California Zephyr

This article is about the modern train operated by Amtrak. For the original train service of the same name, see California Zephyr (1949–1970). For the 1955 song, see California Zephyr (song).

California Zephyr
California Zephyr train #6 north of Green River, Utah, 2023
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
LocaleWestern United States
Predecessor
First serviceJuly 16, 1983 (1983-07-16)
Current operator(s)Amtrak
Annual ridership328,458 (FY23) Increase 13.1%[a][1]
Route
TerminiChicago, Illinois
Emeryville, California
Stops33
Distance travelled2,438 miles (3,924 km)
Average journey time
  • 51 hours, 40 minutes (eastbound)[2]
  • 52 hours, 10 minutes (westbound)[2]
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)5 (westbound)
6 (eastbound)
On-board services
Class(es)Coach Class
Sleeper Service
Disabled accessTrain lower level, most stations
Sleeping arrangements
  • Roomette (2 beds)
  • Bedroom (2 beds)
  • Bedroom Suite (4 beds)
  • Accessible Bedroom (2 beds)
  • Family Bedroom (4 beds)
Catering facilitiesDining car, Café
Observation facilitiesSightseer lounge car
Baggage facilitiesOverhead racks, checked baggage available at selected stations
Technical
Rolling stockGE Genesis
Superliner
Siemens Charger
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Operating speed55 mph (89 km/h) (avg.)
79 mph (127 km/h) (top)
Track owner(s)UP, BNSF

The California Zephyr is a long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area (at Emeryville), via Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. At 2,438 miles (3,924 km), it is Amtrak's longest daily route, and second-longest overall after the Texas Eagle's triweekly continuation from San Antonio to Los Angeles, with travel time between the termini taking approximately 511⁄2 hours.[3] Amtrak claims the route as one of its most scenic, with views of the upper Colorado River valley in the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada.[4] The modern train is the second iteration of a train named California Zephyr; the original train was privately operated and ran on a different route through Nevada and California.

During fiscal year 2023, the California Zephyr carried 328,458 passengers, an increase of 13.1% over FY2022,[5] but down from its pre-COVID-19 pandemic ridership of 410,844 in FY2019.[6] The train had a total revenue of $51,950,998 in FY2016, the last year that route-specific revenue data was given.[7]


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  1. ^ "Amtrak Fiscal Year 2023 Ridership" (PDF). Amtrak. November 27, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Amtrak Timetable Results". www.amtrak.com. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  3. ^ "California Zephyr Timetable" (PDF). Amtrak. July 20, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  4. ^ "California Zephyr Route Guide" (PDF). Amtrak. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  5. ^ "Amtrak FY23 Ridership" (PDF).
  6. ^ "Amtrak Route Ridership: FY22 vs. FY21" (PDF).
  7. ^ "Amtrak FY16 Ridership & Revenue Fact Sheet" (PDF). Amtrak. April 17, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2018.