Southwest Chief Train Tickets: Chicago to LA & Grand Canyon Guide

Route Overview

The Southwest Chief is one of America's most iconic long-distance rail journeys, traveling 2,256 miles between Chicago Union Station and Los Angeles Union Station across eight states: Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Parallel to historic Route 66, this 43-hour trip offers stunning vistas of wheat fields, red mesa cliffs, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and desert canyons.

43 Hours

Travel Time (2 Nights)

Grand Canyon

Williams AZ Stop

Superliner

Double-Decker Cars

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Call our US rail travel desk directly to verify live Superliner Roomette rates, arrange Grand Canyon Railway connections, or lock in last-minute deals!

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Major Station Stops & Attractions

Chicago IL (CHI): Historic Union Station. Enjoy Metropolitan Lounge access with sleeping car tickets.
Kansas City MO (KCY): Grand historic Union Terminal in the heart of Midwest BBQ country.
Albuquerque NM (ABQ): Pueblo style station terminal in New Mexico. Native American artisans sell handmade turquoise jewelry on the platform during the extended stop.
Williams AZ (WMS): Transfer station for the Grand Canyon Railway steam train to Grand Canyon National Park.
Flagstaff AZ (FLG): Gateway to Sedona red rocks and northern Arizona.
Los Angeles CA (LAX): Mission Revival Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.

Superliner Sleeping Accommodations & Dining

Passengers can travel in spacious Reserved Coach Class or upgrade to private Superliner Roomettes or Bedrooms. All sleeper car tickets include full chef-prepared meals in the Dining Car (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with complimentary wine) and access to the panoramic Sightseer Lounge car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I visit the Grand Canyon from the Southwest Chief?

Disembark at Williams, Arizona (WMS), where you can seamlessly connect to the historic Grand Canyon Railway train directly into Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim. Call our concierge line at (866) 455-3534 to coordinate your combined rail pass!

Are meals included for sleeper passengers?

Yes! Roomettes and Bedrooms include all hot meals cooked fresh in the Dining Car, plus private cabin attendant service.

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