El Capitan (train)

El Capitan
The El Capitan depicted on a 1950s postcard at some point after receiving its Hi-Level equipment.
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusDiscontinued
LocaleMidwestern and Southwestern United States
First serviceFebruary 22, 1938
Last serviceApril 29, 1973
SuccessorSouthwest Chief
Former operator(s)Santa Fe
Amtrak (1971–1973)
Route
TerminiChicago
Los Angeles
Average journey time39 hrs 30 min
Train number(s)21 and 22
Line(s) usedSouthern Transcon
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

The El Capitan was a streamlined passenger train operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway ("Santa Fe") between Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. It operated from 1938 to 1971; Amtrak retained the name until 1973. The El Capitan was the only all-coach or "chair car" (non-Pullman sleeper) to operate on the Santa Fe main line between Chicago and Los Angeles on the same fast schedule as the railroad's premier all-Pullman Super Chief. It was also the first train to receive the pioneering Hi-Level equipment with which it would become synonymous.