California Zephyr
Chicago, IL → Emeryville, CA · 2438 miles · 51h 20m
2438 miles
51h 20m
Daily
79 mph
7
About the California Zephyr
Widely considered the most beautiful train ride in North America. Two full days from Chicago to San Francisco Bay, climbing the Front Range out of Denver, threading Glenwood Canyon, crossing the Utah desert and dropping through the Sierra Nevada into California.
What makes this route worth taking
- Sightseer Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Moffat Tunnel and the Colorado Rockies in daylight
- Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River for six hours
- Donner Pass descent into Sacramento
- Traditional dining car included with sleepers
Agent's tip
Westbound gives you the Rockies AND the Sierras in daylight. Eastbound does not. Call and we will explain which direction suits your trip.
Classes of service on this route
The California Zephyr operates with Superliner II with Sightseer Lounge. Available accommodation:
Sleeping-car fares on this route include all meals for everyone in the room, priority boarding, station lounge access where available and a dedicated car attendant. Once meals are priced separately, the gap between coach and a Roomette narrows considerably — and for two people travelling together it frequently closes entirely.
States and provinces served
Stations along the route
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago |
| 2 | Naperville |
| 3 | Galesburg |
| 4 | Burlington |
| 5 | Ottumwa |
| 6 | Osceola |
| 7 | Omaha |
| 8 | Lincoln |
| 9 | Hastings |
| 10 | McCook |
| 11 | Fort Morgan |
| 12 | Denver |
| 13 | Fraser-Winter Park |
| 14 | Granby |
| 15 | Glenwood Springs |
| 16 | Grand Junction |
| 17 | Green River |
| 18 | Helper |
| 19 | Provo |
| 20 | Salt Lake City |
| 21 | Elko |
| 22 | Winnemucca |
| 23 | Reno |
| 24 | Truckee |
| 25 | Colfax |
| 26 | Sacramento |
| 27 | Davis |
| 28 | Martinez |
| 29 | Emeryville |
Station lists reflect the principal calling pattern. Individual departures may omit stops or add seasonal calls. Schedules, equipment and station stops are set by the carrier and change without notice — confirm current details with your agent at the time of booking.
Booking the California Zephyr
Fares on this route move in buckets and only ever step upward, so the cheapest time to book is the moment your dates are firm. Our agents check the live reservation system, test alternative fare constructions, apply every discount you qualify for and — where the view matters — note your preferred side of the train on the reservation.
Call +1 (888) 821-4679 and describe the trip. Most bookings are confirmed inside five minutes.
