53 Hours from Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr Train

Hey Josh. A LOT better than your last train trip. Thank you for the video.

Thank you for your work I appreciate it. I liked the calm measured mood, and also the fact that there is no modern culture of behavior 👌👌

Nice job, I've ridden that train dozens of times, starting in the 1970's. An old time room porter told me years ago, no one sleeps the first night with the jerking train motion and constant whistles. Everyone though, sleeps great the second night. How true! Thanks for your terrific video.

Awesome video ❤ My family and I were on the same train and trip as you. We compared some of your shots with ours as confirmation.😂 thank you so much for sharing this as it’s giving us the opportunity to relive this journey 🚂

New Orleans also has a sculpture garden

If you get a chance to go back to New Orleans and you take the kids you must check out storyland

Loved it 😊 loved the History 👍😊

Great video! I've watched numerous videos on Amtrak travel, and I really appreciate that you gave good detail on which side of the train is the best side to be on for the best scenery throughout the trip. Nicely done.

In 2009 I traveled from Phila to Sacramento via coach and I didn't know it at the time but they re routed around CO because they were working on the route. Spent most of my time in the observation car. The bypass through Wyoming was rough tho!

Here i go again
all day and night clicky clack clicky clack, missed breakfast became of no
Sleep, was told lunch is in three hrs😢

If you do 2 Roomettes get them across the hall from each other so you'll have views out both sides of the train.

I Enjoy you Videos very much. When are you going to do a Video on The Alaska Marine Highway? Accessed by Amtrak via Bellingham Washington. Then via Ferry up the coast of Alaska.

If you were to divide this trip in to one or two stops, where would you like to stop at?

Thanks so much for the positive report. I've done this trip in the roomette and loved it (and agree it would be a bit cosy for 2). Scenery is amazing, it's comfortable and the food is fine. I particularly liked the docents on board who talked us through the Rockies. So may reviewers are lukewarm about this trip in general, and Amtrak specifically, so it was nice to see someone who shared my experience. I've also done the trip from NYC to LA which was amazing in it's own way. One of the added bonuses to the LA trip was that Shirley Jones (Mrs Partridge) was on the train - for a 70s child, that was magic.

I hope one day you try a Rocky Mountaineer train ride, that would be a great video to cover for Through My Lens.

Love the train ride! Thank You!

The trains would always be fully booked if it did not cost so much.

Next time pull the top bunk down and keep all of your items up there.

Spectacular! It was great to meet you in Paris

You make such great videos. Thank you for sharing.

One question, what is the name of the/ brand of the phone mount you had stuck to the window of the train?

My wife and I are bigger people and we fit in a roomette fine. A bedroom of course is much nicer which we did as well. Two roomettes is a slightly cheaper option but probably better if you had your kids with you. If you are going to spend that much more, just get a bedroom.

I totally agree with the previous comment (@simons5193). I love the train videos, now that you've done one with your lovely wife and one solo, I think it's time Pops gets onboard for the next one.

I assume tipping the attendant/ waiter is expected … what seems to the normal $$?

For scenic, try the Heeber Creeper in Park City, UT. It's a steam locomotive that travels at 5000 feet on forested hills.

🤣the volume control for the roomette party🤣Seriously, you had about the best trip possible on Amtrak. It’s a miracle and I’m glad you enjoyed it!!!

Pops would be cramped in that shower 😅!! But, it looks decent.

all north american trains are FUGLY. Food is processed crap. Service doesn't exist, young people don't even know what 'service' looks like. These are trains from same society producing hostile architecture because they're not a stable kind community society; it's a religious cult calling itself a country. Delusions.

Always enjoy your vids.. How's your Dad?

The train station in Reno is pretty cool. It’s a shame you missed it

I am so glad you took this trip and not judge Amtrak by your Coast Starlight trip. One thing for certain is to not book any connections too quickly! But the opportunity to see this country by rail is unbeatable. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Josh for sharing this experience with us.

Just wondering..have you considered..the great river road?? We travel it often on our motorcycle..love your travel content..thank you

When you are in the Moffet tunnel you are simultaneously at the highest point on American passenger rail AND the American passenger rail furthest underground, as there is fourteen hundred feet of rock above you.

Dear Amtrak; hire this gentleman as your company spokesperson. Stellar presentation, particularly giving taller folks a size perspective. Enjoyed; you do great work, man. Cheers

Love trains. But what is that phone charger with the suction cup!? I need one.

Have you ever thought about taking an RV trip with your family? You've done tons of road trips already, and I think that you'd enjoy the freedom of the open road with the convenience of your own bed, bathroom, and kitchen. It's definitely more hands-on than train travel, but it offers far more freedom too. Something to think about! 👍

I’m a huge CA Zephyr fan and loved every minute of this! Thank you for sharing such a wonder-filled comprehensive travelogue!

I did this route (in sleeper) in 2019 as my first Amtrak trip, and it definitely left an Impression.

I saw the picture frame in the Chicago Union Station the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 6110 a 4-4-4-4 Duplex and it was introduced in 1942 During World War 2 and the Top Speed of PRR T1 6110 from 120 mph to 140 miles per hour and when the 20th Century ended The 21th Century of the 2000s the T1 trust of Pennsylvania Railroad T1 5550 is currently being Rebuilt and Restore to Steam Again it said on Google Original plans with modern techniques, aiming for mainline excursion service and potentially breaking speed records, with an estimated completion by 2030 in 8 years 8 months and is still going under construction in April 2025

I used to do LA - Chicago - Virginia in the early ‘60’s. I’d love to do this route. Thank you!

I'm suppose to take this trip next year with my daughter and son in law. They invited me out of the clear blue becasue they knew I've been planning a cross country trip for years now. I still woulod like to drive it, but what a great way to get a head start. So I've been doing mad research for them since I'm a train nut, and it appears that the Zephyr IS the best in terms of Scenery. But I want your honest opinion on how well you slept, I might've missed that but I would like to know cause I'll definitely be in a roomette. Thx again for posting!

Thank you for sharing your trip. Yes make more train trips!

I’m 3 yrs post divorce and I have never traveled like this alone. I think I’m gonna make this trip my maiden voyage after your review. I love road trips and this looks right up my alley.

Yes, more train trips please. Heard one from Chicago to Maine (I think) just started. TY

I really think you should try the Coast Starlight again, this time in a regular bedroom.

I've watched a lot of Amtrak travel videos in the past year or so. This is definitely one of the best. Excellent video and commentary. Thank you! Hope to make this trip someday.

Thank you for this tall-person take on the spaces. Also enjoyed your unique perspective. So happy that this train journey was so much better than your last. Missed Amy.