Amtrak routes with sleeper cars

Posted on by Travel Guide
Lake Shore Limited Viewliner Sleeper Car

Planning an overnight Amtrak trip? Sleeper cars make long-distance train travel comfortable, private, and ideal for solo travelers, families, or anyone seeking a relaxing cross-country rail adventure. Whether you’re winding through the Rockies on the California Zephyr, gliding along the Pacific coast on the Coast Starlight, or heading south to Florida on the Silver Meteor, these trains offer roomettes and bedrooms with real beds, complimentary meals, and in some cases, private bathrooms.

See the complete list of Amtrak routes with sleeper cars below, along with details on scenic highlights and travel tips to help you book the best sleeper experience for your next rail journey. Be sure to also view room descriptions, amenities and occupancy limits to choose the best accommodations for your trip.

This site is reader-supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission via links on this page —at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more guides!

Auto Train

The Auto Train runs non-stop between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, providing a unique way to travel with your vehicle. Sleeper accommodations include roomettes and bedrooms on two levels, plus a family bedroom on the lower level. For other ways to travel to and from the Sunshine State, check out all the Florida Amtrak routes.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: 17 hours (one night on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomette, bedroom, family bedroom)
  • Scenery highlights: Virginia countryside, St. Johns River
  • Best for: Travel with your car or other approved vehicles

Travel Tips

  • From Sanford, you can drive less than two hours to reach St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Orlando, Universal Studios, and Disney World.
  • Lorton is only a 22-minute drive from Alexandria, Virginia, which is a gateway to Washington DC (with less traffic). You can also drive to Shenandoah National Park in about 1.5 hours.
  • Holiday Inn Express Lorton is the closest hotel to the Lorton Station.
  • Choose from many hotels in Sanford if you need a nearby place to stay.

California Zephyr

One of the most scenic Amtrak routes, California Zephyr trains travel between Northern California and Chicago via the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. This two-level train has sleeping accommodations on two levels and the option to book a family bedroom. View the 10 best stops on the California Zephyr route worth planning a trip around.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: 52-53 hours (two nights on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomette, bedroom, family bedroom)
  • Scenery highlights: Rocky Mountains, Colorado River, Sierra Nevada
  • Popular stops: Chicago, Denver, Winter Park, Glenwood Springs, Salt Lake City, Reno
  • Best for: Scenic cross-country travel and first-time sleeper passengers

Travel Tips

  • For the most scenic section of the trip, travel between Denver and California.
  • You can start or end your journey in San Francisco, but this involves a bus transfer.
  • Sacramento is a great place to start or end your trip (as an alternate to Emeryville). It’s a better city for sightseeing and the Sacramento International Airport is a short drive away.
  • Guided day trips to the Rocky Mountains are available in Denver (transportation included).
  • If you have limited time, travel from Denver to Glenwood Springs (six hours). Stay at least one night in Glenwood Springs and return to Denver on a following day. Hotel Maxwell Anderson is conveniently across the street from the station or for hot spring pool access, book a stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

Cardinal

The Cardinal runs between New York City and Chicago, offering one of the most scenic long-distance rail journeys in the eastern United States. Along the way, the train passes through West Virginia’s dramatic New River Gorge, the rolling landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, and the historic towns of the Shenandoah Valley. Because it travels to and from Manhattan, the Cardinal uses single-level cars to fit in tunnels.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: 27.5 hours (one night on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Viewliner (Roomettes, bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, New River Gorge
  • Popular stops: New York City, Washington D.C., Charleston (WV), Indianapolis, Chicago
  • Best for: Overnight mountain journey, fall foliage, visiting New River Gorge National Park

Travel Tips

  • Because the Cardinal only runs three times a week, you’ll need to select appropriate travel dates to view ticket options.
  • Exit in Charleston, West Virginia to rent a car and drive to the New River Gorge National Park.
  • Exit in Staunton, Virginia to visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.
  • The Greenbrier Resort is a historic luxury retreat next to the White Sulphur Springs Station. There are many activities and mountain views.
  • To shorten the trip, travel between Chicago and Alexandria, Washington D.C. or Baltimore. Alexandria is close to DCA airport and Baltimore is near BWI airport.

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight is a stunning West Coast route running between Seattle and Los Angeles. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains. Sleeper accommodations span two levels, including the option of a family bedroom on the lower level. Explore the 10 best stops on the Coast Starlight to plan your journey and discover must-see destinations.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: 34 hours (one night on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomette, bedroom, family bedroom)
  • Scenery highlights: Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountains, Mount Shasta, lush forests
  • Popular stops: Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
  • Best for: West Coast scenic travel, wine lovers (stop in Paso Robles), nature lovers (multiple national parks near stations)

Travel Tips

  • Book tickets to Klamath Falls to reach Crater Lake National Park.
  • Explore Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the coast with guided day trips from Portland.
  • Visit national parks, waterfalls and other scenic destinations with guided day trips from Seattle.
  • The Van Nuys Station is a 20-minute drive away from the Hollywood Burbank Airport, making it a convenient way to connect with the Coast Starlight.
  • Travel northbound in the summer from California for the best views and scenery.

Crescent

The Crescent connects New Orleans with New York City, with trains stopping in college towns and iconic Southern cities like Atlanta. It isn’t the most scenic route, but there are charming views of rivers, pine forests and bayous. And if you depart from New Orleans, you’ll also have amazing views of Lake Pontchartrain.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: 32.5 hours (one night on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Viewliner (Roomettes and bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian foothills, Lake Pontchartrain
  • Popular stops: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans
  • Best for: Southern U.S. travel and New Orleans trips

Travel Tips

  • University of Virginia is next to the Charlottesville train station.
  • University of Alabama is near the Tuscaloosa train station.
  • The Gainesville, Georgia stop is a short drive away from Lake Lanier.
  • Laurel, Mississippi has a revitalized downtown and HGTV filming locations near the train station. Look for downtown vacation rentals that you can walk to.
  • Unfortunately, trains are in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina overnight, making it more challenging to visit destinations in these states.

Empire Builder

The Empire Builder travels between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest with stops near Glacier National Park. Choose from accommodations on two levels, including family bedrooms on the lower level. Explore the 10 best stops on the Empire Builder to learn more about the route.

Route Overview

Travel Tips

  • To see the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River in daylight, travel eastbound.
  • The most scenic segment by far is between the Pacific Northwest and Montana.
  • A shorter trip option is to travel from Portland or Seattle to the East Glacier Park Station. You can walk to the historic Glacier Park Lodge for accommodations and access to shuttles and park tours.
  • Whitefish is a charming ski town with a free shuttle to ski resorts. There are also guided day trips to Glacier National Park if you don’t want to rent a car.
  • Travel to West Glacier for lodging, food, shuttles into the park and a scenic river float trip.
  • If you want to see the Columbia River Gorge, start or end your trip in Portland.
  • If you want to see Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, start or end in Seattle.

Floridian

Trains on the Floridian route (a combination of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star routes) travel between Chicago and Miami, passing through the Midwest, Southeast, and Florida. Along the way, it stops at popular destinations like West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale — all perfect for a winter beach getaway. Or exit the train in Orlando or Kissimmee to reach theme parks.

Route Overview

Travel Tips

  • If you are traveling to Miami, you can also book your ticket to the historic Hollywood Amtrak Station. It’s about the same distance away from downtown Miami and Miami Beach as the Miami Station (plus you’ll get off the train faster).
  • If you’re heading to Disney World, you can exit the train at either the Orlando or Kissimmee Station — both are about 35-minute car ride away. Get off at the first station you encounter to speed up your journey (or if you want to avoid interstate driving and potential Orlando traffic, Kissimmee Station is the better option, especially if you are staying near Animal Kingdom).

Lake Shore Limited

Travel between the Midwest and the East Coast near the Great Lakes on the Lake Shore Limited. Chicago, New York City and Boston are the end-of-the-line stations, and there are beautiful views of the Hudson River if you travel to or from Manhattan. Sleeping accommodations are available between select cities.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: ~22-28 hours (one night on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Viewliner (Roomettes and bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: Hudson River Valley, rolling hills in the Berkshires
  • Popular stops: New York City, Boston, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago
  • Best for: Fall foliage trips, visiting Niagara Falls

Travel Tips

  • Travel to the Buffalo-Depew Station to reach Niagara Falls.
  • You can transfer to trains heading to Maine in Boston.
  • The Hudson River Valley is stunning all year long, but especially in the fall. You’ll need to start or end your trip in New York City or the charming town of Hudson to view the scenery.
  • You might be able to catch views of the historic Erie Canal on eastbound between May and August when there is more daylight (trains pass by early in the morning).

Silver Meteor

Trains on the Silver Meteor route travel between New York City and Miami daily. While it isn’t known for dramatic scenery, it’s a great vacation train, vintage rail experience, or a convenient alternative if your flight along a similar route is canceled.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: ~28 hours (one night on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Viewliner (Roomettes and bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: Potomac and James rivers, historic towns, Florida’s countryside
  • Popular stops: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami
  • Best for: Easy overnight travel to or from Florida

Travel Tips

  • Once you’re in South Florida, Brightline and Tri-Rail trains offer frequent service between cities.
  • Trains on the Palmetto route stop at some of the same stations and may offer better arrival/departure times. But the Palmetto does not have a sleeper car and trains only travel as far south as Charleston, SC.
  • If you are traveling to Miami, we recommend exiting at the historic Hollywood Amtrak Station. It’s about the same distance away from downtown Miami and Miami Beach as the Miami Station (plus you’ll get off the train faster).
  • Exit at the Orlando or Kissimmee stations for Disney World. Kissimmee is a good option if you’re staying near Animal Kingdom and want a small-town atmosphere after getting off the train.

Southwest Chief

The Southwest Chief provides service between Chicago and Los Angeles via the New Mexico desert. Along the route, you can explore charming towns, historic sites, and natural wonders, whether it’s Albuquerque’s Old Town, Flagstaff’s proximity to the Grand Canyon, or Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City. View the 10 best attractions along the Southwest Chief route to learn more.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: 43 hours (two nights on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: New Mexico desert, Raton Pass (Sangre de Cristo Mountains)
  • Popular stops: Chicago, Kansas City, Dodge City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Los Angeles
  • Best for: Beautiful desert scenery, Grand Canyon visits, Old West and Native American history

Travel Tips

  • Consider planning your trip around the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October.
  • Book a guided day trip in Flagstaff to reach the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and other natural wonders. Flagstaff is also a dark sky city, making the star gazing amazing.
  • The La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona is a beautiful and historic place to stay. It’s a great way to break up your Southwest Chief journey for a night or more.

Sunset Limited

Sunset Limited trains travel between Los Angeles and New Orleans through Texas and the Arizona desert. There are sleeping accommodations on two levels. For trip ideas, view the 10 attractions along the Sunset Limited route worth planning a trip around.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: ~46 hours (two nights on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: Southwestern deserts, distant mountain ranges
  • Popular stops: New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix, Los Angeles
  • Best for: Visiting historic attractions, warm weather journey in the winter

Travel Tips

  • Trains operate three days per week, so you may need to select various travel dates to find fares for the Sunset Limited.
  • For a shorter trip, travel between New Orleans and San Antonio for sightseeing in both cities (travel time is about 15 hours).
  • Tuscon is a great place to rent a car so you can visit Saguaro National Park.
  • Maricopa is the stop for Phoenix, but it is 30 miles away from the city center. We recommend getting a Lyft or Uber ride to reach the city. There is also a bus transfer if you select Phoenix as your final destination.
  • If you want to visit Palm Springs, select the Palm Springs Spa Resort Casino Station as your final destination when booking your tickets, which includes a bus transfer to downtown Palm Springs. Hotels closest to the bus stop (in easy walking distance) are Andreas Hotel & Spa, Hilton Palm Springs and Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. Trains unfortunately arrive late at night or overnight, so let your hotel know in advance.

Texas Eagle

Texas Eagle trains travel between Chicago and Los Angeles via Texas. The route is combined with the Sunset Limited between San Antonio and L.A., making it Amtrak’s longest route.

Route Overview

  • Travel time: ~62-65 hours (three nights on the train)
  • Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms)
  • Scenery highlights: Mississippi River, Texas Hill Country, deserts
  • Popular stops: Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Tucson, Phoenix, L.A.
  • Best for: Texas travel, Ozark Mountain getaways, specific route segments

Travel Tips

  • Austin is a great place to visit in the spring and fall for outdoor activities and live music.
  • You can travel between Dallas and Austin in about 6.5 hours, which is a great beginner train trip and option for exploring the sights in both cities. See the best things to do in Dallas and Austin.
  • Little Rock is at the edge of the Ozark Mountains. Rent a car there to explore the area.
  • Book a ticket to Springfield, IL for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln home and Lincoln tomb.

More Information

Top photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons (Viewliner sleeper car)

Last updated November 2025