Travel between Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston provides only one opportunity to take in the luxury and convenience of Amtrak’s services while taking in the different scenery of the American Southwest. The Sunset Limited route, which runs through Texas and connects California and Louisiana, is the main route used for this trip.
Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston Route Overview
This is a summary of Amtrak’s route from Los Angeles, California (LAX) to Houston, Texas (HOS), with important details shown in a table.
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Los Angeles → Houston (Indirect via Sunset Limited + Thruway Bus) |
| Operational Days | Sunday, Wednesday, Friday (3x weekly) |
| Total Travel Time | 38 hours (including transfer) |
| Transfer Point | San Antonio, TX (SAS) |
| Booking Availability | Amtrak.com, Mobile App, Stations, Phone (1-800-USA-RAIL) |
| Ticket Cost (Est.) | 120–120–300+ (varies by class, demand, advance booking) |
| Onboard Wi-Fi | No (Sunset Limited lacks Wi-Fi; bus may vary) |
| Luggage Policy | Train: 2 carry-ons + 2 checked bags (free) |
| Seating Classes | Train: Coach (standard), Roomette (sleeper) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible train cars & buses (request in advance) |
| Power Outlets | Available at all train seats; bus may vary |
| Scenic Highlights | Mojave Desert, Arizona mountains, Texas plains |
| Delay Frequency | Moderate (Sunset Limited is often delayed due to freight traffic) |
| Contact Info | Amtrak Customer Service: 1-800-872-7245 |
Routes of Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston
The following table shows every Amtrak route that runs between Los Angeles and Houston:
| Station Code | City/Station | State | Arrival (approx.) | Departure (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAX | Los Angeles (Union Station) | California | — | 10:00 PM (Day 1) | Departure point |
| ONT | Ontario | California | 11:10 PM | 11:15 PM | Early stop |
| PSN | Palm Springs | California | 1:15 AM (Day 2) | 1:20 AM | Coachella Valley area |
| MAR | Maricopa | Arizona | 5:30 AM | 5:35 AM | Serves Phoenix area (shuttle available) |
| TUS | Tucson | Arizona | 7:45 AM | 8:00 AM | Major stop (30+ min layover) |
| DLD | Douglas | Arizona | 11:30 AM | 11:35 AM | Border town near New Mexico |
| LRD | Lordsburg | New Mexico | 12:45 PM | 12:50 PM | Small desert stop |
| ELP | El Paso | Texas | 3:30 PM | 4:00 PM | Major Texas stop (30 min layover) |
| SAS | San Antonio | Texas | 10:15 PM | 10:45 PM | Transfer point (Sunset Limited ends here) |
| HOS | Houston (Bus Terminal) | Texas | 6:30 AM (Day 3) | — | Final stop (via Thruway Bus #8802) |
Schedule for Amtrak from Houston to Los Angeles
The following table lists Amtrak’s routes, departure and arrival times, and important information for its Houston (HOS) to Los Angeles (LAX) service:
| Route | Departure (HOS) | Train Taken | Arrival (LAX) | Total Duration | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Limited Route | 5:15 AM CT | Sunset Limited (Train #2) | 5:00 AM PT (2nd day) | 36 hours | 3x/week (Tue, Thu, Sat) | Most direct option |
| Texas Eagle Route | 7:00 AM CT | Texas Eagle (Train #22) | 5:00 AM PT (3rd day) | 46 hours | Daily | Longer but more flexible schedule |
| Multi-Train Route | 5:15 AM CT | Southwest Chief (Train #4) | 6:00 AM PT (4th day) | 60+ hours | Daily | Impractical; involves Chicago transfer |
Features of Amtrak from Los Angeles to Houston TX
- Comfortable Seating: Spacious seats with ample legroom and adjustable headrests.
- Private Rooms: Options for private roomettes and bedrooms for added privacy and comfort.
- Onboard Dining: Access to dining cars serving freshly prepared meals and snacks.
- WiFi Connectivity: Available on select trains to keep you connected during your journey.
- Baggage Services: Generous carry-on and checked baggage allowances.
- Pet-Friendly Travel: Small pets are allowed onboard with prior reservations.
- Accessibility Features: Accommodations for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible seating.
Amtrak Houston to Los Angeles Cost
Listed below table compares the prices of various fares and classes for Amtrak routes between Houston (HOS) and Los Angeles (LAX):
| Route | Coach | Business | Sleeper (Roomette) | Sleeper (Bedroom) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Limited (via San Antonio) | 120−120−250 | Not Available | 400−400−700 | 600−600−900 | Cheapest option, 3x weekly |
| Texas Eagle (via Dallas) | 150−150−300 | 220−220−400 | 500−500−800 | 700−700−1,100 | Daily service, more expensive |
| Multi-Train (via Chicago) | 250−250−500 | Not Available | 800−800−1,200 | 1,000−1,000−1,500 | Longest route, poor value |
Final Tips for Booking Amtrak from Los Angeles to Houston
- Book Early: Reservations open months in advance. Early booking helps secure better prices and preferred accommodations.
- Check for Discounts: Explore discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and children on the official Amtrak website.
- Choose the Right Accommodation: Decide between standard seating or private rooms based on your comfort and budget.
- Review the Schedule: Check the train schedule carefully to align with your travel plans, as the route operates only three times a week.
- Arrive Early at the Station: Ensure you have sufficient time for boarding and baggage check-in.
- Stay Updated: Monitor your train status for any schedule changes or delays via the Amtrak app or website.
For more information click on Amtrak’s official Website
Conclusion
Amtrak offers a special combination of comfort, natural beauty, and a stress-free replacement for driving or flying when traveling from Los Angeles to Houston (or vice versa). The Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle combination offers an amazing trip across the breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest, given its absence of a direct route.
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 Albuquerque
FAQs for the Houston to Los Angeles Amtrak route
No, passengers must transfer in San Antonio (via the Texas Eagle or bus to connect with the Sunset Limited).
Approximately 30–35 hours, including transfers.
The Sunset Limited operates 3 times per week (Mon, Thu, Sat from Houston).
Online at Amtrak.com, via the mobile app, or at stations.
Yes for sleeper passengers, but Coach passengers pay separately.