Amtrak Vacations
Arches and Canyonlands to Yellowstone with Canyon Spirit
Independent rail trip from Denver to Yellowstone via Canyon Spirit
10 daysfrom $4,769
30% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston
Independent coast-to-coast US rail trip on four Amtrak trains, LA to Boston
Amtrak Vacations packages this 10-day, 9-night rail trip as an independent journey across the United States, starting in Los Angeles and ending in Boston. Travelers pick their own hotel from a list of accommodation options in each city and explore on their own schedule, with no escort or guide. Day 1 opens with an evening free to explore Hollywood, then the Coast Starlight carries travelers north along the California coast to San Francisco for two nights, including a stop at the redwoods of Muir Woods. From there, the California Zephyr crosses the deserts, canyons and mountains of the American West overnight on the way to Chicago, where a sightseeing cruise highlights the city's architecture before the eastbound Lake Shore Limited departs. The trip suits independent travelers who want to see several American cities by rail without a group schedule, and who don't mind sleeping in a Coach seat rather than a private cabin on the overnight legs.
What to know before you look closer
- Accommodation is chosen from about 30 hotel options across cities and price tiers, from budget properties like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame to higher-end options like the Regent Santa Monica, so the actual hotel depends on what is selected at booking.
- All four rail segments, including the overnight legs between San Francisco and Chicago and between Chicago and New York City, are booked in Coach class rather than a private sleeper cabin.
- Only one meal, a seafood dinner in Boston, is specifically listed as included; other meals are on your own.
- The evidence does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm the schedule and availability with Amtrak Vacations before booking.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Los Angeles
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Welcome to LA! Take the evening to explore Hollywood or any other the city's endless attractions.
- Day 2overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Depart from Los Angeles onboard the Coast Starlight. Travelers are treated to spectacular views of the California coast and the Pacific Ocean.
- Day 3overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a treasure trove of excellent experiences! Take time to explore Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and many more popular neighborhoods. You also experience some of the area's spectacular natural beauty with a visit to the towering fir trees of Muir Woods.
- Day 4railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today you will board Amtrak for an epic rail journey across America. As the train heads east, you will take in the iconic experience of traveling by train, sleeping and dining onboard, and seeing some of America's most awe-inspiring landscapes from the comfortable accommodations onboard. Deserts, canyons, soaring mountains, wide open prairie and more await you!
- Day 6overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
You will arrive to Chicago today. Do some shopping on the Magnificent Mile, have fun on Navy Pier or visit any of Chicago's many sights and attractions.
- Day 7railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Before heading off from the "Windy City" you'll enjoy a spectacular cruise through the city with an expert guide highlighting the famed architectural landmarks of Chicago. Later after departing Chicago, your rail journey will skirt the Great Lakes heading east to New York City.
- Day 8overnight: New York City
New York City, NY
Upon arrival, the "Big Apple" is yours to explore for the evening. Visit busy Times Square, take in a Broadway Show, or dine in one of the city's numerous fine eateries.
- Day 9overnight: Boston
Boston, MA
It's off to Boston today to spend some time in one of America's most historic destinations. After visiting sites like Boston Common, the historic North End and many more, head over to a popular and historic restaurant for a classic New England seafood dinner which is included for your stay.
- Day 10
Your Journey Ends in Boston
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2The Coast Starlight carries travelers from Los Angeles to San Francisco along the California coast, with views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Day 3A stop at Muir Woods shows off the towering redwood trees outside San Francisco.
- Day 4The California Zephyr's overnight run east crosses deserts, canyons, mountains and open prairie on the way to Chicago.
- Day 7Before leaving Chicago, a sightseeing cruise highlights the city's architectural landmarks along the river and lakefront.
- Day 9In Boston, a classic New England seafood dinner at a local restaurant is included after a day visiting Boston Common and the North End.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®, San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr®, Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited® and New York City to Boston on the Northeast Corridor®
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations
- 3 nights' onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach fares for all four rail segments: the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the California Zephyr to Chicago, the Lake Shore Limited to New York City, and the Northeast Corridor to Boston.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation. There is no group or guide; travelers explore each city and choose their own hotel from a list of options.
- What class are the overnight train segments?
- All four rail segments, including the overnight legs, are booked in Coach class rather than a private sleeper cabin.
- What hotels are used?
- Amtrak Vacations offers about 30 accommodation options across the cities and price tiers on this route, from budget hotels like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame to higher-end options like the Regent Santa Monica. The exact hotel depends on what is selected at booking.
- Are meals included?
- The package includes hotel nights and rail fares. The only meal specifically called out as included is a New England seafood dinner in Boston.
