Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Route 66 by Rail

14-day Amtrak rail journey along Route 66, Chicago to LA

Route 66 by Rail, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 14-day independent rail vacation along Route 66, starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles. The trip opens with two days of hop-on, hop-off sightseeing in Chicago, including a stop at the sign marking the start of Route 66, before the Texas Eagle carries travelers south to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch. An overnight aboard the Southwest Chief follows, passing through canyon country on the way to Albuquerque, where a private walking tour covers the history of Old Town. From Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway carries the group into Grand Canyon National Park for two days, including a motorcoach tour of the South Rim, before a second overnight Amtrak leg reaches Los Angeles. The final days include a guided city tour past Hollywood and the Santa Monica Pier, where a sign marks the end of Route 66. Described as an independent rail vacation with only two meals included, the trip suits travelers who want cross-country rail travel built around America's classic highway without a fully guided group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner) are included across the 14-day trip; the rest of the meals are on your own.
  • Hotels are offered as a list of options in each city, including six in Chicago alone, so the exact property depends on what is booked.
  • The Southwest Chief overnight legs are booked in Coach class seating, not a private sleeper cabin.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Chicago

    Your Journey Begins in Chicago

    Welcome to Chicago! Today your journey begins with a multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing city tour. Visit the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and many more Chicago destinations. Don't forget to hop-off and take a picture at the famous sign marking the start of Route 66!

  2. Day 2overnight: Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    Enjoy the second day of your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Chicago and explore any sites you didn't get a chance to see yesterday.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Louis

    Chicago to St. Louis

    Travel to Union station and board Amtrak to St. Louis. Head south on your journey to the great Midwest by train. Your journey through the "Land of Lincoln" to the "Show-Me-State" includes some amazing views only possible on Amtrak.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Louis

    St. Louis, MO

    Begin your day with a visit to the "Gateway to the West" at the St. Louis Gateway Arch. At an astounding 630-feet tall, the magnificent Gateway Arch remains the tallest man-made national monument in the United States. Its unique shape and stainless steel facade remarkably represent the history made in the city of St. Louis.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Travel to the station and board Amtrak to Albuquerque for a relaxing overnight trip on the Southwest Chief. Travel past wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos as you journey west. Carving through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, you'll see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from interstate highways.

  6. Day 6overnight: Albuquerque

    Albuquerque, NM

    Arrive in Albuquerque later this afternoon and travel to your hotel. Enjoy your free time exploring the sights and sounds of Albuquerque, a city marked by its rich Spanish roots.

  7. Day 7overnight: Albuquerque

    Albuquerque, NM

    Today, explore historic Old Town Albuquerque on a private walking tour. Learn about the history of Albuquerque and Route 66 on this tour. Your tour guide will escort you on an exciting adventure through time. Uncover Old Town's unusual and well-hidden architectural details you find most intriguing. Reminisce about the early southwest pioneers' daily struggle to survive. Relive the sights and sounds of the Civil War as Confederate soldiers entered the Plaza. Imagine early merchants as they traveled the Santa Fe Trail for trade.

  8. Day 8overnight: Williams

    Albuquerque to Williams

    Travel aboard Amtrak to Flagstaff, where a short transfer will take you to Williams.

  9. Day 9railovernight: the Canyon

    Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

    Enjoy your breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant and be sure to not miss the morning shootout before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway into the Grand Canyon National Park. Explore the South Rim on your motorcoach tour and take in some of the most spectacular vistas in North America formed over 17 million years ago.

  10. Day 10overnight: the Canyon

    Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

    Enjoy today at leisure in the Grand Canyon. Spend your free time enjoying the sights of the Canyon and taking in the fresh air, amazing sights and many photo opportunities in the park.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    After a good night's sleep, board the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Board your transfer from the hotel to the Amtrak station and then board the Southwest Chief train to Los Angeles.

  12. Day 12overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, CA

    Upon arrival early this morning, travel on your own to your hotel. Spend the day exploring Hollywood at leisure. Stop by the Walk of Fame or venture up to Griffith Observatory to view the Hollywood sign. There is so much to do and see in Los Angeles!

  13. Day 13overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, CA

    Today, enjoy a guided sightseeing city tour of Los Angeles. See the homes of famous movie stars, tour Hollywood, and visit the most popular California beaches, including Ventura Beach and Santa Monica Beach. At Santa Monica Pier make sure to take a picture at the sign marking the end of Route 66.

  14. Day 14

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Chicago begins, including a stop at the sign marking the start of Route 66.
  • Day 4Visits the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the 630-foot tall tallest man-made national monument in the United States.
  • Day 5An overnight aboard the Southwest Chief passes through canyon country and past wheat fields, ranches, missions and pueblos on the way to Albuquerque.
  • Day 9Boards the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams into Grand Canyon National Park for a motorcoach tour of the South Rim.
  • Day 13A guided sightseeing tour of Los Angeles ends at the Santa Monica Pier, where a sign marks the end of Route 66.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to St. Louis, St. Louis to Albuquerque; Albuquerque to Williams Junction, Williams Junction to Los Angeles on the Texas Eagle and Southwest Chief
  • 11 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
  • 2 meals (1 breakfast, 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 Coach travel is included for the whole Chicago-to-Los Angeles route on the Texas Eagle and Southwest Chief, plus a roundtrip ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Is this trip escorted?
No, it is described as an independent rail vacation with guided city tours built into stops like Chicago, Albuquerque and Los Angeles.
What is included?
11 nights of hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard Amtrak, and 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner).
Which trains does the trip use?
The Texas Eagle from Chicago to St. Louis, the Southwest Chief from St. Louis to Albuquerque, Albuquerque to Williams Junction and Williams Junction to Los Angeles, plus the Grand Canyon Railway roundtrip from Williams.
Can I start from somewhere other than Chicago?
Amtrak Vacations lists over 500 Amtrak stations across the US as customizable starting points.
How much does it cost?
Prices start at 1969 USD, about 141 USD per day.

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