From towering skyscrapers to the Golden Gate, the California Zephyr travels from Chicago to San Francisco. Experienced travellers say the California Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies, and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree. The train courses through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento into Emeryville/San Francisco.

 

This 2-night and 2400plus mile journey is one of the longest and most scenic routes run by Amtrak, with views of both the upper Colorado River valley in the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada. The California Zephyr connects to San Francisco and Oakland stations via Thruway Motorcoach Service at Emeryville, California.

Reserve a spacious coach seat for your journey or, for a more luxurious experience, reserve a roomette or bedroom in one of the Superliner sleeping cars.

 

Superliner coach seats recline 40 degrees. Pillows are available on the train, and blankets can be purchased for those who haven't brought their own. The seats are big and comfortable with ample leg room and each seat has an individually controlled overhead reading lamp and fold-down trays. There's room for your baggage in overhead racks and well-appointed restrooms within the car.

 The Superliner Roomette is ideal for one or two passengers, with two comfortable reclining seats on either side of a big picture window. At night, the seats convert to a comfortable bed, and an upper berth folds down from above. Roomettes are located on both upper and lower levels of the double-decker Superliner train cars. Meals are included.

 

The Superliner Bedroom is ideal for two passengers (but can accommodate three). Each room has a large sofa with two individually reclining sections, and a reclining easy chair. At night, the sofa converts to a comfortable bed, and an upper berth folds down from above. All Superliner Bedrooms feature private, self-enclosed restrooms with toilet, sink and shower. All Bedrooms are located on the upper level of the double-decker Superliner train cars. Meals are included. Electrical outlets, climate control, individual reading lights, a garment rack, fresh towels and linen and personal service (turn-down, coffee, paper, make-up bed) are some of the perks of this category of accommodation on board the California Zephyr.

3-course meals are included in the fare for sleeper car passengers. Reasonably priced meals are at an extra cost for coach class passengers.  

The train also has an observation lounge car with wrap-around windows from where one can see the spectacular scenery of the journey.