Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast - DC to San Francisco
Amtrak coast-to-coast rail journey from Washington DC to San Francisco
9 daysfrom $1,049
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Rail vacation
Northern Rail Experience with Yosemite National Park
Independent Chicago rail trip to Seattle, San Francisco and Yosemite National Park
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent, 9-day rail vacation from Chicago to Seattle and San Francisco and back, with a day trip to Yosemite National Park, on the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and California Zephyr. The Empire Builder crosses the North Dakota plains and passes Glacier National Park on the way to a one-night stop in Seattle, where the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass are included. The Coast Starlight then carries travelers south to San Francisco for two nights, including a day trip to Yosemite National Park to see the granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. The California Zephyr returns travelers to Chicago through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Rockies. More than half the nights on this trip are spent onboard Amtrak in Coach class. This suits travelers who want a Yosemite day trip built into a shorter cross-country rail itinerary between Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco.
What to know before you look closer
- The itinerary's day 1 overnight field lists "Chicago" while the day's own description states boarding Amtrak that same afternoon, and the trip-level summary states 3 nights hotel and 5 nights onboard Amtrak, which only reconciles if day 1 is an onboard night; confirm the exact first-night arrangement with Amtrak Vacations.
- The hotel is chosen from 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, so the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- No meals are listed as included on this itinerary.
- All the Amtrak travel, including the 5 overnight legs across three trains, is Coach class seating rather than a sleeper cabin.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Your Journey Begins in Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! This afternoon, travel on your own to Chicago's Union Station and board Amtrak® headed 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!
- Day 2overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak®
This morning, you will travel through the gorgeous North Dakota plains and cross over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle as you make your way to "Big Sky Country." This evening, you'll pass by the magnificent Glacier National Park.
- Day 3overnight: Seattle
Seattle
Upon arrival in Seattle, check in for a one-night stay at a conveniently located hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting the iconic Space Needle, where panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains await. Next, explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass, an enchanting exhibition of Dale Chihuly's stunning glass sculptures, set against a backdrop of lush gardens and striking architecture.
- 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.
- Day 5overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
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.
- Day 6overnight: San Francisco
Yosemite National Park
Today, take a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, departing early to maximize your time in this natural wonderland. Arriving at the park, start by marveling at the iconic granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. Explore the stunning Yosemite Valley, where you can witness the majestic Yosemite Falls, one of North America's tallest waterfalls.
- 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.
- 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. Keep your eyes peeled for the Moffat Tunnel, Glenwood Canyons, and Midwest plains.
- Day 9rail
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
Arrive in Chicago and continue with your travels. If you'd 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 2The Empire Builder crosses the North Dakota plains and the Gassman Coulee Trestle, then passes Glacier National Park by evening on the way to Seattle.
- Day 3The Space Needle offers panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding mountains, followed by a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition.
- Day 6A day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park takes in the granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley.
- Day 7The California Zephyr climbs through the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the heart of the Rockies on the way back toward Chicago.
Included
- Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Admission
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco
- Sightseeing Tour of Yosemite National Park from San Francisco
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Coach class travel on the Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle), the Coast Starlight (Seattle to San Francisco), and the California Zephyr (San Francisco to Chicago).
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation with included day tours in Seattle and at Yosemite National Park.
- Which trains are used?
- The Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight, and the California Zephyr, all in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, for example the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago; the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- What is included besides rail and hotels?
- Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass admission in Seattle, a hop-on, hop-off tour of San Francisco, and a sightseeing tour of Yosemite National Park from San Francisco.
- How much of the trip is onboard the train versus in a hotel?
- 5 of the 8 nights are spent onboard Amtrak across the three trains; the other 3 are hotel nights in Seattle and San Francisco.
