Planning a trip on the Amtrak California Zephyr? You’re in for a treat! It’s one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. But before you can enjoy the views, you need to understand the schedule.
Let’s break down the California Zephyr schedule in a simple, easy-to-read way.
The Amtrak California Zephyr runs one daily train in each direction between Chicago, IL, and Emeryville, CA (the stop for San Francisco).
- Westbound (Train 5): Travels from Chicago to Emeryville.
- Eastbound (Train 6): Travels from Emeryville to Chicago.
The total journey takes about 51 hours and 20 minutes, covering 2,438 miles.
Key Takeaways: California Zephyr Schedule
Here are the most important things to know at a glance:
- Route: Chicago to Emeryville, CA (near San Francisco).
- Duration: Approximately 51 hours, 20 minutes.
- Frequency: One train per day in each direction.
- Westbound Train: Train 5 (leaves Chicago in the afternoon).
- Eastbound Train: Train 6 (leaves Emeryville in the morning).
- Key Scenery: The Colorado Rockies and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Best Tip: Schedules can change, and delays are possible. Always check the live Amtrak Train Tracker for up-to-the-minute information on your day of travel.
What Is the California Zephyr?
The California Zephyr isn’t just a way to get from A to B; it’s a travel experience. The route is famous for its scenery, climbing through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, cutting across the deserts of Utah and Nevada, and finally tackling the Sierra Nevada mountains before dropping into the Bay Area.
The train features seating, sleeping accommodations (Roomettes and Bedrooms), a dining car, and, most importantly, the Sightseer Lounge Car. This car has floor-to-ceiling windows and is the best place to watch the incredible landscapes roll by.
California Zephyr Westbound Schedule (Train 5)
The westbound train, Train 5, leaves Chicago’s Union Station in the afternoon. You’ll wake up the next morning approaching Denver and the Rocky Mountains.
Here is a simplified schedule showing major stops. Times are approximate departures and can change.
| Station | State | Approximate Departure Time | Day of Trip |
| Chicago, IL (Union Station) | IL | 2:00 PM | Day 1 |
| Omaha, NE | NE | 11:59 PM | Day 1 |
| Denver, CO | CO | 8:05 AM | Day 2 |
| Glenwood Springs, CO | CO | 1:46 PM | Day 2 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | UT | 11:05 PM | Day 2 |
| Reno, NV | NV | 8:36 AM | Day 3 |
| Sacramento, CA | CA | 2:13 PM | Day 3 |
| Emeryville, CA (San Francisco) | CA | 4:10 PM (Arrival) | Day 3 |
California Zephyr Eastbound Schedule (Train 6)
The eastbound train, Train 6, leaves Emeryville (near San Francisco) in the morning. This schedule gets you through the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains during daylight on the very first day.
Here is the simplified eastbound schedule.
| Station | State | Approximate Departure Time | Day of Trip |
| Emeryville, CA (San Francisco) | CA | 9:10 AM | Day 1 |
| Sacramento, CA | CA | 11:09 AM | Day 1 |
| Reno, NV | NV | 4:26 PM | Day 1 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | UT | 3:05 AM | Day 2 |
| Glenwood Springs, CO | CO | 10:02 AM | Day 2 |
| Denver, CO | CO | 4:10 PM | Day 2 |
| Omaha, NE | NE | 1:28 AM | Day 3 |
| Chicago, IL (Union Station) | IL | 2:50 PM (Arrival) | Day 3 |
How to Book Tickets & Check Fares
The easiest way to check fares and book tickets for the California Zephyr is directly on the Amtrak website (Amtrak.com) or by using the Amtrak app.
What do California Zephyr tickets cost? Ticket prices change based on how far in advance you book, the time of year, and what type of seat you want.
- Coach: The most affordable option.
- Roomette: A private room for two, with meals included.
- Bedroom: A larger room for two (or three), with a private shower and meals included.
Generally, booking early (months in advance) gets you the best price.
See the Journey: A Ride on the California Zephyr
Sometimes, seeing is believing. Here is a fantastic video trip report that shows you what the journey is really like, from the seats and rooms to the incredible views.
Frequently Asked Questions
The full trip is scheduled for approximately 51 hours and 20 minutes from end to end.
The California Zephyr runs daily. There is one westbound (Train 5) and one eastbound (Train 6) departure every day.
The biggest and most popular stops are Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento, and Emeryville (for San Francisco).
The California Zephyr can experience delays. Because it shares tracks with freight trains and travels through challenging mountain weather, it’s not uncommon to be behind schedule. Always check the live Amtrak train tracker for the most accurate status.
Most passengers agree the most scenic part is the journey through the Colorado Rockies, especially Glenwood Canyon (between Denver and Glenwood Springs). The crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California is also a breathtaking highlight.
Final Tips for Your Trip
The California Zephyr is a bucket-list trip, and knowing the schedule is the first step. The most important tip is to be flexible. Don’t plan a tight connection on your arrival day. Instead, embrace the journey, head to the Sightseer Lounge, and enjoy one of the world’s greatest train rides.