Is The California Zephyr Worth It?

The California Zephyr is regarded as the best Amtrak Route in the United States and is totally worth the money to ride. If you are going to ride, make sure you are on the prettiest section of the route which is from Denver to Emeryville.

Which is better Southwest Chief or California Zephyr?

Is the Southwest Chief or California Zephyr Better. The California Zephyr is a better route than the Southwest Chief as it is the most scenic route in the USA. The Southwest Chief ranks as the 4th most scenic route in the USA though, so it still provides a great view.

Which part of the California Zephyr is the most scenic?

This is where the train begins paralleling the Colorado River for the next 235 miles off the left side of the train. Many passengers call this stretch of the California Zephyr route the most scenic.

Can you get on and off the California Zephyr?

Yes you can, but your tickets should be reserved and ordered as “multiple stop” type ticket so you’re scheduled to get off, stay a day or two or more, and then reboard to your final destination. More importantly the Zephyr stops are a LONG ways from the Grand Canyon.

Which is better Empire Builder or California Zephyr?

The main difference is that the Empire Builder offers additional views of forests and rivers in the Pacific Northwest while the California Zephyr has more mountain views as it travels through the Colorado Rockies and Sierra Nevada. Another major difference is how seasons impact views along the routes.

What is the best side to sit on the California Zephyr?

The best side of the California Zephyr to be on is the south side of the train. If you are heading west that is the left side in the direction of travel and if you are heading east it is the right side in the direction of travel.

Which Amtrak train is most scenic?

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is considered one of the most scenic routes in the Amtrak system, offering the very best views of the Pacific Coast, from the cliffs of Pacific Coast Highway to the peaks of the Cascade Mountains.

What is the prettiest train ride in the US?

The Most Scenic Train Rides In America

  • Grand Canyon Railroad (Williams, Arizona, to South Rim)
  • Cape Cod Railroad (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
  • Cass Scenic Railroad (Cass, West Virginia)
  • Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle or Portland, Oregon)
  • Coast Starlight (Los Angeles to Seattle)

Is it better to go east or west on the California Zephyr?

Westbound is better because you are guaranteed to get the most spectacular part, the climb up the Front Range, in daylight leaving Denver even if the train is late.

Does the California Zephyr have a bathroom?

3 answers. There are 3 toilets I believe on the lower level and a single shower stall.

What is the best time of year to take the California Zephyr?

Re: Best time of year to ride California Zephyr? Booking in the summer is best as you have more daylight hours to see things along the way,. Once it gets dark, you don’t see much from the train unless there are lights. Stars are nice to see at night – especially if you can have bed in the sleeper car section.

How much is a sleeper on the California Zephyr?

$150-$300 for coach seat. $700-$1,000 for a roomette (meals, water and coffee included)

How much is a bedroom on the California Zephyr cost?

The roomette is about $522 for 2 people (think – transport and lodging for 1 night). The family bedroom is about $1287 and the Superliner Bedroom is $1519. You can read more about the rooms over here.

What is the most luxurious train in the US?

The Grand Canyon Railway
For the most luxurious experience, be sure to book the Luxury Parlor or Luxury Dome class of service — the adults-only cars have private bars and open-air platforms.

What are the most comfortable seats on Amtrak?

Coach Seats
These seats are larger and more comfortable than seats on an airplane, recline and have a power outlet, reading light and tray. Plus, there are no middle seats. There are only two coach seats together then the aisle and two more coach seats.

Can you sleep on the California Zephyr?

Sleeper carriages on the California Zephyr
On this two-night journey on the California Zephyr, you could, technically sleep on the reclining coach class seats but you’ll have a terrible journey so it’s always worth the extra money to book a space in one of the sleeper carriages.

Is there food on the California Zephyr?

As an exclusive, complimentary offering for customers traveling in private rooms, traditional dining service is provided in the Dining Car on the Auto Train, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle (between San Antonio and Los Angeles).

Is it better to ride upper or lower level Amtrak?

The best place to sit in Amtrak Coach Class is on the upper level. It’s all about the view on the upper level. This is the biggest advantage of sitting in the upper level. You can also move from car to car more freely as there is access from each car on the upper level.

Is it better to sit upper or lower on train?

Being on the lower level is indeed closer to the restrooms, and you’ll have less foot traffic going by. There will be less sway, but more noise from the track, since you’re closer to the track. The view will be better from the upper level and you must be on the upper level to pass from one car to the next.

What is the nicest train to travel on?

The Best Train Trips in the World: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

  • Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland.
  • The Canadian, Canada.
  • Rocky Mountaineer, North America.
  • Inca Rail, South America.
  • Deccan Odyssey, India.
  • The Maharajas’ Express, India.
  • Golden Chariot, India.
  • La Trochita (The Old Patagonian Express), South America.

What is the best trip on Amtrak?

You’ll take five of Amtrak’s top train routes cross-country:

  • the Sunset Limited route from Los Angeles to New Orleans.
  • the Crescent line from New Orleans to Washington, DC.
  • the Capitol Limited from Washington, DC to Chicago, and.
  • the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle.
  • the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles.