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The Ultimate California Zephyr Guide

by TTG | Feb 26, 2022 | Amtrak , California Zephyr , Overnight Trains | 0 comments

Many say the Califronia Zephyr is North America’s most scenic train.

On its two night and three day journey the Zephyr passes through mountain ranges and deserts. It crosses the Mississippi, snakes alongside the Colorado through the Rockies and traverses the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges in California.

Such accolades have the California Zephyr in great company with other North American train journeys. High on the list would be Amtrak’s Empire Builder , Via Rail’s Canadian and Jasper to Prince Rupert trains and of course the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer .  

California Zephyr at a Glance

• The California Zephyr is an overnight Amtrak train from Chicago to San Francisco
• The journey takes approximately 52 hours , or two nights and three days
• The train crosses California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois
• Key city stops are Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco
• The train is scheduled to operate daily in each direction and travels overnight
• Coach and sleeper accommodations are available
• Prices on this train vary according to demand
• A traditional dining car is available for sleeper passengers, with three meals a day included
• A sightseer lounge car is available as a shared space to meet fellow passengers, read a book or watch the world go by
• A cafe is available in the sightseer lounge for all passengers to purchase food and drinks
• Checked baggage is available at some, but not all stations
• There is baggage storage onboard
• There is no WiFi on this train
• The train travels through remote areas where phone reception isn’t available

California Zephyr Route Highlights

A trip on the Zephyr covers 2400 miles or 3900km, about twice the distance from Florida to New York City.

With its breathtaking year round scenery you can be sure the 52-hour, two night and three day end-to-end adventure between San Francisco and Chicago is a journey you won’t regret taking. 

It’s an impressive journey that passes through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Along the way there are some 33 scheduled stops, including Omaha, Denver, Winter Park, Salt Lake City, Reno and Sacremento , the Californian capital.  

This train however, is best known for its journey through the Rocky Mountains on day two.

Rocky Mountains on Day two

Most of the Zephyr’s well-deserved reputation comes from the time traversing the rails in Colorado between Denver and Grand Junction on day two. This section is always during daylight hours, regardless of which direction you travel.

Westbound : When heading west, the train climbs into the Rocky Mountains after leaving Denver. The most scenic views will be to the left hand side in the direction of travel. Following the climb is the Moffat tunnel, where the Zephyr crosses the Continental Divide through the 6.2 mile (10km) tunnel that was opened in 1927. From here, it’s time to settle in near a window. For the rest of the day natures best remains on display as the Zephyr follows the Colorado River through to Grand Junction.

Eastbound: On the eastbound journey the day happens in reverse. Here, the main scenery starts just after Grand Junction in the morning and the most scenic views will be to the right in the direction of travel. The train follows the Colorado River for the day, descending into Denver from the mountains in the evening. The descent into Denver makes for a great finale to an epic day of sightseeing, and is ideally timed for a hotel check-in if you choose to break the trip here.

Other Highlights

While the mountain scenery is a clear winner there’s other point of interest to keep an eye out for.

Along the way the Zephyr crosses the Mississippi River at Burlington on the state border of Illinois and Iowa, traverses through through Ruby Canyon in Colorado and passes by Utah’s impressive Book Cliffs! Also not to be missed is California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

In short, with this variety of scenery you’ll never be without an amazing view out the window.

Which direction should I travel on the California Zephyr?

Seasoned rail travelers recommend this trip in either direction. That said, there is a slight preference for the westbound trip.

This is because during the deep winter months on the eastbound trip the descent from the Rocky Mountains into Denver often occurs after sunset. The train is scheduled to arrive into Denver at 6:30pm. By most accounts though, even when this happens the approaching city lights on the descent are impressive too. 

Which direction for stopovers?

If you are looking to take a journey on the Zephyr with stopovers along the way, the direction matters. After all, you don’t want to be stepping off the train at 3am!

Westbound: this service is well timed for breaking the trip at stops in Illinois, Iowa, Colorado and California. It’s not well placed for stops in Nebraska and parts of Nevada, where it passes through in the early hours of the morning.  

Eastbound: this service is ideal for stop-overs at destinations in California, Nevada, Colorado and Iowa . It’s not well timed for stops at Utah.

See also: California Zephyr Schedule See Also: California Zephyr Stopovers

California Zephyr Train 5 – Westbound (departs Chicago)

Westbound – day one.

The westbound Zephyr leaves daily from Chicago’s downtown Union Station at 2pm.

The Chicago Union Station building is best summed up on the stations website: a grand building worthy of the city’s status as a national railroad hub . Allow a little time to admire the impressive architecture as they don’t build stations like this anymore. A point that Emeryville at the other end of the line goes some way to proving. 

Sleeper car passengers can avail themselves of the Metropolitan Lounge where light refreshments, comfortable seating and showers are available. Coach passengers can buy a lounge pass for $35 (February 2022 pricing).

For lunch nearby before departure consider Vapiano Riverside Chicago . Alternatively, throughout the station there are many fast food style dining options. For those onboard snacks a Walgreens and CVS can be found nearby.

After departure the train makes nine stops between Chicago and Omaha, where it’s scheduled to arrive at 11pm. Passing through Nebraska overnight the Zephyr crosses into Colorado early in the early morning hours with an intended arrival in Denver at 7am. 

Westbound: Day Two

That famous Zephyr scenery starts after Denver, making this a popular boarding point. 

Seasoned travelers recommend getting a seat in the sightseer car prior to arrival in Denver for the best views as the day starts. If the train is busy, staff may ask folks to limit time in the sightseer lounge to give everyone an opportunity to take in the immersive views the extra-large windows offer. 

After a day of epic scenery in Colorado the train passes into Utah in the evening where the last stop of day two is Salt Lake City, at around 11pm. Even though 11pm is late, if you’re looking for a stopover at Salt Lake the westbound service is best. It’s preferable to the 3am arrival on the eastbound service!

Westbound: Day Three

On the morning of day three the Zephyr aims to arrive at Reno around half-eight and continues on to the Californian capital of Sacramento for an arrival of just after two in the afternoon.

For the finale, the Zephyr travels alongside the waters of San Francisco bay, ending the journey at Emeryville, Oakland with a intended arrival of around 4pm.

Amtrak offers a guaranteed coach connection to Salesforce Plaza in the heart of San Francisco – be sure to book your destination as San Francisco rather than Emeryville to include the connection on your ticket. 

California Zephyr Train 6 – Eastbound (departs Emeryville)

Eastbound: day one.

The Eastbound Zephyr departs just after 9am daily from Oakland’s Emeryville station.

Emeryville station is just across the Bay Bridge from down-town San Francisco. Amtrak offers a connecting coach service that links Emeryville with Salesforce Plaza in the heart of San Francisco for a nominal fee. For this guaranteed connection select San Francisco as your departure destination when booking. 

Emeryville station is a modern although no-frills affair. There is no lounge for sleeper passengers nor food and beverage options within the station aside from vending machines. While there are places to eat nearby, it’s best to have breakfast and stock up on those on train snacks before arriving.  

On day one the Zephyr is scheduled to pass through Sacramento at around 11am. It’s then onto Reno at 4pm before crossing the remainder of Nevada in the evening and Utah overnight.

Eastbound: Day Two

On day two, the day with the Zephyr’s famous scenery, the train is scheduled for its first stop in Colorado at Grand Junction just after ten before. Be sure to head to the sightseer lounge early in the day, although keep in mind Amtrak staff may ask passengers to limit time in the lounge car if the train is busy. Day two ends in Denver, around half-six in the evening.

Eastbound: Day Three

On day three for the early risers the train passes through Omaha, Nebraska just after 5am.

Beyond Omaha, the service is well timed for all stops in Iowa and Illinois before the scheduled arrival into Chicago around 3pm. Perfect timing for a hotel check-in!

California Zephyr Ticket Types and Prices

As of February 2022 we checked the booking engine for various dates up to 12 months ahead. The following prices are a guide :

Sleeper Roomette

Sleeper bedroom suite, sleeper family / accessible bedroom.

Similar to airlines, Amtrak uses variable pricing which means prices fluctuate according to a range of factors. Outside of a sale, the prices above are unlikely to go lower than the minimum we found. Be aware they could certainly go higher than the upper range we found, especially as the train fills up.

This train is very popular in the summer months, making it likely to be more expensive at that time of year. Consider a winter trip on the Zephyr, the scenery is just as spectacular. In fact, many would argue a trip in the fall or winter are the ideal times for travelling on the Zephyr.

Travel Tip: If you book a roomette it’s not possible to guarantee which side of the train this is on. Economy cars are always joined to the train with the seats facing the direction of travel, although sleeper cars can be attached either way. If you’re traveling as a group of two and want the best scenery consider booking two roomettes – upstairs and across the corridor from each other. To get the room assignments locked in you’ll need to book over the phone rather than online. 

To book travel on the California Zephyr start at amtrak.com

California Zephyr Onboard Service

The California Zephyr uses two-level Amtrak Superliner cars. A typical Zephyr train has sleeper cars, coach cars, a dining car and sightseer lounge car.

Sightseer Lounge: The sightseer lounge car is a key space on the train. Upstairs there are large windows where the seating faces outward. It’s a relaxed atmosphere to meet other travellers over a coffee, read a book or listen to a podcast as the world passes by. Downstairs in the sightseer car you’ll find a cafe with light meals and refreshments for purchase accompanied by a seating area.

Sleeper Service: Sleeper tickets have the highest level of onboard service. Sleeper tickets include main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining car. The first alcoholic beverage at dinner is included. Additional alcoholic beverages in the dining car, or items purchased from the café between meals must be purchased separately.

Each sleeper car has an attendant who completes an evening turn down service to convert the room to night mode, and the reverse in the morning. Sleeper cars guests also have access to showers, with towels and soap supplied onboard. These showers are shared in the case of roomettes and family/accessible bedrooms. The Sleeper bedroom suites have an in-room shower.

Coach Service: Amtrak coach class is known for its generous leg room and recline. Unfortunately, beyond this, there are few additional inclusions for coach passengers. Coach passengers don’t have access to showers or the dining car. In coach meals can only be purchased from the cafe or at stations along the way. Normally, coach passengers would have access to the dining car on a paid basis. This access is currently suspended due to COVID-19 related service adjustments. 

California Zephyr FAQ’s

The California Zephyr takes approximately 52 hours from end to end. The journey is two nights and three days.

Daily (everyday) in each direction.

Either direction will provide the same amazing scenery at key parts of the trip. Seasoned travellers often have a slight preference for the Westbound trip departing Chicago.

The views to the south are considered the best on main day of scenery (day 2) in Colorado. When booking a sleeper cabin the side you’ll be facing cannot be guaranteed.

Illinois : Chicago, Naperville, Princeton, Galesburg Iowa : Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola (Des Moines), Creston Nebraska : Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Holdrege, McCook Colorado : Fort Morgan, Denver, Fraser-Winter Park, Granby, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction Utah : Green River, Helper, Provo, Salt Lake City Nevada : Elki, Winnemucca, Reno California : Truckee, Colfax, Roseville, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, Richmond, Emeryville

Checked baggage may be available depending on which station you board at and where you disembark. If checked bags aren’t available there are luggage storage spaces available on board at the ends of each car to store bags.

The train has several “smoke stops” along the way where you can step off the train for short periods. These are announced onboard and subject to variations depending on circumstances on the day. Don’t venture too far – the train will leave without you! If you want to break up a trip you need to book a ticket for each segment – just like an airline.

California Zephyr Bottom Line

The California Zephyr is a 52-hour, 2 night and 3 day train journey across America offering spectacular and varied scenery. It’s a journey seasoned rail travelers highly recommend in either direction in any season, passing through many iconic mid-west cities.

Like many of the world’s great train journeys if you ever get the opportunity, take this train more than once. Each season brings a dramatic change in scenery that will make it feel like a new adventure each time.

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The Colorado Zephyr Tour

110 Mile Train Ride along the Colorado River

When you’re in Rocky Mountain Empire, there’s an immense amount of outdoor beauty to behold every day of the year. Here’s your chance to experience the majestic grandeur of the Rocky Mountains like never before! Imagine the pristine beauty of riding the rails through four of the most spectacular granite canyons in America, all carved by ceaseless wind and flowing water. This rugged wilderness is the scenic highlight of the daily Amtrak passenger train that features the “Best of the West.” Now your family can enjoy viewing our country’s most popular rail journey from the warmth and comfort of your glass-enclosed rail car, all in a 110-mile rail odyssey. As part of Amtrak’s California Zephyr that runs daily from Chicago to San Francisco, this rail journey provides a breath-taking combination of gentle riverside views and rugged mountain vistas as it travels through the heart of the Rocky Mountain Canyon Country. Hugging the banks of the Colorado River throughout this westward migration, the Colorado Zephyr is the epitome of modern rail luxury and towering canyon scenery.

"Absolutely great time and beautiful scenery. Talented speaker and knowledgeable historian. Loved every step of the adventure I took with Joel." ---Regina Sutton, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Front Door Service

Your adventure begins with luxury van pick-up service from your front door and then a relaxing drive to Granby, CO starts your day. When weather conditions permit, we drive over Ute Pass, offering a stunning view of the numerous 13,000’ peaks in the fabled Gore Range Mountains! Don’t forget to bring plenty of camera capabilities for this excursion as the outdoor panoramas are not to be missed! Once we turn east on Hwy. 40, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the mighty Colorado River. These pristine waters carved the magnificent rock formations that await. A few turns later we arrive in the sleepy mountain town of Granby, CO.

Here, your Alpenglow Adventures driver delivers your fresh, hand-crafted lunchtime delights and a complimentary bottle of water (all included with your fare) before boarding the Colorado Zephyr. The courteous Amtrak conductors will then direct you to the glass-domed observation car as you settle in for the ride of your life. The knowing smiles on your fellow passengers signal the visual satisfaction that is a vibrant part of this “steel rail caravan.” The view out your picture window is unparalleled, with so many incredible vistas that can only be experienced by railroad passengers. The dramatic wilderness of Upper Red and Gore Canyons are devoid of highway pavement, leaving nothing but the sense of raw, unspoiled nature! Eagle-eyed passengers will spot elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the ancient Colorado landscape.

Colorado's Majesty 

River rafters and fly-fishermen know the beauty of the Colorado River as it flows to the west. Make sure to wave “Hello” to them as you travel the same route that many of the early frontier pioneers did over 140 years ago,… rugged folks looking for excitement and adventure in a journey of a lifetime – just like you! Just when you think the mountains could not get any more inspiring, the Colorado Zephyr enters the mouth of Glenwood Canyon. Regaled as the most photographed stretch of river scenery in the USA, your jaw drops as canyon walls suddenly tower 1,400 feet above you. With Interstate 70 on one side and your railcar hugging the other, Glenwood Canyon demonstrates America’s determination to blend modern transportation and primitive topology into a unique masterpiece for you to enjoy!

Glenwood Springs Adventures

Four Star Dining & Downtown Vail 

Relax & Return

It’s just a short, but very scenic van ride over Vail Pass (10,662’ above sea level) to get back to your base in Summit County. But think of the ever-lasting memories that you’ll bring home! The 12 hour Colorado Zephyr Deluxe Tour is hands-down the most varied, complete and enticing full-day railroad tour package in the all of the american west.

Perhaps your tastes or time budget lean more to a trainride-only inclination. Our 8-hour Colorado Zephyr Wilderness Canyon Adventure tour reduces the Deluxe tour to a shorter timeframe by concentrating on the pure essence of railroading. We still provide all the benefits of the full-day tour, without the attractions in Glenwood Springs and Vail. This shorter tour allows you to ride the rails during the day and return to your home base in time for other nighttime attractions! You see the best, ride the greatest and oh…, the stories of adventure that you'll tell your friends! Add the element of safe and courteous Alpenglow Adventures drivers and you’ll get the ultimate Rocky Mountain High! All Aboard!

Tour Prices and Booking Below

Please note.

All prices quoted refer to all public and private customer pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). Groups of four or more will have an automatic 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.  

8hr Colorado Zephyr Canyon Adventure Excursion

Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return. This train ride-only excursion DOES NOT include activities in Glenwood Springs or Vail.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A RESERVATION DATE

12hr colorado zephyr deluxe tour.

Approximately 11 to 12 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return. This train ride excursion DOES include activities in Glenwood Springs and Vail.

GROUP Discount Coupon

25% off group railroad tour promo.

25% Group Discount Coupons are valid for all groups with two or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours at (970) 468-7777. Print this page and cut this coupon out and present this coupon to your driver upon boarding, or simply mention you saw it on our site. Some restrictions apply. Call for details.

Provided by: AlpenglowAdventuresTours.com

Colorado Train Tours

Alpenglow adventure tours, contact info.

Phone: (970) 468-7777

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2125 Frisco, CO 80443

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March 14, 2024 Update

The parlor room mural is going to be recreated soon!

See the Silver View Restoration blog  for more pictures and descriptions!

Shown right, is a black and white photo of the original parlor room mural that is going to be recreated by Chloe Metz, https://www.paintedbychloe.com/ a talented local Oregon, IL artist.  Check out her website to see her work and watch for updates and emails regarding this and other news soon!

On October 27th, 2022 the ownership of the famed Silver View was officially transferred to the Oregon Depot Museum, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. This is a culmination of two years of negotiations and planning by the Mike Abernethy (car’s owner), the Depot Museum Board and the City of Oregon.

The Depot Museum President, Roger Cain and the Depot Board are currently working on the restoration plans that will bring the Silver View to as close as possible to it’s original glory. The entire Oregon community can’t thank Mike enough for entrusting them with fulfilling his dream of restoring Silver View.

Seen here after signing the transfer are (L to R) Darin Dehaan City Administrator, Roger Cain Depot Board President, Mike Abernethy Silver View’s Owner, Chris Martin Depot Board Member.

CLICK HERE for the Oregon Depot Museum nonprofit website donation page if you would like to donate to help restore SILVER VIEW.  Donations can now be made online using their secure PayPal feature, by check, or by direct bank to bank transfer.  We appreciate any contribution no matter the amount!

Please visit the  NEW OREGON DEPOT MUSEUM WEBSITE HERE , and please "Like" their Facebook Page as well.

Feel free to subscribe to our email newsletters, as we will continue to provide announcements by email as they develop. 

We currently are working on a number of ideas for fundraising tours at this time to benefit the restoration of SILVER VIEW.

We look forward to serving you soon!

Mike Abernethy

President and Tour Operator

Zephyr Route is now planning and operating fundraising tours for the sole purpose of restoring SILVER VIEW. All net profits from bookings of Zephyr Route Journeys and sales of fundraiser items will be donated to the to the Oregon Depot Museum to provide additional funds for this restoration.

Prior Tour Highlights

Meals   are highlights while en route., breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus   have been created from the former burlington route dining car department. , the fundraising tours page contains destinations of future tours, prior tours, and additional information to view and download., picture galleries from prior years showcase passenger's pictures from prior journeys..

Mike providing information during the 2017 tour to Galesburg Railroad Days

The views from the train are spectacular

Silver View photo (c) 1969, 2001 by Jerry Appleman

Silver View is the signature car of the Twin Cities Zephyr gliding along the Mississippi River, circa 1948. (Burlington Route Archives Photo)

51 Hours of Stunning Mountain Views: Travel on the California Zephyr Train

It's 2,438 miles from California to Chicago with views only seen by rail—pretty cool, huh?

Amtrak's California Zephyr has a reputation among train enthusiasts for being one of the most scenic long-distance train routes in North America. Even if you don't consider yourself a lover of locomotives, the multi-day journey from Chicago to California—we're talking 51 hours and 33 stops!—is a stunning way to see middle America, including both the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas.

Ready to add a train journey on the California Zephyr to your travel bucket list? Read on for everything you need to know about this popular long-distance Amtrak train route.

READ MORE: 18 Road Trips to Take This Summer, In Every Part of the Country

California zephyr train highlights.

Getty Images

Known for showing off stunning views, Amtrak's California Zephyr passenger train traverses the 2,437 miles between Emeryville, California—a small city between Berkeley and Oakland, in the San Francisco bay area—and Chicago, Illinois.

The full train trip lasts 51 hours and 20 minutes to be exact, highlighting unique views that you can only get from the rails, of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevadas, Colorado's Gore, Byers, and Glenwood Canyons, Winter Park, Truckee River, Donner Lake, San Pablo Bay, and the Carquinez Strait. It also crosses the Mississippi River and Missouri River and skirts along the Colorado River, offering views of those famed waterways.

The route also has a historical component. As you glide between Reno and Sacramento, you pass over a hand-built rail line that was a part of the original transcontinental railroad constructed during the Civil War. And the name itself, California Zephyr , can be traced back to a train that ran from 1949 to 1970.

The California Zephyr has also become popular with travelers looking for unique ways to see more of the United States. Lifestyle creator Jordan Aminah highlighted her birthday trip along the corridor in a TikTok video giving viewers a first-hand account of her "train-cation," which she described as similar to being on a cruise ship.

@thebeautifuljordan The Beautiful California Zephyr Train Ride! 52 hours of pure bliss! #amtrak #trip #FYP #train #trainride ? FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

"One of the best parts of the trip was Moon River, where kayakers would wave and 'moon' you...as the train passed," said Aminah. Overall she gave her train travel experience a 10/10. "The views were just indescribable," Aminah said in the video. "It's just so peaceful being able to ride. I will 100% be back."

READ MORE: The 51 Most Beautiful Places in Every State in the U.S.

Zephyr train route and schedule.

Now, for the nitty-gritty. The two-day trek leaves from Chicago's Union Station at 2 p.m. and arrives 51 hours later at 4:10 p.m. in Emeryville, near San Francisco. (If you want to hit up Oakland or San Francisco, the Thruway bus service will take you there from the final stop in Emeryville.) Train 6 reverses the trip leaving eastbound at 9:10 a.m. from Emeryville and arriving two days later in Chicago at 2:50 p.m.

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If you don't have 51 hours to spend, you can take any portion of the route, as it runs daily to Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. The train also stops in major cities like Denver, Omaha, Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, and Reno. (FYI, there is a longer stop in Denver, but make sure you get back on in time. This train won't wait!) Amtrak doesn't leave out popular small-town destinations, hitting Truckee, Davis, Glenwood Springs, Fraser, Lincoln, and Naperville.

Train Seating, Dining, and Pricing

As one of Amtrak's superliners, the California Zephryr offers many different seating arrangements. For example, riders can choose coach seats or bedrooms with plenty of space and bathrooms. Bedroom suites sleep up to four adults, and family rooms are made to accommodate two adults and two kids. The best part is this room has an in-room shower and bathroom!

Cost can vary by season, availability, and room type. Generally, it's $100 to $300 for a coach seat, $700 to $1,000 for roomettes, and over $1,500 for a family room. (Aminah shared that she took advantage of Amtrak's 2-for-1 ticket special, and stayed in a roomette for "about $600.") Roomettes and family rooms have all meals, water, and coffee included in the price.

Amtrak offers a variety of meal options in the dining car for the lengthy excursion. Passengers are served lunch and dinner on the initial day, all three meals on their second day, and breakfast and lunch on the final leg.

The train has a checked baggage service, which typically includes two bags, with a max weight of 50 pounds each. Amtrak also includes bicycle checking, allowing you to explore the stops on two wheels.

No matter which room you choose, you will experience the mountains like you never have before. Would you hop on for the 51-hour ride?

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Amtrak California Zephyr: 18 Things You Need To Know Before Riding

• 1 Does the California Zephyr have a dining car
• 2 What is a California Zephyr Roomette Like
• 3 What Is A California Zephyr Bedroom Like
• 4 What days does the California Zephyr run
• 5 Where Should You Stay In Emeryville and Chicago
• 6 Does the California Zephyr have WiFi
• 7 How much does the California Zephyr cost
• 8 Does the California Zephyr have bedrooms
• 9 Does the California Zephyr have an observation car
• 10 How long are the stops on the California Zephyr
• 11 How long does the California Zephyr take
• 12 How fast does the California Zephyr go
• 13 Is the California Zephyr route better East or West
• 14 Is the California Zephyr usually on time
• 15 Is the California Zephyr a Superliner train
• 16 How many stops are on the California Zephyr
• 17 Is the California Zephyr Worth It
• 18 Where does the California Zephyr stop

Does the California Zephyr have a dining car

The California Zephyr does have a full service dining car. The dining car on the California Zephyr serves the traditional dining menu . Dining car meals are included in the ticket price of sleeping coach passengers and will be available for purchase to coach passengers in late 2022.

There is also a cafe on board the California Zephyr, which is located on the lower level of the observation car. The cafe is open to all passengers to purchase hot and cold food throughout the day.

What is a California Zephyr Roomette Like

The roomette rooms on the California Zephyr will be Superliner Roomettes. They feature two chairs that face each other during the day. At night the two chairs slide together to form a lower bed and the upper berth folds down from the ceiling. There are no bathrooms or showers in the superliner roomettes. Bathrooms are located down the hall and there is a shower on the lower level for roomette passengers.

Doors on superliner roomettes will lock from the inside, but not the outside when you are out of your room. Access to the car is limited to sleeping coach passengers.

There is only one power outlet in the superliner roomette, so be sure to bring an adapter or portable charging station, as we’ve talked about in our 20 must have items for an Amtrak trip .

What Is A California Zephyr Bedroom Like

Bedrooms on the California Zephyr will be Superliner Bedrooms and are more spacious than a roomette. During the day a bedroom will have a couch on one side and a chair that faces it on the other. At night the couch folds down like a futon to form the lower bed and the upper berth folds down from the ceiling. Superliner Bedrooms have a private bathroom with an all in one shower and toilet area. Next to the couch there is a sink and counter area.

All bedrooms are on the upper level of the train, except the accessible bedroom and family bedroom, which are on the lower level.

What days does the California Zephyr run

The Amtrak California Zephyr runs every day in both east and west directions. There is one daily departure from Chicago at 2:00pm and one daily departure from Emeryville, CA at 9:10am on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The California Zephyr is not a hop on hop off train, you’ll need a ticket each time you get off and get back on the next day.

Where Should You Stay In Emeryville and Chicago

If you’d like to stay close to Union Station before or after your visit, we recommend the  Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown – The Loop , which is about a 5 minute walk from the station. We have also stayed at the La Quinta near the station and loved it.

The Emeryville Station is near several hotels, and all are within walking distance. The closest hotel is the Hyatt House Emeryville , which is also usually the most expensive. In any case we don’t recommend walking to the hotel from Emeryville as it includes a tough walk over an overpass at the station to get to the other side of the tracks. Your best bet is to take a cab or hotel shuttle to your hotel. For this reason any hotel in the Emeryville area will be fine. We’ve stayed at the Sonesta Suites , Hilton Garden Inn and Four Points by Sheraton , and they were all pretty much the same so take whichever one is cheapest.

Does the California Zephyr have WiFi

The Amtrak California Zephyr does not have WiFi. While many Amtrak trains have WiFi connections on board, the California Zephyr as well as most of the cross country train routes do not as there are many areas where they would lose service. In some parts of the route you will not have cell service either.

How much does the California Zephyr cost

The base price for the California Zephyr is $141 in coach class and $563 in sleeper cars. Coach class tickets do not include meals while sleeper car tickets including traditional dining meals . Discounts and sales are available to get fares at a lower price from time to time. You can save the most money by booking as far in advance as possible and not traveling during peak times. Summer will be the most expensive season.

Does the California Zephyr have bedrooms

The California Zephyr has bedrooms in the sleeper cars. The sleeper car offers superliner roomettes , superliner bedrooms , superliner family bedrooms , and superliner accessible bedrooms. Roomettes are found on the upper and lower level, while bedrooms are all on the upper level. Family bedrooms and accessible bedrooms are both on the lower level.

Does the California Zephyr have an observation car

The California Zephyr does have an observation car. The observation car is available to all passengers regardless of which ticket they have. The observation car is open 24 hours a day. There are chairs that face outwards and extra power outlets to charge your electronics in the observation car.

How long are the stops on the California Zephyr

Most stops on the Amtrak California Zephyr are 3 minutes. Every few hours there is a fresh air break stop, which lasts 10-15 minutes, and a few times on the trip there will be a crew change stop which will last around 30 minutes. You are allowed to get off the train during a fresh air break or a crew change stop but not the shorter stops. You should never leave the platform and you should be ready to board when all aboard is called.

How long does the California Zephyr take

The California Zephyr takes 52 hours from Emeryville to Chicago or Chicago to Emeryville. You’ll be on the train for 3 days and two nights if there are no delays.

How fast does the California Zephyr go

The top speed of the California Zephyr is 79mph, but the average speed is 55mph. Most of the time the train will not be moving at the highest possible speed. Through the gorges of Colorado the train will be going slower than normal, so you’ll have great views.

Is the California Zephyr route better East or West

The California Zephyr route is great in both directions. It is timed to pass through the Colorado gorges during daylight so you’ll see the best sights either way.

Is the California Zephyr usually on time

The California Zephyr is not usually on time. You should not plan on this train arriving on time to its destination. Do not plan tight connections at the end of your trip as the California Zephyr is often late. Delays can range from a few minutes to 12 or more hours.

Is the California Zephyr a Superliner train

The California Zephyr is a Superliner train. It will carry both Superliner I and Superliner II sleeping cars. There is very little difference between the Superliner I and Superliner II sleeping cars. Most notably the public restrooms in the Superliner I cars are bigger than those of the Superliner II. If you are in a sleeper car you will not get a choice of which type of car you will be in.

How many stops are on the California Zephyr

The California Zephyr visits 37 stations. It will stop at stations in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois.

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. The Empire Builder and the Coast Starlight are the other two great routes in the Amtrak system, and the three routes can be combined to make a round trip circle route. We did this by going from Los Angeles to Seattle on the Coast Starlight, then Seattle to Chicago on the Empire Builder and finally Chicago to Emeryville on the California Zephyr.

Where does the California Zephyr stop

• Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI)
• Naperville, IL (NPV)
• McCook, NE (MCK)
• Elko, NV (ELK)
• Winnemucca, NV (WNN)
• Princeton, IL (PCT)
• Galesburg, IL (GBB)
• Burlington, IA (BRL)
• Mt. Pleasant, IA (MTP)
• Ottumwa, IA (OTM)
• Osceola, IA (OSC)
• Creston, IA (CRN)
• Omaha, NE (OMA)
• Lincoln, NE (LNK)
• Hastings, NE (HAS)
• Holdrege, NE (HLD)
• Fort Morgan, CO (FMG)
• Denver, CO – Union Station (DEN)
• Fraser-Winter Park, CO (WIP)
• Granby, CO (GRA)
• Glenwood Springs, CO (GSC)
• Grand Junction, CO (GJT)
• Green River, UT (GRI)
• Helper, UT (HER)
• Provo, UT (PRO)
• Salt Lake City, UT – Amtrak Station (SLC)
• Reno, NV (RNO)
• Truckee, CA (TRU)
• Colfax, CA (COX)
• Roseville, CA (RSV)
• Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Valley Station (SAC)
• Davis, CA (DAV)
• Martinez, CA (MTZ)
• Emeryville, CA (EMY)

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The World Through a Lens

Sharing Stories, and a View, Aboard the California Zephyr

A photographer traveled across America on one of Amtrak’s long-distance train routes. Here’s what she saw.

Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado, as seen from the observation car. Credit...

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Photographs and Text by Marta Giaccone

• July 18, 2022

I woke up around 5 a.m. to a low but incessant rumbling. Faint hints of daylight had appeared over my fellow passengers’ heads, most of which were still bent in rest. Some people yawned; others stared intently out the window at the valley. I had been aboard the train for about 40 hours, and there was still a long way to go before our scheduled arrival in the San Francisco Bay area.

Riding westbound, I walked to the back of the train to see the rising sun reflected on the tracks. We were passing through Nevada. A few minutes later we stopped in the city of Winnemucca, Nev., right in front of the Martin Hotel, which, at the end of the 19th century, catered to the Basque immigrants who’d moved there to work as shepherds.

Amtrak’s California Zephyr, considered by many rail enthusiasts to be among the most scenic long-distance train routes in the United States, operates between Chicago and Emeryville, Calif., near Oakland. The entire route takes some 52 hours and includes 33 stops. In 2018, while traveling through the United States on a three-month photography project, I completed a majority of the trip, departing from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on a sweltering mid-August day.

I boarded the train at 5:59 p.m. in the golden light of a perfectly clear day, glancing outward at the first of a long series of soy and corn fields, and small-town backyards that are so often overlooked.

At 10:55 p.m. the 12 silver carriages of the Zephyr slowed and stopped in Omaha. Connie, another passenger, got on and sat next to me. At 72, she had short gray hair, a sun-kissed face and kind eyes. It was too late to start a conversation, so we both just tried to get some sleep. (Neither of us fully succeeded.)

In the early morning, while the yellow hills of Nebraska and Colorado rolled all around us, Connie told me she’d been visiting her daughter in Omaha and would be getting off that afternoon at Glenwood Springs, Colo., to meet her husband.

Eventually I started wandering through the cars, shyly but restlessly, wanting to meet and talk to everyone. It felt like the first day of summer camp. Small groups of people were mingling here and there, exchanging a few words. Others preferred to keep to themselves in their roomettes , or sat alone in their coach seats reading or napping.

The present-day California Zephyr began service in 1983, though an earlier iteration of the train — sharing the same name, but operated privately on a slightly different route — ran between 1949 and 1970.

In the 1970s, long-distance passenger trains like the Zephyr were unreliable and unprofitable and couldn’t compete with airplanes or the booming interstate highway system. But in the early ’80s, the reality reversed: Air travel worsened (fares skyrocketed, carriers abandoned marginal routes, competition intensified), and some Americans turned again to their network of trains. Short-distance train travel was often cheaper and more convenient, and the routes, conveniently, began and ended in city centers. In 1979, Amtrak added new Superliners — bi-level intercity railroad passenger cars — on its Western routes, and some people rediscovered a long-lost commodity.

As Henry Kisor describes in “Zephyr: Tracking a Dream Across America,” published in 1994: “The Zephyr represented a new conception of rail travel: the train as tourist cruise ship through a sea of scenery, not merely as a means of transportation from city to city.”

And the train’s schedule, as Mr. Kisor points out, encouraged passengers to sleep while the less exciting scenery rolled by — the Great Plains, and the arid landscapes of Utah and Nevada — and enjoy dramatic alpine views during daylight hours.

I spent most of my first full day in the observation car, also known as the Sightseer Lounge (and previously called the Vista Dome). The car’s floor-to-ceiling windows offered the best possible views across the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River Valley, the Continental Divide, the Sierra Nevada and the green forests of Northern California. The soft blue chairs grant riders a bit of privacy, but the tables for four are where most of the socializing happens. Sitting across from Connie, I made friends with nearly everyone around us.

For a majority of people I met, traveling on the California Zephyr wasn’t about getting somewhere. Instead the trip was a reward — a slow and much-anticipated few days carved out of a busy lifestyle.

I met Joe, 33, and Mo, 38, a newlywed couple from England who had crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary II, gotten married and then boarded the California Zephyr in Chicago, planning to ride all the way to Emeryville. This was their honeymoon.

Then there were John, 33, and Emma, 27, two Amish parents from Pennsylvania who were headed to Grand Junction, Colo., for a specialist doctor’s appointment. Emma was crocheting a beautiful centerpiece on what was her very first train ride.

Rose, 18, Jenna, 23, two cousins donning neck pillows, were traveling home to San Francisco.

At the very end of the train, by the back window, I met Robert, 40, and his 2-year-old daughter, Madeline, who was napping in his arms. They were on a birthday trip, along with Madeline’s mother and grandmother. They had hopped on in Denver and would detrain at the end of the line.

Sitting next to Connie and me were Tyler, 10, and his grandfather, Bruce, 66. They had boarded the train in Iowa. Their plan: to tour Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon. They decided to both wear flashy T-shirts so as not to lose sight of each other.

Seated behind me was a group of florally clad Mennonites from Michigan. They were on their way to Glenwood Springs, and were talking animatedly about something they had spotted outside the window.

Aside from the observation car, the train’s other social hub is the dining car. I missed breakfast the first morning, so, on my second full day, I headed straight there. An attendant was busy setting the tables. The car’s booths sit four people, and all the meals are communal — meaning that, if you aren’t part of a group of four, then you’ll likely be seated with other passengers.

Fifty years ago, having a meal in the dining car was an elegant affair — think linen tablecloths, fine china, silverware. The waiters would dress in white jackets and blue bow ties, with long white aprons and towels over their arms. Now, they wear light blue shirts, red ties and blue aprons. The china and silverware are still there, but, based on old photographs I’ve seen, they look cheaper. There’s no linen in sight; it’s been replaced by large sheets of white paper.

Whenever I’m on a long-distance bus trip — I’ve traveled extensively around the United States on the Greyhound network — I get the feeling that passengers are there not because they choose to be but rather because they have to be, because the bus is either the only available or the cheapest option. (This was always true for me, anyway.)

When traveling by train, though, the atmosphere is completely different. There was a sense of community aboard the California Zephyr. After all, there aren’t many places where Mennonites, a Japanese student, smiley newlyweds, parents with their kids and grandkids in tow and retirees are all bundled together for such a long period of time, sharing their life stories.

And that, as Henry Kisor wrote, is part of the appeal for long-distance train passengers — “the joy of encountering humankind in its endless variety.”

Marta Giaccone is a photographer based in Tallinn, Estonia. You can follow her work on Instagram .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2022 .

An earlier version of three picture captions with this essay misstated the locations shown. The lead image shows Glenwood Canyon, not Byers Canyon; the trackside scenery is in Arvada, Colo., not Nebraska; and the railroad crossing is in Fort Morgan, Colo., not Iowa.

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News Photos: Amtrak celebrates California Zephyr's 75th birthday

C HICAGO - Passengers who drifted in to the westbound California Zephyr's crowded Sightseer Lounge leaving Chicago on Tuesday found themselves in the middle of an Amtrak-sponsored onboard event commemorating the first runs of the original Burlington-Rio Grande-Western Pacific streamliner on March 20, 1949.

They were treated to an informative lecture by Thomas Whitt, director and president of the Illinois-based Burlington Route Historical Society. He brought along a generous supply of detailed handouts tracing the pre-Amtrak history of the CZ, and its speedy shovel-nosed predecessor, the Pioneer Zephyr.

Both onboard and at Galesburg, Ill., where Whitt repeated his talk for a large crowd that included the mayor of nearby Macomb, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari filled in developments from 1971 on. His audience included some behind-the-scenes company employees and members of the Young Professionals in Transportation Chicago Chapter who came along for a trip on the Zephyr, with a return on the Illinois-sponsored Carl Sandburg.

Souvenirs for passengers included individually numbered "proof of travel" certificates signed by Amtrak's top management. The handout was accompanied with stickers and pins featuring original branding artwork.

But the big surprise was the Zephyr's brief stop at Princeton, Ill., where a raucous crowd of more than 50 townspeople sang "Happy Birthday" as the train pulled in. They presented Magliari with two boxes of Princeton tote bags, which the onboard crew promptly passed out to coach passengers.

The Princeton stop illustrates how - with a little effort -enthusiasm can be generated in a rural community that has grown to value the mobility Amtrak provides with trains like the Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and two state-supported roundtrips.

As expected, this anniversary version of Amtrak's California Zephyr was sold out with one standard Superliner coach and one coach baggage with no lower level seating. With its shortened consist, travelers are turned away daily on at least a part of its route. Yet for the people who managed to make it on board and those who came out at Princeton and Galesburg to witness this little celebration, the Zephyr's 75th anniversary event turned out to be something special.

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Railroads & Locomotives Passenger Service Five prestigious Burlington Zephyrs

Five prestigious Burlington Zephyrs

There were many streamliners named after the Greek God of the West Wind, but which five stood out in the history books?

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The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, commonly known as the Burlington Route, had many Zephyr s. But out of all the streamlined trainsets and services famously named after the Greek God of the West Wind, which of the five where considered the most prestigious?

Pioneer Zephyr

Rolled out on April 7, 1934, by the Budd Manufacturing Co., trainset No. 9900 helped set the stage for the Zephy r lineage and passenger streamliners in North America. Before entering regular service late in the year, the first Zephyr (receiving its fitting Pioneer Zephyr name in 1936) already cemented itself in the history books with a nationwide tour. The trek was highlighted by a record-breaking, non-stop run from Denver to Chicago, and a prominent role in the film The Silver Streak .

Originally operating between Lincoln, Neb., and Kansas City, the three-car articulated train (later four in 1935) would hop to different services along the railroad, in addition to aiding as a promotional tool for upcoming Zephyr routes and as an occasional substitute. Since retirement in 1960, the Pioneer Zephyr has been a premier exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago .

Read more about the Pioneer Zephyr and its shiny legacy.

Twin Cities Zephyrs

The success of the Pioneer Zephyr eventually led to the expansion of the Zephyr fleet. The busy Chicago-Twin Cities corridor became the first with the launch of two Twin Zephyr trainsets on April 21, 1935, facing fierce competition of the Chicago & North Western and Milwaukee Road . Popularity throughout most of the Twin Cities Zephyrs ’ life made them a premier service of the CB&Q. Expansions of a Morning and Afternoon Zephyr was immediate, departing from each terminal daily, followed by the increase in train length and receiving the latest equipment – notably receiving the 1936 “Train of Goddesses” set (later reassigned as the Nebraska Zephyr and preserved today at the Illinois Railway Museum ), and becoming the country’s first Vista-Dome trains in 1947.

As the popularity in passenger rail withered by 1967, the eastbound Morning Zephyr and westbound Afternoon Zephyr were hitched to the Northern Pacific’s Northern Limited and Great Northern’s Empire Builder , while all Twin Cities Zephyr trains were downsized to three coaches. Yet, they stuck to the end of passenger service in 1971 at the hands of The Burlington Route’s successor, Burlington Northern.

Mark Twain Zephyr

Constructed in October 1935, trainset No. 9903 was assigned between St. Louis and Burlington, Iowa. The route would also pass through Hannibal, Mo., the hometown of famous author, Mark Twain, whose birth centennial was being celebrated that year. It became fitting for the fourth Zephyr to be christened the Mark Twain Zephyr . It also started the Burlington Route’s trend in naming individual passenger cars – the MTZ honored characters from two Twain novels: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn .

While being reassigned throughout its career, the Mark Twain Zephyr spent most of it along its original route. Retired in April 1958, the next six decades weren’t kind to the articulated set. Multiple exchanges in ownership and attempts for restoration and repurpose left the train into a sad-looking shell. Rejuvenation since 2020 is in the works for the Mark Twain Zephyr at its new home on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. Once returned to service, the streamliner will operate passenger excursions for the scenic tourist railroad out of Trego. [https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/wisconsin-great-northern-places-mark-twain-zephyr-back-on-its-trucks/]

Denver Zephyr

The Burlington Route’s Chicago-Denver main line was also in fierce competition, this time against the Union Pacific Railroad . How fierce? CB&Q dispatched the Pioneer and Mark Twain Zephyrs on May 31, 1936, as Advanced Denver Zephyrs to prevent the mail contract from falling into the hands of the UP and its new City of Denver streamliner. Relief arrived when the two Denver Zephyr trainsets went into service on November 8, 1936, offering many “Firsts.” They became the first overnight Zephyrs with sleeping accommodations (resulting in Pullman losing its grip as the sole builder of sleeper cars), the first Zephyrs to use two power units (eventually leading to the renown A-B set of diesel locomotives), and the first to traditionally name all stainless-steel cars with the prefix “Silver.”

The Denver Zephyr also became another step in the railroad’s transition out of shovel-nose locomotives and articulated trainsets. New equipment for the service consisting of E- and F-unit diesels along with conventional passenger cars, including Vista-Domes, arrived in 1956 as one of the last major passenger trains to be completely re-equipped. Despite becoming part of Amtrak’s initial trains on May 1, 1971, the Denver Zephyr name eventually vanished when combined with the Chicago-Oakland, Calif. San Francisco Zephyr .

California Zephyr

“The Ultimate Zephyr ,” as Karl Zimmermann proclaimed the California Zephyr in Classic Trains ’ Special Edition No. 29 , and rightly so. Inaugurated on March 20, 1949, the 11-car train was the culmination of 15 years in innovation towards the Zephyr fleet. Premium accommodations of four Vista-Domes, a diner, multiple sleepers, and a Vista-Dome observation car was one half of the train’s success. The other was daytime scenery of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada between Chicago and San Francisco (terminating in Oakland), thanks in part to the operating agreement between the Burlington Route, Denver & Rio Grande Western , and the Western Pacific .

Service life for the “most talked-about train in America” lasted for 21 years as the Western Pacific wished to back out due to operating losses. The final runs arrived at their end points on March 22, 1970, with both the Burlington and Rio Grande on their own as the Chicago-Denver California Service and Denver-Ogden, Utah Rio Grande Zephyr , respectively. On July 6, 1983, the California Zephyr name returned. This time, under Amtrak’s revitalized Chicago-Oakland service that continues today, 75 years after the original inauguration.

Read more about the California Zephyr’s 75-year anniversary.

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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April 3, 2024

Amtrak awards innovative delivery partner contract to support the frederick douglass tunnel program.

BALTIMORE – Amtrak has awarded its first-ever “Delivery Partner” contract , an innovative construction management approach that will help drive successful execution of the $6 billion Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program , the company’s single largest capital project . The award follows a competitive procurement process that began in early 2023.

🎙️ “We’re proud to award this important Delivery Partner contract that will help continue the positive momentum for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery Laura Mason . “Amtrak has built an industry-leading Capital Delivery department and continues to leverage innovative project delivery approaches like this, as we work to replace and modernize our critical infrastructure assets.”

📝 What it means : In a Delivery Partner model, the private partner shares in Amtrak’s risk to deliver the Program and is incentivized to help Amtrak achieve overall Program outcomes.

• The Delivery Partner’s work will include design oversight, construction management, contract management and other administrative support, among other tasks.

🤝 The selected team : ADVANCE – a joint venture between major infrastructure firms AECOM and Jacobs – will establish an integrated Program management team alongside Amtrak’s in-house Capital Delivery department to advance the Program through completion.

• The ADVANCE team has a demonstrated track record managing Delivery Partner and CMAR contracts for rail tunneling and train station projects around the world.
• This team features a consortium of industry-leading firms, including Sener, Turner & Townsend, RailPros, Aldea, and Dr. Sauer, as well as 22 additional highly qualified disadvantaged and small business enterprises (DBE/SBE) that will help meet the Delivery Partner’s 14% DBE/SBE goal.

🎙️ “We’re excited to welcome the ADVANCE team onboard and appreciate the vast experience they’ll bring to our integrated project management team. ” said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa , who is leading the Program. “We look forward to introducing some of these new team members at a future community meeting.”

✅ Recent milestones: Today’s announcement follows soon after Amtrak awarded a CMAR contract to build the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in February. And last fall, Amtrak awarded demolition contracts and a CMAR contract for the Program’s “Southern Approach,” which includes a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station, replacing multiple bridges, and constructing tracks and other railroad infrastructure.

📅 What’s next: Early work began in 2023, demolition is underway, and major construction is slated to begin later this year, including utility relocations and work for the first of five bridges.

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For More Information

W. Kyle Anderson [email protected] Amtrak Contact 202 906.3860

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