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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
4.6 stars(67 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
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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9 days from
$4,699 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
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 $795 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Last Spaces
4.7 stars(119 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
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...

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10 days from
$3,999 pp
per person
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Yosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National Park
Independent
2026AugSepOct
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
$1,895 pp
per person
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Yosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View Sunset
Independent
2026AugSepOct
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 $2,095 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
4.7 stars(70 reviews)
Escorted
2026Aug
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
$5,499 pp
per person
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Golden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate Bridge
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
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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10 days from
$2,595 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
4.5 stars(53 reviews)
Escorted
2026SepOct
2027AprMaySepOct
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 ...

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17 days from
$5,799 pp $5,499 pp
per person
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Our customers love our California Zephyr tours
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
21/Jun
Vicki M. Ball
5 stars
“The best trip ever! Jammed pack full of bucket list items. So enjoyable!
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