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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.

9 results matching: Amtrak's California Zephyr

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Tourist Traveling into Balloon Festival
Save Up to $500
4.2 stars(46 reviews)
Escorted
2025Oct
Escorted
9 days from
$3,795 pp $3,495 pp
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Save Up to $500
9 days from
$3,795
$3,495
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Mount Rushmore
Save Up to $500
4.8 stars(11 reviews)
Escorted
2025MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted
11 days from
$4,995 pp $4,595 pp
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Save Up to $500
11 days from
$4,995
$4,595
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Bryce Canyon National Park
Most Popular
4.7 stars(23 reviews)
Escorted
2024Sep
2025MayJunSep
Escorted
10 days from
$3,995 pp $3,695 pp
View Details
10 days from
$3,995
$3,695
per person
View Details
Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
California Zephyr
Heritage Tour
4.2 stars(29 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNovDec
2025JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent
5 days from
$713 pp
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5 days from
$713
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Sierra Nevada Mountains
3.3 stars(10 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNovDec
Independent
6 days from
$872 pp
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6 days from
$872
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Golden Gate Bridge
4.2 stars(5 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOctNovDec
Independent
10 days from
$2,176 pp $1,976 pp
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10 days from
$2,176
$1,976
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
Map and accommodation
Yosemite National Park
3.2 stars(5 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOct
2025JunJulAugSepOct
Independent
8 days from
$2,847 pp $2,647 pp
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8 days from
$2,847
$2,647
per person
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Tour map
  • AccommodationRail
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Rocky Mountain Colorado Autumn
4.0 stars(17 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
9 days from
$2,485 pp $2,285 pp
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9 days from
$2,485
$2,285
per person
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  • AccommodationRail, Hotel
  • TransportRail
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Exploring Yosemite National Park
4.6 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2024AugSepOct
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
Independent
8 days from
$2,383 pp $2,183 pp
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8 days from
$2,383
$2,183
per person
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Our customers love our California Zephyr tours
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
25 Jul 2024
Donna Lipski
5 stars
“Had an amazing tour, tour guide, Sally, was fantastic. Saw so much amazing beauty. Well planned days/events. Amtrack train portion was not great, accommodations, food options other than main meal, availability of other train cars was subpar.
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco
24 Jul 2024
KAREN SWITZER
5 stars
“Enjoyed the trip. Both Chicago and San Francisco hotels were great. Enjoyed planned tours.
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
13 Jul 2024
customer
5 stars
“This was an absolutely wonderful trip. It exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide Ed was wonderful and we always felt very safe with our best driver Ron. We will most likely book another Vacations by Tails trip in the future.
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
04 Jul 2024
Jenifer Bratter
5 stars
“Best vacation ever!
Collected by Trustpilot
Classic Coast to Coast by Rail
16 Apr 2024
BEDWARD DUNLAP
5 stars
“This can be expensive for some people. Maybe you should offer discounts to older travelers.
Collected by Trustpilot
Colorado Rockies to Yosemite National Park
15 Oct 2023
customer
5 stars
“The train ride was very nice and the food was great!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast to Coast : San Francisco to New York
20 Jul 2021
Alyson M, Fort Worth, TX
5 stars
“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
4 stars
“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
4 stars
“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...
Collected by Trustpilot