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
Northern Rail Experience Roundtrip from Seattle
Independent 10-day Amtrak roundtrip from Seattle via San Francisco and Chicago
Amtrak Vacations operates this independent, 10-day rail vacation that starts and ends in Seattle, with two-night stops in San Francisco and Chicago. Day 1 opens with an overnight ride on the Coast Starlight south, passing Mount Shasta on the way to San Francisco, where a day trip crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to the redwoods of Muir Woods and the coastal town of Sausalito. The California Zephyr then carries travelers east, climbing through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Rockies, past the Moffat Tunnel and Glenwood Canyons, to Chicago for two nights that include a hop-on, hop-off tour of the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Millennium Park. The Empire Builder returns travelers west across the North Dakota plains and Montana's Big Sky Country, passing Glacier National Park, back to Seattle. Five of the nine nights are spent onboard Amtrak in Coach class. This suits independent travelers who want a relaxed pace, with two full nights in each stop between the long train rides.
What to know before you look closer
- The hotel is chosen from 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, so the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- Only 1 meal, a dinner in San Francisco, is included across the whole 10-day trip; other meals are on your own.
- All the Amtrak travel, including the 5 overnight legs across three trains, is Coach class seating rather than a sleeper cabin.
- The evidence includes no current departure dates or seasonal information for this trip; confirm availability directly with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: onboard Amtrak
Your Journey Begins in Seattle
Make your way to Seattle's Amtrak station this morning 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 including Mount Shasta, lush forests, and fertile valleys.
- Day 2overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
You will arrive in San Francisco this morning and can enjoy a full day of 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.
- Day 3overnight: 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 enjoying a cruise around the Bay. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at a popular local restaurant.
- Day 4railovernight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This morning, travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the California Zephyr® 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.
- Day 5railovernight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Wake up this morning on the California Zephyr and continue enjoying gorgeous landscapes of the American countryside as the train makes its way 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.
- Day 6overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Welcome to Chicago! This afternoon check-in to your hotel and then begin to explore Chicago on your own. Known for its iconic architecture and culture, there is plenty to experience in Chicago.
- Day 7overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Today you will continue to take in the best of what "The Windy City" has to offer. A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour will bring you to such important Chicago stops as the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. With the ability to hop on and off the tour at your leisure, this tour is both convenient and a great way to experience Chicago!
- Day 8overnight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Spend the morning visiting any sites you missed in Chicago before heading to the Amtrak station in the afternoon. Then board Amtrak's famous Empire Builder for your trip across the top of our country towards Seattle.
- Day 9overnight: onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today, you will travel through the gorgeous North Dakota plains heading west. Enjoy stunning views as you wind through the "Big Sky Country" of Montana, passing by the magnificent Glacier National Park.
- Day 10
Your Journey Ends in Seattle
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The Coast Starlight departs Seattle and passes Mount Shasta on the overnight run south to San Francisco.
- Day 3A day trip from San Francisco crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to the redwood forest of Muir Woods, then stops in the coastal town of Sausalito.
- Day 4The California Zephyr climbs through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Rocky Mountains on the way to Chicago.
- Day 7A hop-on, hop-off tour of Chicago stops at the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
- Day 9The Empire Builder crosses the North Dakota plains and Montana's Big Sky Country, passing Glacier National Park, on the final leg back to Seattle.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® from Seattle to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®; San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr®; Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder® in Coach accommodations
- 4 nights’ hotel accommodations; 5 nights onboard Amtrak
- 1 meal included (1 dinner in San Francisco)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Roundtrip Coach class travel on the Coast Starlight (Seattle to San Francisco), the California Zephyr (San Francisco to Chicago), and the Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle).
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation. Travelers check in to their own hotel and explore San Francisco and Chicago on their own between the included tours.
- Which trains are used?
- The Coast Starlight, the California Zephyr, and the Empire Builder, all in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including hotels in San Francisco and Seattle; the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- How much of the trip is onboard the train versus in a hotel?
- 5 of the 9 nights are spent onboard Amtrak across the three trains; the other 4 are hotel nights, split evenly between San Francisco and Chicago.
- Are meals included?
- One dinner in San Francisco is included; other meals are on your own.
