California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco Train
3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette – from £849
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.
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 Nevada’s, 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
| Selected Stops | Arrives | Departs |
| Chicago | – | 14:00 |
| Omaha | 22:55 | 23:05 |
| Denver | 07:15 (+ 1 day) | 08:05 (+ 1 day) |
| Grand Junction | 15:57 | 16:10 |
| Salt Lake City | 23:05 | 23:30 |
| Reno | 08:25 (+ 2 days) | 08:36 (+ 2 days) |
| Sacramento | 14:13 | 14:25 |
| Emeryville | 16:10 | 16:25 * |
| San Francisco | 17:00 | – |
* via Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service
Timetable correct as of November 2023.
San Francisco to Chicago Timetable
| Selected Stops | Arrives | Departs |
| San Francisco | – | 08:00 * |
| Emeryville | 08:30 | 09:10 |
| Sacramento | 10:58 | 11:09 |
| Reno | 15:56 | 16:06 |
| Salt Lake City | 03:05 (+ 1 day) | 03:30 (+ 1 day) |
| Grand Junction | 10:11 | 10:23 |
| Denver | 18:38 | 19:10 |
| Omaha | 04:59 (+ 2 days) | 05:14 (+ 2 days) |
| Chicago | 14:50 | – |
* via Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service
Timetable correct as of November 2023.
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 2024 or 2025, 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 £849
Include this 3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette in an America holiday designed for youPlease note, train departure and arrival times may change. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.