Imagine gliding through the heart of the American West, where expansive skies meet rugged mountains and serene deserts. That’s the journey you’ll embark on aboard the California Zephyr, one of the most storied trains in the United States.
In this post you’re going to learn everything you need to know about about the California Zephyr including the ticket prices, what sights you’ll see, and details on how to plan an unforgettable trip on this ride.
Basic Info:
- Name: California Zephyr
- Location: From Chicago to San Francisco (33 stops along the way)
- Ticket prices: $100-$1,500 (pricing breakdown below)
- Duration: 2 days (2,400+ miles)
- Reviews: Generally positive (read Tripadvisor reviews)
Route Details:
Starting in the vibrant city of Chicago, the Zephyr winds its way to the windswept city of San Francisco, bridging two distinct cultural capitals. Along the way, here’s what to expect:
- You’re going to pass by Denver, where the train begins to climb the Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views.
- Salt Lake City follows, with its mirror-like salt flats.
- And then Reno, where along the way you’ll cross amazing dessert landscapes.
- After Reno, the route continues through the heart of the Sierra Nevada before descending into the fertile valleys of California.
If you decide to do the entire route, you can be rest assured that you’ll be partaking in one of the most amazing scenic train rides in North America. The amount of diverse nature, sights and stops along the way make this an awesome treat to experience, whether you go solo, or with others.
Route map:
All throughout your trip, there will be an ever constant change in terrain so the views will never be boring. To give you a better visual, I’ve included a map showcasing the journey. This map outlines not just the stops, but the story of a train route that has captured imaginations for decades, forging through the heart of the American landscape:
Ticket prices:
Ticket prices for the California Zephyr vary depending on the type of accommodations you choose and when you book tickets for. Here are the basic ticket prices and costs to expect:
- Coach Class (Standard Seat): $100 to $200 for a one-way trip between major cities (e.g., Chicago to San Francisco or Denver to Sacramento).
- Roomette (Sleeper): Typically costs between $400 to $700 per person for a one-way trip, including meals onboard.
- Bedroom (Sleeper): Prices range from $800 to $1,200+ per person, also including meals.
- Family Bedroom: Prices can vary between $1,000 to $1,500+ depending on the route and booking period.
- Accessible Bedroom: Prices are typically in the same range as the bedroom but designed for passengers with disabilities.
Photos:
Traveler Tips:
Wrapping up your plans for the California Zephyr adventure means understanding the nitty-gritty of the train’s schedule and what life onboard will be like. When you plan your trip on this scenic train ride, it’ll either be the full 2 day trip from A to B, exploring the sights along the way when it stops, or perhaps disembarking at one of the stops. This presents a lot of opportunities and here’s some tips for that:
Overnight travel is a part of the experience: When you board the Zephyr, you’re also climbing into a moving hotel with a view. From personal experience, the staff on the California Zephyr are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet. They make the journey smooth and enjoyable, often sharing stories and insights about the regions you’re passing through. Trust me; they can be your best guides.
Consider exploring places in between the spots: There’s more than a few and unless you’re doing the full A-B route, there may be some stops worth disembarking on to continue your journey via car. For example, there’s plenty of attractions close to the California Zephyr route worth seeing.
Just don’t focus too much on perfection when planning for this train adventure. The best part is the spontaneity and the people you’ll meet along the way. I really hope that you embrace the journey, not just the destination, while traveling on the iconic California Zephyr.