One of the most unique and interesting ways to see the United States is by rail. The best passenger rail service in the country, Amtrak, connects the East and West Coasts with an amazing route from Amtrak Los Angeles to Washington. This trip promises amazing scenery, unmatched comfort, and an opportunity to experience America like never before, whether you’re traveling straight to the nation’s capital or taking Amtrak from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington.
Amtrak Route Details from Los Angeles to Washington
The main information about the Amtrak route between Los Angeles, California, and Washington, D.C., is provided here.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to Chicago) + Capitol Limited (Chicago to D.C.) |
| Total Distance | Approximately 2,800 miles (4,506 km) |
| Total Travel Time | 67 hours (varies based on connections and delays) |
| Frequency | Daily |
| Departure Station | Los Angeles Union Station (LAX) |
| Arrival Station | Washington Union Station (WAS) |
| Transfer Point | Chicago Union Station (CHI) |
| Train Types | Southwest Chief (long-distance), Capitol Limited (long-distance) |
| Baggage Policy | 2 carry-on bags (up to 50 lbs each) 2 checked bags (up to 50 lbs each) Additional fees for extra or overweight bags |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible cars and seating Assistance available for boarding and deboarding |
| Pet Policy | Small pets allowed (up to 20 lbs) for a fee of 25−25−30 on most routes (advance reservation required) |
| Luggage Storage | Overhead racks and dedicated luggage storage areas in each car |
| Entertainment | Scenic views Observation cars (on Southwest Chief) BYO entertainment (books, devices, etc.) |
| Wi-Fi Availability | Available on some routes (not guaranteed on long-distance trains) |
| Coach Seating | Reclining seats with footrests, ample legroom, and fold-down trays |
Amenities of Amtrak Los Angeles to Washington
The Amtrak route between Los Angeles, California (LAX) and Washington, D.C. (WAS) offers the following amenities:
| Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating | Coach (reclining seats), Business Class (upgraded), Sleeper (Roomettes, Bedrooms) |
| Dining | Traditional dining (Southwest Chief), flexible dining (Capitol Limited), Café car |
| Sleeping | Roomettes, Bedrooms, Suites (private accommodations with beds) |
| Wi-Fi | Limited availability (not guaranteed on long-distance routes) |
| Power Outlets | Available at every seat |
| Baggage | 2 carry-ons + 2 checked bags (50 lbs each) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible cars and rooms |
| Pets | Small pets allowed (25−25−30 fee, advance reservation required) |
| Scenic Views | Observation car (Southwest Chief), large windows in lounge cars |
| Entertainment | BYO entertainment, scenic views, socializing in lounge/dining cars |
Popular Stops on the Amtrak Los Angeles to Washington Route
The Amtrak route from Los Angeles, California (LAX) to Washington, D.C. (WAS) has the following well-liked stops:
| Stop | State | Distance from Los Angeles (Miles) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | California | 0 | Los Angeles Union Station, Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier |
| Fullerton | California | 25 | Historic downtown, local dining, proximity to Disneyland |
| Flagstaff | Arizona | 450 | Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Lowell Observatory, historic Route 66 |
| Albuquerque | New Mexico | 790 | Old Town Albuquerque, Sandia Peak Tramway, annual Balloon Fiesta |
| Kansas City | Missouri | 1,650 | Jazz museums, BBQ cuisine, Union Station, National WWI Museum |
| Chicago (CHI) | Illinois | 2,000 | Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, deep-dish pizza, transfer point for Capitol Limited |
| Washington, D.C. (WAS) | District of Columbia | 2,800 | National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial |
Advice for Organizing Your Amtrak Trip
- Book Early: Amtrak tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking in advance ensures you get the best prices and preferred seating options.
- Consider a Rail Pass: If you plan to make multiple stops or take additional routes, an Amtrak rail pass can save you money.
- Pack Smart: While Amtrak allows more luggage than airlines, it’s still a good idea to pack light and bring essentials for the journey.
- Check for Discounts: Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and more. Be sure to check if you qualify for any savings.
Visit us for more information: Amtrak’s Official website
Final Thoughts
The journey from Amtrak Los Angeles to Washington is an adventure rather than simply a journey. Amtrak offers a relaxing, beautiful, and stress-free way to travel across the United States, whether you’re traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle, Washington, or traveling across the country to the nation’s capital. Prepare to take in the splendor of America by rail by packing your bags and obtaining your ticket.
Several Popular Amtrak Routes
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Alaska
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Denver
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Portland
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Bakersfield
FAQs about Amtrak’s Los Angeles to Washington service
Approximately 67 hours.
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle, and Capitol Limited.
No, you’ll need to transfer in Chicago.
Visit Amtrak’s official website or use their mobile app.
Flexible dining, café cars, and complimentary meals for Sleeper Car passengers.