If extravagant, these 8 luxurious train travel isn’t an option for you or is slightly out of your budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxurious pace of overnight sleeper trains as you take your next trip through the US.
If anything, jumping on an Amtrak sleeper is the perfect way to start your vacation before you even arrive at your destination. Stop along the way to explore the amazing landscapes, from snow-capped mountain peaks to the depths of desert canyons.
This list is what the team at LocalInsider.com believes is the best Amtrak sleep routes for exploring the vast beauty of the United States from coast to coast.
California Zephyr | Chicago – Emeryville
Price from $147 for coach seats.
amtrak.com/routes/california-zephyr-train
The California Zephyr train takes you across almost the entire country, from Chicago to San Francisco, in a 50+ hour journey through some of the most stunning natural beauty in the US.
From the iconic Chicago skyline to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, this all-encompassing route takes you across breathtaking landscapes, past the Great Salt Lake, and through the snowy Sierra Nevadas.
You can take a break in Denver to check out the slopes, have a punt on the gaming tables in Reno, and finish your trip with a relaxing few nights in one of San Francisco’s charming boutique hotels.
While you can make the journey in coach for less than $150, prices can reach as much as $2,733 for the bedroom suite, which gets you a private cabin with twice the space of the regular Roomette ($986) and a dedicated First-Class attendant for that VIP treatment.
Amtrak Sunset Limited | New Orleans – Los Angeles
Price from $120 for coach seats.
amtrak.com/routes/sunset-limited-train
Next is a 48-hour journey on board the Sunset Limited by Amtrak, which departs three days a week in either direction. This is Amtrak’s southernmost route, taking you from Louisiana’s musical heartland to the City of Angels itself.
There are plenty of interesting stops to make along the way. Disembark at Houston for a tour around the Space Center, soak in some history with a trip to the Alamo, or indulge yourself with a spa break in California’s Palm Springs.
The bedroom suite costs $1,751 on board the Sunset Limited, and it includes complimentary meals, a lounge pass, and priority boarding.
Menus change regularly, but you can download sample menus from the website. Look forward to hearty American breakfasts, lunches, and a three-course dinner menu served in the dining car to the backdrop of breathtaking views.
Southwest Chief | Chicago – Los Angeles
Price from $124 for coach
amtrak.com/routes/southwest-chief-train
The Southwest Chief takes you on a 40+ hour journey through the American West, where you can get into the spirit of the Wild West with nightly, thematic entertainment.
The bedroom suite on this route is $1,952, which is the perfect setting to feast your eyes on the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert as it goes past your suite windows.
The Sightseer Lounge is the next best thing if you didn’t get a cabin. Immerse yourself in the region’s stunning beauty as you travel through eight states, enjoying Amtrak’s hospitality, meandering through canyons, and basking in the southern sun.
It’s well worth making a stop at the Grand Canyon with Thruway connection busses that take you within just a few meters from the canyon’s edge.
You can also make a detour at Santa Fe for a ride on board the Sky Railway for an evening of live entertainment as you take in the majesty of the landscapes going by. The Inception of train journey experiences in the USA, if you will. It’s only a short journey but a worthy add-on to your trip.
Silver Meteor| New York – Tampa/Miami
Price from $133 for coach.
amtrak.com/routes/silver-service-palmetto-train
The Silver Meteor is a 28+ hours East Coast adventure from top to bottom, taking in fantastic scenery not accessible by any other means.
Start in New York and make your way south towards Florida, where fantastic white sand beaches await your arrival in Tampa Bay.
Get a taste of Southern cuisine with a stop off in South Carolina, visit the Florida Aquarium, and treat yourself to a penguin encounter or wild dolphin cruise, then wrap it up soaking in the Cuban flavors of Miami’s Little Havana district for a night of Latino entertainment before heading home.
Floridian | Chicago – Tampa/Miami
Price from $109 for coach.
amtrak.com/routes/floridian-train
Spacious accommodations onboard the Floridian range from coach-class seats to the Viewliner bedroom suite, delivering a first-class experience for the best sleeper train journey. The suite includes complimentary meals, a private bathroom, and in-suite showers for a best-in-class experience.
This 47-hour train journey offers daily departures in both directions and costs from $109 for a coach seat to $2,524 for a bedroom suite.
Time your trip right and make a stop in Indiana for the legendary Indy 500 to experience the “greatest spectacle in racing” for high-octane, rubber-burning fun.
Stop to explore the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, which is now a vibrant hub of shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. And be sure to take a ride on the funicular railway to appreciate spectacular cityscape views.
Empire Builder | Chicago – Portland/Seattle
Price from $107 for coach.
amtrak.com/routes/empire-builder-train
Get a taste of American history on board the Empire Builder, a 46-hour trip through the American West from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest along parts of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Leaving from Chicago, you can enjoy views of the Mississippi before traveling over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle and then onto Montana, where you can take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier National Park.
You have the choice of traveling on toward Seattle or heading down the Columbia River Gorge toward Portland for a spot of hiking through the Columbia River Gorge to stretch your legs after the long journey.
If you do decide to travel up to Seattle, check out the Space Needle to finish off your trip with expertly crafted cocktails as you take in the stunning city views.
Make the journey part of your vacation on one of the best sleeper train routes in America
At LocalInsider.com, we believe your vacation should start as soon as you step through that door, which is why overnight sleeper trains make such a fantastic choice for exploring our fantastic country.
Our choice is the California Zephyr to explore the magnificent natural beauty available across the country. The route delivers breathtaking views and outstanding vistas and will help you create inspirational memories.
Start exploring your backyard by sleeper train today and squeeze every minute out of your next vacation.
