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California Zephyr

One of Amtrak's 15 signature overnight journeys, the California Zephyr traverses 2,400 miles over the course of three days and two nights. The route begins at Union Station in Chicago, IL, and proceeds through Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada before arriving in Emeryville, CA, located just across the Oakland Bay Bridge from San Francisco. Travelers may join this expedition in either of the bookend destinations or at one of the 30-some-odd stations along the way.

The California Zephyr offers three departures per week, giving passengers options that best coincide with their travel plans. For their time onboard, guests may select from coach seating or upgrade to private sleeper accommodations.

To gain a new perspective on the changing terrain, travelers can meander up to the train's upper-level Sightseer Lounge, lined in large windows and features ample comfortable seating.

When it comes to mealtimes, dining on Amtrak is an experience to remember. Sleeper Car guests enjoy included meals for the duration of their time on the train. Delicious meals are served three times a day, with options ranging from Amtrak signature French toast and breakfast quesadillas in the morning to burgers and salads for lunch and pasta, chicken, or Amtrak Signature steak with red wine sauce for dinner. For guests looking for a less formal dining experience, the Café Car offers hot and cold options throughout the day.

America's beauty and the old-world elegance of train travel are yours to behold aboard the California Zephyr.

Our customers love our California Zephyr tours

Classic Coast to Coast by Rail

16/Apr

BEDWARD DUNLAP

“This can be expensive for some people. Maybe you should offer discounts to older travelers.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone

18 Sep 2023

DAVID CHASTAIN

“It was a wonderful trip, with the tour guide Sally Bell and bus driver Alex Hess being the best part. . All the museums, animals, and scenery were fantastic. The raft trip on the Snake River and the jeep ride through Custer State Park were the best parts of the trip. The weakest part of the tour was the California Zephyr train. The observation deck was great and the food was good, but the roomette was too small, the train too jerky, and the whole train showing that it was in need of a good cleaning. But we loved the trip and thought it was an awesome itinerary. Thank you.

Collected by Trustpilot

California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco

23 Oct 2021

Michael

“We enjoyed the experience. Considering the unavoidable space restrictions on a train, the goog use of all spaces was impressive.

Collected by Trustpilot

Coast to Coast : San Francisco to New York

20 Jul 2021

Alyson M, Fort Worth, TX

“Traveling by train was the perfect way to spend our honeymoon and see the country!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

California Zephyr Experience

09 Nov 2023

CRAIG CROOK

“The roommette is spacious enough for two people for the money but would be nice for mattresses and pillows to be a little thicker.

Collected by Trustpilot

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta by Rail

31 Oct 2023

JONI TRUMP

“The trip was awesome. The Travel Guide Ed and our Driver Ron were wonderful. I went as a single and met really nice and friendly people. The parks we visited and the scenery out west was just spectacular. I give it only a 4 because the overnight train ride from Chicago to Denver was rough. Amtrack doesn't really invest in their trains and the tracks are owned by the freight companies. The full day train ride from Denver to Grand Junction was really nice. I really enjoyed the Balloon festival. I would definitely travel with this company again.

Collected by Trustpilot

Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon

08 Oct 2023

JAMES HEATH

“Very nice. The Amtrak portion was disappointing.

Collected by Trustpilot

California Zephyr with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

06 Jun 2023

Barbara Anderson

“The views were amazing! We had a car rental waiting for us at Salt Lake City. We enjoyed driving ourselves into Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons (and they are GRAND!), and Yellowstone. Simply amazing! The bedroom was small and cramped, but served it's purpose. The toilet in our room did not flush appropriately so we ended up with a smell in our space. The hotels were great, as well as all the other accommodations made. As senior adults, it was part of our bucket list to experience train travel. We did, but seriously doubt we will ever travel this way again. There should be some sort of rotation system placed on the observation car. This is one of the most scenic train trips. People should NOT be allowed to camp out in there with no disregard for others on the train.

Collected by Trustpilot

California Zephyr

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