How I’ll Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr Differently Next Time

The California Zephyr’s $2,200 Sleeping-Car Experience Proves Amtrak’s Luxury Trains Are Worth the Splurge—If You Optimize the Trip

Amtrak’s California Zephyr—the longest train ride in the U.S. At 53 hours—delivers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the American West, blending luxury sleeping accommodations with breathtaking scenery. Business Insider’s Joey Hadden recently spent $2,200 for a private bedroom on the route from Chicago to Emeryville, California, and though he’d do it again, he’s refining his approach to maximize value and enjoyment. His insights reveal how travelers can turn a premium Amtrak experience into a smarter, more rewarding investment.

Hadden’s first takeaway: packing lighter. During his February 2026 trip, he carried a backpack and carry-on suitcase—unnecessary for the two-night journey aboard the train. His bedroom, roughly 50 square feet, included essentials like towels and toiletries, so items like a ukulele (brought for impromptu songwriting but deemed too disruptive for thin walls) and extra toiletries could stay at home. Simplifying luggage would ease boarding and reduce post-trip unpacking.

Scenery is the star, and Hadden plans to enhance the experience with binoculars. The observation car offers panoramic views of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, but he admits binoculars could reveal finer details—wildlife, geological textures, or seasonal changes in foliage. His advice: time the trip for peak foliage, suggesting September or October for vibrant fall colors, rather than his winter journey.

Dining aboard the Zephyr also impressed Hadden, though he didn’t sample everything. The $2,200 fare includes meals, and he singled out standout dishes like grilled chicken Caesar salad, steak dinner, and cheesecake. For his next trip, he’ll prioritize the breakfast quesadilla, burger, and grilled patty melt—items he missed due to time constraints.

A cost-saving strategy emerged from Hadden’s route analysis: skipping the first 20 hours. The journey’s most dramatic scenery begins in Colorado, so boarding in Denver (where fares can be half the price of Chicago-to-Emeryville) would preserve the best views while cutting expenses. He also noted that splitting the bedroom cost with a travel companion—adding just $300 to the $2,200 fare—could halve the per-person expense while making the trip more social.

Hadden’s reflections underscore Amtrak’s sleeper trains as a luxury travel alternative, blending comfort with adventure. While the $2,200 price tag is steep, his adjustments—lighter packing, seasonal timing, targeted dining, strategic boarding, and shared accommodations—demonstrate how to stretch the experience’s value. For travelers seeking a unique way to traverse the U.S., the California Zephyr remains a compelling option—if optimized for both budget and enjoyment.

Source: Business Insider (2026-05-24)