See the USA by rail on Amtrak's California Zephyr and Lake Shore Limited with overnight journeys and city stays in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco

Arrive in New York and transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight New York City.

Deep dive into the city that never sleeps on a guided tour of its highlights. Experience the city by vehicle and by boat to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and more. Hear stories about the history and people that shaped America's largest city. Overnight New York City.

This morning, continue your explorations of the city before the train journey to Chicago later this afternoon. Highlights on this overnight route along include West Point Academy, Bannerman's Castle and a journey alongside the Hudson River. Overnight train.

Arriving in Chicago, transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel. Then, enjoy the evening at leisure. You may wish to visit Millenium Park or Navy Pier this evening with a variety of lakeside dining and entertainment options, or perhaps you'll seek out the perfect slice of authentic deep dish pizza. Overnight Chicago.

Discover the beauty of Chicago and learn a bit of its history with an architecture tour* on the Chicago River. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore on your own, check out Wrigleyville, Willis Tower, or add one of the many optional activities available. Overnight Chicago.

*Chicago Architecture tours are available March-November. A bus tour will be substituted for December-February travel dates

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the rail station this afternoon to board the California Zephyr. Settle into your onboard accommodations and spend your day aboard the train with a good book, meeting fellow travelers, or enjoying the passing scenery from the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car. Overnight train.

Views of the Rockies will be the backdrop for the better part of today's train journey as you wind your way through tunnels and around mountain curves. Highlights of today's journey include Glenwood and Ruby Canyons and the famous Moffat Tunnel. Overnight train.

Spend the day onboard, enjoying the passing scenery. Arriving in San Francisco in the early evening, transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening you may wish to dine at nearby Fisherman's Wharf, enjoy the charm of the Marina District, or explore the Embarcadero. Overnight San Francisco.

Spend the day exploring San Francisco on a guided tour of the city's most iconic sights. Visit Chinatown, Haight Ashbury, travel across the Golden Gate Bridge, and stare up in wonder at the tallest living things on earth, the Coastal Redwoods in Muir Woods. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast before returning to the city for the night. Overnight San Francisco.

Your coast to coast vacation comes to an end this morning.

From the heart of the Midwest to the stunning Pacific coast, the California Zephyr reveals the ever-changing landscapes of the United States, one mile at a time. This is one of the most popular of Amtrak's overnight rail journeys, traveling from  Chicago, IL, to Emeryville, CA, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The route encompasses over 2,400 miles and includes fantastic views of the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, Byers and Glenwood Canyons, the deserts of Utah, San Pablo Bay, and many other scenes that can only be captured from the rails. 

Service between Chicago and New York City, through South Bend, Cleveland and Buffalo, along some of the prettiest shorelines of the USA. You'll travel along the south shore of Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River, and the Erie Canal, following a famous Native American Highway.

An icon of downtown Chicago for over 145 years, the Palmer House sits at the heart of the theater district. We're two blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago, located in Millennium Park, and we're surrounded by playhouses, shops, and restaurants. Take some time to relax at our spa, and enjoy our afternoon tea service and fitness center. 

Experience the vibe of a superb location in a contemporary neighborhood filled with rich traditions, two blocks from Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Theater District, Fifth and Madison Avenue Shopping, popular eateries and NYC's most famous landmarks. The Fifty Hotel & Suites is defined by its timeless modern architecture, artistically appointed interior décor, spacious spaces with residential amenities. The hotel's eclectic room accommodations are suited for family gatherings and fitted like a business-ready living room - a place to meet, relax, and regroup in Midtown East.   

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf is located close to Pier 39, one of the most iconic parts of San Francisco, and it offers the best services so that you can enjoy an unforgettable stay. Its complete facilities include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, gym and conference rooms. This hotel in San Francisco has more than 500 rooms that are perfectly equipped to offer you maximum comfort. Each of them has satellite TV, a mini-fridge, coffee machine and air conditioning, and many more amenities. The facilities at Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf also include a pool with sun loungers and umbrellas where you can enjoy the Californian climate throughout the hottest months. The food at this hotel in Pier 39 won't disappoint you. At the bar/restaurant, we offer American buffet breakfasts with live cooking stations and a la carte lunches and dinners so that you can choose the dishes you like the most. In addition, you also have the option of the snack bar, open all day, where you can try delicious snacks and appetizers. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco has a gym so sports-lovers have the space to practice their favorite activities. What's more, if you like enjoying entertainment int he evenings, you can listen to live music. If you're in San Francisco for business, this hotel in Pier 39 provides conference rooms where you can hold your meetings and events. Our staff will take care of offering you all the services you need. To make your stay in San Francisco truly unforgettable, we suggest you visit the city's most iconic spots. Don't miss the Golden Gate Bridge, the famous 'Painted Ladies' Victorian houses, ascend the legendary hills with the Cable Car or visit Alcatraz Prison. If you want to find out more, you can visit our San Francisco destination guide and get an idea of everything that awaits you.  

• Upgrade your accommodations or class of service on the train
• Upgrade your room category at select hotels
• Add private transfers

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Great Rail Journeys can supply connecting rail from your closest Amtrak Station.