One of the most peaceful and beautiful ways to see the United States is by rail. If you’re planning a trip from Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver, you’re in for a treat. From the gorgeous Rocky Mountains to the California deserts, this route provides stunning views of the American West. Everything you need to know about the Amtrak train from Los Angeles to Denver, including schedules, departure times, and the route, will be covered in this article. This information will help you whether you’re taking the Amtrak Denver to Los Angeles route or the other way around.
Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver Route Details
Here is a table of the Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara route:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Southwest Chief (LA to Chicago) + California Zephyr (Chicago to Denver). |
| Distance | ~1,200 miles. |
| Travel Time | 40-45 hours (including transfer in Chicago). |
| Departure | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX). |
| Arrival | Denver Union Station (DEN). |
| Transfer Point | Chicago Union Station (CHI). |
| Key Stops | Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Kansas City, Omaha. |
| Scenic Highlights | Mojave Desert, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains. |
| Amenities | Coach/Sleeper seating, Dining Car, Observation Car, Wi-Fi (limited). |
| Sleeper Options | Roomette, Bedroom, Bedroom Suite, Family Room. |
| Fare Range | 120(Coach)to120(Coach)to1,800 (Sleeper Suite). |
Amtrak Routes between Los Angeles and Denver
The Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver route is shown in the table below, along with important stops, arrival and departure times, and state locations.
| Stop | City | State | Arrival Time | Departure Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Los Angeles | California | – | 6:00 PM (PST) | Departure from Union Station Los Angeles. |
| Fullerton (FUL) | Fullerton | California | 6:45 PM | 6:50 PM | A short stop in Orange County. |
| Riverside (RIV) | Riverside | California | 7:45 PM | 7:50 PM | Gateway to the Inland Empire. |
| San Bernardino (SNB) | San Bernardino | California | 8:10 PM | 8:15 PM | Last major stop in Southern California. |
| Needles (NDL) | Needles | California | 11:15 PM | 11:20 PM | Entry point into the Mojave Desert. |
| Kingman (KNG) | Kingman | Arizona | 12:45 AM (MST) | 12:50 AM | Historic Route 66 town. |
| Flagstaff (FLG) | Flagstaff | Arizona | 3:15 AM | 3:30 AM | Gateway to the Grand Canyon. |
| Winslow (WLO) | Winslow | Arizona | 4:45 AM | 4:50 AM | Famous for the “Standing’ on the Corner” park. |
| Gallup (GLP) | Gallup | New Mexico | 6:30 AM | 6:35 AM | Known for Native American culture and art. |
| Albuquerque (ABQ) | Albuquerque | New Mexico | 8:15 AM | 8:45 AM | Major stop with a longer layover. Explore Old Town Albuquerque. |
| Lamy (LMY) | Lamy | New Mexico | 10:15 AM | 10:20 AM | Closest stop to Santa Fe. |
| Las Vegas, NM (LVS) | Las Vegas | New Mexico | 11:45 AM | 11:50 AM | Historic town with Victorian architecture. |
Fare Classes of Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver
The available fare classes for the Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver route are listed in the table below.
| Fare Class | Description | Approx. Price (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Coach | Standard seating with ample legroom | $120 |
| Business Class | Enhanced seating with extra amenities | $180 |
| Sleeper Cabin | Private room with beds and meals included | $300+ |
Facilities on Amtrak Southwest Chief for Los Angeles to Denver
The facilities offered on the Amtrak Southwest Chief on the Los Angeles to Denver route are provided in the table below.
| Fare Class | Seating | Café Car | Dining Car | Observation Car | Wi-Fi | Sleeper Accommodations | Showers | Priority Boarding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Class | Yes | Yes | Purchase Meals | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Business Class | Yes | Yes | Purchase Meals | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Roomette (Sleeper) | N/A | Yes | Included Meals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bedroom (Sleeper) | N/A | Yes | Included Meals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Family Room (Sleeper) | N/A | Yes | Included Meals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Distance Between Key Stops for Amtrak Denver to Los Angeles
The Amtrak route from Denver to Los Angeles is served by the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief.
| Route | Key Stops | Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| California Zephyr | Denver, CO | 0 |
| Glenwood Springs, CO | 222 | |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 601 | |
| Reno, NV | 1,122 | |
| Emeryville, CA | 1,341 | |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago, IL | 0 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,241 | |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 1,566 | |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2,093 |
Why Choose Amtrak for Your Los Angeles to Denver Trip?
The upcoming table lists the positive aspects of using Amtrak for your trip from Los Angeles to Denver:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Scenic Views | Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, deserts, and more. |
| Comfortable Travel | Spacious seats, legroom, and the ability to move around freely. |
| No Airport Hassles | Avoid long security lines, baggage fees, and crowded terminals. |
| Eco-Friendly Option | Trains produce fewer emissions compared to planes or cars. |
| Affordable Fares | Competitive pricing, especially with discounts for seniors, students, and kids. |
| Onboard Amenities | Dining cars, Wi-Fi (on some routes), and observation lounges. |
| Relaxing Experience | Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey without the stress of driving or flying. |
| Multiple Stops | Explore cities and towns along the way, like Flagstaff, Albuquerque, and more. |
| No Traffic Jams | Avoid the stress of navigating highways and dealing with traffic. |
| Adventure and Romance | Experience the nostalgia and charm of train travel. |
Advice for Making Your Denver to Los Angeles Amtrak Reservation
- Book Early for the Best Prices: Secure your tickets in advance, especially for sleeper cabins, as they tend to sell out quickly.
- Plan Your Transfer: There’s no direct train from Denver to Los Angeles. You’ll need to transfer (e.g., California Zephyr to Southwest Chief), so plan your connection carefully and allow enough time between trains.
- Check for Discounts: Amtrak often offers discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel.
- Pack Smart: Bring snacks, a good book, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
Visit us for more information: Amtrak’s official Website
Final Thoughts
This route promises an amazing journey whether you’re going from Amtrak Denver to Los Angeles or Los Angeles to Denver. Amtrak is a great option for your upcoming journey because of its easy scheduling, gorgeous landscape, and comfortable cabins. For the most recent Amtrak Train Schedule from Denver to Los Angeles, be sure to visit the official Amtrak website and make your travel arrangements right now!
A Few Well-Liked Amtrak Routes
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Jose Stations and Routes
- Amtrak Los Angeles to New York Stations Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Francisco Stations
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Diego Station Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Seattle Train Route
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Joaquin Station
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Amtrak Union Station to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Sacramento
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Chicago
- Amtrak Los Angeles to San Luis
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Alaska
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Palm Springs
FAQs about the Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver
The route is served by the Southwest Chief.
Approximately 17 hours.
The train departs at 6:00 PM from Los Angeles Union Station.
You can book online at Amtrak’s official website or through their app.
Yes, contact Amtrak customer service for lost items.
Roomettes, bedrooms, and family rooms are available.
Yes, Amtrak trains are wheelchair accessible.
Yes, contact Amtrak customer service for lost items.
Yes, round-trip tickets are available and often cost less than two one-way tickets.