The reason to go on this train ride is for the scenery and relaxing way to view the Colorado Rockies and surrounding area. If you have that perspective it will be a good trip as long as the weather cooperates. I have done it twice , once in March and then in October. In March , snow was still everywhere in the mountain areas so very scenic. In October , no snow of course but more fall tree color. We departed from Denver and got off in grand junction , which I would highly recommend as that covers the scenic part of the trip. The rest of the trip to CA is pretty dull except the short part past Reno through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Don’t expect luxury train travel, it is Amtrak after all, but the views are great and there is a lounge with limited bar service and a dining car! If you go with the right attitude you will very much enjoy it . A great way to start a tour of the southwestern national parks.

The views were great but too expensive. Technology isn’t modern. No WiFi. The food was ok. We paid for an expensive “scenic” train ride and had to rotate out of the observation car with regular paying coach customers. with coach customers in the observation car. Seems since I chose the “scenic” train ride at a higher rate, the observation car should’ve been guaranteed. Coach probably was more comfortable and less cumbersome than the roomette , and we all use the same the bathrooms (size is equivalent to an airplane). I should’ve saved money and paid for a coach seat and brought my food.

Quite an experience to travel so far across such different terrain and at times stunning views. Really good food served by attentive staff. Tony the cabin manager stood out and was on hand during the whole trip.

My husband and I and his brothers and sisters and their spouses went for Thanksgiving in Chicago to visit another sister and her family that live there. Everything was on time it was fun. Would definitely take the train again. Was nice to get there stress free and rested.

I rode the Zephyr many years ago (actually April 2011 but it wasn’t a choice) from Emeryville to Chicago and then the Cardinal to Indianapolis) and had the small sleeper car. I loved it! So much beauty to be seen and so many interesting people to meet. I am planning another trip and would like opinions on taking the train from Chicago to Emeryville this time. Though it’s the same route I am guessing the times passing through various areas would be different. I know that after dark you can’t see some of the beautiful landscape and thought maybe a reverse trip would change that up. Has anyone done both routes, West to East vs East to West?

We had wanted to take this trip for a while and are very happy we did. We departed Emeryville on the 6 Californian Zephyr on March 20 excited for his new adventure and to see our beautiful country from the comfort of AMTRAK! We had done our research and were aware of what to expect as far as accommodations and dining. We booked a bedroom and it was comfortable during the day. At night it was tight quarters, with only one person being able to change at a time. The shower/toilet is tight, yet serves the purpose. Once we got into the beds, we had no trouble sleeping, even with the very rough tracks In Nebraska. The one thing we did not expect was the consistently high level of service! Our room attendant, Mike, was amazing. He was available but not obtrusive and his recommendations were spot on. The staff in the dining car and cafe were wonderful and made our trip all the more enjoyable. We enjoyed this trip so much, that we have planned future overnight trips on AMTRAK.

I had read a lot about the California Zephyr and was looking for an opportunity to ride. Finally I made it happen on the west bound Zephyr train #5 from end to end. It was a second leg for our journey as the first leg was from Pittsburgh to Chicago on Capitol Limited train # 29 which was on time including departure and arrival. We rested in Chicago Lounge and the Zephyr was scheduled to leave at 2 pm on 4/15/24. After having everybody boarded, crew announced that they have problem with air conditioning system in one of the cars, and they’re gonna replace the car with another that requires the engine detached and attach another car that took 3:45 hrs extra for the train to depart. Because of which power was shut off which caused all the kitchen and catering to be pushed behind schedule resulting dinner after 8 pm. Next two days, we enjoyed the scenic views of the Rocky and Sierra very well. I really enjoyed the ride, especially while passing the 9238 ft high altitude, numerous tunnels, snowy mountains, Donner lake and Colorado river etc. I found it worth traveling by the Zephyr. Of course, the toilets were not to the expectations, especially the faucets pounded excess water with high pressure causing water to spray everywhere including your own body. The two tiered roomettes are little too narrow for a 2450 miles journey. Cleanliness all around is 3.5 out of 5.

We travelled all the way from Chicago to San Francisco and would rate this as one of my favourite travel experiences. The initial stage, where you are passing through Illinois and Iowa are a bit boring (sorry guys), but it’s an opportunity to suss everything out and chat to other passengers. You will wake up in Denver, and then the fun starts as you climb through the Rockies and then over the Utah desert. Before reaching San Francisco you will climb over the Sierra Nevada, past Lake Tahoe and the Donner Pass (look it up!) and the views are breathtaking. My advice would be to take a cabin. It’s very expensive, but it’s probably the only time you’re going to do it, and the alternative is 2 nights in a cramped roomette with no private bathroom facilities. If you book 1st class, you will get all of your meals included, and a glass of wine or a beer with your meals. There is a good dining car, and the food is fine, with a good menu selection. If you want a bottle of wine, you can take it in, but it’s not strictly allowed, so be discreet. A couple of gripes- NO WIF! Unbelievable! Yoiget snacks etc in the lounge at the station, so why not have them available in the cabin? And finally you need to remember that the train only goes as far as Emeryville; you need to book a bus to take you over the Bay and into the city. But what a way to see the States, chill out and meet some great people!

I had the pleasure of traveling on Trains 5/6 on July 4th and 7th to/from Grand Junction and Denver. Conductors Cody and Nick truly exceeded my expectations with their exceptional customer service and professionalism. They went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all passengers. Their dedication to their work and their customers is truly commendable. High recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to excellence.

We took this train with our bikes to and from Chicago for a weekend visit. Left from Mt. Pleasant Iowa station. Super easy to check bikes on with helpful staff on both ends. Sat in the observation car as much as possible. Very mellow ride and made getting into/out of downtown Chicago pretty painless. Took advantage of the bar on the ride home. Super friendly servers and maybe too easy to get drinks. Luckily this bar closed at Galesburg IL so we were saved from ourselves. I would do this again anytime.