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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Coast to Coast: New York to San Francisco

10-day cross-country rail journey New York to San Francisco on two Amtrak trains

Illustration of Coast to Coast: New York to San Francisco

Vacations By Rail's Coast to Coast package is a 10-day self-guided rail journey across the United States, traveling by two of America's most famous Amtrak trains. The trip departs New York City and arrives in San Francisco, with a stop in Chicago. You follow a pre-planned itinerary: spend two days in New York on a guided tour covering the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park; overnight on the Lake Shore Limited as it travels through the Hudson River valley to Chicago; explore Chicago's architecture and neighborhoods for two days; then board the California Zephyr for three days of scenic rail travel through the Rockies, including Glenwood and Ruby Canyons; finally, spend two days in San Francisco visiting Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Muir Woods. The package includes 6 hotel nights, 4 nights aboard the trains in coach seating, all Amtrak rail fares, and all guided city tours. This trip suits first-time rail travelers seeking an American classic and independent explorers comfortable navigating transfers and free time on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • Coach seats are standard on both trains; private Roomette and Bedroom upgrades are available but add to the base price and may include onboard meals.
  • The base price from $2,595 covers the package; Amtrak rail fares are included, but flights and airport transfers are not.
  • Reviewers have reported cleanliness issues with some sleeping accommodations and occasional PA system failures aboard the trains; luggage handling has been problematic in some cases.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: New York City

    Arrival in New York City

    Arrive in New York and transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: New York City

    New York City sightseeing

    A guided tour of the city's highlights by vehicle and by boat, seeing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial, Central Park and Rockefeller Center.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Train (Lake Shore Limited)

    Lake Shore Limited to Chicago

    Time to wrap up sightseeing before the afternoon overnight train journey to Chicago, passing West Point Academy, Bannerman's Castle and the Hudson River.

  4. Day 4overnight: Chicago

    Arrival in Chicago

    Arrive in Chicago and transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel, with the evening at leisure to visit Millennium Park or Navy Pier.

  5. Day 5overnight: Chicago

    Chicago sightseeing

    An architecture tour on the Chicago River (available March-November; a bus tour substitutes December-February), with the rest of the day free to explore Wrigleyville, Willis Tower or optional activities.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Train (California Zephyr)

    Onboard the California Zephyr

    Transfer to the rail station in the afternoon to board the California Zephyr, settling into onboard accommodations for a day of passing scenery from the Sightseer Lounge car.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Train (California Zephyr)

    En Route to San Francisco

    Views of the Rockies as the train winds through tunnels and mountain curves, including Glenwood and Ruby Canyons and the Moffat Tunnel.

  8. Day 8overnight: San Francisco

    Arrival in San Francisco

    Spend the day onboard enjoying passing scenery, arriving in San Francisco in the early evening and transferring on your own to your centrally-located hotel.

  9. Day 9overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco sightseeing

    A guided tour of the city's most iconic sights, visiting Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Coastal Redwoods of Muir Woods.

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    The coast to coast vacation comes to an end this morning.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of New York City includes the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center.
  • Day 3Overnight journey on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited passes West Point Academy, Bannerman's Castle, and the Hudson River en route to Chicago.
  • Day 5Architecture tour on the Chicago River (or bus tour December through February) explores the city's architectural heritage.
  • Day 7California Zephyr winds through the Rockies, passing Glenwood and Ruby Canyons and the Moffat Tunnel with views from the Sightseer Lounge car.
  • Day 9Guided tour of San Francisco covers Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Coastal Redwoods of Muir Woods.

Included

  • 6 nights' hotel accommodation
  • 1 night aboard Lakeshore Limited and 3 nights aboard the California Zephyr in coach
  • Rail travel on Amtrak (3 nights on train)
  • Meals onboard the train when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations
  • All tour excursions

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?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes Amtrak rail fares on the Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr, plus 6 nights in hotels. The base price starts at $2,595 per person in coach seating.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is self-guided. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. City tours in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are guided and included.
Which trains are used?
Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited runs New York City to Chicago overnight. Amtrak's California Zephyr runs Chicago to San Francisco (Emeryville) over 3 days and 2 nights.
What hotels are included?
Fifty Hotel & Suites by Affinia in New York City (2 nights), Palmer House Hilton in Chicago (2 nights), and Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (2 nights).
Can I upgrade from coach seating on the trains?
Yes. Private Roomette and Bedroom accommodations are available at an additional cost. When you book a private cabin, meals onboard the train are included.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, and cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the package price. Optional activities in Chicago (Willis Tower, Wrigleyville exploration) are at your own cost.

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