The California Zephyr is an Amtrak service running between Chicago and San Francisco. The route covers a total distance of 3,924km, and passes through seven states on its journey. It is well known for being one of the most scenic long distance routes operated by Amtrak. The two day journey is best enjoyed in a roomette or bedroom, but for budget-conscious travellers, a reclining seat can be just as comfortable.
Amtrak Superliner Sleeper Trains
Onboard, there are a range of sleeping options, including: Reserved Seats, Superliner Seat, Roomette, Bedroom, Bedroom Suite, Family Bedroom and Accessible Bedroom.
Reserved & Superliner Seats:
Reserved seats are the cheapest accommodation option onboard overnight Amtrak services. They offer big, reclining seats with footrests, a huge amount of legroom, foldable trays and individual reading lights. Seating carriages tend to be considerably noiser than private cabins, just because there are more people sharing the room with you. If you are a light sleeper, we suggest you opt for a cabin. Superliner trains also have an additional level of seating downstairs, in the Superliner Coach Seat section.
Find out more about Reserved Seats.
Roomettes:
Roomettes are small cabins, for one or two passengers. During the day, the room is set up with two reclining seats facing each other across a small table in front of a window. At night, these seats are converted (by train staff) into a bed, with another bed folded down from the celing. Roomettes include electrical sockets, climate control, reading lights, fresh towels/linen, toiletries, water and newspapers.
Roomette passengers get all their meals (in the dining car) included with their train fare. Toilets, showers and sinks are shared with other passengers within the same carriage.
Find out more about Amtrak Roomettes.
Superliner Bedroom:
The Superliner Bedroom is a slightly larger bedroom, suitable (at a pinch) for 3 passengers, and comfortable for 2 (with a couple of suitcases). During the day, each cabin has a large sofa, which is converted at night into either a single or double bed. The third bed is lowered from the ceiling. Each room has electical sockets, climate control, reading lights, clothes rack, fold-down table, fresh towels/linen, toiletries, water and newspapers.
Superliner Bedroom passengers have all their meals (in the dining car included with their train fare. Superliner bedrooms hae their own private bathrooms, which include a toilet, sink and shower.
Find out more about Amtrak Superliner Bedrooms.
Superliner Bedroom Suite:
If you are travelling as a group (between 4 and 6 adults), the Superliner Bedroom Suite may be your best choice. Each suite is made up of two Superliner Bedrooms, combined, with two private toilets and showers. During the day, the suite has two large sofas, which are converted at night into either single or double beds. The third and fourth beds are lowered from the ceiling. Each room has electical sockets, climate control, reading lights, clothes rack, fold-down table, fresh towels/linen, toiletries, water and newspapers.
Superliner Suite passengers have all their meals (in the dining car included with their train fare.
Find out more about Amtrak Superliner Suites.
Further Information:
California Zephyr Amtrak Page
Printable Route Guide
Dining Car Menu
Cafe Car Menu