Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast
Coast-to-coast Amtrak rail journey from New York City to San Francisco
15 daysfrom $2,669
40% rail
Amtrak Vacations
The All American
Fifteen-day round trip Amtrak rail circuit from Chicago, Coach class
Amtrak Vacations runs The All American, a 15-day, 14-night round trip rail journey starting and ending in Chicago, in Coach class on five named trains. The Lake Shore Limited carries travelers overnight to New York City for two days of sightseeing, including a hop-on, hop-off tour with admission to the Empire State Building Observatory or the Top of the Rock. The Crescent runs overnight to New Orleans, where a guided city tour visits Jackson Square, the French Quarter and the Cities of the Dead cemeteries, with a choice of a jazz brunch or a creole dinner. From there, the Sunset Limited crosses desert and mountain country to Los Angeles, where travelers change trains onto the Coast Starlight for a run up the California coastline to San Francisco and its Golden Gate Bridge. The California Zephyr climbs the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains to Denver for a guided mountain sightseeing tour, before an overnight return to Chicago. It suits travelers who want one long rail circuit through several of America's best known cities rather than a shorter regional trip.
What to know before you look closer
- The operator's itinerary has no description for day 8 of this 15-day trip, between the Sunset Limited's departure on day 7 and its arrival in Los Angeles on day 9; confirm the exact schedule with Amtrak Vacations.
- The package lists 24 hotel options across its cities and price tiers, for example the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave alongside the Waldorf Astoria New York, so your actual hotel depends on what's booked.
- All five long-distance trains, including the overnight Lake Shore Limited, Crescent, Sunset Limited and California Zephyr legs, are listed in Coach class, so the six nights spent onboard are in reclining coach seats rather than a private sleeper cabin.
- The evidence lists just 2 dinners as included across the 15-day trip, such as the day 6 choice in New Orleans; other meals, including on the six nights spent onboard the train, are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Chicago to New York
Your journey begins in Chicago! This evening board Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited for your trip to New York. Settle in for your leisurely ride to "The Big Apple."
- Day 2overnight: New York
New York City, NY
Upon arrival in New York, check-in to your hotel and begin to experience "The Big Apple"! Take the evening to enjoy New York on your own. A whole day of sightseeing awaits you tomorrow.
- Day 3overnight: New York
New York City, NY
Today you will enjoy the best of what New York City has to offer on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city. Use the tour to stop at such iconic New York sights as Times Square and Central Park. You will also have admissions to either the Empire State Building Observatory or the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
- Day 4railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
New York City to New Orleans
This afternoon, you will board Amtrak's Crescent line for your trip south to the "Crescent City." Settle in and relax on your leisurely ride as the train makes its way towards New Orleans.
- Day 5overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans! This evening you are free to explore New Orleans on your own. Famous for its fun and unique culture, there is definitely a good time to be had in "The Big Easy".
- Day 6overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
This morning you will learn all about New Orleans on a guided sightseeing city tour. This tour will bring you to such important New Orleans sights as historic Jackson Square, the fun-filled French Quarter, and the eerie graveyards known as the "Cities of the Dead." Also, choose between a fabulous brunch accompanied by some of the most amazing jazz performers or dinner at an authentic creole restaurant in a French Quarter restaurant.
- Day 7overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today you will board Amtrak's Sunset Limited for your trip west to California! Settle in and prepare for a scenic ride across the country. Marvel at the sights you pass through deserts peppered with cacti, sprawling fields, and majestic mountains on your way to Los Angeles.
- Day 9overnight: San Francisco
Los Angeles to San Francisco
This morning you will change trains in Los Angeles's Union Station to board the famous Coast Starlight for your ride north to San Francisco. The Coast Starlight is known for the beautiful stretches of California shoreline that it passes as it makes its' way towards Northern California.
- Day 10overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
A full day of sightseeing in San Francisco awaits! Use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to visit San Francisco's top attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and historic Haight-Ashbury District. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner on San Francisco's famous Pier 39.
- Day 11railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
San Francisco to Denver
This morning you will board Amtrak's California Zephyr for your trip on to Denver. As the train winds its way east, be prepared to experience the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain ranges. As always, your Amtrak ride is perfect for picture-taking opportunities!
- Day 12overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
This evening you will arrive in Denver. Check-in to your hotel and rest up for a day of sightseeing tomorrow.
- Day 13overnight: Denver
Denver, CO
Today you will explore the natural wonders of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. Your guided tour will take you to some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes and vistas. The scenery is breathtaking! Also, take some time to explore the city of Denver and some of its popular attractions such as the U.S. Mint.
- Day 14railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Denver to Chicago
This morning you will have free to continue your sightseeing in the "Mile High City" before departing this evening. Tonight, board Amtrak for your return trip to Chicago. As the train makes its way east, reflect on all of the wonderful experiences on your All American Rail Journey!
- Day 15
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 3A hop-on, hop-off tour of New York includes admission to either the Empire State Building Observatory or the Top of the Rock.
- Day 6A guided tour of New Orleans visits Jackson Square, the French Quarter and the Cities of the Dead cemeteries, with a choice of a jazz brunch or a creole dinner.
- Day 10A hop-on, hop-off tour of San Francisco visits the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square and the Haight-Ashbury District, with dinner at Pier 39.
- Day 11The California Zephyr crosses the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain ranges on the way to Denver.
- Day 13A guided tour from Denver visits scenic Rocky Mountain landscapes and vistas, plus the U.S. Mint downtown.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to New York; New York to New Orleans; New Orleans to Los Angeles; Los Angeles to San Francisco; San Francisco to Denver; and Denver to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited, Crescent®, Sunset Limited®, Coast Starlight®, and the California Zephyr®
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations; 6 nights onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals (2 dinners)
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $4,499
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, roundtrip Coach class Amtrak on 5 named trains connecting Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver.
- Do I sleep on the train?
- Yes, 6 of the 14 nights are spent onboard Amtrak in Coach class seating, on the Lake Shore Limited, Crescent, Sunset Limited and California Zephyr overnight legs.
- Which trains are used?
- The Lake Shore Limited, Crescent, Sunset Limited, Coast Starlight and California Zephyr.
- What hotels are used?
- 24 hotel options across the cities and price tiers, for example the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave or the Waldorf Astoria New York.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It's a mix: guided city tours are included in New Orleans, hop-on, hop-off passes cover New York and San Francisco, and a guided Rocky Mountain tour runs from Denver, with some free evenings and mornings to explore on your own.
- What is not included?
- Only 2 dinners are listed as included; other meals across the 15 days are on your own.
