Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. Live alternatives are under Similar journeys below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

California Zephyr Experience

Five-day Chicago to San Francisco by Amtrak California Zephyr through the Rockies

Illustration of California Zephyr Experience

Vacations By Rail operates this five-day independent rail vacation aboard one of America's most scenic train routes. The California Zephyr departs Chicago's Union Station and carries you 2,300 miles west across the heartland and mountains to San Francisco. The package includes one night in downtown Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton, two nights aboard the train (with meals included for sleeping-car passengers), and one night in San Francisco at the Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf. On Day 1, you arrive independently and explore Chicago at your own pace, using the hop-on/hop-off trolley or the Chicago 'L' train. Days 2 and 3 are spent aboard the Zephyr as it climbs through the Colorado Rockies toward the Great Continental Divide near Winter Park, then descends through Nevada and the Sierra Nevada. Day 4 brings arrival in Emeryville and transfer to your San Francisco hotel. Day 5 is free to explore Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Telegraph Hill, and Jackson Square, with optional paid tours available. This trip suits independent explorers, first-time rail travellers, and photographers seeking classic American rail travel with mountain and river scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • From-price ($795) is for coach seating; roomette and bedroom accommodations cost more and include meals on the train; coach passengers must purchase meals separately.
  • Independent arrival day in Chicago; you arrange your own transfer from the airport to the Palmer House Hilton.
  • Final day in San Francisco offers optional paid tours; the basic package includes the hotel night only.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chicago

    Chicago

    Independent arrival into Chicago; transfer to your downtown hotel. Explore the city via a hop-on/hop-off trolley tour or the Chicago 'L' train.

  2. Day 2overnight: Train

    California Zephyr

    Depart Chicago's Union Station aboard the California Zephyr, beginning the 2,300-mile journey to San Francisco. Dinner is served in the Dining Car while crossing the Mississippi River (meals included for sleeping car occupants).

  3. Day 3overnight: Train

    Colorado Rockies aboard the California Zephyr

    Wake to views of the Colorado Rockies as the Zephyr climbs toward the Great Continental Divide, passing Winter Park, Colorado.

  4. Day 4overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco Arrival

    The Zephyr climbs from Nevada to California via Reno and the Donner Pass, arriving in Emeryville in the early evening; an Amtrak Shuttle transfers you to the Ferry Building, from where you make your own way to your hotel at Fisherman's Wharf.

  5. Day 5

    San Francisco

    Your tour concludes as you spend the day exploring Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Telegraph Hill, and Jackson Square, independently or with optional tours.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Depart Chicago's Union Station aboard the California Zephyr at the start of the 2,300-mile journey; dinner is served in the dining car as the train crosses the Mississippi River.
  • Day 3Wake to views of the Colorado Rockies as the Zephyr climbs toward the Great Continental Divide, passing near Winter Park.
  • Day 4The Zephyr ascends from Nevada through Reno and the Donner Pass into California, arriving in Emeryville in the early evening.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
  • Transportation aboard Amtrak (2 nights on train)
  • Meals on train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, two nights aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco (Emeryville) are included. The from-price of $795 is for coach seating; private sleeping accommodations (roomette or bedroom) are additional and include meals on the train.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Vacations By Rail describes this as an independent rail vacation. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary, with no guide accompanying you. Optional tours are available in both cities at extra cost.
What hotels are included?
One night at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and one night at the Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. You spend two nights aboard the train.
What meals are included?
Meals on the train are included only for passengers in private sleeping accommodations (roomette or bedroom). Coach passengers must purchase meals separately.
When does this trip depart?
Vacations By Rail does not publish specific departure dates in their materials; contact them directly to confirm availability and book your preferred travel dates.
What is the route?
The California Zephyr runs 2,300 miles from Chicago to San Francisco (Emeryville), passing near Winter Park, Colorado, and through Reno, Nevada. The route crosses the Mississippi River, Colorado Rockies, and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Similar journeys