Jump from Los Angeles to Las Vegas: Train Options and Costs

The journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas may seem straightforward, but the current options can be a mix of inconvenience and surprise. Amtrak, the sole provider of passenger trains in the United States, operates the only train service from Los Angeles to Las Vegas via a bus trip from Kingman, Arizona. This article explores the current and potential future train options and costs involved in this popular travel route.

Current Amtrak Service

Amtrak offers its only service from Los Angeles to Las Vegas via an Amtrak bus. This means passengers traveling from Los Angeles to Las Vegas have to board a coach and head to Kingman, Arizona, and then switch to a bus to get to Las Vegas. However, it's worth noting that once, there was a train route from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles that had a stop in Las Vegas, Nevada, but it was discontinued decades ago. The current route in Arizona, where Amtrak has a stop, does not have the same allure as its Nevada counterpart due to the absence of famous casinos.

Travel Time and Costs

The journey from Kingman to Las Vegas takes approximately 2 hours by bus, totaling about 10 hours when including the transfer time from the train station to the bus. The fare for this journey is around $100. An alternative, FlixBus, offers a similar route for approximately $80, but it cuts the journey time by about 4 hours. The disparity in costs and journey time between the two methods provides travelers with choices based on their preferences.

Future Outlook and Comments

Despite the convenient bus transfer option, one cannot help but wonder about the status of a more direct train service. Plans for reestablishing a train route have been mentioned many times over the years, yet there has been no concrete action. This leaves many travelers questioning if and when the long-pending project will materialize. The fact that Las Vegas, once known as a railroad town, now has a train station replaced with a hotel stands as a symbol of this past glory.

Other Options

For those traveling to Las Vegas, another option is to take the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Oxnard, California, and then transfer to a bus to Las Vegas. This roundabout route is particularly unappealing due to its extended journey time and cost of $114, which is significantly higher than the bus options. However, there is also the choice of the Greyhound bus, which offers a cheaper fare of under $60 for a similar journey. Each mode of transport has its pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on the traveler's budget and time preferences.

Conclusion

The current train service from Los Angeles to Las Vegas via a bus transfer is a far cry from the historical journey once enjoyed by travelers. With continuous discussions about reviving rail service, it seems that a more direct and efficient route is imminent. Until then, travelers have to make do with the available options, balancing time, cost, and convenience.