Epic California Zephyr Train Journey from Chicago

Hello again, fellow travelers!

In our last video, we journeyed from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to Chicago Union Station aboard Amtrak’s coach class. It was a comfortable ride, but today — Sunday, July 4th — we’re embarking on something far grander: the California Zephyr. And for a ride this epic, we decided to upgrade to a Roomette, and trust me, it was the right call.

🚆 About the California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s crown jewels — a legendary long-distance passenger train that travels between Chicago, Illinois and Emeryville, California (just across the bay from San Francisco). Covering 2,438 miles, it's the longest daily route in the Amtrak system, with an average travel time of 52 hours.

This route is renowned for being one of the most scenic in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. From the rolling plains of the Midwest to the towering Rocky Mountains and the dramatic Sierra Nevada range, this train offers an unforgettable window into America's diverse landscapes.

🚉 Departing from Chicago Union Station

Our journey begins at Chicago Union Station, a bustling hub full of history and energy. With our Roomette tickets, we gained complimentary access to the Metropolitan Lounge, a quiet and cozy area to relax before boarding.

As the train pulled away from the city, we watched Illinois' vast farmlands roll by, the sky opening up with summer sunlight.

🚪 Roomette Life & Lounge Cars

Traveling in a Roomette brings many perks — beyond privacy and comfort, it includes three meals a day in the dining car, fresh linens, climate control, and the option for meals delivered right to your room. The Roomette folds into bunk beds at night and seats two during the day. It’s tight but thoughtfully designed.

One of the best parts of the California Zephyr is the observation car — a panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for soaking in the views.

🌄 Sunrise in Colorado

Our first night was spent humming across the heartland, and by morning we awoke to a glorious Colorado sunrise. Watching the early light paint the Rockies from the observation car was nothing short of magical.

After breakfast in the dining car — shared with fellow passengers (a wonderful way to meet new people) — we arrived at Denver Union Station. There, we stretched our legs, breathed in the crisp mountain air, and admired the beautifully restored station.

🚉 Stopover at Denver Union Station

At Denver Union Station, the train makes a longer stop, allowing passengers time to get off, stretch, and explore. The station itself is beautifully restored, filled with local shops and cafes — and it's a great place to grab a coffee or snap a few photos.

🏔️ Through the Rocky Mountains

Shortly after Denver, the real ascent began. The train climbed into the Rocky Mountains, winding through canyon walls, pine forests, and river valleys. We passed over 30 tunnels, including one in the Sierra Nevada that lasted nearly 10 minutes!

A highlight was following the Colorado River, which starts near the very mountains we passed and flows 1,450 miles into Mexico and the Gulf of California. The river was alive with rafters and hot springs, a dynamic contrast to the train’s peaceful pace.

🌌 Nightfall in Nevada

As the day faded into night, the train entered Nevada. Some passengers mentioned the rocking of the train made sleep difficult, but for me, the gentle sway was part of the adventure — like being cradled by the rhythm of the rails.

We awoke once more to the desolate beauty of the Nevada desert. The train had picked up speed overnight, racing through the open expanse as we approached our final leg of the journey.

By morning, we were racing through dusty plains toward California.

Video of the Trip

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🌉 The Final Stretch to California

Crossing into California, I could feel the heat return as the landscape shifted from high desert to rolling golden hills. Before long, we arrived at Emeryville Station, located just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco.

From here, passengers can easily connect to local transit or take a quick ride into the city. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Bay Area — or simply resting after an epic cross-country journey.

As for us, we had the next adventure all mapped out. With the pandemic nearing its end and airfare to the Philippines still astronomically high, we decided to invest that money in something just as memorable — a scenic road trip across the American West. From California, we would drive up through the Northwest to Washington State, Oregon, Utah, Montana, Salt Lake City, Nevada — oh, did I forget Wyoming? — and back again through California.

You can watch the entire journey on our YouTube channel — every stop, story, and sight we captured along the way.🧳 Final Thoughts

The California Zephyr is not just transportation — it’s a moving experience, a journey through America’s heart and soul. With stunning views, unique encounters, and time to truly unwind, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to experiencethe trip, not just arrive at the destination.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious first-timer, I wholeheartedly recommend adding the California Zephyr to your travel bucket list.

Thank you for riding along with me. Until next time, keep exploring and travel wise!

🌍 Join the Journey

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📹 Watch the full video on my YouTube channel for stunning visuals and more

behind-the-scenes moments from this unforgettable journey.

🧳 Travel Tips & Booking Info

✔️ Pack light, but smart — Roomettes are compact. Bring slippers, layers, and a refillable water bottle.
✔️ Bring headphones and a good book, but also take time to just watch the scenery roll by.
✔️ Charge devices during the day, as outlets are limited.
✔️ Dining tip: If you enjoy socializing, sit in the dining car. Prefer solitude? Request meal delivery to your room.

🎟️ Book your journey: Amtrak’s Official California Zephyr Page
🧳 Packing for train travel: My Travel Tips