The CZ is truly Amtrak's greatest long distance train. One good thing to add about the Bus connection is that no matter how late the train is, the bus will wait; the bus is specially for CZ Passengers. Thanks for sharing

Going on a rail pass journey, leaving on Wednesday! Happy to hear that Amtrak is opening the dining car to us peasants in coach again

The enchilada meal is wonderful.

Just took this train. If you travel say hello to Mark at the snack bar. He’s from the UK and was one of the nicest people I met on my entire vacation. Really appreciated his kindness and dedication to his job.

Both of you did an incredible job with this post! Extremely informative!👏👏👏

I am so glad I found you guys. I love cruising, riding the train and listening to your videos. The California Zephyr is the only long distance train west of the Mississippi I haven't ridden yet and it is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips.

Great to hear about some of the landmarks we're going to see on this route! Knowing which side of the train to sit on is SUPER helpful!

You two are amazing. Many thanks for all your great videos..Hello from Puerto Rico..God bless you..

I love your videos! My wife and I will be going from Tucson to Los Angeles, up to Seattle, over to Chicago, then back to Tucson all via Amtrak sleepers, and we can't wait! Thanks for all the useful information you both provide.

There you are!!! I love your sense of humor, the dry wit. Very Midwest, both of you. I'm Illinois.

I took a wonderful trip eastbound from Emeryville to Mt. Pleasant Iowa. I plan on going all the way to Chicago next year. Thanks for the great content. 🚆🚇

I'm a fairly recent subscriber and I love you guys! I'm trying to get my husband to agree to a trip on Amtrak. I've suggested that he watch some videos, I've sent him some videos to watch. I think he might be weakening a bit. Anyway, your videos are very informative and fun to watch. If you have never explored Ohio, do come here! We have a lot to offer in our great state. Cedar Point is in the north and it's right next to Lake Erie. Then we have the islands, not far from Cedar Point. And we have the largest Amish population in the world! We live up near the lake and will be going to Amish Country soon because I'm a quilter and I need more fabric!

You have a great channel. Very informative. I have viewed your website and blog too. All will help when planning a trip.

I road CZ along with 20 friends and family. We loved it, 2 nights in coach, when there was real food. Truly enjoyed the dining car. Thanks for your great videos

So glad I ran across your channel. Thank you for the great information.

After looking at a lot of videos about this train yours was the best and most informative. Thank you

Thank you for sharing your experience and this info. We're in Chicago and my family will definitely look into this. ✌

I enjoy your channel!! Thanks for the information.

A quick correction, the lower bunk in the full Bedroom is technically large enough to fit two people if they are very friendly. It's about the size of a twin bed. For this reason, Amtrak allows you to book 3 people into a bedroom. They don't want people to misunderstand about the sleeping situation though, so they only allow you to book 3 people to a bedroom via the reservation phone line, not from the website. This gives them a chance to clarify with you about how close together you will be on the bottom bunk. Basically if you're a couple and you don't mind sleeping in a tight space, the bottom bunk is fine. I've done it before. Also a warning about the family bedroom. It does NOT fit 4 adults in a sleeping configuration. The windowside bunks are only about 5 feet long and are meant for children (hence the "family" name), so unless you're an unusually short adult, they will not be for you. The other two bunks are roughly the same as the full bedroom bunks, so two adults can fit tightly on the bottom bunk and one can fit on the top bunk. Amtrak generally will not let you book more than 2 adults to a family bedroom, though I've talked them into letting me book 3 adults into one before for a trip that did not include nighttime travel.

Another great video! Thanks! One of these days, I'll hopefully get out west on Amtrak.

You just convinced me that this is our family ‘experience’ this year for our Anniversary trip. My goodness the breakdown was fantastic.

Thank you for this video. I’m really excited about my trip. I appreciate the tips. 👍🏾

We are seniors planning our first train trip to California. Just found your channel and Love! Thank you for all of your advise and tips.

Love all of the information that you both provide! My husband and I have traveled to New Orleans on the City of New Orleans via Capitol Limited from Cleveland to Chicago. I've also traveled from Philadelphia to NYC on the Keystone Service. Husband has traveled on the Capitol Limited from Cleveland to Washington, DC and from Cleveland to Boston on the Lakeshore Limited for work. He also came back to Cleveland from California on the California Zephyr. I am looking forward to be able to do more traveling by train in the next few years.

I did this one a few years ago. The hot springs at Glenwood Springs are worth the stopover.

The good ole California Zephyr! I want to ride the CZ all the way to Chicago, and experience going through the Sierra Mountains, and of course experience riding through the awesome Moffat Tunnel along the way to Chi-town. Who would have thought that such a tunnel would be 6.2 miles long, and to experience riding through that particular tunnel on the California Zephyr? I would love that as my first long distance trip on that train.

i have ridden the zypher several times love it

Great Video 😎👍

You guys are great the only thing that drives me crazy is that you never say much about Denver Union Station and it is very nice beautiful historic Station with a hotel right inside and there is a lot to see in Denver. Just saying. 😊

Thanks! Taking the Texas Eagle from Tucson to Chicago before Thanksgiving, the California Zephyr and Coast Starlight to Portland after the holiday. This is my first trip in bedrooms... looking forward to the Zephyr segment!

You guys do great Amtrak videos! And, I have your 3 legged journey ... Emeryville, Seattle, Chicago, back to Emeryville ... on my Bucket list. One hint for your subscribers who might be using the bus service between Emeryville and San Francisco: When making your reservations, ask about which "stop" in San Francisco is most convenient for you. I live in SF, and didn't know, until a couple of years ago, that there are 3 places where you can board/de-board the Amtrak bus. -- The "Trans-bay" terminal, which is closest to the entrance to the Bay Bridge. (This is the only one that I knew about.) -- The Hyatt Regency Hotel, which is closest to "downtown," if that's where your hotel is. -- Fisherman's Wharf, which is also a popular hotel area. You could save money on a Taxi/Uber ride.

One aspect of the Bay Area side of the Zephyr that should be mentioned is the poor public transit connections at Emeryville. While Amtrak will bus you into downtown San Francisco from there, that's about it. There are some AC Transit buses and the Emery Go Round circulator, but they aren't good for getting to your final destination unless it's already closeby. The last stop on the Zephyr BEFORE Emeryville, however, is Richmond, which it shares with BART. BART trains can take you all over the Bay Area, including all the way down to north San Jose, San Francisco's central and southern parts, northern San Mateo County, all up and down the East Bay, etc. The major caveat is that you cannot drop off or retrieve checked baggage at Richmond, so that option can only be used if you carry on all your luggage. In the end though it provides a far more convenient way to get to many destinations than getting off in Emeryville. The only other issue is that it is RARE but possible for the westbound Zephyr to be delayed so badly (like 6 hours delayed) that you miss the last BART train. That situation is easy to deal with though -- just politely explain the situation to the Amtrak staff on the train and they will let you stay on the last few miles into Emeryville, where you can get an uber/lyft/taxi whatever to finish your trip. In short, if you are not going to Emeryville or to downtown San Francisco, but to someplace else in the bay area, then Richmond is a far better bet than Emeryville. In addition to the Zephyr, this station also lets you access BART to/from all Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins Amtrak trains (but not the Coast Starlight, which does not stop at Richmond because it often arrives too late for BART to be open) Here is a map of the bay area rail systems showing all the places you can go -- BART is the thick blue lines: www.urbanrail.net/am/snfr/sf-bay-area-map.htm

If you guys ever traveled on the CZ again stop in Davis, CA 72 miles from San Francisco or 90mins train ride. Great downtown area with restaurants, pubs, and small shops. Also hotels within walking distance from the station (5 minutes). Great video and thank you!

Thanks for the video, I want to take this to visit my cousins

Great video, very informative

I’m grateful for vlogs traveling this summer on route and just was concerned about Emeryville connection good to know there is an actual station n just street corner same regarding drop of location in San Francisco.

Thank you for all your amazing information!

Just love y'all's videos so educational an lot of information

The day I wanted to check out the Amtrak service from SF to LA on the Coastal Starlight, well it arrives 3 days a week only, at odd hours

As always, great review.

Love your videos❤

Thank you! Great Video!

I’ve become such a fan! I’ll be traveling to Kenya on a mission trip next month. I usually follow up with my design team, when I return and this time I’ll be traveling to Colorado Springs from my home in western Maryland by train. I really don’t like cramped airline seats! 😀

This video was really informational thank you

I’m going on a train for the first time on Monday. Short trip of a few hours. Prepping for a round the country trip. Bucket list thing!

I have been planning the zephyr for my 35th bday in July. Your vids have been so helpful! 😊

Thank you for these videos!

30th Street Amtrak station in Philadelphia, PA is very similar in appearance to Chicago, albeit it’s square reliefs on the ceilings and not circle ones. It’s quite old... maybe could use a touch up here and there and fix their wooden seats in many places, but still historical and awesome IMHO. Lots of food places too.

Taking the Zephyr in September. Can’t wait for my wife to see this! Great job folks

So much good information. I am taking my father Washington DC to Reno NV the second week of October which, of course, includes the CZ. Got a roommette!

Thank you for your very informative videos. My friend and I are taking this train from San diego to Denver in 2 days.

thank you

Thank you for your informative and entertaining videos. you guys rock! You mentioned that the Observation deck car is first come first serve basis and that if you leave your seat, you basically give it up for grabs - Got That. I assume passengers are NOT allowed to "stay overnight" on the observation deck - not sure if you mentioned this point. I assume the deck would have special posted times for use. Again, thank you for vlogs - you guys are GREAT.

Back in ‘96 my dad and I did the zephyr! West to Reno two nights there and got back on from there to San Francisco. It got interesting though when the Martinez railroad bridge opened while the train was on the bridge.

I am just me only taking two... my hiking bag and one luggage... it's going to be so nice! I want you to know that I just purchased my ticket for June 2021... The roomette cost me $822 from Chicago to Emryville. I also got Business class... One way is $1,095... round trip is $1,850... This is well worth it...

My husband and I are planning a circuit vacation - Phoenix to New Orleans, a couple of nights there, then to Chicago, where we'll spend a couple of nights. Next we'll do the California Zephyr to Emeryville where we'll stay a few days. Next we go to LA, then back to Phoenix (actually Maricopa.) Your videos have been a massive help. Thanx!

I learned that the Metropolitan lounge is available for sleeper cars and Business.

This is exactly the loop I want to take,except i am co,ming from Charleston SC...Wish I could talk to you guys n find out about your whole trip.Like did you get off and stay a night or two in the middle say,like denver,then go back to the train where you left off? or did you just stop at the end of each run?I am saving up as hard as i can!!!

Chico Ca to Eugene Or, we did coach not checked bags with 2 girls 10 & 12 this 18-26 year old guy was walking up and down the train pointing at the ladies saying I’d do you I’d do you not you and so on all the way down the train. Our train was super full. They ended up arresting him and kicking him off the train. They were totally on it and we felt safe. Coming home we did upgrade our tickets to business class and had a empty train and it was totally worth the extra money, Empty train. I have been on I think 3 times now and we love to travel this was. Always leave our bags on the lower stair area and have never had things stolen fingers crossed. Haven’t gotten a room yet but I hope soon with the sale!!

My phone lockscreen and background photos are both the snow and red cliffs of Colorado from the zephyr

I thought they got rid of the dining car and went to vending for everyone on the train. Good to know the diner is back and exclusive to only sleeper car passengers. Coffee- YES- some airline coffee is kinda good, United's isn't bad most of the time. When I rode the C.Z. in 2014 the sleeper cars had a coffee nook up front in the car where you could pour your own coffee. Wonder if they still have them now with all the covid restrictions. Loved that feature. Gotta give 'Amtrak Joe' and Congress credit for supporting Amtrak. I hope it leads to major improvements.

Hi guys thanks for the informative videos. I really enjoy watching your videos! I am a solo traveller and am planning to purchase the USA Rail Pass for $499 allowing me 10 travel segments. I am not sure if this USA Rail Pass is worth it and whether I am allowed to ride on California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago and the pros and cons of this rail pass. I also plan to stop along the way at Salt Lake City and Denver for visiting the nearby natiional parks. However I do not drive and plan to take public transport (possible?) to the national parks or should I sign up local days tour in Salt Lake City and Denver for the nearby national parks. OR join AMTRAK vacation packages? Your informative and useful advice is very much appreciated. Thank you very much.😀😀

Thank you for putting together these videos! You have mentioned checking baggage in several videos. Is there a fee to check bags (esp if in coach)?

In the past I know they had a map in my room but do they make any kind of announcements about sites coming up? How do you know when you have entered into another state ect

Another question: I´d love to travel during a period where I could see snow along the way. In Mexico WE DON'T SEE SNOW EVER! So traveling across the USA (LAX-CHI) which train would you recommend? My plan is traveling along the west coast to Seattle, visit Victoria and Vancouver CAN, continue to the east to Chicago. From there I still don't know if I will continue to NYC or return to LAX. I am so excited planning the "trip of my life" since I will be doing it all by myself. woooooHoooooo !!!!!!

Wow! I am leaving in 2 days to go from California to Denver. Two tickets were $918 for coach!

i want to know how many days from michigan lansing to sandiego californnis

California Zephyr a handful at times. Great. last time was 5 years ago.. Looking into going again because of family issue's. But it's like 3000 round trip now for 2 people From Chicago to California. Ugh. Trying specials or deals or something

Do they do a bid service for unsold bedrooms from roomette upgrade like planes or cruising?

Loved the video. Taking my first long distance train ride in September - SW Chief (CHI-LA) and Texas Eagle (LA-CHI) with a bedroom. Did you say you only get one free alcoholic beverage for the entire trip or is it one with each dinner?

Thanks guys. Great Channel. Could you advise if the top roomette rooms have the same or better/worse view than the lower roomette rooms? I am subject to motion sickness so I've been advised the lower room is better for that, but don't want to miss out on views. Any help is appreciated.

I have questions that may be silly. If you have a roomette, what about tipping? If you are going to do a loop and are taking a second train, do you spend a day or two in between? Are the train stations normally in a safe area where taxis or a Uber would be available. I used to live in Kingman, AZ and there was nothing, absolutely nothing but a crummy bar near the station and no transportation. I have never used Amtrak in the US, but used trains in the UK, which were wonderful.

Is the modality "hop-on, hop-off" available in this type of trips? Like if you want to hop off in Denver and stay there for a couple of days, and then hop on the train to Salt Lake City and hop-off, and so and so. Is that possible?

If you check your bag would you have access to it if needed?

What do you recommend about getting on in Salt Lake City and riding to Reno with children? Do you forsee issues with seating together?

If going west to east, when do the views start? Which side?

Can you book a roomette on the Zephyr from/to Denver/Emeryville?

I’m taking the California Zephyr from Chicago to Cali is there any way I can look up roughly what times the really good views come up to plan in advance when to go to the scenic cart? I’m trying to look up things but haven’t had luck

I have a question...Since I live in Denver and want to take the California Zephyr, do I have to go to Chicago first and then hop on? or can I get on at the Denver station (If so, is the ride cheaper?).

I took the California Zephyr from CA to Chicago. Currently I’m in Chicago and trying to decide if I want to take the empire builder or southwest chief back west. The west destination doesn’t matter since I just need to get to the coast and fly back to Hawaii. Would you suggest the empire builder or southwest chief?

Does this train have a kids play area? The only time I have taken the train was in 97 from Sacramento to San Diego and I remember taking a couple of kids to that car. Just curious if they still have that car

Do the conductors have a running commentary along the route??

Can you request a roomette on the top floor when you book?

is there a Timeline for the map as your are traveling? In other words, does the app or any written material on board tell me that we should be passing X location from 2:00 to 2:30, and entering the xyz tunnel from 3pm to 3:20pm, etc.? How do you know when to plan your meals and naps so as not to miss anything?

ok so thi is one way--did you fly to Chicago? Does anyone know a good range of prices for flights or should I just two train tickets round trip?

Is the bus transfer to San Francisco free from train station?

If i purchace USA pass for 8 segment how much will it cost to upgrade to a roomatte or bedroom ?

Do you know if the observation car and dining car are wheelchair accessible? I appreciate you letting us know about the accessible bedroom with accessible bathroom.

I read somewhere Amtrak will resume offering coach riders dining car service at the end of this year (2022). Have you heard this?

When you say check your luggage. Does that mean that you have to go to the luggage area to retrieve you daily outfits? I'm just a little confused about that. You two make me want to jump on the next train and just ride

So for the broke coach travelers haha what are some tips? Which types of food do they allow you to bring in your bag? Are Cafe prices good?

My husband and I were interested in the sleeper car going to BC. I see they are closed for now. Have u been?

Leaving from Chicago, is there safe parking at the station?

question: I am finishing watching this... where is the lounge for us sleeper folks and Business riders in Chicago? where do I find the lounge??

I wanted to book round trip from NYC to SF, but my agent suggest taking flight back. This will be my 1st rail trip & basically using it as a vacation to catch America's scenery! ❤❤

I am a solo traveller, do I share the bunkbeds with stranger? like your vlogs.

Maybe this is a silly question bur I have to ask. If I am traveling alone can I get a roomette or bedroom car by myself? thanks!

Ok y’all! Whatta got on sunset limited? My starting point is Martinez, Ca so I wish to go by way of Los Angeles and end up in Eastern Tennesssee..

Can you book a trip on this route in a sleeper car to Chicago and then a lake shore limited to New York

I jus want to go all the way San Francisco from Chicago sightseeing ONLY! And back what do u suggest? I live in Detroit NEVER Rode a train, I'm 54 and it's on my bucket list! Help lol!