The California Zephyr is a daily Amtrak long-distance train service between Chicago, IL, and Emeryville, CA. The train stops in Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and other communities. Covering 2,438 miles in approximately 52 hours, the Zephyr is known for its picturesque route. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Midwest’s farmlands, the majestic Rockies, and the stunning Sierras. Riding this train provides an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the incredible landscapes.
This article will help you plan your upcoming trip. It includes the train timetable, food, accommodations, and more.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr map and stops
Travels with Kev Podcast on the Amtrak Californa Zephyr
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.
You will pass through quaint Midwest towns with 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 particularly enjoy traveling through the stunning landscapes of Utah. The variety of terrains, from rugged canyons to lush valleys, and the striking colors, from deep reds to vibrant oranges, make this section memorable.
Check out a map to understand the route’s day and night areas.
On-Time Performance of the California Zephyr
The California Zephyr, operated by Amtrak, 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.
From July 2023 to 2024, the California Zephyr’s average passenger on-time performance was 44.2%, with an average delay of 114 minutes. In July 2024, passengers experienced delays 27.1% of the time, with an average delay of 152 minutes.
On BNSF’s 1,027-mile stretch, the primary causes of delays were freight train interference and slow order delays. On UP’s 1,381-mile stretch, freight and passenger train interference were the leading causes of delays.
Information in the sections is from the official Amtrak Host Railroad Report July 2024.
If interested, you can see their on-time performance for all Amtrak long-distance trains if you connect with another train.
Coach class on the California Zephyr
Taking coach class accommodations on the California Zephyr is a great option, whether you’re traveling for an hour or the entire route.
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.
The Zephyr’s coach class offers various features, including reclining seats, ample legroom, fold-down trays, seat-back pockets, and 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.
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 does sell a branded comfort kit.
- Bring an Extension Cord: The outlets are on the wall, so an extension cord allows you to use them without disturbing your seatmate.
- Entertainment: Bring headphones or other forms of entertainment to make your journey more enjoyable. For more ideas on how to keep yourself occupied, check out my Amtrak Entertainment Ideas post.
California Zephyr coach car layout.
Rooms on the California Zephyr
My favorite spaces on Amtrak trains are their rooms. I like them for their comfort, privacy, and the ability to sleep horizontally at night. I also enjoy that my meals come with my reservations, which reduces my out-of-pocket costs when 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
- Cup holders and a table with a checkered board (bring your own checkers or chess pieces)
Room Types Offered on the California Zephyr
- Located on the upper level (rooms 1-10) and lower level (rooms 11-14) of standard sleeper cars
- The smallest of the accommodations
- Located only on the upper level
- It is twice the size of a roomette and includes a private bathroom with a shower.
- Located on the lower level, with only one per sleeper car
- Designed for two adults and two small children
- Located on the lower level, with only one per sleeper car
- Designed for those with mobility issues
California Zephyer Sleeptin 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 anytime.
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.
California Zephyr Carry-on
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, 25 lbs. (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 for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.
Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Checked bag 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 per person for free.
- Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage, up to four bags total.
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/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 up to 20 pounds.
- Pets are allowed for trips up to seven hours.
- After completing your reservation, you will receive the online form; you can also be available in the My Trip section on 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 detraining. The California Zephyr provides accessible seating on the lower level of coach cars and accessible bedrooms.
Wi-Fi on the Zephyr
There is no Wi-Fi on this train, and there will be sections of the route where you will not have cell service.
Food Offerings On The California Zephyr
This train has two food cars; find your options for this train!
The Califonia Zephyr Cafe Car
The cafe is located on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge and offers a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. It is open for all passengers from early morning until late at night but does close for breaks.
To see a sample menu, check out the button below and look for the National Cafe car menu.
California Zephyr Dining Car
Sleeper passengers and limited coach passengers can enjoy themselves in the dining car!
The California Zephyr provides 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 accompany meals, and your first drink at dinner is on Amtrak!
In the dining car, a wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits is available for purchase to accompany your meal or for enjoyment in your room later.
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 be aware that the California Zephyr does not offer breakfast out of Emeryville or lunch out of Chicago, so please plan accordingly.
| DIRECTION | CITY SECTIONS | DAYS OF TRAVEL | MEALS OFFERED |
|---|---|---|---|
| #5 Westbound | Chicago, IL- Omaha, NE | 1 | dinner |
| Lincoln, NE – Salt Lake City, UT | 2 | breakfast, lunch, & dinner | |
| Elko, NV – Emeryville, CA | 3 | breakfast & lunch | |
| #6 Eastbound | Emeryville, CA – Elko, NV | 1 | lunch & dinner |
| Salt Lake City, UT – McCook, NE | 2 | breakfast, lunch, & dinner | |
| Holdrege, NE – Chicago, IL | 3 | breakfast & lunch |
Stay Updated and Support This Information Journey!
Join my email list to get the latest travel tips, Amtrak insights, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. If you enjoy this information, consider one of the many ways you can support my work, and I appreciate it! Plus, if you join my Patreon at $5 or more, you’ll receive a postcard I created and mailed directly to your home as a thank you!
You can also find me on Facebook!
Amtrak California Zephyr Schedule
If you want to print out the Amtrak California Zephyr Schedule, there is one below, or you can print an Amtrak Schedule or custom schedule yourself!
This information comes from the official Amtrak website; I last checked it on 6/15/2024. Amtrak can change this at any time.
| Train 5 Westbound Read Down | Communities Served | Miles | Train 6 Eastbound Last Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:00p | Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) (CT) | 0 | 2:39p |
| 2:34p R | Naperville, IL (NPV) BNSF Metra Line | 28 | 1:44p R |
| 3:44p | Princeton, IL (PCT) | 104 | 12:28p |
| 4:43p | Galesburg, IL (GBB)* S. Seminary St. | 162 | 11:38a |
| 5:34p | Burlington, IA (BRL) | 205 | 10:28a |
| 6:06p | Mt. Pleasant, IA (MTP) | 233 | 9:55a |
| 6:57p | Ottumwa, IA (OTM) | 279 | 9:07a |
| 8:23p | Osceola, IA (OSC) (Des Moines) | 359 | 7:38a |
| 8:55p | Creston, IA (CRN) | 392 | 7:01a |
| 11:09p | 11:25p | Omaha, NE (OMA) | 500 | 4:54a | 5:10a |
| 12:36a | 12:46a | Lincoln, NE (LNK) | 555 | 3:27a |
| 2:22a | Hastings, NE (HAS) (Grand Island) | 652 | 1:36a |
| 3:11a | Holdrege, NE (HLD) | 706 | 12:48a |
| 4:22a | McCook, NE (MCK) | 783 | 11:43p |
| 5:46a | Fort Morgan, CO (FMG) (Sterling) | 960 | 8:17p |
| 7:56a | 8:46a | Denver, CO Union Station (DEN)* | 1038 | 6:27p | 6:59p |
| 10:53a | Fraser-Winter Park, CO (WIP) | 1100 | 3:28p |
| 11:22a | Granby, CO (GRA) (Rocky Mt National Park) | 1113 | 2:54p |
| 2:36p | 2:43p | Glenwood Springs, CO (GSC) (Aspen) | 1223 | 11:36a | 11:42a |
| 4:30p | 4:43p | Grand Junction, CO (GJT) | 1311 | 9:41a | 9:53a |
| 6:32p | Green River, UT (GRI) | 1417 | 7:44a |
| 7:53p | Helper, UT (HER) (Price) | 1488 | 6:22a |
| 10:02p | Provo, UT (PRO) | 1563 | 4:18a |
| 11:15p | 11:40p | Salt Lake City, UT Amtrak Station (SLC)* (MT) | 1608 | 2:55a | 3:20a |
| 3:25a | Elko, NV (ELK) (PT) | 1871 | 8:44p |
| 6:01a | Winnemucca, NV (WNN) | 2013 | 6:26p |
| 9:13a | 9:24a | Reno, NV (RNO) | 2202 | 3:27p | 3:37p |
| 10:33a | Truckee, CA (TRU) (Lake Tahoe) | 2237 | 2:01p |
| 12:50p | Colfax, CA (COX) | 2301 | 11:39a |
| 2:14p D | Roseville, CA (RSV) | 2336 | 10:51a |
| 3:05p | Sacramento, CA Sacramento Valley Station (SAC) | 2353 | 10:12a | 10:23a |
| 3:31p | Davis, CA (DAV) | 2367 | 9:48a |
| 4:13p | Martinez, CA (MTZ) (San Joaquins Trains) | 2411 | 9:07a |
| 4:47p | Richmond, CA (RIC) | 2430 | 8:35a |
| 4:57p | Emeryville, CA (EMY) | 2438 | 8:25a |
| Last train stop | Transefer between train and bus | Miles | Start of train End of Bus |
| 5:15p | Emeryville, CA (EMY)* San Fransico Bus Transfer | 0 | 7:25a |
| 5:45p | San Fransico, CA (SFC) Chase Plaza Curbside Stop | 2 | 6:55a |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
Abbreviations
Yellow = bus connection
R = Receive passengers only; this means you can board the train, but you cannot buy a ticket on this train to this station.
D = Depart only; you can buy a ticket to this station but not from this station.
* = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.
Printable California Zephyr Schedule
You can use the button below to print out the Califonia 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!
Get train travel tips and updates!
If you are on Facebook, check out my page for updates.
Also, consider joining my email list today for exclusive access to my latest articles, travel tips, and Amtrak news.
Take advantage of the latest updates and exciting travel opportunities.
See what will appear in your inbox, and sign up now to stay in the loop!
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?
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.
Thanks Kev!
You are welcome!