Whether taking the Amtrak from Chicago to San Francisco is worth it depends on your personal preferences and travel goals. Here are some factors to consider:
(Photo by Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota – Amtrak on the Colorado River, CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Time: The California Zephyr route from Chicago to San Francisco takes about 51 hours, so you’ll need to be prepared for a long journey. However, some people enjoy the slower pace and the chance to see the countryside from the train.
- Scenery: The California Zephyr is known for its beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. If you enjoy scenic train rides, this could be a great option for you.
- Comfort: Amtrak offers several classes of service, ranging from basic coach seats to private sleeping accommodations. Consider what level of comfort you’re willing to pay for, and whether you’ll be comfortable spending multiple nights on a train.
- Cost: Depending on your travel dates and class of service, the cost of the Amtrak trip can vary widely. Make sure to factor in the cost of meals and any additional transportation you’ll need once you arrive in San Francisco.
Overall, if you’re someone who enjoys leisurely travel and wants to see some beautiful scenery, taking the Amtrak from Chicago to San Francisco could be a great experience. However, if you’re short on time or prefer to get to your destination quickly, you may want to consider other options.
California Zephyr Route Itinerary
The California Zephyr route is a scenic train journey that spans 2,438 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California (which is just across the bay from San Francisco).
The journey takes approximately 51 hours to complete, or about two and a half days.
Passengers have the option of booking a one-way trip or a round trip. If you’re planning to take the California Zephyr in both directions, the full round trip would take approximately five days.
Here’s a rough itinerary of the journey:
Chicago, Illinois
- Depart Chicago Union Station in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on your travel date
- Enjoy dinner in the dining car and settle in for your first night on the train
Across Iowa and Nebraska
- Wake up to views of the Great Plains as the train crosses Iowa and Nebraska
- Pass through Omaha, Nebraska and the picturesque town of Holdrege
- Enjoy meals and drinks in the dining and lounge cars
- Sleep on the train as it continues westward
Through the Rockies
- Wake up to the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains
- Pass through Denver, Colorado and climb through the Rockies to the Continental Divide
- Traverse the Moffat Tunnel and pass through Glenwood Canyon
- Arrive in Grand Junction, Colorado in the evening
Across Utah and Nevada
- Continue westward across Utah and Nevada
- Pass through the Ruby Mountains and cross the Humboldt River
- Arrive in Reno, Nevada in the afternoon and depart in the evening
Into California
- Enter California and cross the Sierra Nevada mountain range
- Pass through Donner Pass, where the ill-fated Donner Party was stranded during the winter of 1846-47
- Arrive in Emeryville, California (just across the bay from San Francisco) in the late afternoon or early evening
Note that this is a rough itinerary and exact timing and routing may vary based on your travel dates and any schedule changes. Additionally, Amtrak offers various classes of service, including coach seats, private sleeping accommodations, and more, each with its own amenities and services.
