This 2,438-mile Train Route Is the Longest and Most Beautiful in the U.S.-and It Crosses Two-thirds of North America

"It's hard to separate the impact and the legacy of the railroad from the United States itself. According to the Association of American Railroads, there are over 140,000 miles of track in the U.S.-the most extensive rail network of any country in the world. But there's one passenger train route that outshines the rest in both scope and beauty: the California Zephyr."

"Amtrak's California Zephyr is the longest train route in the U.S., and stretches 2,438 miles between Chicago and the San Francisco suburb of Emeryville. During the ride, it passes through some of the most iconic stretches of the American West, traveling through the heart of the Rocky Mountains before continuing west through the Sierra Nevada. It's no surprise that it's considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the U.S."

"There is no Wi-Fi onboard, so passengers who need internet access should consider bringing their own hotspots. Since this is the longest passenger train route in the country, there are private sleeper cars with private roomettes and bedrooms, which can include complimentary meals in the dining car and access to lounges at major stations, depending on your ticket fare."

More than 140,000 miles of track form the United States' rail network, with one route standing out for scope and scenery. Amtrak's California Zephyr spans 2,438 miles between Chicago and Emeryville, traveling through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. The route serves Denver, Salt Lake City, and Sacramento, with bus connections to San Francisco from Emeryville. There is no onboard Wi-Fi, so passengers who need internet access should bring hotspots. Private sleeper cars offer roomettes and bedrooms, sometimes including dining-car meals and station lounge access depending on fare. Chicago's Union Station is the westbound departure point.

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