Search

Railbookers

Northern Rail Experience

Independent cross-country rail trip: Chicago to Seattle to San Francisco and back

Illustration of Northern Rail Experience

Railbookers operates this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation that begins and ends in Chicago, with stops in Seattle and San Francisco. The journey covers three of Amtrak's named long-distance routes in Coach accommodations: the Empire Builder west from Chicago, passing Glacier National Park and the Missouri River; the Coast Starlight south to San Francisco through lush forests and fertile valleys; and the California Zephyr back east through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Rockies, and Glenwood Canyon. Five of the trip's eight nights are spent onboard the train rather than in a hotel. City time includes a hop-on, hop-off tour of Seattle, a similar tour of San Francisco covering the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf, and a day trip to the redwoods of Muir Woods and the coastal town of Sausalito. Travelers make their own way to each Amtrak station and hotel. This trip suits independent travelers who want a scenic, cross-country rail journey more than time settled in any single city.

What to know before you look closer

  • Five of the trip's 8 nights are spent onboard Amtrak in Coach class seating, not a sleeper cabin or a hotel bed, across the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr.
  • The hotel list offers 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities; your final hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose.
  • Only one meal (a dinner) is included across the 9-day trip; other meals are on your own.
  • The Seattle hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour is noted as seasonal in the evidence, so it may not operate year-round.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Your Journey Begins in Chicago

    Welcome to Chicago! This afternoon, travel on your own to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak to Seattle. The Empire Builder takes you along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Settle in for an exciting adventure through the majestic wilderness as you venture out West, following the footsteps of early pioneers!

  2. Day 2overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    This morning, you will travel through the gorgeous North Dakota plains heading west. Enjoy stunning views of the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, as you wind through the "Big Sky Country" of Montana, passing by the magnificent Glacier National Park.

  3. Day 3overnight: Seattle

    Seattle, WA

    Welcome to Seattle! The "Emerald City" is full of gorgeous sights just waiting for you to discover! Upon arrival, you will travel on your own to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, the rest of the day is yours to explore all Seattle has to offer. Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to see some of Seattle's most popular sights! Your tour will connect you to downtown attractions such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Seattle Center, Seattle's Waterfront and more!

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today, travel on your own to Seattle's Amtrak station and prepare to take a beautiful ride on the Coast Starlight to San Francisco. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is truly breathtaking. Enjoy the majestic landscapes right outside your window as you wind through lush forests and fertile valleys.

  5. Day 5overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    You will arrive in San Francisco this morning and then head to your hotel to check in and drop off your belongings. Then, it's time for some sightseeing! Climb aboard a hop-on, hop-off tour that includes all San Francisco's great locations, like Fisherman's Wharf, Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and many more. You can hop off the tour at any of the designated stops to explore them at your own pace.

  6. Day 6overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA

    Today, get ready to discover the beauty of the Muir Woods and Sausalito! On the drive to Muir Woods, you'll cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and disembark in the serene redwood forest. Once you've taken in all that Muir Woods has to offer, you'll stop over in Sausalito, a "California original." This charming coastal town is home to many artists and has a delightful array of restaurants, galleries, walking paths, and spectacular Bay and City views. You'll have some free time to explore all Sausalito has to offer before your 30-minute bay cruise, which takes you back to Fisherman's Wharf. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at a popular local restaurant.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    This morning, travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr® back to Chicago. This route is said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Wake up this morning on the California Zephyr and take in the gorgeous landscape of the American countryside as the train ventures east to Chicago. There are so many great sights to behold on this ride! Keep your eyes peeled for the Moffat Tunnel, Glenwood Canyons, and Midwest plains.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Chicago

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Empire Builder passes the Missouri River and Montana's Big Sky Country before running alongside Glacier National Park.
  • Day 5A hop-on, hop-off tour of San Francisco takes in the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.
  • Day 6The drive to Muir Woods crosses the Golden Gate Bridge into the redwood forest, followed by a stop in the coastal town of Sausalito.
  • Day 7The California Zephyr climbs through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies.
  • Day 8The California Zephyr passes the Moffat Tunnel, Glenwood Canyon, and the Midwest plains on the way back to Chicago.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® from Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder®; Seattle to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®; San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr® in Coach accommodations
  • 4 nights' accommodations; 5 nights on board Amtrak
  • 1 meal included (1 dinner)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak travel in Coach accommodations is included on three routes: the Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle), the Coast Starlight (Seattle to San Francisco), and the California Zephyr (San Francisco to Chicago).
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. You travel on your own to each Amtrak station and hotel, with included hop-on, hop-off tours in Seattle and San Francisco and a sightseeing tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito.
Which trains are used?
Amtrak's Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr, all in Coach accommodations.
Do you sleep on the train?
Yes, 5 of the trip's 8 nights are spent onboard Amtrak in Coach seating rather than a sleeper cabin, across the three train legs.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 18 accommodation options across Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco, including Waldorf Astoria Chicago, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, and Hotel Andra Seattle.
What is not included?
Only 1 meal (a dinner) is included across the 9-day trip; other meals are on your own.

Similar journeys