Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train route travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, stopping in eight states along the way. There’s nothing like a train trip through the American West to take you back in time. As you travel through the vast expanse, it’s all too easy to imagine a lone cowboy riding in the distance or a group of Natives rounding up a herd of buffalo. This nostalgic feeling is alive and well on the Amtrak Southwest Chief route, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles on a less-visited course.

The journey promises stunning landscape views not visible from interstate highways. Moreover, you can experience it all while enjoying breakfast or sipping a pre-dinner cocktail in the dining car. This is why many argue that train travel deserves a complete comeback.

Highlights on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Route

The Southwest Chief route travels in both directions, but let’s focus on highlights for the western-bound trip starting in Chicago. Not long after leaving the Windy City, you’ll cross the Mississippi River in Fort Madison, Iowa. From there, the train travels through Kansas City, Missouri, and Topeka, Kansas, before dipping into Colorado and heading south to New Mexico.

The shift into New Mexico marks the start of what is arguably the most scenic part of the trip. The train stops just south of Santa Fe (a mere 18 miles), before reaching Albuquerque, which was founded as a Spanish colony in 1706. The city is full of adobe buildings and the impressive Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which traces the area’s tribal history.

The train crosses the Continental Divide just west of Albuquerque, cutting through the great Navajo Nation and other Native American reservations. From there, it passes directly through Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, known for its colorful petrified wood and preserved petroglyphs. The train then travels into Flagstaff, which serves as a gateway to some of Arizona’s natural wonders, including Grand Canyon National Park (1.5 hours to the north) and the Sinagua cliff dwellings in Walnut Canyon National Monument (20 minutes to the east). Sedona with its iconic red cliffs is situated 50 minutes to the south.

After briefly dipping into the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the train crosses the Colorado River and enters California. Shortly afterward, the sprawl of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean come into view. The route traverses the San Gabriel Mountains, reaching San Bernardino, then Riverside and Anaheim before finally arriving at Los Angeles Union Station.

Sleeping and Seating on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Route

The Amtrak Southwest Chief route takes more than 40 hours and includes two overnights, providing passengers with various seating and sleeping options. Coach class includes wide, reclining seats with ample legroom, dining trays, no middle seat, and electrical outlets.

The next tier, the Superliner Roomette, offers two seats that convert into beds with bedding, pillows, and towels. Roomette guests receive a dedicated first-class attendant, complimentary meals, priority boarding, and lounge access. Plus, there’s a bathroom and shower in each car.

The Superliner Bedroom is a first-class offering with double the space of a Roomette. This accommodation provides a sofa and chair that transform into beds, along with all the amenities of a Roomette—plus a private in-room sink, bathroom, and shower.

The next tier, the Superliner Bedroom Suite, accommodates up to four people with double the space of a Superliner Bedroom, featuring two adjoining rooms and additional in-room sinks, bathrooms, and showers. It includes all Roomette and Bedroom amenities, such as linens, a dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, and all-inclusive meals.

Furthermore, there are Superliner Family Bedrooms and Accessible Bedrooms aboard the Southwest Chief.

Dining on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Route

Dining is a true experience aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route. Guests with private rooms (Superliner Roomettes and up) can visit the dining car for three chef-prepared meals a day, including a three-course dinner served on white linen tablecloths with glassware and cutlery. The first alcoholic drink is included, and those preferring to dine in their sleeping car can opt for complimentary room service. Additionally, a selection of kid-friendly items is also available. The Southwest Chief route provides cafe service as well, featuring meals, snacks, and beverages available for purchase for all guests, including those in coach class.

Perks on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Route

On the Southwest Chief route, you can check your bags for free. Small dogs and cats are welcome, subject to some restrictions. As you approach the route’s most iconic landscapes, make your way to the Sightseer Lounge for the best views. It’s important to note that the Southwest Chief does not offer Wi-Fi, and cell service can be spotty.