Amtrak Vacations
Great American - Majestic Landscapes
Coast-to-coast rail journey from New York City to San Francisco
12 daysfrom $2,269
25% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Scenic America by Rail Eastbound
12-day rail trip, Los Angeles to New York via Grand Canyon
Amtrak Vacations runs this 12-day, 11-night rail journey from Los Angeles to New York City, with a stop at the Grand Canyon along the way. The trip opens with two nights in Los Angeles, where a hop-on, hop-off pass lets travelers build their own day around stops such as Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From there, the Southwest Chief carries travelers overnight to Williams, Arizona, gateway to the Grand Canyon Railway and a guided tour of the South Rim's viewpoints. A second overnight aboard the Southwest Chief runs through Arizona's mountains, New Mexico's desert, and Colorado's countryside to Chicago for two days of sightseeing, including an Architecture River Tour and the Skydeck at Willis Tower. The Lake Shore Limited then carries travelers overnight to New York City for a final two days taking in the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It suits travelers who want a mix of named long-distance trains and substantial city time rather than a trip built mostly around the train ride itself.
What to know before you look closer
- The 20 listed accommodation options span multiple cities and hotel tiers, so which hotel you get in Los Angeles, at the Grand Canyon or in Chicago depends on the tier you choose when booking.
- Only 2 meals are included across the 12 days, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner, both in Williams, Arizona; other meals are on your own.
- The three overnight train segments are in Coach class seating, not private sleeper cabins, based on the class listed for the Southwest Chief and the Lake Shore Limited.
- Day 12 is a checkout and departure day with no guided activity; the operator's Rail Expert can help arrange an onward extension.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Los Angeles
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. Get acquainted with the city on your own terms today with the use of your included Hop-On, Hop-Off pass. This is the perfect way to create your own itinerary and explore the city! Popular stops include Santa Monica Pier, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive.
- Day 2overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
On this day, immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood by exploring the iconic Walk of Fame and stopping by the TCL Chinese Theatre. Afterward, head to the Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the cityscape and the iconic Hollywood sign. In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of LA's trendy eateries.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today, enjoy the sunny skies of Los Angeles before heading to the train station in the afternoon to begin your cross-country journey.
- Day 4railovernight: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
After arriving at the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams, Arizona, start your day with an included breakfast at a local restaurant to fuel up for the adventure ahead. Next, board the historic Grand Canyon Railway train for a scenic journey to the South Rim, where you will be greeted by knowledgeable guides for a guided tour of this natural wonder, exploring iconic viewpoints and learning about the canyon's geological and cultural significance. Your bags will be waiting at your hotel as you check in for one night.
- Day 5railovernight: Williams
Williams, AZ
Spend the day exploring Grand Canyon National Park before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway train to Williams, Arizona. Enjoy the scenic journey back, then treat yourself to an included dinner in Williams before retiring for the night at your hotel.
- Day 6overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This morning, board the Southwest Chief®, which offers travelers a scenic route through Arizona's rugged mountains, New Mexico's desert vistas, and the picturesque countryside of Colorado, en route to Chicago.
- Day 7overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
After traveling through America's heartland, arrive in the vibrant city of Chicago and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Today is a wonderful time to enjoy an Architecture River Tour, which is a fantastic introduction to the city's rich architectural heritage and history.
- Day 8overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Kick off your day by exploring Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean." Then, delve into the world of art at the Art Institute of Chicago, where you can admire masterpieces from around the globe, including Grant Wood's "American Gothic." As night falls, indulge in Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza.
- Day 9overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Explore Chicago Then Overnight Onboard Amtrak
One last day in Chicago. If you have not already, head to Skydeck Chicago for the best views of the city from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower! This afternoon, head to beautiful Union Station and board the Lake Shore Limited®, bound for the bustling metropolis of New York City.
- Day 10overnight: New York City
New York City, NY
Arrive in NYC and check in for a two-night stay. Start your sightseeing with an ascent to the top of the Empire State Building for panoramic views of the iconic skyline. As evening descends upon the city, immerse yourself in the dazzling lights of Times Square and catch a Broadway show or enjoy a delectable meal at one of the city's top-rated restaurants.
- Day 11overnight: New York City
New York City, NY
Hit the ground running by visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where you can delve into the rich history of immigration in the United States. In the afternoon, dive deeper into the cultural treasures of New York City with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, home to an extensive collection spanning centuries and continents.
- Day 12rail
Your Journey Ends in New York City
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would 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 4After arriving at the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams, the historic Grand Canyon Railway carries travelers to the South Rim for a guided tour of the canyon's viewpoints.
- Day 6The Southwest Chief crosses Arizona's rugged mountains, New Mexico's desert vistas, and the Colorado countryside on the way to Chicago.
- Day 7An Architecture River Tour in Chicago introduces the city's architectural heritage and history.
- Day 9Skydeck Chicago, on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, precedes boarding the Lake Shore Limited at Union Station for New York City.
- Day 10The Empire State Building's observation deck gives panoramic views over the New York City skyline.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon to Chicago on the Southwest Chief®; Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited® in Coach accommodations
- 8 nights hotel accommodations; 3 nights onboard Amtrak®
- 2 meals included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel from Los Angeles to Chicago on the Southwest Chief, and Chicago to New York City on the Lake Shore Limited, is included, along with a roundtrip on the Grand Canyon Railway.
- How is sightseeing organized?
- Los Angeles and New York City use hop-on, hop-off passes for independent exploring, while the Grand Canyon includes a guided tour with knowledgeable guides.
- Which trains are used?
- The Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon area to Chicago), the Grand Canyon Railway (Williams to the South Rim, roundtrip), and the Lake Shore Limited (Chicago to New York City).
- What hotels are used?
- The package lists 20 accommodation options across cities and hotel tiers, including choices such as the Regent Santa Monica or Holiday Inn Express in Los Angeles.
- Are meals included?
- Only 2 meals are included across the whole trip, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner, both in Williams, Arizona.
- How many nights are spent onboard the train?
- 3 nights, on days 3, 6 and 9, in Coach-class seating.
