Cross America by train
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
Amtrak's California Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and Emeryville, near San Francisco, crossing the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada on the way. The journey takes more than two days, with a Sightseer Lounge for the views and a choice of coach seats or private sleeping rooms.
Gentle£100 to £500 / $130 to $650A few weeksIndoors or outAlone or with othersUS
How to start
- Read Amtrak's California Zephyr page and decide whether to ride the whole route or break the journey at a stop such as Denver.
- Choose between a coach seat and a Superliner Roomette or Bedroom, then book through Amtrak's site or app.
- Pack a small bag to keep at your seat, with layers, a book and a paper map to follow the route.
Where to go
We opened this link on 7 October 2026 and found it to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. The hard part of a day out is the timing: the right season, tickets and getting there. The plan watches the calendar for you.
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