California Zephyr
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The California Zephyr is said to be one of the most beautiful train lines in North America. This daily long-distance Amtrak train connects downtown Chicago to the San Francisco Bay area (Emeryville, near Oakland), crossing the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada along the way. The journey takes about 51 hours, making it the second longest passenger train route in America and one of the longer ones in the world. Equipment used is common to most Amtrak long-distance routes, with two-level Superliner passenger cars, sleeper cars, a dining car, an observation/snack bar car, and possibly several baggage/expedited cargo cars.
See rail travel in the United States for further information about Amtrak and other train lines.
Route overviewThe California Zephyr begins its westbound journey at Chicago's Union Station. Passengers see the Chicago River and central Chicago as the train eases out of the station.
Get inYou can start and end at any of the stations; major cities that the train usually reaches at reasonable hours include Chicago, Denver, Reno, Sacramento, and San Francisco (via Emeryville).
StationsFrom the last three stations, Amtrak provides bus or train connections to other parts of the Bay Area (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Petaluma, Santa Rosa) and elsewhere in California (Fresno, Bakersfield).
PricesThere are various options available depending on the distance traveled, with group discounts also available.
EatAll sleeper car passengers have meals in the dining car included in the price of their tickets.
AccommodationsThere's no shower available for coach tickets. Passengers should bring a wash cloth, towel and soap or upgrade to a sleeper for a portion of the trip.
DelaysThis route is long, single track for large portions, and shares a lot of tracks with slow freight trains, so expect delays.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "California Zephyr" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons