Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Yellowstone National Park Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago

8-day independent rail vacation roundtrip from Chicago to Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day independent rail vacation roundtrip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park, with Salt Lake City as the connecting point. The journey covers two nights onboard the California Zephyr in Coach class, crossing the Great Plains and climbing through the Rocky Mountains, described by the operator as spectacular scenery. From Salt Lake City, roundtrip transfers reach Yellowstone for two nights, including a sightseeing tour of the Lower Loop, with the Old Faithful Explorer Tour substituted in winter, taking in geysers, hot pools, and the park's wildlife. Two nights are also spent in Salt Lake City itself. This suits travelers who want the cross-country train ride to be part of the trip, not just a way to get there, since two of the seven nights are spent onboard rather than in a hotel. The operator does not name specific hotels for either city in the published listing.

What to know before you look closer

  • Amtrak Vacations doesn't publish a day-by-day breakdown of this 8-day trip beyond the order of travel: Chicago, the train ride, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone, and back.
  • No specific hotel names are given for the Salt Lake City or Yellowstone stays in the operator's published listing.
  • The Lower Loop Tour is seasonal, with the Old Faithful Explorer Tour substituted during winter months.

Included

  • 2 nights' hotel accommodations in Salt Lake City
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodations in Yellowstone National Park
  • 2 nights onboard Amtrak®
  • Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park's Lower Loop (seasonal; Old Faithful Explorer Tour substituted in winter)
  • Roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone
  • Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago, IL on the California Zephyr®

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Roundtrip Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Salt Lake City on the California Zephyr is included, along with 2 nights onboard.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's listed as an independent rail vacation.
Which train is used?
The California Zephyr, in Coach class, roundtrip from Chicago.
What's included?
2 nights in Salt Lake City, 2 nights in Yellowstone, 2 nights onboard Amtrak, a sightseeing tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop, and roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone.
How much does it cost?
From $1,529 USD, about $191 per day.

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