@rileejsmith: Answering all of your FAQs about riding the California Zephyr train from Emeryville, CA to Chicago! 🚂🏜️ 💵 Cost: $815 total which included the cost of my train ticket ($317) + private roomette cabin ($499), and included breakfast, lunch and dinner each day served in the dining car as part of my roomette reservarion! 📅 Travel dates: Aug. 10-12 🗺️ Itinerary: I did the one-way California Zephyr Eastbound route from Emeryville → Chicago. I started by flying to San Francisco and riding the train to Chicago. After, I transferred to the Amtrak from Chicago → Ann Arbor to get home. (56 hours total!!) Next video: My must-pack items for the train + what you need to know about riding the Amtrak if you’re thinking of booking a sleeper train 👀 Make sure you follow!! #traintravel #sleepertrain #amtrak #californiazephyr | united states sleeper train amtrak scenic train california zephyr
Question: I am in the process of infant adoption out of state. Driving would be 30 hours and we are starting to consider our commute home with new born. The train would be about the same as a travel day via plane. Would you recommend with a new born?
2026-08-19 03:18:03
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@NomadicGoats :
IDK if they still do this but in 2016 I rode from Portland Oregon to NYC. I was able to do a 24 hour stop as long as it was noted ahead of time on my ticket but it wasn't a multi leg trip. I stopped in whitefish Montana and then in Chicago, it was a fabulous and unforgettable journey and would highly recommend!
2026-08-19 01:30:17
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Ali in Cali :
I did Rovos Rail through South Africa, Namibia and Eswatini. That was more like a cruise ship
2026-08-19 01:56:18
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10kbuckz :
U should do Texas eagle the longest route in America it goes from Chicago to Los Angeles it goes through Mexico border
2026-08-19 01:01:55
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BarksAndBooks :
Can you do a video of your suitcase?? So cute and I love that it locks!
2026-08-19 02:38:49
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Peggy :
Wait, your cabin was so tiny! Would you be expected to share that if traveling with a partner?? 😳
2026-08-19 02:13:18
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JoySpears :
I took this trip from Chicago to California. It was amazing!
2026-08-19 02:32:13
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user8439537972376 :
i would just love being alone
2026-08-19 01:54:29
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Alix. Nicole :
No WiFi
2026-08-19 02:43:44
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Tracey Steele :
Thank you for breaking this down!
2026-08-19 02:02:59
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coryna 🌲📚 :
I took the Amtrak from Seattle to Chicago a couple years ago and did the bid up for a roomette. I got it for $239! If I ever do it again, I’ll have to look into those patches. 😅 dramamine and I were best friends
2026-08-19 02:22:03
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Elise :
Looking forward to the realities of Amtrak travel video!! I also used to take Amtrak in college, longest was 5 hrs i think, but I’ve always wanted to look into doing a ride across Canada, this also looks spectacular
2026-08-19 01:29:46
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gertie083 :
Yes, do a whole video on the solo travel experience on the train
2026-08-19 00:54:01
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Elizabeth F :
I live right by emeryville, I’m really thinking about doing this trip!!
2026-08-19 00:38:44
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>^^< :
I joke the only time I can actually be “left alone” to read and enjoy “unproductive” time is when I’m flying - I loved how your trip was mostly you, reading and enjoying the views. Sold me on scoping out some trip ideas! 🤓
2026-08-19 01:53:41
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amyd.sf :
Do you think Emeryville to Denver is enough or do you recommend the full route to Chicago?
2026-08-19 01:09:55
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Mamiad07 :
I did a solo train ride from LA to Davis on the Coast Starlight which was abt an 11 hr ride - definitely gave me a small taste of what to expect. Attendants were super cool and helpful, they might’ve sensed my anxiety 😅. I did watch a ton of YouTube videos which helped. This has inspired me to do another!
2026-08-19 01:23:21
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CWell :
How was the food?!
2026-08-19 01:54:01
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user7424088034948 :
People scared me in the comments saying. It was uncomfortable was it really bad?
2026-08-19 00:58:44
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Lauralei :
Is the sleeper train only that one direction? I’m in Michigan too, could you catch it going back to California? I wish trains went more places honestly 😭
2026-08-19 02:27:03
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Kathleen 🆘🇺🇸 :
Have you travelled on the VIA in Canada? I would love to know how it compares. I did the Toronto to Vancouver trip and loved it. Would do it again. I’ve done short trips on Amtrak and haven’t done a meal I like 30 years.
2026-08-19 00:58:20
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blueandwhite000 :
I highly recommend trying this once! I also just did a solo trip on Amtrak to Montana. People were super chatty at the dinners and in the observation car. I really appreciated the shower pace and it was mostly quiet. Far quieter than I expected. You should 100% expected delays but I wanted to just relax so I didn't care.
2026-08-19 01:53:35
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Stacy Constant505 :
So interesting !!! That train trip looks so much fun 🤩
2026-08-19 01:25:48
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Alix. Nicole :
Can you get a bathroom room
2026-08-19 02:43:06
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