The Amtrak California Zephyr is more than just a train; it’s an epic journey across America’s heartland. Connecting Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA), this 2,438-mile route is Amtrak’s longest daily service, celebrated for its stunning views of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Prepare for a 51.5-hour adventure through diverse landscapes and iconic American scenery.
Plan Your Trip: California Zephyr Schedule Highlights
To make your planning easier, here are key schedule points for the California Zephyr:
- Daily Departures: One Eastbound and one Westbound train run daily.
- Nighttime Travel: Experience overnight journeys through Utah and Nebraska.
- Chicago Hub: Trains depart from and arrive in Chicago during the afternoon.
- Emeryville (San Francisco) Departures & Arrivals: Westbound trains leave Emeryville in the morning, returning in the late afternoon.
- Westbound Speed Advantage: Westbound trains typically reach Salt Lake City faster.
- Always Check Amtrak.com: For the most current and detailed schedules, always refer to the official Amtrak website.
California Zephyr Stops: Stations Along the Route
The California Zephyr makes numerous stops across its vast route. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of all stations:
California Zephyr Station Stops
| State/Province | Station | City |
| Illinois | Chicago Union Station | Chicago |
| Naperville | Naperville | |
| Princeton | Princeton | |
| Galesburg | Galesburg | |
| Iowa | Burlington | Burlington |
| Mount Pleasant | Mount Pleasant | |
| Ottumwa | Ottumwa | |
| Osceola | Osceola | |
| Creston | Creston | |
| Nebraska | Omaha | Omaha |
| Lincoln | Lincoln | |
| Hastings | Hastings | |
| Holdrege | Holdrege | |
| McCook | McCook | |
| Colorado | Fort Morgan | Fort Morgan |
| Denver Union Station | Denver | |
| Fraser-Winter Park | Fraser-Winter Park | |
| Granby | Granby | |
| Glenwood Springs | Glenwood Springs | |
| Grand Junction | Grand Junction | |
| Utah | Green River | Green River |
| Helper | Helper | |
| Provo | Provo | |
| Salt Lake City | Salt Lake City | |
| Nevada | Elko | Elko |
| Winnemucca | Winnemucca | |
| Reno | Reno | |
| California | Truckee | Truckee |
| Colfax | Colfax | |
| Roseville | Roseville | |
| Sacramento | Sacramento | |
| Davis | Davis | |
| Martinez | Martinez | |
| Emeryville | Emeryville |
Popular California Zephyr Destinations:
- Major City Hubs: Chicago, Denver, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Reno, Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Scenic Mountain Towns: Glenwood Springs, Winter Park, Truckee
Onboard Experience: California Zephyr Accommodations & Amenities
The California Zephyr offers a range of accommodations to suit different travel styles and budgets:
Accommodation Options:
| Class | Description | Key Features |
| Coach Class | Standard seating on the train. | Reclining seats, ample legroom, no middle seat, tray table, reading light, power outlet, restrooms in each car. |
| Roomette (First Class) | Private sleeping room for 1-2 passengers. | Seats convert to upper/lower beds, upgraded bedding, dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, complimentary meals, restroom & shower access in car. |
| Superliner Bedroom (First Class) | Spacious private room for up to 2 adults. | Sofa & chair convert to beds, in-room restroom & shower, upgraded bedding, dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, complimentary meals. |
| Superliner Bedroom Suite (First Class) | Combines two adjoining Bedrooms for ultimate luxury. | Double the space of a Bedroom, two restrooms & showers, sleeps up to 4 adults, upgraded amenities, dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, complimentary meals. |
| Superliner Family Bedroom (First Class) | Designed for families with 2 adults & 2 children (ages 2-12). | Width-of-car room, seating for 4 converts to beds, access to private restroom/shower in car, upgraded bedding, dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, complimentary meals. |
| Superliner Accessible Bedroom (First Class) | Wheelchair-accessible room on the entry level. | Seating converts to beds, in-room restroom (Viewliner) or toilet/sink with nearby shower (Superliner), upgraded bedding, dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, complimentary meals. |
Dining Options:
- Traditional Dining (First Class): Complimentary, full-service dining car for First Class passengers with seasonal menus and included beverages (including alcohol with the first drink free).
- Café Service (All Passengers): Café car offering meals, snacks, and beverages for purchase throughout the train.
Other Onboard Amenities:
- Observation Car: Don’t miss the Sightseer Lounge Car with panoramic windows for enjoying the scenery.
- Bicycle Services: Carry-on and checked bicycle options are available (size and weight restrictions apply).
Things to Know Before Your California Zephyr Journey:
- No WiFi: Be prepared for limited connectivity – WiFi is not offered on this route.
- Scenic Highlights: The Denver to Salt Lake City leg is particularly stunning during daylight. The Observation Car is highly recommended, especially through the Colorado Rockies.
- Colorado Stopovers: Consider breaking your journey in cities like Denver or Glenwood Springs to explore the Rocky Mountains and nearby attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park (requires separate transportation).
- Flexible Itinerary: You can hop off and back on the train at different stations, but you’ll need to purchase separate tickets for each segment and plan for overnight stays if needed.
- Superliner Cars: The California Zephyr utilizes Superliner bi-level cars for all accommodation classes.
California Zephyr Costs & Ticket Information
Amtrak ticket prices are dynamic and depend on:
- Class of Service: Coach, Roomette, Bedroom, etc.
- Distance: Longer routes cost more.
- Season & Demand: Peak travel times (summer, holidays) are generally more expensive.
- Booking Time: Advance booking often yields better fares.
Estimated Full Route Ticket Prices (One-Way):
- Coach: $150 – $300+
- Roomette: $700 – $1,300+ (includes meals)
- Family Bedroom: $1,400 – $2,300+ (includes meals)
- Bedroom: $1,600 – $3,300+ (includes meals)
Important: These are estimated price ranges for 2023 from the original article. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for your travel dates in 2025, always check the official Amtrak website (https://www.amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train). Prices are subject to change.
A Glimpse into History
Before Amtrak, three iconic train lines competed on the Chicago-Bay Area route, each with its own unique character: the original California Zephyr, the City of San Francisco, and the San Francisco Chief. Amtrak’s Zephyr route is a fascinating blend of these legacies.
Explore Beyond the Rails
Consider extending your trip with stopovers to experience local festivals or events near California Zephyr stations. For information on other Amtrak routes, explore our guides to the Berkshire Flyer, Blue Water, Auto Train, Cascades, Acela, and Adirondack trains.
Essential Resources:
- Official Amtrak California Zephyr Website: https://www.amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train
- Amtrak Accessibility Services: https://www.amtrak.com/accessible-travel-services
- Wikipedia: California Zephyr: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Zephyr
The 120 volt power outlet in my roomette was recessed such that my computer could not be charged. I would have liked to have brought along a power strip so I could keep all my devices charged during the trip.