All of Amtrak’s overnight, long-distance routes have sleeper cars with private rooms. These accommodations feature real beds and complimentary meals, plus bedrooms have private bathrooms. Even if you aren’t spending the night on the train, these amenities make long train trips more comfortable.
This guide highlights the Amtrak routes with sleeper cars along with route scenery and popular destinations so you can pick the trip that’s best for you.
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Sleeper Car Routes: Quick Guide
| Route | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Auto Train | Virginia-Florida route that requires transporting a vehicle. |
| California Zephyr | Stunning Amtrak route with travel through mountains and canyons |
| Cardinal | Trains travel through the scenic New River Gorge in West Virginia |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago-New Orleans route with stops in Memphis and Jackson |
| Coast Starlight | Beautiful West Coast route with views of the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains |
| Crescent | New York City-New Orleans route with stops in Atlanta and college towns |
| Empire Builder | Scenic route that travels between the Pacific Northwest and Chicago with multiple stops near Glacier National Park |
| Floridian | Temporary Chicago-Miami train (Capitol Limited and Silver Star combined) |
| Lake Shore Limited | Trains travel between Chicago and the East Coast, with beautiful scenery in the Hudson River Valley via a NYC arrival or departure |
| Silver Meteor | East Coast train that travels to and from Florida |
| Southwest Chief | Colorado mountain and New Mexico desert views with a stop near the Grand Canyon |
| Sunset Limited | New Orleans-Los Angeles route |
| Texas Eagle | Long route that connects Chicago and Los Angeles via Texas |
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.
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
California Zephyr
One of the most scenic Amtrak routes, the California Zephyr offers views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. Trains are two-levels tall and you have the option to book a family bedroom. View the 10 best stops on the California Zephyr route to get ideas of places to visit along the way.
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
Cardinal
Trains on the Cardinal route travel between New York City and Chicago, with dramatic New River Gorge views in West Virginia. It’s one of the most scenic Amtrak routes on the East Coast, and there’s the option to visit the New River Gorge National Park.
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
City of New Orleans
The City of New Orleans route connects major music and food cities in the central United States. Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans are the popular stops, and the entire journey only requires one night on the train.
Route Overview
- Travel time: 19.5 hours (one night on the train)
- Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomettes, bedrooms)
- Scenery highlights: Lake Pontchartrain
- Popular stops: New Orleans, Jackson, Memphis, Chicago
- Best for: New Orleans and Memphis trips
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. 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)
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 have 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
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 time: 45-46 hours (two nights on the train)
- Sleeper car type: Superliner (Roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms)
- Scenery highlights: Mississippi River, Great Plains, Montana Rocky Mountains, Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound
- Popular stops: Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis–St. Paul, Whitefish, Portland, Seattle
- Best for: Visiting Glacier National Park, rugged mountain scenery, ski trips
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, trains stops at popular vacation 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 time: 46.5 hours (two nights on the train)
- Sleeper car type: Viewliner (Roomettes and bedrooms)
- Popular stops: Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami
- Best for: Overnight travel to or from Florida
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
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
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, the Grand Canyon (via Flagstaff), 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
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, winter trips
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
More Information
- 5 best Amtrak sleeper car routes
- 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
- Amtrak routes with observation cars
- Amtrak trains with family bedrooms
- 8 best Amtrak cross-country trips
- 7 things to pack for an Amtrak trip
Top photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons (Viewliner sleeper car)
Last updated November 2025
US Train Travel Guide 