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California Zephyr

Train route

About

The California Zephyr is a renowned long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak, connecting Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically Emeryville. Spanning approximately 2,438 miles, this journey is one of the longest daily routes in the Amtrak network. It traverses seven states: Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. The train passes through iconic cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno, offering passengers a diverse range of urban and natural landscapes. The California Zephyr is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, including the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Colorado River valley. Passengers enjoy panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sightseer Lounge. The train features Superliner equipment, offering sleeping accommodations and a dining car with locally sourced meals. The journey typically takes about 51 hours, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the ever-changing landscapes and rich cultural experiences along the way.