This Is Amtrak's Most Scenic Train Ride - The California Zephyr
/
There is no better way to see America’s beautiful landscapes than by train, and the California Zephyr is the most scenic train ride in America. The full trip stretches from Chicago to San Francisco, and takes you through the Chicago cityscape to the pine forests and mountain views of the Rockies, to the salt flats and red rocks of Utah, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. One of the most popular Amtrak trains, the Zephyr is an experience rather than a way to get from A to B. If you have a weekend to spare, and want to see everything the American West has to offer, the California Zephyr is a train ride you need to take.
Why Take a Ride on the California Zephyr
Train travel is a completely unique way to see the country’s landscapes. The Amtrak train’s Observation Car allows you to relax and take in the views while the train makes its way through the Rocky Mountains, past canyons and through iconic bridges and tunnels.
While the Zephyr runs from Illinois to California, there are stops across Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California. The main destinations are Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake and San Francisco, so you will see train riders getting on and off to travel between these main hubs. The train does stop at some of these stations for a time, so you can hop off to see a bit of the city before heading back to your roomette.
What to Expect on the California Zephyr
Accommodations
There are regular Coach Class seats on the train for day trippers, but if you are traveling overnight on the Zephyr, you will want to book a roomette. The roomettes are convertible private accommodations which feature two comfortable chairs by day and then convert into upper and lower bunks to sleep in. Pillows, towels and linens are all provided. To book a roomette for the full distance from Chicago to San Francisco is about $700-$1,000 depending on when you travel, but making the trip shorter and traveling out of Denver or Salt Lake City would make the ticket price cheaper. There are also larger bedrooms available for groups of more than two, check the Amtrak website for details and booking.
Amenities
The California Zephyr features a Dining Car as well as a Café Car. The Dining Car serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as selected bar offerings.
The Café Car serves breakfast, lunch and drinks, making it the perfect place to spend your afternoon, or grab a quick drink on your way to the Observation Car. Meals as well as coffee from the Café Car are all complimentary when you book a roomette or larger bedroom. The roomettes are arranged in Sleeper Cars, which feature private showers and bathrooms per car and a dedicated Sleeper Car attendant to assist you with whatever you might need on your trip.