Amtrak Vacation Itinerary 12 Day USA Grand Loop Train Tour

Here is our Amtrak Vacation itinerary 12 days grand loop tour. California Zephyr, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder are the trains we took on this journey. This train trip was a lot of fun.

On this trip we ride on the Amtrak California Zephyr, Amtrak Coast Starlight and the Amtrak Empire Builder. We visit the iconic cities of Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco.

To get links to everything we did check out this article:

CONNECT WITH US!

[timbacchus]

That is what I love about traveling when retired we can go during the cheap times of year.

[sharonkaeppner]

Inspired by your videos, I just returned from bucket list trip with youngest granddaughter who is 14. Started with Cap Limited to Chicago, then CA Zephyr to Emeryville and down to LA on Coast Starlight. We returned to Chicago on Southwest Chief! Fantastic trip. Empire Builder is still on bucket list. I'm 74 years old so I won't wait too long. Already have Texas Eagle from Chicago to LA and back to Chicago then on to NYC on Lake Shore Limited to NYC. I ❤ Amtrak!

[livingchrist]

I started pricing my trip for Aug 22 at the beginning of July, it was 1450.00. I kept watching the price and it started to drop. When It dropped to $750.00 I got it. A week ago it dropped to $593.00. I refunded my ticket and purchased it at 593.00. The next day it went up to $850.00. This is for one way from Sacramento to Chicago in a roomette. You can refund your ticket and buy it at a lower price if it drops.

[brooklynn]

Thank you for your channels! I booked my own version of the Grand Loop last year right after Thanksgiving. ATL -NOLA-LA, then rented an Airbnb in Joshua Tree and hung out in Palm Springs. Back on in LA to Emeryville, CHI-DC-ATL. Now with my Amtrak card I'm earning points to use towards the upper Loop! Thanks again; maybe we'll bump into each other in one of the lounges! 👍🏾🙏🏾☺️

[warrentimothy]

Your videos are an enigma. Every video is the same a previous one in content, route and/or information. Yet I watch them all and enjoy.

[itsjustmedebb]

I Love your videos! You both explain everything so well with great information:) Thank You!

[delaineymacphearson]

I love train travel. There is something about the sound and sway on the rail that feels relaxing. Long travel would be great the problem being switching trains so often. I dream of going from East to north across the states, down the west coast and across the south back up the east coast. That would be soooo amazing.

[ArmadilloGrl]

I know you have been on the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago several times, but I recommend taking the EB from Portland to Chicago. The views along the Columbia Gorge are incredible, especially in the fall! You will want to sit on the south side for the views. (PS love your channel and thank you for all the advice!)

[MzBettyK]

This trip would be very wonderful to see. I’m anticipating watching it as soon as it is available. Love all your adventures. ❤❤

[DannyA]

I've only been to Seattle once and it was AWESOME. I can't wait to go back. Loved going to the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden & Glass. Of course the Seattle Public Market is a must do. I also took a ferry across to Bainbridge Island, listened to some live music, and enjoyed DELICIOUS coffee and a fresh blueberry scone. One thing about Seattle is that there's no shortage of great coffee places that aren't S-Bucks. There are so many places I want to visit during my next trip there.

Oh, and if you're a sports fan, go to a game.

[irene]

I adore train travel. My father worked for the Great Northern Railway out of Whitefish MT. We grew up riding on the Fast Mail train pulled by a Steam Engine before they were discontinued. We rode the Fast Mail train between Whitefish and Minot, ND. It had 1 passenger coach, used mainly by employees deadheading home. All 5 of us kids got our own bench (coach seats at that time) seat and being a night train, we slept most of the way. Was fun to watch the mail sorting coach grab the mail sacks that were hung on a pole as the train passed through all the small towns. Have rode many lines to date. Next trip will be Fullerton CA to Clemson SC, to Delaware, to Syracuse, to Whitefish, to Seattle, to Ventura.

[lelandrogers]

I'm taking this trip in Oct. this year leaving from Memphis on the City of New Orleans and returning to Memphis. I live in Nashville so I have to bus to Memphis and back. Also I'm going to ride the San Jauquine from Emeryville to Stockton. When I leave I will Throughway bus to Sacramento to catch the Zephyr. Rommettes all the way. I called the 800 number and they were terrific and got me booked in no time. I'm also a rewards member.

[squalli]

I think you've struck up the travel bug in a lot of viewers. I usually make reservations 11 months prior in order to get the desired sleeper car accommodations since they sell out faster than coach seats. Also, if I need to reserve adjoining deluxe bedrooms B&C or D&E, I would need to phone Amtrak & speak with a rep. The type reservations requesting specific bedrooms & roomettes (not including family & accessible bedrooms) cannot be made online. Their online system places passengers randomly until cars are filled.

[hannahzander]

Doing that exact trip in September.
Getting to chicago by Silver Meteor and Cardinal.
Can't wait. Thanks for all the info.

[treywest]

This is exactly what I have been waiting for!!!! ❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much!!!❤❤❤❤

[sheridowsett]

My loop trip was Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Cardinal, Crescent, Sunset Limited. Whew! And I agree, hotels in Chicago are pricey!

[jeffcue]

I'm sure you''ve done a lot of the popular deep dish pizza.. You owe it to yourselves to go to Peqod's Pizza in Lincoln Park. Guarantee you won't be disappointed! In my opinion, best pizza on the planet. Have an awesome trip. I did Capitol Limited from Pitt to Chi, them the CZ from Chi to Mtz. Epic! will definitely do again. My loop will be Coast Starlight, EB, TE to Sunset Limited CS. Happy Rails.

[sharynmcdonald]

7:50 p.m. - Father's Day - Happy Father's Day. Enjoy your videos! Clicked on the word "thanks" thinking I was thanking you and $2.00 comes up. Had no idea I was donating something. Hope it was a mistake. No idea what it is for.

[aliceswahn]

Love your videos. Would you consider doing a rail pass video that would use 2 - 4 weeks to see the US?
It’s such a good price even at $499 and using great city stops instead of using a sleeper on Amtrak.

[cruisegal]

Great idea, I am now planning a cross country trip on Amtrak with several stops along the way. Thank you for the inspiration.