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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 up to $500pp
4.3 stars(67 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 up to $500pp
9 days from
$4,799 pp $4,299 pp
per person
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Mount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount RushmoreMount Rushmore
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(126 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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Save up to $500pp
11 days from
$5,899 pp $5,399 pp
per person
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Bryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce CanyonBryce Canyon
Save up to $500pp
4.7 stars(99 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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Save up to $500pp
10 days from
$4,399 pp $3,899 pp
per person
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California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
4.0 stars(59 reviews)
Independent
2026NovDecSepOct
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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San Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Save up to $500pp
4.5 stars(59 reviews)
Escorted
2027AprMaySepOct
2028AprSepOct
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 up to $500pp
17 days from
$6,799 pp $6,299 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
2026SepOct
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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Yosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National ParkYosemite National Park
Save up to $500pp
Independent
2027MayJunJulAugSepOct
2026SepOct
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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Save up to $500pp
6 days from
$1,895 pp
per person
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Golden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate BridgeGolden Gate Bridge
Independent
2026NovDecSepOct
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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Our customers love our California Zephyr tours
Grand Tour of the USA
20/Oct
Bob Ager ORDER ID
5 stars
“A great way to experience much of what the US has to offer in a relatively short period of time.
Collected by Trustpilot
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ft. California Zephyr
17/Oct
John Hudson
5 stars
“We loved our sight seeing events especially Arches National Park, our tout guide Tasha was exceptional by sharing her knowledge and love for the Park. Mesa Verde lunch experience could have been better, they appeared to be understaffed for the number of visitors for the day. The tour...
Collected by Trustpilot
Great Parks of the Southwest featuring the Grand Canyon
15/Oct
Nancy E.
4 stars
“We had such an amazing time exploring each stop, and we were always amazed! Our group was just perfect, and our tour manager, Jennifer, was incredibly knowledgeable and kept us all engaged. The bus driver, Glen, was a fantastic driver, and the connection between them was great. Our hotel stays...
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California Zephyr Experience
29/Sep
customer
4 stars
“The scenery was great, but having to gonal stop in Emeryville without lighting in the bathroom/shower left a lot to be desired. We didn't have any light in this area from the time we left Denver until the final stop in Emeryville. We informed the cabin attendant (Jose)...
Collected by Trustpilot
Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, & Yellowstone
28/Sep
Brian Hagerty
4 stars
“It would have been nice to have a restaurant in Yellowstone that you didn't have to walk up too. Otherwise enjoyed the trip. Thanks
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