California zephyr train route. Rivers canyons deserts and cityscapes add to the beauty of this multi day trip through the states of illinois iowa nebraska colorado utah nevada and california. The train uses the route of the former city of san francisco along the overland route first transcontinental railroad between elko nevada and sacramento. 51 hours 20 minutes daily.
As you climb through the heart of the rockies and further west through the snow capped sierra nevadas you may find it hard to disagree. The original california zephyr route began on the chicago burlington quincy from chicago to denver before being passed off there to the denver rio grande western at union station. Starts operating at 1210 pm and ends at 1210 pm.
Begin exploring the nations capital washington dc before boarding the train to chicago and the windy city. Washington chicago san francisco journey across the length and breadth of america by train. From chicago youll board the california zephyr and continue your scenic cross country.
California zephyr train time schedule overview for the upcoming week. Across central nevada the two rail lines have been combined to use directional running. The modern california zephyr uses mostly the same route as the original east of winnemucca nevada.
California zephyr train route schedule and stops the california zephyr train direction.