The Southwest Chief uses train number 3 westbound and train number 4 eastbound. Train 3 runs from Chicago toward Los Angeles, while Train 4 runs from Los Angeles toward Chicago.
The full journey covers 2,265 miles (3,645 km), with an average running time of about 43 hours. The published schedule in the source material shows 43h 32m westbound and 43h 23m eastbound.
Tickets, Reservations, and Fares
Southwest Chief tickets can be booked through Amtrak.com, where you can compare fare options and choose the ticket type that fits your trip. The fare and ticket price depend on your route, accommodation, and travel date, so check the current price before booking.
Coach is generally the lower-cost option, while private rooms cost more and may include a bed, free water, coffee, and meals. Available private accommodations may include roomettes, bedrooms, bedroom suites, family rooms, and accessible bedrooms.
If your plans change, Amtrak provides options for modifying reservations. You can also arrange extras such as a hotel, rental car, travel insurance, and related trip services during the booking process.
- Book online and review current fare options.
- Receive or pick up tickets without waiting in station ticket lines.
- Check booking limits when traveling with multiple passengers.
- Use Amtrak eVouchers where applicable.
How to Book Tickets
To book Southwest Chief tickets, search your origin, destination, and date on Amtrak.com. The booking flow shows available ticket options, the current cost, and any accommodation choices for that train.
For Santa Fe travel, book the Lamy Shuttle Service in advance. It meets Southwest Chief trains daily for travel to Santa Fe hotels, and return service to Lamy is also available.
For account-related booking tasks, such as password recovery, Amtrak may ask for the email address or member number linked to your account so reset instructions can be sent.
Connections and Transfers
The Southwest Chief connects with selected buses, shuttles, and regional services along the route. These transfers help extend the train trip beyond the rail line itself, especially for Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, and California travel.
Amtrak connection buses link Flagstaff with Williams, Arizona, for the Grand Canyon Railway. The Lamy Shuttle Service connects Lamy with Santa Fe hotels. Additional Thruway and connecting services are listed for selected segments, including Los Angeles-Bakersfield, San Bernardino-Bakersfield, Fullerton-Indio, Phoenix-Flagstaff, Flagstaff-SDC, and Springfield-Galesburg.
Connections at Chicago Union Station
Chicago Union Station is the eastern terminus of the Southwest Chief. If you are transferring the same day, allow enough time between trains and check your schedule carefully before travel.
The station is also a major Amtrak gateway, so it works well for longer rail itineraries that begin or end in Chicago. For other transfers on the Southwest Chief route, check the current Amtrak itinerary and any bus or shuttle reservation requirements.
Connections at Los Angeles Union Station
Los Angeles Union Station is the western terminus of the Southwest Chief and a major transportation hub for Southern California. It is the place to begin or end the route if you are traveling between Los Angeles and Chicago.
Selected Amtrak Thruway bus connections are available on services such as Los Angeles-Bakersfield, Fullerton-Indio, and San Bernardino-Bakersfield. These can link travelers with places including Burbank, Glendale, Riverside, San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indio.
Schedules and transfer options can change, so review your itinerary closely and leave enough time to make your connection.
Grand Canyon and Santa Fe Connections
For the Grand Canyon, use Flagstaff as the main Southwest Chief stop. From there, Amtrak connection buses can take travelers to Williams, Arizona, where the Grand Canyon Railway continues toward the South Rim area.
For Santa Fe, use Lamy. The Lamy Shuttle Service meets Southwest Chief trains daily, provides service to Santa Fe hotels, and offers return service to Lamy. Advance reservations are required.
Local Transit, Regional Rail, and Airport Transfers
The Southwest Chief supports local transport and regional travel at selected stops, especially where buses and shuttles meet the train. This makes the route useful as part of a wider city transport or regional transportation plan.
In California, San Bernardino and Riverside can be easier start or end points for travelers who want to avoid the busiest part of Los Angeles. At Riverside, the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a nearby landmark, and the closest airports listed in the source material are San Bernardino (SBD) and Ontario (ONT).
Airport transfer details vary by station and trip plan, so check current local transport options before departure.
Rules and Travel Tips
The Southwest Chief is a long trip, so plan like you are spending two nights on the move. A carry-on-sized bag is usually easier to manage than bulky luggage, especially in coach or a roomette. Keep your ticket, phone, charger, snacks, and essentials in a small bag you can reach quickly.
Coach is the more affordable choice, but you will sleep upright. Private rooms cost more, though they include a bed and meals, which can make the overnight ride more comfortable.
For scenery, the best daytime views are often in New Mexico and Colorado, especially around Raton Pass and the New Mexico desert. Westbound travel is a popular choice for desert sunset views and daylight through scenic mountain sections.
The Sightseer Lounge is one of the best places to watch the landscape change. The cafe offers snacks and light meals, while dining car meals are included for passengers booked in private rooms.
Longer station stops are useful for stretching your legs, but stay close to the train. Stops can be short, and the train will not wait if you miss reboarding. For a safe trip, listen for crew announcements and return when called.
Smoking is prohibited onboard. Passengers may smoke only on station platforms when crew members announce a smoking stop.
- Book early if you want a private room.
- Bring snacks, especially for coach travel.
- Have your ticket ready when boarding and reboarding.
- Watch announcements for meal times and longer stops.
- Check the current timetable before travel, especially if your trip includes Arizona.
Onboard Amenities
The Southwest Chief offers long-distance amenities designed for a two-night trip. Depending on the train, travelers may find Coach Class seating, Superliner sleeping accommodations, checked baggage service, trainside checked bicycle service, Traditional Dining, Cafe Service, and the Sightseer Lounge.
Sleeping options may include roomettes, bedrooms, bedroom suites, family rooms, and accessible bedrooms. Coach seats are available on both lower and upper levels, depending on equipment and availability.
Meal service varies by direction. Eastbound meal service is listed as Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch. Westbound meal service is listed as Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast. Sample menus may be updated, and menu items and prices can change onboard.
Small dogs or cats are allowed to travel with passengers on the train, according to the source material.
Brief History
The Southwest Chief is the successor to the Super Chief, which began service in 1936 as the flagship train of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. For much of its early history, it operated as an all-Pullman sleeping car train.
In 1958, Santa Fe merged the Super Chief with its all-coach counterpart, the El Capitan, while keeping the Super Chief train numbers. When Amtrak began operations on May 1, 1971, Santa Fe turned over its main passenger services.
After Santa Fe objected to the use of the Chief name, Amtrak renamed the train the Southwest Limited in 1974. The train later received Superliner equipment, and on October 28, 1984, Santa Fe allowed Amtrak to restore the Chief name, creating the Southwest Chief.
The route later saw changes in the Los Angeles area, including adjustments related to the Pasadena Subdivision, station replacements with Fullerton, and the addition of Riverside. The train has also had notable derailments in 1979, 1997, 2016, and 2022.
Service Updates and Future Changes
Current Southwest Chief service includes the daily Lamy Shuttle Service to Santa Fe hotels, with return service to Lamy and advance reservations required. Onboard amenities, dining, and accommodation availability can vary by train.
The Southwest Chief Thru-Car Service Study is examining the feasibility of a new passenger rail connection between Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the existing Southwest Chief stop in La Junta, Colorado. The study is being adjusted to align with the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan.
As of August 2023, analysis of the Colorado Springs to Pueblo segment is paused for the near term, while work continues on the Pueblo to La Junta segment. If developed, the proposed expansion would be synchronized with eastbound and westbound Southwest Chief schedules.
An alternate concept under review would use standalone equipment to shuttle passengers between Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and La Junta.
Best Stopover Ideas and Nearby Attractions
The Southwest Chief route works well for stopovers, especially if you do not want to ride the entire 2,265-mile (3,645 km) journey in one stretch. Good places to break up the trip include Kansas City, Santa Fe via Lamy, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles.
Kansas City Union Station is a destination in its own right, with nearby attractions and hotels. Santa Fe offers the Plaza area, Canyon Road galleries, historic churches, spas, hot springs, and notable cuisine. Albuquerque brings Old Town, museums, ballooning, and New Mexican food. Flagstaff is strong for stargazing, Lowell Observatory, and Grand Canyon access. Los Angeles adds Union Station, Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Disneyland, and other Southern California outings.
Scenic Highlights
The Southwest Chief is one of Amtrak’s more scenic long-distance trains, with plains, mountains, desert, and red rock views along the way. The most scenic stretch is generally between northern New Mexico and Southern California.
Highlights include Raton Pass in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Apache Canyon, the New Mexico desert, the Painted Desert, and the Red Cliffs of Sedona. Westbound travel is often recommended for better daylight through mountain sections and sunset views over the desert.
The Sightseer Lounge is the best onboard place to take in both sides of the route. The left side of the train is often preferred for scenery around Raton Pass and the approach to Albuquerque, where Sandia Peak may be visible.
- Chicago: Union Station, Grant Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Wrigley Field.
- Kansas City: Union Station, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the National World War I Museum.
- Albuquerque: Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Petroglyph National Monument, and the International Balloon Fiesta.
- Flagstaff: Lowell Observatory, Wupatki National Monument, Route 66, and Grand Canyon day trips.
- Los Angeles: Union Station, Rodeo Drive, Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, and Disneyland.
Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Williams
Flagstaff is the key Southwest Chief stop for Grand Canyon access. From Flagstaff, travelers can use connecting bus service to Williams, Arizona, and continue by the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim.
Grand Canyon bus connections from Flagstaff may be seasonal on some routes, so check the current timetable before you travel. The source material notes that Route 66 Express shuttle vans wait for late trains at Flagstaff.
- Flagstaff is served directly by the Southwest Chief.
- Williams is the transfer point for the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Grand Canyon Railway buses default to the Williams Holiday Inn, with depot drop-off available by request.
- Check current timings before planning a Grand Canyon day trip.
Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and New Mexico Stops
For Santa Fe, the Lamy Shuttle Service meets Southwest Chief trains daily and provides an easy ride to Santa Fe hotels. Return service to Lamy is also available, and advance reservations are required.
Albuquerque offers Old Town, the 1793 Church of San Felipe de Neri, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Petroglyph National Monument, and the International Balloon Fiesta. The Southwest Chief also serves Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque, and Gallup, making New Mexico one of the most important scenic and cultural sections of the route.
Chicago, Kansas City, and Los Angeles
Chicago, Kansas City, and Los Angeles are three of the strongest gateway cities on the Southwest Chief. Each works as a starting point, ending point, or stopover with major attractions nearby.
From Chicago Union Station, travelers can visit Grant Park, major museums, famous skyscrapers, the Magnificent Mile, and Wrigley Field. Kansas City Union Station gives access to the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the National World War I Museum, the 18th and Vine Jazz District, the American Jazz Museum, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
At the western end, Los Angeles Union Station connects travelers with classic Southern California sightseeing, including Rodeo Drive, Malibu, Santa Monica Pier, Disneyland, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Downtown Los Angeles hotels are close to the station, while Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica are also popular places to stay.