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Amtrak California Zephyr train tickets—Search & book deals

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About Amtrak California Zephyr

Amtrak California Zephyr is one of the longest train routes in the United States, spanning from Chicago to Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area. The whole end-to-end journey lasts about 51 hours, crossing seven states during its three-day, two-night journey. For those not interested in the entire trek, there are more stops in cities, including Omaha, Denver, and Salt Lake City.

Despite its expansive coverage, the line is Amtrak's second-longest passenger service—but with views of the Colorado and Mississippi rivers, Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Rockies, it is arguably North America's most scenic. There's a special observation car with extra large windows to allow passengers to enjoy the gorgeous views.

Onboard, there are options for either a seat in coach class or a berth in the aluminum double-deck Superliner carriages sleeper cars. Sleeper car passengers also receive three meals per day during the trip as part of the ticket price, served in the dining car.

Seats on Amtrak California Zephyr during peak tourist times can sell out quickly. So take advantage of booking with Wanderu to get the cheapest tickets available for the trip of a lifetime!

Contact Amtrak California Zephyr

Phone number:
1 (800) 872-7245

Amtrak California Zephyr Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Toilet
  • Extra legroom
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Power outlets
  • Snacks

Quickview

Amtrak California Zephyr train coverage

Daily Trips
99
stations
35
cities
35
countries
1
  • United States

What travelers are saying about Amtrak California Zephyr

Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak California Zephyr had to say about their travel experience.

Traveling During COVID-19

  • “Masks are required on the train.”
    84%

Onboard Experience

  • “Wonderful conductors on board who took time to share the highlights.”
    84%
  • “Good price. Very easy and cheap.”
    95%
  • “Departed and arrived on time.”
    64%
  • “Seats tilt back nicely and there's even a foot rest. ”
    95%
  • “Very clean and tidy.”
    89%

Amtrak California Zephyr reviews from Wanderu customers

Overall review score for Amtrak California Zephyr Based on 389 reviews

4.6

Ratings (Out of 5)

Comfort
Timeliness
Staff
Value

Amtrak California Zephyr passenger reviews

  • KjellOctober 25, 2026Salt Lake City – Lincoln

    Pros I met Gifford, an Amtrack staff member who helped me get some meds taken on time. My backpack had been moved and I didn't dare look for it; I am disabled and at times couldn't find my seat, and many other points on the train. I live with profound Brain Injury, and I told everyone on staff who tried to help me, not that I had to, but have often heard "you don't look disabled." Of course, these folks' purpose was simply to help me find things, and I found I could count on them. Cons nothing -- IT WAS A STELLAR train trip all the way 'round. Thanks!

  • AnthonySeptember 5, 2026Colfax – Salt Lake City

    Pros It was an amazing trip! I will travel by train always now! The staff and train was perfect!

  • LeslieAugust 29, 2026Reno – Truckee

    Pros Everything!! The windows in the observation car could use some cleaning, but other than that we left our trip.

  • JayAugust 12, 2026Truckee – Martinez

    Pros Martinez trip went on to richmond ca Very surprised. Got me back to home. Cons 00

  • KathleenAugust 3, 2026Denver – Omaha

    Pros Everything Was Excellent Cons Everything Was Excellent Tips I would tell them to travel by train Excellent Experience

Amtrak California Zephyr Routes & Network

Amtrak California Zephyr’s train network features 353 train routes that connect 35 cities serving 35 stations. On average, Amtrak California Zephyr performs about 99 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak California Zephyr offers the highest number of daily train service include Denver and Reno.

Top Cities Served by Amtrak California Zephyr
CityDaily TripsEarliest trainLatest train
Denver1112:46 AM11:25 PM
Reno912:46 AM11:40 PM
Chicago1012:48 AM11:43 PM
Salt Lake City812:46 AM11:25 PM
Glenwood Springs312:46 AM11:25 PM
Omaha41:36 AM11:43 PM
Sacramento73:25 AM11:40 PM
Grand Junction23:11 AM11:25 PM
Truckee63:25 AM11:40 PM

Amtrak California Zephyr Cancellation Policy

All Amtrak California Zephyr tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:

Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.

Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.

Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your Amtrak California Zephyr ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.

Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.

Amtrak California Zephyr Baggage Policy

Carry-On Baggage

  • One (1) personal item – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)

  • Two (2) carry-on items – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)

Additional Carry-On Rules:

  • Strollers and car seats do not count toward the carry-on limit.

  • Overweight bags must be repacked so they are under 50 lbs. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking.

  • A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger.

Checked Baggage

  • Two (2) items for free – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 75 in / 191 cm (length + width + height)

  • Up to two (2) additional items: $20 fee per item

  • Oversized baggage (76-100 inches total): $20 fee per item

Not all Amtrak California Zephyr routes offer checked baggage service. Check ahead before traveling.

Additional Checked Baggage Rules:

  • Your luggage should be checked at least 45 minutes before the train departs.

  • ID tags are required for all luggage.

  • All luggage must be in containers that are suitable for transport (storage tubs and plastic bags are not allowed).

Special Items

  • Bicycles up to 50 lbs (23 kg) may be checked for $20.

  • Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.

  • Skis & snowboards count as checked baggage if under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm).

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.

For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.

Amtrak California Zephyr Train Guide & FAQs

The California Zephyr is one of the longest passenger train routes in the world. End-to-end, the full journey takes 51 hours and 20 minutes to get from Union Station in Chicago to Emeryville Station in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In total, the Zephyr stops at train stations in 33 cities spanning 7 states. There are several major cities on the route between Chicago and San Francisco, including:

  • Sacramento, California
  • Reno, Nevada
  • Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Omaha, Nebraska

No, unfortunately Amtrak California Zephyr does not offer WiFi aboard its trains at this time. However, we find that a good book makes the time fly by and streaming services like Netflix allow you to download TV shows and movies that you can then watch during your trip. Plan ahead and you will stay entertained during the entire train ride.

Yes, there are power outlets onboard Amtrak California Zephyr trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.

Since Amtrak California Zephyr might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

On a typical day, Amtrak California Zephyr has 99 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.

No, Amtrak California Zephyr does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Yes, Amtrak California Zephyr requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak California Zephyr trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Amtrak California Zephyr provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.

Amtrak California Zephyr does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you via email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Amtrak California Zephyr goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.

Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak California Zephyr offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.

Yes, Amtrak California Zephyr allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.

Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.

How do I get the best deal on Amtrak California Zephyr tickets?

Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak California Zephyr tickets with the lowest available fares every day. Plus, you can compare Amtrak California Zephyr prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!

Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends.

When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.

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Top Amtrak California Zephyr Routes

Top Amtrak California Zephyr Destinations

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