When I exited the California Zephyr in Emeryville after a 53-hour journey from Chicago — the longest train ride in the US — I knew I’d be back.
I had the time of my life on the overnight Amtrak train in February 2026. I booked a bedroom, which is essentially a tiny hotel room, for $2,200. And I enjoyed it so much that I’m certain I’ll take the California Zephyr again. But there are a few things I’ll do differently next time to save money and make the most of my trip.
Next time, I’ll pack lighter.
My two-night journey on the California Zephyr was part of a weeklong trip, so I had a backpack and a carry-on suitcase, which I kept with me in my 50-square-foot bedroom.
I brought some items exclusively for the train ride, including my ukulele. I imagined passing the time by learning songs and writing new ones, but with thin walls between guests, I decided against playing.
I also brought my own towel and shower toiletries, but my bedroom provided both.
Next time, I’ll leave all of these items at home.
I’ll bring binoculars.
From the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada mountains, the California Zephyr is the most scenic Amtrak journey I’ve ever been on.
The rails go through the wilderness across the diverse landscapes of the American West. The best place to catch the views is undoubtedly the observation car, a communal lounge car with two rows of wide windows on each side.
As I stared out the windows in awe, I longed for a closer look. With binoculars, I might have spotted more wildlife or noticed more textural details in the trees, rocks, rivers, and canyons.
I’ll go during a different time of year.
Since I’ve seen the full route in winter, next time I want to visit during a different season for a fresh view of the passing landscape. I’d love to see what it’s like in September or October for peak fall foliage.
I’ll try different menu items.
Amtrak sleeping accommodation tickets include meals on board. Three days and two nights weren’t enough time to try all the menu items in the dining car. And I was surprised by how good the dishes I ordered were, from the grilled chicken Caesar salad to the steak dinner and cheesecake dessert.
Next time, I want to get the breakfast quesadilla, the burger, and the grilled patty melt.
I’ll skip the first 20-or-so hours.
I’m glad I experienced the full route of the California Zephyr. Still, I noticed that the views on the first day are the least dramatic of the trip as you travel west through the plains of Illinois and into Iowa and Nebraska. Once you hit Colorado on the morning of day two, you’re flush with breathtaking views for most of the journey.
Getting on in Denver for a shorter trip would save me money without sacrificing the best views. When searching for future trip dates, in some cases, the trip from Denver was listed for half the price.
I’ll bring a friend.
Another way to save money on my next California Zephyr journey would be to travel with a friend or family member. When booking my trip, I checked the price of the bedroom for two travelers, and it was only $300 more. So splitting the total cost would have saved me hundreds.
More importantly, though, I think having company would make the journey more fun.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed passing the time by reading, playing video games, and listening to music and podcasts. But for me, these hours might be better spent having conversations or playing cards with someone I love.
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