Amtrak California Zephyr title card
Amtrak California Zephyr title card

Amtrak’s California Zephyr: Train Schedule & Guide

The California Zephyr is a daily Amtrak long-distance train that serves many communities between Chicago, IL, and Emeryville, CA. In addition to this train, you can book a trip beyond the rails with Amtrak’s Connecting Services. This service includes locations such as San Francisco and Oakland, CA.

The Zephyr covers approximately 2,438 miles of its picturesque route in approximately 52 hours, stopping in communities such as Omaha, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Midwest’s farmlands, the majestic Rockies, and the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

Riding this train provides an excellent opportunity to relax, enjoy the incredible landscapes, and meet new people, but it sometimes forces you to disconnect from the internet.

This article will help you plan your upcoming trip on one of my favorite trains! It includes the train timetable, schedule, food options, and accommodations.

Amtrak’s California Zephyr: Map and Route Overview

CA Zephyr Map
CA Zephyr Map (from a past Amtrak.com post)

If you only have time for one Amtrak train journey, I highly recommend the California Zephyr. The scenery on the California Zephyr changes daily throughout your journey.

A view of Moab, Utah from the window of the Amtrak California Zephyr.
A view of Moab, Utah, from Amtrak’s California Zephyr window

You will pass through quaint Midwest towns with a focus on agriculture, small manufacturing, and the vibrant lights of major cities like Chicago, Denver, and Omaha.

The train follows the Colorado River for miles, winding through the Rockies and numerous tunnels.

Along the route, you’ll witness the grandeur of the High Sierras, a sight that will inspire awe, and the picturesque landscapes of California.

Timing your trip right allows you to experience the beauty described in the song “America the Beautiful”—spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties, and more!

While the Rockies are breathtaking, I enjoy traveling through Utah’s stunning landscapes. The variety of terrains, from rugged canyons to lush valleys, and the striking colors—deep reds to vibrant oranges—make this section memorable.

This route has stunning views. I should note that, at times, some of the vistas are more industrial and less stunning, which may be preferable to others. You take the good and the bad, and you have the facts of life or views of this train.

Check out a map to understand the route’s day and night areas.

Travels with Kev podcast on the Amtrak California Zephyr

Equipment Used on the California Zephyr

The California Zephyr operates with Superliner equipment, featuring bi-level cars designed for comfort and great views.

Onboard, you’ll find:

  • Coach Class – Spacious reclining seats with leg rests and large windows.
  • Sleeping Cars – Private accommodations, including Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Family Bedrooms.
  • Sightseer Lounge & Café Car—This scenic lounge, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, is perfect for taking in the stunning landscapes along the route. The lower level features a café that offers a variety of snacks and drinks.
  • Dining Car – Serves freshly prepared meals with communal seating

Later in this article, you will find more information about each car.

On-Time Performance of the California Zephyr

The California Zephyr travels across the United States using tracks owned by host railroads BNSF and Union Pacific (UP). However, Amtrak owns the tracks around Chicago Union Station.

  • California Zephyr’s average passenger on-time performance
    • In April 2025, Zephyr’s on-time performance was 68.5%, with an average delay of 61 minutes.
    • From April 2024 to 2025, Zephyr’s on-time performance was 57.2%, with an average delay of 114 minutes.

Information in the sections is from the official Amtrak Host Railroad Report, April 2025.

If interested, you can view their on-time performance for all Amtrak long-distance trains by connecting with another train.

Common Causes for California Zephyr Delays

Common causes of delays include freight and passenger train interference, as well as slow order processing.

Coach Class on the California Zephyr

A look at the Amtrak Superliner coach seats
Amtrak Superliner lower-level coach seating (Photo courtesy of Amtrak.com)

Taking coach class accommodations on the California Zephyr is a great option, whether you’re traveling for an hour or the entire route.

Amtrak Coach
Amtrak Superliner coach seating

On my first trip on this train, I chose coach class. The seats were comfortable and spacious, allowing me to lean back without invading my neighbor’s space.

Coach Class Accommodations

  • The Zephyr’s coach class offers various features:
    • Reclining seats
    • Ample legroom
    • Fold-down trays
    • Seat-back pockets
    • Foot and leg rests.

You can travel down the tracks using individual reading lights and 120V grounded (three-prong) electric outlets under the window.

Additionally, there is an above-seat luggage shelf, a baggage rack on the lower level, and restrooms.

Amtrak Long-distance trains have a seat width of 23 inches (58 cm) and a pitch of 50–52 inches (127–132 cm).

You can choose to sit on either the upper or lower level of the coach class. The lower-level seats are ideal for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. 

Kev’s Coach Class Tips

  • Pack Comfort Items: Bring a small blanket, pillow, and an eye mask to block out the light. An eye mask with headphones can make your trip even more enjoyable. Amtrak offers a branded comfort kit for sale at the Amtrak Store.
  • Bring an Extension Cord: The outlets are on the wall, so an extension cord allows you to use them without disturbing your seatmate. Plus, you can plug in more than one thing.
  • Entertainment: Bring headphones or other forms of entertainment to enhance your enjoyment of the journey. For more ideas on how to keep yourself occupied, check out my Amtrak Entertainment Ideas post.

California Zephyr Coach Car Layout.

Amtrak Superliner Coach Car Diagram
Superliner coach car diagram: Some cars do not have lower seating, but have a space for baggage.

Rooms on the California Zephyr

One of my happy places is an Amtrak room. I like them for their comfort, privacy, and ability to sleep horizontally at night. I also appreciate that my meals are included with my reservations, which reduces my out-of-pocket costs while I travel.

All rooms include:

  • Fresh linens and towels
  • Traditional Dining
  • Lounge access in Chicago
  • Dedicated car attendant
  • Room lights, plus reading and night lights
  • Closet or hook to hang items, with provided hangers
  • Seating by day and beds by night
  • Cupholders and a table with a checkered board (bring your own checkers or chess pieces)

Room Types Offered on the California Zephyr

Roomettes

  • Located on the upper level (rooms 1-10) and lower level (rooms 11-14) of standard sleeper cars
  • The roomettes on the California Zephyr are 6’6” by 3’6”

Bedrooms

  • Located only on the upper level
  • Bedrooms are 6’6” by 7’6” and include a private bathroom with a shower.

Family Bedrooms

  • It is on the lower level, with only one per sleeper car.
  • It is designed for two adults and two small children and measures 5’2” by 9’5”

Accessible Rooms

  • Located on the lower level, with only one per sleeper car
  • Designed for those with mobility issues and measures 6’9” by 9’5”

California Zephyr Sleeping Car Layout

In most cases, this is the car you will have, but sometimes, there is a transdorm car with all roomettes on the upper level. Typically, Amtrak runs the bedroom side forward in the direction of travel, but that can change at any

time.

Superliner Sleeper diagram
The layout of a Superliner Sleeper Car.

Luggage

When you travel on the California Zephyr, you can take advantage of Amtrak’s generous carry-on policy or, in some cases, check bags.

What you can carry on the California Zephyr

Each passenger may carry on:

  • One personal item, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
  • Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each

If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size limit for that train is 28 x 22 x 11 inches per piece.

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

Checked baggage rules

Not all locations can handle checked baggage; your first and last stations must offer this service.

  • Amtrak allows two bags up to 50 lbs. Seventy-five linear inches are available per person at no cost.
  • Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage, with a total of up to four bags.

Add-Ons: Bikes and Pets

The California Zephyr allows a few paid add-ons for bringing your bike or furry family member.

Bringing Your Bike

  • There is space on the train for standard, full-size bicycles.
  • Bikes must weigh up to 50 lbs and be no larger than 70 inches x 41 inches x 8.5 inches.
  • Amtrak stores bikes in designated bike racks or areas inside the baggage car.
  • For more information, please check out Amtrak’s bike policy.

Bringing Your Pets

  • Amtrak allows dogs and cats on the train.
  • The combined weight of the pet and carrier must be no more than 20 pounds.
  • Pets are allowed for trips up to seven hours.
  • After completing your reservation, you will receive an online form. You can also access it in the My Trip section of the Amtrak website or app.
  • Complete the necessary paperwork before leaving for the station.
  • Learn more about Amtrak’s pet policy.

Accessibility on the California Zephyr

A wheelchair/mobility ramp is available to assist passengers with wheeled mobility devices in boarding and deboarding. The California Zephyr provides accessible seating on the lower level of coach cars and accessible bedrooms.

Wi-Fi on the Zephyr

This train does not have Wi-Fi, and cell service will be limited in certain sections.

Amtrak California Zephyr Adventure by Day

This graph breaks down the trip by day, showing the starting and ending cities for each day.

Train1st Day2nd Day3rd Day
#5 WestboundChicago, IL – Omaha, NELincoln, NE – Salt Lake City, UTElko, NV – Emeryville, CA
#6 EastboundEmeryville, CA – Elko, NVSalt Lake City, UT – McCook, NEHoldrege, NE – Chicago, IL

Food Offerings on the California Zephyr

Amtrak Coffee cup in the Sightseer lounge car.
Coffee tastes better on the rails, especially from the Amtrak café car.

This train has two food cars: the café car is open to all, while the dining car is initially reserved for sleeper passengers and, if available, coach passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.

The California Zephyr Café Car

The café is located on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge, situated between the dining car and coach cars, in the center of the train. It serves a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. The café is open to all passengers from early morning until late at night, but it does close for brief breaks. Please listen to the announcements for details.

To view a sample menu, click the button below and look for the National Café car menu.

California Zephyr Dining Car

AMTRAK PAN ROASTED CHICKEN BREAST with beans and a roll
Amtrak Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast

The California Zephyr offers traditional dining with chef-prepared meals and table service.

Meals include breakfast, lunch, a three-course dinner, and kid-friendly options. Add-ons and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages are included with meals, and your first alcoholic drink at dinner is complimentary on Amtrak.

A selection of wine, beer, and spirits is available for purchase in the dining car to accompany your meal or for later enjoyment in your room.

For passengers with sleeping accommodations, Amtrak offers the convenience of having meals delivered to their rooms if necessary, and these meals are complimentary. For coach passengers, meals are available at set prices, and it’s important to note that seating may be limited. Coach prices are in the traditional dining article; click the button below.

Please note that the California Zephyr does not offer breakfast in Emeryville or lunch in Chicago, so please plan accordingly.

Train1st Day2nd Day3rd Day
#5 WestboundDinnerBreakfast, Lunch, & DinnerBreakfast & Lunch
#6 EastboundLunch & DinnerBreakfast, Lunch, & DinnerBreakfast & Lunch

Keep Travels with Kev on Track!

🚂 Hop On Board—It’s Free!

Join my free newsletter and get your hands on the Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains—your go-to resource for train equipment details, dining options, and more.

You’ll also receive insider travel tips, Amtrak updates, and exclusive content—delivered straight to your inbox.

💌 Help Keep Travels with Kev on Track!

If you’ve found my tips helpful, consider supporting my work on Patreon. For just $ 5 per month, you’ll receive a limited-edition postcard featuring photos from my travels. Or, check out my Support Page for other ways to contribute—whether through a wish list item or a one-time donation, every bit helps keep the journey rolling.

🎉 Special Offer:

Now through June 30, get 48% off your first month on Patreon with code 605BD!

🌐 Stay Connected:

You’ll find links to all my social media below—follow along so you never miss a tip, update, or train tale.

👉 Don’t miss the ride—join the adventure today!

Amtrak California Zephyr Schedule/Timetable

If you’d like to print out the Amtrak California Zephyr Schedules below, you can print an Amtrak Schedule or a custom schedule yourself.

This information is sourced from the official Amtrak website, last checked on September 17, 2024. Amtrak can change times and stops at any time.

Train 5
Westbound
Read Down
Communities ServedMilesTrain 6
Eastbound
Last Stop
2:00pChicago, IL
Union Station (CHI) (CT)
02:39p
2:34p RNaperville, IL (NPV)
BNSF Metra Line
281:44p D
3:44pPrinceton, IL (PCT)10412:28p D
4:43pGalesburg, IL (GBB)*
S. Seminary St.
16211:38a D
5:34pBurlington, IA (BRL)20510:28a
6:06pMt. Pleasant, IA (MTP)2339:55a
6:57pOttumwa, IA (OTM)2799:07a
8:23pOsceola, IA (OSC) (Des Moines)3597:38a
8:55pCreston, IA (CRN)3927:01a
11:09p | 11:25pOmaha, NE (OMA)5004:54a | 5:10a
12:36a | 12:46aLincoln, NE (LNK)555 3:27a
2:22aHastings, NE (HAS)
(Grand Island)
6521:36a
3:11aHoldrege, NE (HLD)70612:48a
4:22aMcCook, NE (MCK)78311:43p
5:46aFort Morgan, CO (FMG)
(Sterling)
9608:17p
7:56a | 8:46aDenver, CO
Union Station (DEN)*
10386:27p | 6:59p
10:53aFraser-Winter Park, CO (WIP)11003:28p
11:22aGranby, CO (GRA)
(Rocky Mt National Park)
11132:54p
2:36p | 2:43pGlenwood Springs, CO (GSC)
(Aspen)
122311:36a | 11:42a
4:30p | 4:43pGrand Junction, CO (GJT)13119:41a | 9:53a
6:32pGreen River, UT (GRI)14177:44a
7:53pHelper, UT (HER) (Price)14886:22a
10:02pProvo, UT (PRO)15634:18a
11:15p | 11:40pSalt Lake City, UT
Amtrak Station (SLC)* (MT)
16082:55a | 3:20a
3:25aElko, NV (ELK) (PT)18718:44p
6:01aWinnemucca, NV (WNN)20136:26p
9:13a | 9:24aReno, NV (RNO)22023:27p | 3:37p
10:33aTruckee, CA (TRU) (Lake Tahoe)22372:01p
12:50pColfax, CA (COX)230111:39a
2:14p DRoseville, CA (RSV)233610:51a
3:05pSacramento, CA
Sacramento Valley Station (SAC)
235310:12a | 10:23a
3:31pDavis, CA (DAV)23679:48a
4:13pMartinez, CA (MTZ)
(San Joaquins Trains)
24119:07a
4:47pRichmond, CA (RIC)24308:35a
4:57pEmeryville, CA (EMY)24388:25a
Last train stopTransefer between train and busMilesStart of train End of Bus
5:15pEmeryville, CA (EMY)*
San Fransico Bus Transfer
07:25a
5:45pSan Fransico, CA (SFC)
Chase Plaza Curbside Stop
26:55a
Last StopStationsMilesRead Up
‘Use this chart as a guide and check with Amtrak for any time corrections they may cause.

Abbreviations

Yellow = bus connection

R = Receive passengers only

D = Depart only

Learn more about receiving and departing only stops.

* = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.

Printable California Zephyr Schedule

You can use the button below to print out the California Zephyr schedule or get the latest from Amtrak.com. You can even print out customs schedules that include other transportation on your Amtrak ticket! Learn how to print route or customs Amtrak schedules here!

Love Train Travel?

🚆 Love Train Travel? Stay Connected in Two Easy Ways!

📱 Follow Me on Social Media – Get real-time updates, travel tips, and stories from the rails.

✉️ Join My Free Newsletter – Be the first to know about Amtrak news, insider tips, and exciting travel opportunities.

When you sign up for the newsletter, you’ll also receive a free Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains—packed with details on train equipment, dining options, and more.

➡️ Sign up today and start planning smarter, smoother train adventures!

❤️ Want to support my work? Every bit of help keeps Travels with Kev rolling—check out my Support Page or join me on Patreon!

Kevin Monteith

Kev Monteith has been traveling on Amtrak since 2012. With over a decade of experience, he has been on over 800 trains, covering over 200k miles of rail. Kev enjoys helping others achieve their travel dreams by providing support and information. Outside of travel, Kev enjoys making music as an organist and outings with family.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Valerie

    Hey Kev I love your stuff. Can you help me find out how I know which station is a stop that you can get off the train for a bit?

    1. Kev

      Here is a list of most stops where you can get off the train; sometimes there are more, and sometimes these stops get abridged.
      Galesburg, IL; Ottumwa, IA; Omaha, NE; Dever, CO; Frasier, CO; Glennwood Springs, CO; Grand Junction, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Winnemucca, NV; Reno, NV; Sacramento. CA.

      1. Valerie

        Thanks Kev!

        1. Kev

          You are welcome!

Comments are closed.