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California Zephyr

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.

8 results matching: Amtrak's California Zephyr

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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(159 reviews)
Escorted
2026MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains and...

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Save up to $500pp
11 days from
$5,495 pp $4,995 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.6 stars(183 reviews)
Escorted
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct
2027AprMayJunSepOct
Escorted

Discover the natural wonders and rugged wilderness of the Southwest on this scenic rail tour through Canyon Country. This tour has it all: amazing national parks, classic train journeys, and spectacular sightseeing and excursions. Your adventure begins in Chicago with a classic rail journey aboard the legendary California Zephyr to Grand Junction...

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Save up to $500pp
10 days from
$4,195 pp $3,795 pp
per person
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Albuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(113 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
Escorted

Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this 9-day escorted adventure featuring national parks, historic rail journeys, and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction. View the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde national parks, before riding the...

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Save up to $500pp
9 days from
$4,195 pp $3,795 pp
per person
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Colorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental DivideColorado Rockies Continental Divide
Save up to $500pp
4.0 stars(46 reviews)
Independent
2025Dec
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco, take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famed attractions such as the John Hancock Observation Deck, ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its several museums and the...

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Save up to $500pp
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Golden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate Bridge
Save up to $500pp
Independent
2026JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Prepare for a 10-day cross-country rail vacation that showcases the best of the USA, from natural beauty to big cities. Start your journey by exploring iconic landmarks on a guided tour of New York. Next, relax aboard the Lake Shore Limited as it whisks you through scenic vistas to Chicago, where you'll delve into the Windy City's architectural...

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Save up to $500pp
10 days from
$2,695 pp $2,495 pp
per person
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Yosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National Park
Save up to $500pp
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
Independent

Follow the lead of the explorers of years past and head west for a grand adventure to the "City by the Bay," San Francisco. This six-day rail vacation shows the contrasts between two American cities and the nature that surrounds them. Spend a day wrapped in the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies while based in Denver, and then board Amtrak's...

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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$2,095 pp $1,895 pp
per person
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Yosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View Sunset
Save up to $500pp
4.4 stars(17 reviews)
Independent
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent

The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such as...

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Save up to $500pp
8 days from
$2,495 pp $2,295 pp
per person
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San Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Save up to $500pp
Escorted
2026AprMaySepOct
Escorted

An epic tour across the United States, this once-in-a-lifetime journey features some of America's most celebrated cities - San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York - and visits iconic landmarks, including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. This incredible adventure also features legendary trains. Ride Amtrak's...

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Save up to $500pp
17 days from
$5,995 pp $5,495 pp
per person
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Our customers love our California Zephyr tours
California Zephyr Experience
11/Nov
MARCIA GREY PATTERSON
5 stars
“Wonderful experience
Collected by Trustpilot
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta by Rail
27/Oct
Michael Mefferd Jr
5 stars
“This was our first vacation out west and we found it very enjoyable. The scenery was spectacular and the towns were interesting. I loved Santa Fe and would like to visit again. The tour manager, bus driver and all the people on the bus were very friendly. There were some...
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
23/Oct
JONI TRUMP
4 stars
“The trip was terrific. We managed to hit all 5 National Parks in Utah plus the Grand Canyon. Since I traveled with Vacations by Rail out West prior I decided to skip the overnight train from Chicago to Denver and met the train in Denver. I did enjoy...
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
28/Sep
Robert Tiscione
4 stars
“The Rail portion of the trip fell short of expectations. There were no food accommodations for most coach passengers after the sleepers and roomettes were fed. The balance of the trip on the coach, along with our tour director Marlin, was top shelf - that portion deserved 5 stars
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco
18/Sep
ETHEL ALFREDA WALKER
4 stars
“Overall, trip was great experience as first time. Problems with staffing caused delay in getting service first night for our bedroom. Staff were friendly in general and responsive to requests. Had a problem with rattling of bathroom door and faucet that caused sleep disturbances.
Collected by Trustpilot