Amtrak Vacations
Yosemite to Yellowstone featuring Canyon Spirit
Independent rail vacation San Francisco to Chicago via Yellowstone and Canyon Spirit
15 daysfrom $5,079
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
America Coast to Coast
Coast-to-coast Amtrak rail journey from New York City to San Francisco
Amtrak Vacations runs this 15-day, 14-night independent rail vacation across the United States, from New York City to San Francisco. Two days in New York City open the trip with a hop-on, hop-off tour before the Northeast Regional carries travellers to Washington DC for two days of monuments and Smithsonian museums, including an evening Monuments by Moonlight tour. The Capitol Limited then runs overnight to Chicago, followed by an overnight ride on to Denver, where a guided day trip reaches Rocky Mountain National Park by way of Winter Park and Grand Lake. From Denver, the train crosses into Utah for two nights in Salt Lake City, visiting Brigham Young's home and the Mormon Tabernacle, before the California Zephyr runs overnight through mountains, deserts, and forests to San Francisco for two final days including the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. This trip suits travellers who want an extensive cross-country rail itinerary with a guided city tour in every stop, alternating with days left free to explore independently.
What to know before you look closer
- The package offers 35 accommodation options across tiers and cities; the specific hotel you get depends on the tier selected at booking.
- All rail travel is booked in standard Coach class across five separate train legs, not a premium or sleeper service.
- The 'Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park' highlight carries an asterisk in the evidence without explanation; confirm any seasonal or access conditions with the operator.
- No meals are listed among the inclusions; confirm what, if any, meals are covered.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: New York City
Your Journey Begins in New York City
Welcome to New York City! The "Big Apple" is the best place to start any cross-country journey of America. Experience the bright lights of the city and take time to visit Central Park, do some shopping along 5th Avenue, and check out all of the excitement in Times Square.
- Day 2overnight: New York City
New York City, NY
Today you will have a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. Your fully guided tour will stop at some of New York's most iconic sights and attractions such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Plaza, and Bryant Park. With the ability to get on and off this tour at your leisure, there is no telling how much you can see and do around the city.
- Day 3railovernight: Washington, DC
New York City to Washington, DC
This morning, board Amtrak's Northeast Regional train for your journey south to Washington, DC. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring the Nation's Capital. Your multi-day hop-on, hop-off tour will guide you to the White House, all along the National Mall, as well as the to the many Smithsonian Museums around the city. The day is yours to explore!
- Day 4overnight: Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Continue to journey around the city. Stop at any of the major museums such as the American History Museum or the Air and Space Museum and explore at your own pace. This evening you will board a sightseeing tour of the city's great monuments. The stops include the Washington Monument, FDR Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial as they are all illuminated beautifully against the dark backdrop of the night sky.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This morning, finish your sightseeing in Washington before boarding the train at Union Station for your journey on to Chicago. Sit back and relax as your train makes its way from the East Coast to the Midwest.
- Day 6overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Welcome to the "Windy City"! This morning, check into your hotel and then take time to experience the city. Visit the famous Willis Tower or the John Hancock Center to view the architectural wonders that make Chicago so special. Use your hop-on, hop-off tour to travel to other popular Chicago spots such as Millennium Park, the home of the famous Chicago "Bean," or Navy Pier.
- Day 7overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This afternoon, board Amtrak in Chicago's Union Station for your journey on to Denver.
- Day 8overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
This morning you will arrive in Denver! You are free to explore the "Mile High City" on your own. Take time to stop by the Denver Botanic Gardens or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Or just stroll through the bustling city streets.
- Day 9overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour to Rocky Mountain National Park. Your fully guided tour will bring you through the resort town of Winter Park. Travel along the shores of Grand Lake and up to the summit of the Continental Divide. A full day of scenic sightseeing awaits you.
- Day 10railovernight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT
This morning you will board your train in Denver and travel west through the mountains of Colorado and into Utah where you will reach Salt Lake City. This stretch of scenery is truly one of the most beautiful train journeys found anywhere. Tonight, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
- Day 11overnight: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT
Explore historic Salt Lake City on a guided tour of its attractions and landmarks. Visit the home of famous pioneer Brigham Young, enjoy an organ recital at the Mormon Tabernacle, and take time to explore the historic and popular gardens and fountains in Temple Square.
- Day 12overnight: Onboard Amtrak (California Zephyr)
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today you are free to complete your exploration of Salt Lake City and preparing to travel west this evening. Tonight, board the California Zephyr for your journey out to San Francisco.
- Day 13railovernight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Continue to enjoy your Amtrak journey as the train makes its way through mountains, deserts, and forests before ending this evening in San Francisco.
- Day 14overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Your exploration of San Francisco is made easy with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. The tour will guide you to such iconic San Francisco spots as the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, where you can snap pictures of the famous sea lions, and the ever-popular shopping and theatre district of Union Square. Take the time to really immerse yourself in the culture of the "Bay City."
- Day 15
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 4An evening Monuments by Moonlight tour in Washington DC visits the Washington Monument, FDR Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial illuminated after dark.
- Day 9A guided tour reaches Rocky Mountain National Park through the resort town of Winter Park, along Grand Lake, and up to the summit of the Continental Divide.
- Day 10The train from Denver to Salt Lake City crosses the mountains of Colorado into Utah on what the evidence calls one of the most beautiful train journeys anywhere.
- Day 11A guided tour of Salt Lake City visits Brigham Young's home, an organ recital at the Mormon Tabernacle, and the gardens and fountains of Temple Square.
- Day 13The California Zephyr crosses mountains, deserts, and forests before arriving in San Francisco that evening.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from New York City to Washington, DC; Washington, DC to Chicago; Chicago to Denver; Denver to Salt Lake City; and Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the Northeast Regional®, Capitol Limited®, and California Zephyr® routes
- 11 nights' hotel accommodations
- 3 nights' onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The package includes one-way Coach class travel on the Northeast Regional (New York City to Washington DC), the Capitol Limited (Washington DC to Chicago), and the California Zephyr (Chicago to Denver to Salt Lake City to San Francisco).
- Are there overnight trains?
- Yes, 3 nights are spent onboard Amtrak: the ride from Washington DC to Chicago, from Chicago to Denver, and from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation with guided or hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours included in New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Rocky Mountain National Park, and San Francisco; several days are also left free to explore on your own.
- Which cities does the trip visit?
- New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver (with a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park), Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.
- What is not included?
- The included list covers rail, 11 hotel nights, and 3 nights onboard Amtrak; meals are not listed among the inclusions.
