A unique and relaxing way to see the breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest is by rail from Los Angeles to Albuquerque. This page covers everything you need to know, including schedules, costs, and what to expect on board, whether you’re planning a one-way journey, a round-trip journey, or are just interested in learning more about the route of Amtrak Albuquerque to Los Angeles.
Information on Amtrak’s Routes from Los Angeles to Albuquerque
The Amtrak routes between Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ) and Los Angeles, California (LAX) are listed in the following table:
| Perspective | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Southwest Chief |
| Train Number | #3 (westbound: LAX → ABQ), #4 (eastbound: ABQ → LAX) |
| Distance | 832 miles (1,339 km) |
| Travel Time | 15–16 hours (varies by direction/schedule) |
| Frequency | Daily (departs both cities once per day) |
| Departure Time (LAX) | 6:00 PM (Pacific Time) |
| Arrival Time (ABQ) | 8:30 AM (Mountain Time) next day |
| Departure Time (ABQ) | 3:45 PM (Mountain Time) |
| Arrival Time (LAX) | 6:15 AM (Pacific Time) next day |
| Main Stops | Fullerton, CA; Flagstaff, AZ; Gallup, NM |
| Onboard Services | Coach seats, sleeper cabins (roomettes/bedrooms), dining car, lounge/café, free Wi-Fi (limited), observation car (scenic views) |
| Ticket Price (Coach) | 60–60–120 (one-way, varies by demand/time) |
| Sleeper Upgrade | 200–200–500+ (varies by room type/season) |
| Baggage Policy | 2 carry-ons (50 lbs each), 2 checked bags (free, ≤50 lbs each) |
| Scenic Highlights | Mojave Desert, Arizona red rocks, New Mexico high desert, Raton Pass |
| Booking Options | Available on Amtrak website, app, or at stations |
Amtrak Routes between Los Angeles and Albuquerque
The following table, which only includes route information, lists Amtrak routes between Los Angeles (LAX) and Albuquerque (ABQ):
| Category | Train # (Direction) | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Distance | Time Zone Change | Major Stops | Base Fare (Coach) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route Name | #3 (Eastbound) | 6:00 PM (PT) | 8:30 AM (MT) | 15h 30m | 832 miles | PT → MT (+1 hr) | Fullerton, Flagstaff, Gallup | 60–60–150 |
| Operated By | Amtrak | Daily | Daily | Overnight | 1,339 km | Crosses AZ/NM border | Winslow, Raton Pass | Dynamic Pricing |
| Equipment | Superliner Bi-Level | — | — | — | — | — | Observation Car Included | Sleeper Upgrades |
| On-Time Performance | 60–70% | Freight Delays | Variable | +1–3 hrs | BNSF Tracks | — | Check Real-Time Status | Refund Policy Varies |
| Scenic Highlights | Mojave Desert | Arizona Red Rocks | NM High Desert | — | — | Sunrise Views | Raton Pass (7,834 ft) | — |
Amtrak from Los Angeles to Albuquerque Schedule
The following table lists the main stops and times for Amtrak’s Southwest Chief from Los Angeles (LAX) to Albuquerque (ABQ) (Train #3):
| Stop (Station Code) | City/State | Arrival Time | Departure Time | Time Zone | Platform Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Los Angeles, CA | — | 6:00 PM | PT (Pacific) | Main Amtrak station; checked baggage available |
| Fullerton (FUL) | Fullerton, CA | 6:45 PM | 6:50 PM | PT | Short stop; Metro connections |
| Riverside (RIV) | Riverside, CA | 7:50 PM | 7:55 PM | PT | Limited services |
| San Bernardino (SNB) | San Bernardino, CA | 8:15 PM | 8:20 PM | PT | Metrolink connections |
| Flagstaff (FLG) | Flagstaff, AZ | 3:15 AM | 3:25 AM | MT (Mountain) | Long stop; café access |
| Gallup (GLP) | Gallup, NM | ~5:40 AM | ~5:45 AM | MT | Short stop; Navajo Nation |
| Albuquerque (ABQ) | Albuquerque, NM | 8:30 AM | — | MT | Final stop; checked baggage, rentals, Amtrak Thruway buses |
The Facilities of Amtrak Los Angeles to Albuquerque
- Spacious Seating: Enjoy comfortable seats with ample legroom and adjustable footrests.
- Sightseer Lounge Car: Relax in a car with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views of the stunning landscapes.
- Dining Options: Choose from freshly prepared meals in the dining car or grab quick snacks at the café.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Stay connected and productive during your journey with complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Generous Baggage Policy: Carry-on and checked luggage options for your convenience.
- Power Outlets: Keep your devices charged throughout the trip with individual power outlets at your seat.
- Private Rooms: Upgrade to private sleeper cabins featuring cozy beds, private restrooms, and complimentary meals.
Amtrak Albuquerque to Los Angeles Cost
This is the pricing table for Amtrak from Albuquerque to Los Angeles.
| Fare Type | Low Season Price | High Season Price | Last-Minute Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Seat | $58 | $120 | $150+ |
| Business Class | $130 | $225 | $280+ |
| Roomette | $290 | $550 | $700+ |
| Bedroom | $480 | $850 | $1,100+ |
| Bedroom Suite | $900 | $1,400 | $1,800+ |
| Family Room | $620 | $950 | $1,200+ |
Amtrak vs. Flight: Albuquerque to Los Angeles Round Trip
Even though the flight is quicker (around two hours), Amtrak provides a more relaxed and attractive experience. Here’s a brief similarity:
| Factor | Amtrak | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 16-18 hrs | ~2 hrs |
| Scenery | Stunning desert & mountain views | Limited views |
| Cost | 80−80−400 (one-way) | 100−100−300 (round-trip) |
| Comfort | Spacious seats, sleeper options | Cramped seating |
Booking Your Amtrak Trip for Los Angeles to Albuquerque
- Visit the Amtrak Website or App: Go to Amtrak’s official website or download their mobile app for easy booking.
- Search for Your Route: Enter “Los Angeles” as your departure city and “Albuquerque” as your destination. Select your travel dates.
- Choose Your Train and Class: Review the available options, including seating classes and sleeper accommodations, and select the one that suits your needs.
- Check Pricing and Availability: Compare ticket prices and ensure availability for your preferred travel dates.
- Complete Your Booking: Enter your personal details, payment information, and confirm your reservation.
- Receive Your eTicket: Once booked, you’ll receive an eTicket via email or the app, which you can use for boarding.
Final Thoughts
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief offers a memorable trip between Los Angeles and Albuquerque, whatever your travel goals: adventure, relaxation, or convenience. It’s a wonderful replacement for flying because of its comfortable seats, breathtaking vistas, and reasonably priced tickets.
The Best Routes on Amtrak
- 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 Yosemite
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Oceanside
FAQs for Amtrak’s route from Albuquerque to Los Angeles
The Southwest Chief route by Amtrak connects Los Angeles to Albuquerque. This daily journey offers stunning views of the deserts, mountains, and iconic landscapes of the American West.
The Amtrak journey from Los Angeles to Albuquerque via the Southwest Chief takes approximately 16 to 23 hours, depending on the specific train schedule and stops
The Southwest Chief train operates daily between Los Angeles and Albuquerque, providing a consistent and scenic travel option through the stunning landscapes of the American West.
You can book tickets for Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route online via Amtrak’s official website
or platforms like Wanderu, offering convenient options for reservations and schedules.
A one-way ticket for Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route from Los Angeles to Albuquerque starts at approximately $68, depending on the travel date and ticket type
Yes, you can change or cancel your Amtrak booking online via Amtrak’s website
or app. Policies vary by fare type, so check specific terms before proceeding.