There’s something timeless about train travel; the soft clatter of the tracks, the way the scenery slowly shifts outside your window, and the calm feeling of being carried through changing landscapes. It’s the kind of journey that tends to stay with you. For travelers starting in Chicago with dreams of reaching the West Coast, there are some truly breathtaking train rides waiting to be experienced.
From snowcapped mountains and desert canyons to coastal cliffs and forested valleys, the train routes connecting Chicago to the Pacific are among the most scenic in North America. These aren’t just trips across states. They are invitations to unwind, disconnect, and see the country in a way few ever do.
Whether you’re a seasoned rail enthusiast or a curious first-timer, this guide highlights some of the most iconic train rides available from Chicago, each offering its unique sense of wonder and adventure.
California Zephyr to the Coast: A Two-Part Rail Adventure
If you’re chasing one of the most beautiful long-distance train rides in the country, the California Zephyr is your golden ticket. Departing from Chicago, this route takes you on a sweeping westward journey through the plains of Nebraska, the dramatic canyons of Colorado, and into the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The landscapes change constantly — rivers run alongside you, snowy mountains rise ahead, and Utah’s red rock deserts glow in the afternoon sun. It’s often mentioned in response to “What is the most scenic train ride from Chicago?” and for good reason. Watching this part of the country unfold through panoramic windows is as close to ‘slow-motion’ magic as travel gets.
For those who want to take it one step further, many travelers connect from the Zephyr to the Coast Starlight in California. This second leg follows the Pacific shoreline north toward Oregon and Washington, adding cliffside beaches, coastal towns, and evergreen forests to the journey. While the Coast Starlight doesn’t begin in Chicago, pairing it with the Zephyr turns your cross-country train travel into a scenic masterpiece — and it all starts with a single departure from Union Station.
Empire Builder: Into the Big Sky
The Empire Builder pulls out of Chicago and heads northwest, traveling through wide-open spaces and some of the most peaceful, unspoiled landscapes in the country. It crosses the Mississippi River, glides through the rolling plains of North Dakota, and winds into the breathtaking beauty of Montana’s Glacier National Park. This isn’t just a way to get somewhere; it’s a front-row seat to the quiet, vast parts of the country that many never get to see.
For travelers who crave open skies, long views, and the kind of stillness that clears your head, the Empire Builder tends to leave a mark. It’s a route people remember not just for the scenery, but for the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and loving every minute of it. When people wonder, “Which Amtrak route is the prettiest?” the Empire Builder is frequently mentioned for its access to remote scenery that is hard to experience any other way.
The Cardinal: Through Mountains, Rivers, and Hidden Valleys
The Cardinal may not be as widely known as the Zephyr or the Empire Builder, but it quietly offers one of the most underrated train rides in the country. Departing from Chicago, it weaves through the Midwest before entering the lush, rolling terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. The route passes through Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia — a region filled with winding rivers, forested hills, and small towns tucked between green ridges. It’s a slower, more intimate kind of train travel, perfect for travelers who want to trade high speed for rich scenery.
As the train makes its way east, it crosses historic trestle bridges, follows winding waterways, and offers glimpses of forgotten corners of America that feel almost cinematic. Travelers often spot bald eagles along the New River Gorge or catch fiery foliage in the fall. While it eventually ends in New York, it begins right in Chicago and delivers one of the most quietly beautiful train journeys in the Amtrak system. For anyone curious about scenic train rides that feel both peaceful and deeply rooted in the landscape, the Cardinal is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Southwest Chief: Canyons, Deserts, and Dusty Horizons
If you’re drawn to wide desert skies and the kind of scenery that feels pulled from another era, the Southwest Chief has a way of capturing that. The route runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing through Kansas, New Mexico, and Arizona, with landscapes that shift from plains to red rock canyons to sprawling plateaus. It’s the sort of backdrop that doesn’t just catch your eye, it pulls you in.
One of the most memorable parts of the journey is the climb through Raton Pass in northern New Mexico. As the train winds through tunnels and steep mountain grades, you’re surrounded by rugged, high-desert views that feel wild and untouched. For anyone craving a train ride that’s rich in character and full of visual drama, this route offers a fresh and vivid look at the Southwest.
Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited: A Southern Detour
If you have time to spare and curiosity to match, the combination of the Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited is an excellent way to explore the country from a different angle. The Texas Eagle travels from Chicago to San Antonio, where passengers can connect to the Sunset Limited for the westward journey to Los Angeles. While this is not the fastest route to the Pacific, it offers a rich variety of Southern and Southwestern landscapes.
From the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of western Texas, this route passes through places that often fly under the radar. It also covers one of the longest scenic train rides available in the United States. For travelers who enjoy watching the scenery shift gradually and want to explore less conventional parts of the country, this journey offers a slow and beautiful alternative.
Zee Business Tip: Let the Journey Set the Tone
Scenic train rides are not just about reaching a destination. They are about being fully present as the scenery changes mile by mile. Train tours are ideal for travelers who want to step away from screens and schedules and experience the quiet rhythm of rail travel. For those asking, “What day is cheapest to travel on Amtrak?”, midweek departures like Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer the best deals.
If you’re planning a rail journey and need a comfortable place to stay before, after, or during your trip, Zee Business will be here to help. Our hotel booking platform will make it easy to find great places to stay near train stations, scenic stops, and major cities across the US. With competitive prices and a hassle-free booking experience, we’ll make sure your stopovers feel just as memorable as your travel days.
Counting the Cost of the View
Many travelers wonder, “How much does it cost for a train ride from Chicago to the West Coast?” The answer depends on a few things, including your route, travel class, and how early you book. A coach seat on the California Zephyr can start around $130 to $180. If you’re interested in added comfort, a roomette or sleeper cabin with meals included can range anywhere from $500 to over $900.
If you’re searching for cheap train tickets, the key is to book in advance and travel during less busy times. Amtrak adjusts fares based on demand, so early planning can make a big difference. Traveling midweek and avoiding peak holidays often leads to better pricing. For the views and comfort that train travel offers, the experience is usually well worth the cost.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned above are approximate estimates sourced from publicly available information online. It is advised to verify current rates before booking your train ride.
Short and Scenic: Weekend Trips from Chicago
Not every traveler can commit to a cross-country expedition. Fortunately, there are several charming train excursions that begin in Chicago and are perfect for a quick getaway.
- Chicago to Milwaukee: Just 90 minutes on the Hiawatha Service. Ideal for a last-minute weekend train trip full of breweries, art galleries, and lake views.
- Chicago to St. Louis: A few hours of relaxing train travel followed by a visit to the Gateway Arch and some of the best barbecue in the Midwest.
- Chicago to Quincy: Hop aboard the Illinois Zephyr for a relaxed ride through rolling farmland and small-town Illinois charm.
These short scenic train rides provide a taste of adventure without needing time off from work.
Questions From the Window Seat
What is the most scenic train ride from Chicago?
The California Zephyr is widely considered the most scenic route, offering views of the Rockies, Utah canyons, and the Sierra Nevada.
What is the most scenic train ride on the West Coast?
The Coast Starlight is often recognized as the most visually stunning West Coast route, running from Los Angeles to Seattle.
Which Amtrak route is the prettiest?
The California Zephyr and Coast Starlight are both strong contenders, depending on your preferred landscape.
Where is the best place to go on Amtrak?
San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles are popular endpoints, each accessible via Amtrak’s scenic routes.
What is the longest scenic train ride in the US?
The Texas Eagle combined with the Sunset Limited is among the longest Amtrak journeys, taking more than 65 hours.
What day is cheapest to travel on Amtrak?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally offer the most affordable fares.
What is the famous train line in Chicago?
Union Station is the central hub, and the California Zephyr is the most well-known scenic line departing from the city.
How much does it cost for a train ride from Chicago to West Coast?
Coach tickets usually fall somewhere between $130 and $180, while sleeper cabins or roomettes offer more comfort and privacy, and can range from around $500 to over $1,000, depending on when you travel and how early you book.
NOTE: Fares mentioned are approximate and subject to change based on availability, travel dates, booking time, and other factors. It is advised to verify current rates before booking your train ride.
Pulling Into the Last Stop
Train rides from Chicago to the West Coast offer more than just transportation. They provide experiences that stretch across mountain ranges, deserts, coastlines, and countless quiet moments of reflection. These are the kinds of journeys that linger in memory and inspire a new way of seeing the country.
As you plan your rail adventure, Zee Business can help you find the right place to stay along the way. As you plan your rail adventure, Zee Business can help you find a great place to stay at every stop. Our platform focuses on hotel bookings, making it simple to secure reliable and comfortable accommodations that suit your schedule and budget. No frills, no confusion, just a smooth booking experience designed to keep your trip focused on the journey itself.
Adventure doesn’t have to move fast. Sometimes, it rolls steadily along the rails, just waiting for you to hop on board.
Disclaimer: This content is independently created and is not sponsored or affiliated with any train carriers, including Amtrak. All references are for informational purposes only
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