Amtrak Southwest Chief: Route, Stops & Travel Guide (2026)
The Amtrak Southwest Chief is one of America’s most iconic long-distance train journeys, connecting Chicago with Los Angeles across nearly 2,300 miles of breathtaking scenery. Following much of the historic Santa Fe Railway and portions of legendary Route 66, this route takes passengers through the American Midwest, vast Great Plains, dramatic deserts, colorful canyons, and the mountains of the Southwest.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country rail vacation or traveling between major cities along the route, the Southwest Chief offers one of the most memorable train experiences in North America. Comfortable sleeper accommodations, panoramic scenery, and the relaxed pace of rail travel make this route a favorite among both first-time passengers and experienced Amtrak travelers.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Amtrak Southwest Chief, including its route, major stops, onboard accommodations, travel times, scenic highlights, and helpful planning tips.
Amtrak Southwest Chief Route Overview
The Southwest Chief operates daily between Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. Along the way, it crosses eight states while serving historic railroad towns, major cities, national park gateways, and some of the American Southwest’s most spectacular landscapes.
The route follows one of the country’s oldest passenger rail corridors, offering travelers a relaxing alternative to driving or flying while showcasing scenery that changes dramatically from one region to the next.
Chicago, Illinois
The journey begins at Chicago Union Station, one of Amtrak’s busiest hubs and the starting point for several famous long-distance trains. Before boarding, visitors can explore Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and Chicago’s renowned museums.
If you’re spending time here, don’t miss our complete guide to visiting Chicago by Amtrak.
Kansas City, Missouri
Crossing the Mississippi River and the Great Plains, the Southwest Chief reaches Kansas City, famous for its jazz heritage, historic Union Station, and world-renowned barbecue.
New Mexico
One of the journey’s most scenic sections passes through northern New Mexico, where red rock mesas, desert landscapes, and historic communities create unforgettable views. Santa Fe, while not directly on the line, is easily reached via a short connecting shuttle from Lamy.
Arizona
Crossing northern Arizona, the train stops in Flagstaff, one of the most popular gateways to Grand Canyon National Park. Many travelers choose to extend their journey here before continuing west toward California.
Learn more in our guides to Arizona by Amtrak and visiting the Grand Canyon by train.
Los Angeles, California
The journey concludes at historic Los Angeles Union Station, one of the country’s most beautiful railway terminals. From here, travelers can continue exploring Southern California or connect with other Amtrak services, including the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner.
Our Los Angeles travel guide covers everything to see after arriving.
Major Stops Along the Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief serves dozens of communities across the American Midwest and Southwest. Some stations are major transportation hubs, while others provide access to national parks and historic towns.
Chicago, Illinois
The eastern terminus and one of Amtrak’s largest connection points.
Galesburg, Illinois
A historic railroad community with deep ties to Midwestern rail travel.
Kansas City, Missouri
A major stop known for barbecue, jazz, and impressive Union Station.
Topeka & Dodge City, Kansas
These stations showcase classic Great Plains scenery and the rich history of the American West.
La Junta, Colorado
A historic railroad junction that marks the transition from prairie landscapes to the rugged Southwest.
Raton, New Mexico
Located near the scenic Raton Pass, this section features beautiful mountain views and pine forests.
Lamy (Santa Fe)
The closest Amtrak station for visitors heading to Santa Fe via connecting shuttle service.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the route’s longest service stops and an excellent place to experience New Mexico’s unique culture and cuisine.
Gallup, New Mexico
A gateway to Native American heritage and striking desert landscapes.
Flagstaff, Arizona
One of the route’s most popular stops thanks to its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, and Route 66 attractions.
Kingman, Arizona
A convenient stop for travelers heading toward Las Vegas or western Arizona.
Los Angeles, California
The western terminus provides connections throughout Southern California and beyond.
Scenic Highlights Along the Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief is widely considered one of Amtrak’s most scenic long-distance routes. Over two days of travel, passengers witness an incredible variety of landscapes, from fertile farmland and rolling plains to towering mountains, colorful deserts, and dramatic canyons.
The Great Plains
After departing Chicago, the train travels across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas, where endless prairies, farmland, and charming small towns provide a classic Midwestern rail experience.
Raton Pass
One of the journey’s most memorable sections is the climb over historic Raton Pass on the Colorado–New Mexico border. Dense forests, winding tracks, and mountain scenery make this one of the route’s photographic highlights.
New Mexico’s High Desert
Between Lamy, Albuquerque, and Gallup, the landscape transforms into colorful mesas, sandstone cliffs, desert plains, and dramatic sunsets that define the American Southwest.
Arizona’s Red Rock Country
As the train approaches Flagstaff, passengers enjoy views of pine forests, volcanic peaks, and the rugged landscapes of northern Arizona. This section also provides access to Grand Canyon National Park and nearby Route 66 attractions.
California Deserts
The final stretch into Southern California passes through vast desert landscapes before descending toward the Los Angeles Basin, creating a dramatic conclusion to the cross-country journey.
What Is the Onboard Experience Like?
Because the Southwest Chief operates for nearly two full days, Amtrak offers a wide range of accommodations and amenities designed for long-distance travel.
Coach Class
Coach passengers enjoy spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, fold-down footrests, tray tables, reading lights, and large panoramic windows. The seats are significantly larger than typical airline seating and remain comfortable even during overnight journeys.
Roomettes
Roomettes provide a private space for one or two travelers. During the day, comfortable seats face each other, while at night they convert into upper and lower beds. Meals in the dining car are included, making Roomettes one of the most popular ways to travel on the Southwest Chief.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms offer additional space, a private restroom, shower, and larger seating area. They’re ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking maximum comfort during the journey.
Dining Car
One of the highlights of traveling on the Southwest Chief is enjoying freshly prepared meals in the traditional dining car while watching America’s landscapes pass by. Sleeper passengers have meals included, while Coach passengers can purchase food from the Café Car.
Sightseer Lounge
The two-level Sightseer Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views throughout the trip. It’s one of the best places to relax, meet fellow travelers, read, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Wi-Fi & Power Outlets
Power outlets are available at every seat, allowing passengers to charge their devices throughout the journey. Unlike many shorter Amtrak routes, Wi-Fi availability on the Southwest Chief is limited, so it’s wise to download entertainment before departure.
Approximate Travel Times
While schedules vary slightly, these estimates provide a good idea of journey times.
- Chicago to Kansas City: approximately 7–8 hours
- Chicago to Albuquerque: around 24 hours
- Chicago to Flagstaff: roughly 31–32 hours
- Chicago to Los Angeles: about 43–44 hours
- Albuquerque to Los Angeles: around 19–20 hours
- Flagstaff to Los Angeles: approximately 10 hours
Best Destinations Along the Route
The Southwest Chief passes through several destinations that are well worth extending your trip for.
Chicago
World-class museums, architecture, river cruises, and outstanding dining make Chicago one of America’s best city-break destinations.
Read our Chicago destination guide.
Grand Canyon National Park
Flagstaff serves as one of the best gateways to Grand Canyon National Park. Many passengers leave the train here before continuing by rental car, shuttle, or the historic Grand Canyon Railway.
Learn how to visit the Grand Canyon by train.
Los Angeles
Hollywood, Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, and world-famous beaches make Los Angeles a fitting end to one of America’s greatest rail journeys.
Explore our Los Angeles travel guide.
Travel Tips for Riding the Southwest Chief
- Book sleeper accommodations early, especially during summer and holiday travel periods.
- Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between Chicago, the Rockies, the Southwest, and Southern California.
- Spend time in the Sightseer Lounge during daylight hours to enjoy the best scenery.
- Download movies, books, and music before departure since Wi-Fi is limited.
- Plan stopovers in Chicago, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, or Los Angeles to experience more of the route.
- Bring a camera, as many of the journey’s best views appear unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Ride the Amtrak Southwest Chief?
The Southwest Chief is more than just transportation between Chicago and Los Angeles—it’s one of America’s great rail adventures. From the Great Plains to the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, every section of the route offers something different, making the journey just as rewarding as the destinations themselves.
If you’re planning a larger rail vacation, continue with our Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Travel in the USA, or explore other legendary routes including the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder. You can also plan your stops with our destination guides to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Grand Canyon National Park.
