Taking the train

Amtrak offers service to over 500 destinations across the country. Traveling by train affords many benefits from the moment you step on board. Lean back and stretch out in wide, comfortable seats and gaze at magnificent scenery of panoramic vistas, mountains, lakes and forests. Traveling by train means that you’ll arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready at your destination. Regardless of the season, there is plenty to see and do aboard an Amtrak train.

Nebraska is served by the California Zephyr with stops in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings Holdrege and McCook. The daily service operates from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago and stops in many locations such as Reno, Salt Lake City and Denver. The route takes passengers through some of the best scenery in the Rockies as well as some of the most productive farm regions in the country.

From Kansas City or Topeka, the Southwest Chief offers daily service to southeast Colorado, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles, as well as east to Chicago. The route also features spectacular scenery as it travels through the rich and varied history of New Mexico and Arizona. The Southwest Chief provides connections to the Grand Canyon Railway at Williams Junction, Ariz. The Grand Canyon Railway takes passengers direct to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Both trains feature bi-level Superliner equipment offering a variety of accommodations and services.

Enjoy a leisurely meal in the Lounge-Café. Lounge-Café cars feature carry-out style service with lighter fare such as sandwiches, snacks and beverages. The cars offer wide panoramic windows and comfortable, casual seating for sightseeing or socializing. In addition, the cars feature tables for writing and playing cards or other games.

Full-service Dining Cars on the California Zephyr and Southwest Chief offer complete sit-down meals in a restaurant setting, where one may choose from a selection of prepared entrees and desserts with a range of beverages to complement your meal.

Seating in Coach features wide, reclining, comfortable seats. Each seat has a fold-down tray table and individual reading light.

Both routes also feature available private sleeping car accommodations. The Roomette is ideal for one or two passengers and features an upper and lower berth. The Bedroom is a larger room with its own enclosed shower and lavatory. The Family Bedroom includes two adult-sized berths plus two smaller berths designed for young children. Lavatory facilities in Roomettes and Family Bedrooms are not located within the room but are available nearby, as is a public shower.

The lower level of coach is accessible to passengers who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments. In addition, a wheelchair-accessible lavatory is offered in coach. Each sleeping car features the Accessible Bedroom, which provides an upper and lower berth plus ample space for a wheelchair, in addition to its own sink and lavatory.

Whether your plans this fall call for a cross-country journey or a shorter distance trip, traveling by train is a relaxing way to travel.

Amtrak offers groups of 20 or more up to 20 percent off, depending on route and availability. In addition, passengers over 62 can save 15 percent. (Senior Discount applies to rail portion of travel only.) Up to two children ages 2–15 may accompany each paid adult at half the adult rail fare. Other restrictions may apply. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. For more information about Amtrak, please visit http://www.amtrak.com or call (800) USA-RAIL.

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