Other Amtrak Services in California
In addition to the three Amtrak California routes (Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins, and Capitol Corridor), the Amtrak National System offers four routes that travel out of state, connecting with the rest of Amtrak's national system. For information and reservations on these Amtrak trains, see you travel agent, or call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL, or visit their website
California Zephyr - From the Golden Gate to Towering Skyscrapers
Experienced travelers say the California Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the Sierra Nevada and the Watsach Range , and further east through the heart of the snow capped Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree.
Most Californians probably only ride the Zephyr to Reno, but it continues to Salt Lake City, across the Rockies to Denver, coursing through the plains of Nebraska to Omaha, and on through Iowa to Chicago.
Coast Starlight - The West Coast Experience
Considered to be one of the most beautiful of all train routes, the Coast Starlight connects the hottest cities on America's West Coast. En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Eugene, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.
The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unparalleled: snow-covered mountains, dense forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline you can't see from your car, provide a gorgeous backdrop for your journey.
Southwest Chief - From the West to America's Heartland
Amtrak's Southwest Chief runs daily between Los Angeles to Chicago, through the vast expanse of the fabled American West through many cities along old Route 66 and the Santa Fe Trail.
You'll be mesmerized by this region's beauty and allure. We'll take you across the mighty Mississippi through eight states—past wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos, mountains and deserts. Carving through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, you'll see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from interstate highways.
Sunset Limited - Orange Groves to Orange Groves
Travel from one coast to another and watch the American landscape reinvent itself before your eyes.
Amtrak's Sunset Limited takes you from California to Florida, along our southern-most route. Settle back and watch the California mountains and deserts, Mexican border, Bayou Country, and Gulf Coast pass by your window. Since Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast in 2005, the Sunset Limited has not run from New Orleans to Florida, though freight service has been restored.
While the CSX Railroad has managed to get it tracks repaired and its trains running along the Gulf Coast, the Sunset Limited east of New Orleans, via Biloxi and Mobile, will not resume until a date to be announced. Amtrak is working with CSX Transportation and other infrastructure owners along the route, while also consulting with state and local governments. Check with Amtrak for the current status of Sunset Limited service east of New Orleans. (1-800-USA-RAIL)
The Sunset Limited departs Los Angeles early afternoons on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday with arrivals on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday mornings. Services on the Sunset Limited include coach and sleeper service, snack car and dining car service, and spectacular views from the renowned Sightseer Lounge Car.