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California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco Train

3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette – from £615

Chicago | Omaha | Denver | Salt Lake City | San Francisco

The California Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and San Francisco, coursing through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City and then through Reno and Sacramento into Emeryville/San Francisco.

Choose Coach Class, a Roomette or a spacious Bedroom
Enjoy lounge access and complimentary meals (Roomette and Bedroom)
Break your journey at any of the 34 stops between Chicago and California

Book your California Zephyr tickets, flights and hotels in one place.

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Your Rail Journey

Experienced travellers say the California Zephyr train journey is one of the most beautiful in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you’ll find it hard to disagree.

On board the California Zephyr, full food service is available throughout the day in the Lounge and Dining Cars, with table seating.

Roomettes & Bedrooms

Roomettes and Bedrooms are ideal for one to four passengers, with comfortable seats on either side of a big picture window. At night, the seats convert to single beds with upper berths folding down from above.

Roomettes and Bedrooms include:

Complimentary meals, served in the Dining Car
Electrical outlets and reading lights
Fresh towels and bed linens
Shower and restroom in-room (Bedroom) or in-car (Roomette)
Dedicated First Class attendant
Priority boarding
Complimentary lounge access before your trip (available at major stations)

Coach Class Travel

Coach Class offers an economical way to travel from Chicago to San Francisco whilst taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Coach Class includes:

Comfortable reclining seats, with ample legroom
A fold-down tray for dining
Individual reading light
Electrical sockets by your seat

California Zephyr Timetable

The California Zephyr departs daily in either direction. There are 34 stops between Chicago and Emeryville/San Francisco, with tickets available for all or part of the journey.

Chicago to San Francisco Timetable

The California Zephyr train schedule departs Chicago daily at 14:00.

Chicago: 14:00
Omaha: 23:25
Denver: 08:46 (+ 1 day)
Grand Junction: 16:43
Salt Lake City: 23:30
Reno: 09:24 (+ 2 days)
Sacramento: 15:05
Emeryville: 17:40 *
San Francisco: 18:10

* via Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service

Timetable correct as of May 2025.

San Francisco to Chicago Timetable

The California Zephyr train schedule departs San Francisco daily at 06:55.

San Francisco: 06:55 *
Emeryville: 08:25
Sacramento: 10:23
Reno: 15:37
Salt Lake City: 03:20 (+ 1 day)
Grand Junction: 09:53
Denver: 18:59
Omaha: 05:10 (+2 days)
Chicago: 14:29

* via Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service

Timetable correct as of May 2025.

Route Map

Train Tickets, Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your America rail holiday in one place; your California Zephyr tickets for 2025 or 2026, flights, hotels, day tours and activities.

Please note, advanced booking is recommended, especially during summer months.

California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco Train

3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette – from £615

Include this 3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette in an America holiday designed for you

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Please note, train departure and arrival times may change. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.