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California Zephyr

California Zephyr - Information & Tours

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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Albuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon FiestaAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Save $200pp
4.4 stars(113 reviews)
Escorted
2027SepOct
Escorted

Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this memorable vacation featuring national parks, historic rail journeys and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Travel on the iconic California Zephyr to Grand Junction and view the breathtaking landscapes of Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, before riding the...

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Save $200pp
9 days from
$4,599 pp $4,399 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
4.0 stars(58 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
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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5 days from
$895 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
4.7 stars(202 reviews)
Escorted
2027AprMayJunSepOct
Escorted

Discover the natural wonders and rugged wilderness of the Southwest on this scenic rail tour. Journey west on the California Zephyr to Arches National Park and enjoy a jetboat ride down the Colorado River. Visit the unique Capitol Reef National Park, the vast Bryce Canyon National Park, and the historic Zion National Park. Take in the panoramas...

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10 days from
$4,199 pp
per person
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Yosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View Sunset
4.3 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
2026Oct
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...

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8 days from
$2,295 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
4.6 stars(117 reviews)
Escorted
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Embark on an 11-day escorted tour of the Old West's rugged frontier towns, majestic landscapes and renowned national historic sites. Journey across America's Western frontier on Amtrak's legendary California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. Cross the Rocky Mountains, discovering hidden landscapes where the region's beauty comes to life...

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11 days from
$5,599 pp
per person
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Yosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National Park
Independent
2026Oct
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
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...

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6 days from
$1,995 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 $200pp
4.5 stars(53 reviews)
Escorted
2026Oct
2027AprMaySepOct
Escorted

Embark on an epic journey across the United States, from the iconic hills and harbor of San Francisco to the bright lights of Las Vegas, the culture of Chicago and the energy of New York. Along the way, marvel at some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes, including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and the thundering...

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Save $200pp
17 days from
$6,399 pp $6,199 pp
per person
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Golden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate Bridge
Save $200pp
Independent
2026OctNovDec
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 ...

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Save $200pp
10 days from
$2,595 pp
per person
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Our customers love our California Zephyr tours
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
11/Sep
Laura Valls
5 stars
“Overall a great tour and well organized.
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
2/Sep
Andrea
5 stars
“This is a great trip. Wonderful way to see the country. Staff were attentive and generally great. Loved meeting all the different adventurous parole that take a trip like this. Food was good and loved the white tablecloths for dinner.
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
11/Jun
Harry Gregori
5 stars
“Great trip, staff and arrangements all excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr
27 Oct 2025
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
Grand Tour of the USA
9/Jun
John
4 stars
“Very busy schedule. Quite tiring. You need to have plenty of energy for a trip like that. Some of the travelling finished late evening so there wasn't much time to dine out. Hotels were very good. It was s good route to see the USA for the first time in...
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park - Chicago to San Francisco
18 Sep 2025
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