Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Coast to Coast - Los Angeles to New York

10-day rail trip from Los Angeles to New York via Chicago

Coast to Coast - Los Angeles to New York, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation from Los Angeles to New York City, with a stop in Chicago. Two nights in Los Angeles open the trip with a sightseeing pass covering the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Griffith Observatory, before the Southwest Chief carries travellers east on a two-night ride through the Southwest and Midwest. Two nights in Chicago follow, including an Architecture River Tour, Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture, the Art Institute, and Skydeck Chicago, before the Lake Shore Limited runs overnight on to New York City. Two final nights there include the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With two-night stays in every city, this trip suits travellers who want a shorter, three-city cross-country rail crossing rather than a longer multi-stop itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are offered as 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop.
  • The overnight Amtrak legs are in Coach seating; a sleeping accommodation onboard the train is only available as an optional upgrade.
  • No meals are listed among the inclusions for this 10-day trip.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package, though it is shown under a 'Flash Sale' category.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Los Angeles

    Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles

    Welcome to Los Angeles! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Get acquainted with the city with your included Hop-On, Hop-Off pass. Popular stops include Santa Monica Pier, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive.

  2. Day 2overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood by exploring the iconic Walk of Fame and stopping by the TCL Chinese Theatre. Afterward, head to the Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the cityscape and the iconic Hollywood sign.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, enjoy the sunny skies of Los Angeles before heading to the train station in the afternoon to begin your cross-country journey.

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Wake up onboard one of Amtrak's most scenic trains, the Southwest Chief®! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views as you traverse through the Southwest and Midwest landscapes.

  5. Day 5overnight: Chicago

    Chicago

    Arrive in the vibrant city of Chicago and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Today is a wonderful time to enjoy an Architecture River Tour.

  6. Day 6overnight: Chicago

    Chicago

    Kick off your day by exploring Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture ('The Bean'). Then delve into the world of art at the Art Institute of Chicago.

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Explore Chicago Then Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    One last day in Chicago. Head to Skydeck Chicago for the best views of the city from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower! This afternoon, head to Union Station and board the Lake Shore Limited®, bound for New York City.

  8. Day 8overnight: New York City

    New York City

    Arrive in NYC and check in for a two-night stay. Start your sightseeing with an ascent to the top of the Empire State Building for panoramic views of the iconic skyline.

  9. Day 9overnight: New York City

    New York City

    Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In the afternoon, dive deeper into the cultural treasures of New York City with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in New York City

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Griffith Observatory offers views of the cityscape and the Hollywood sign after a day exploring the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
  • Day 6Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture ('The Bean') and the Art Institute of Chicago fill the second day in the city.
  • Day 7Skydeck Chicago's 103rd floor is the last stop before boarding the Lake Shore Limited for New York City.
  • Day 9The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art fill the final full day in New York City.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® from Los Angeles to Chicago on the Southwest Chief®; Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited® in Coach accommodations
  • 6 nights hotel accommodations; 3 nights onboard Amtrak®

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak travel in Coach accommodations on the Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to Chicago) and the Lake Shore Limited (Chicago to New York City).
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with two-day sightseeing passes included in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.
Which trains are used?
The Southwest Chief and the Lake Shore Limited.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities; examples include the Regent Santa Monica in Los Angeles and the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, in Chicago.
What is not included?
No meals are listed among the inclusions for this trip.

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