Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Route 66 by Rail and Road

15-day Route 66 trip combining Amtrak rail with a Southwest self-drive segment

Route 66 by Rail and Road, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 15-day independent rail vacation that follows Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, combining train travel with a self-drive segment through the Southwest. The trip opens with two nights in Chicago, including a guided tour of the city's Prohibition-era history, before the Texas Eagle carries travelers to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch. An overnight Southwest Chief ride reaches Albuquerque, where travelers pick up a rental car for the drive to Santa Fe, Flagstaff, and a Sedona day trip along the red rock formations. After dropping the car in Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway carries the group to the South Rim for a motorcoach tour, followed by a second overnight Amtrak leg to Los Angeles. The final two days include an evening Hollywood tour. With only two meals included and a several-day driving stretch between the rail legs, this suits travelers who want a mix of long-distance train rides and independent road-trip time along a historic route.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner) are included across the 15-day trip; the rest are on your own.
  • The self-drive segment from Albuquerque through Santa Fe, Flagstaff, and Sedona is described as included in the Day 6 itinerary text, but the rental car is not itemized separately in the page's what's-included list; confirm the rental terms when booking.
  • The package includes a choice of 28 accommodation options across tiers and cities, spanning properties like the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, so the exact hotel depends on what's picked at booking.
  • The St. Louis to Albuquerque leg is named as both the Lincoln Service and the Southwest Chief in the source material for a single leg; confirm the exact train with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Chicago

    Your Journey Begins in Chicago

    Welcome to Chicago! Check in to your hotel and start exploring this vibrant city known for its architecture, food scene, and lakefront charm.

  2. Day 2overnight: Chicago

    Chicago

    Step into the city's notorious past on a guided tour through the city's darker history. Learn about Prohibition-era history and infamous figures like Al Capone.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Louis

    St. Louis

    Board Amtrak and travel south to St. Louis through scenic Illinois farmland.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Louis

    St. Louis

    Visit the famous Gateway Arch and learn about St. Louis and America's westward expansion. Enjoy a day at your leisure in this vibrant riverside city.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for an overnight ride across the American heartland. Relax and enjoy stunning views from the train.

  6. Day 6overnight: Santa Fe

    Santa Fe

    Arrive in Albuquerque and pick up your included rental car for the drive to Santa Fe. Check in to your hotel in Santa Fe this evening.

  7. Day 7overnight: Santa Fe

    Santa Fe

    Self explore this historic Southwest city. Perhaps explore the amazing art on display at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The day is yours to explore this cultural hub.

  8. Day 8overnight: Flagstaff

    Flagstaff

    Follow Historic Route 66 and journey through the beautiful desert landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona to Flagstaff.

  9. Day 9overnight: Flagstaff

    Sedona Daytrip

    Drive to Sedona and take in the majestic red rock formations. Enjoy local galleries, cafes, and natural beauty before returning to Flagstaff.

  10. Day 10overnight: Williams

    Williams

    Drop off your rental car before transferring to Williams, Arizona. Explore this charming gateway town to the Grand Canyon.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Grand Canyon Village

    Grand Canyon National Park

    After an included breakfast, ride the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim. Witness one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Wake early for a Grand Canyon sunrise. Later, return to Williams for dinner and to await your onward train journey. Travel overnight to Los Angeles.

  13. Day 13overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    Arrive in Los Angeles and begin exploring.

  14. Day 14overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    Explore LA at your own pace. Whether it's the seaside charms of Santa Monica or exploring famous sites such as the Walk of Fame, the City of Angels has so much to offer. In the evening, enjoy a Hollywood Night Tour and take in the glamour of Tinseltown.

  15. Day 15

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

    Check out of your hotel and continue your journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour through Chicago's Prohibition-era history covers infamous figures like Al Capone.
  • Day 4Included admission to the Gateway Arch marks St. Louis's role in America's westward expansion.
  • Day 9A self-drive day trip to Sedona takes in the town's red rock formations, galleries, and cafes before returning to Flagstaff.
  • Day 11The Grand Canyon Railway carries travelers from Williams to the South Rim, followed by a motorcoach Freedom Tour of the canyon.
  • Day 14An evening Hollywood Night Tour in Los Angeles takes in the glamour of Tinseltown to close out the trip.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to St. Louis on the Texas Eagle; St. Louis to Albuquerque on the Lincoln Service and Southwest Chief; and from Williams to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief
  • 12 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
  • 2 meals included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
  • Rental car for the self-drive segment from Albuquerque through Santa Fe, Flagstaff and Sedona, dropped off before Williams (described as 'included' in the Day 6 itinerary text; not itemized separately in the page's What's Included list)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel is included from Chicago to St. Louis on the Texas Eagle, St. Louis to Albuquerque, and Williams to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief, plus a roundtrip ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with a self-drive segment from Albuquerque through Santa Fe, Flagstaff, and Sedona, plus guided city tours in Chicago, St. Louis, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles.
Is a rental car included?
Yes, for the self-drive segment between Albuquerque and Williams, covering Santa Fe, Flagstaff, and a Sedona day trip.
What is included besides rail and the rental car?
12 nights of hotel accommodations, 2 nights onboard Amtrak, and 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner).
What hotels are included?
A choice of 28 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, and the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park.
How much does it cost?
From $2,079 USD, about $139 per day across 15 days.

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