Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston
Independent coast-to-coast US rail trip on four Amtrak trains, LA to Boston
10 daysfrom $1,809
100% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Essential American Eastbound
Coast-to-coast rail journey linking San Francisco, Chicago and New York City
Amtrak Vacations operates this 10-day independent rail vacation from San Francisco to New York City, with a stop in Chicago along the way. Guests travel without a tour manager, using Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing passes to explore each city on their own schedule; the itinerary bundles admission and transport for two days in San Francisco, two in Chicago and two in New York City. Between the cities, two Amtrak trains carry travelers coast to coast: the California Zephyr crosses the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nevada's deserts, Utah's sandstone country and the Rockies of Colorado, while the Lake Shore Limited runs overnight from Chicago to New York. Both overnight legs are booked in Coach class rather than a sleeper cabin. This trip suits independent travelers who want the structure of pre-arranged city sightseeing combined with the freedom of self-guided train travel, without a group or a guide accompanying them for the whole journey.
What to know before you look closer
- The pack lists 18 accommodation options across San Francisco and Chicago hotels in different tiers; the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city option you choose, not a single named property throughout.
- The evidence does not describe day 9 of the itinerary; it appears to be a free day in New York City with no activity listed.
- Both overnight rail legs, San Francisco to Chicago and Chicago to New York City, are booked in Coach class, meaning you sleep in a reclining seat rather than a private sleeper cabin.
- The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: San Francisco
Your Journey Begins in San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Get acquainted with the city on your own terms today with the use of your included Hop-On, Hop-Off pass. Popular stops include the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Lombard Street.
- Day 2overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
Start your day in San Francisco with a visit to the iconic Fisherman's Wharf, where you can stroll along Pier 39, watch the playful sea lions, and indulge in some delicious seafood. In the afternoon, embark on a captivating San Francisco Bay cruise, where you will sail beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, pass by Alcatraz Island, and admire the city's skyline.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today, check out of your hotel and head to the train station. Your incredible train journey on the famous California Zephyr begins as you head out of the Bay Area and wind through the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Day 4overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
On the second day of the California Zephyr journey, passengers are treated to sweeping vistas of Nevada's desert landscapes, Utah's majestic sandstones, and Colorado's rugged mountain terrain.
- Day 5overnight: Chicago
Chicago
As the California Zephyr heads toward Chicago, it concludes its journey through the heartland of America, traversing vast plains, rolling hills, and picturesque farmland. 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, which is a fantastic introduction to the city's rich architectural heritage and history.
- Day 6overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Explore Chicago Then Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Kick off your day by exploring Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean." If you have not already, head to Skydeck Chicago for the best views of the city from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower! This afternoon, head to beautiful Union Station and board the Lake Shore Limited, bound for the bustling metropolis of New York City.
- Day 7overnight: New York City
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
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. As evening descends upon the city, immerse yourself in the dazzling lights of Times Square and catch a Broadway show or enjoy a delectable meal at one of the city's top-rated restaurants.
- Day 8overnight: New York City
New York City
Hit the ground running by visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where you can delve into the rich history of immigration in the United States. In the afternoon, dive deeper into the cultural treasures of New York City with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- 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 3The California Zephyr departs San Francisco and winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Day 4The train crosses Nevada's desert landscapes, Utah's sandstone formations and Colorado's rugged mountain terrain.
- Day 6In the afternoon, the Lake Shore Limited departs Chicago's Union Station bound for New York City.
- Day 8A visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island covers the history of immigration to the United States.
Included
- One-way Amtrak from San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr; Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited in Coach accommodations
- 5 nights hotel accommodations; 3 nights onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included from San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr, and from Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- Independent. There is no tour manager; each city's sightseeing runs on an included Hop-on, Hop-off pass instead.
- Which trains does this itinerary use?
- The California Zephyr between San Francisco and Chicago, and the Lake Shore Limited between Chicago and New York City, both in Coach class.
- What hotels are included?
- The pack lists 18 accommodation options across San Francisco and Chicago in a choice of tiers, plus New York City; 5 nights' hotel accommodation are included in total.
- Are meals included?
- No meals are listed among the inclusions; only rail travel and hotel nights are described as included.
