Amtrak Vacations
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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Hollywood to Broadway
Independent rail trip from Los Angeles to New York City
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent, 12-day rail vacation from Los Angeles to New York City, with a stop in Chicago. The trip opens with 3 nights in Los Angeles, including a guided tour of the stars' homes through Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip, before a 2-night overnight journey aboard the Southwest Chief across the desert, mountains and plains of the American heartland to Chicago. There, a gangster and mob history bus tour covers the Prohibition era over a 2-night stay, followed by an overnight run on the Lake Shore Limited to New York City. The final 3 nights in New York include a multi-day hop-on, hop-off pass and a guided culinary tour through Greenwich Village. Hotels along the way are the Regent Santa Monica, the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, and the InterContinental New York Times Square. This suits independent travelers who want real overnight train travel connecting three very different American cities.
What to know before you look closer
- This is an independent rail vacation: much of the time in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City is free to explore on your own, aside from a handful of named tours.
- The evidence lists no specific departure dates; confirm current availability and pricing with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Los Angeles
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Arrive in sunny Los Angeles and check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Enjoy a free evening exploring the Santa Monica Pier or strolling down Hollywood Boulevard.
- Day 2overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Explore the homes of the rich and famous on a guided tour of the stars' homes, discovering the glamour of Beverly Hills, the buzz of Hollywood, and the history of the Sunset Strip.
- Day 3overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles
On your own, explore the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, or other popular Hollywood landmarks.
- Day 4overnight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for your journey through the desert, mountains, and plains of the American heartland.
- Day 5overnight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Enjoy a relaxing day onboard as the landscape transitions from the Southwest to the Midwest. Watch the world go by from your seat or the lounge car.
- Day 6overnight: Chicago
Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is free to explore the Windy City's lakeside charm.
- Day 7overnight: Chicago
Chicago
Dive into the city's notorious past with a gangster and mob history bus tour, learning about infamous crime bosses, speakeasies, and the Prohibition era.
- Day 8overnight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited for your overnight journey to the East Coast.
- Day 9overnight: New York City
New York City
Welcome to New York City! Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay and begin exploring the Big Apple at your own pace.
- Day 10overnight: New York City
New York City
Take some time to visit Times Square, Central Park, Washington Square or other popular Big Apple attractions.
- Day 11overnight: New York City
New York City
Savor New York's tastiest delights on a guided culinary experience through Greenwich Village.
- Day 12
Your Journey Ends in New York City
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A guided tour of the stars' homes in Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and along the Sunset Strip.
- Day 4Board the Southwest Chief for the overnight journey through the desert, mountains, and plains of the American heartland toward Chicago.
- Day 7A gangster and mob history bus tour of Chicago, covering crime bosses, speakeasies, and the Prohibition era.
- Day 8Board Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited for the overnight journey to New York City.
- Day 11A guided culinary tour through Greenwich Village in New York City.
Included
- Amtrak® travel in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Chicago on the Southwest Chief®; Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited®
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 3 nights onboard Amtrak
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes Coach travel on the Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to Chicago) and the Lake Shore Limited (Chicago to New York City).
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation; most days are free to explore on your own, aside from a few named tours.
- Which trains are used?
- The Southwest Chief and the Lake Shore Limited, both in Coach class.
- Are there overnight trains?
- Yes, 3 nights onboard Amtrak: days 4 and 5 crossing to Chicago, and day 8 on to New York City.
- What hotels are used?
- The Regent Santa Monica in Los Angeles (3 nights), the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, in Chicago (2 nights), and the InterContinental New York Times Square (3 nights).
- What is included besides rail and hotel?
- A stars' homes tour in Los Angeles, a gangster and mob history bus tour in Chicago, a multi-day hop-on, hop-off tour of New York City, and a culinary tour of Greenwich Village.
