Avoid flying when taking the Colorado Zephyr train from Denver to the San Francisco Bay Area. The California Zephyr runs through the Rockies, follows the Colorado River, crosses the Utah and Nevada deserts and finishes with a crossing of the Sierra Nevada. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of amazing scenic views.

Once you arrive in Emeryville, you will need to take a connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to the Bay Area and San Francisco.

We can help you book your trip and find the best available fare. We can also help with choosing the right day to travel, seat or room. Call us at [YOUR PHONE NUMBER].

Quick Facts: Denver to Emeryville by Train

Detail	Information
Train name	California Zephyr
Departure station	Denver Union Station (DEN)
Arrival station	Emeryville, California (EMY)
Travel time	Roughly 32 to 34 hours (about 1 night on board)
Distance	About 1,400 miles
Frequency	Daily
Seat and room types	Coach seat, Roomette, Bedroom, Family Bedroom, Accessible Bedroom
On board	Dining car, Sightseer Lounge car, café, power outlets, limited Wi-Fi

Why Take the Train from Denver to Emeryville?

1. One of the best scenic routes in the country. Zephyr passengers get to experience the beauty of places such as the Moffat Tunnel, Gore Canyon, Glenwood Canyon, Ruby Canyon, the Great Salt Lake region, Nevada high desert and Donner Pass. Many of these places cannot be accessed from the highway.

2. Better seating. Coach seats give passengers more legroom than seats on a plane, and passengers can walk around, visit the lounge car and stretch anytime they want.

3. Less Stress. Passengers don’t have to go through security, and there are no tight connections or flight baggage fees.

4. Sleep on board. Passengers can book a room in a sleeper car, and the travel time becomes a hotel stay.

5. Sightseer Lounge car. Passengers can get pictures of mountains, rivers and canyons through the giant windows.

6. Lessen your environmental impact. Generally, train travel produces a lower passenger emission impact than flying.

Denver to Emeryville Train Route and Major Stops

The California Zephyr runs west from Denver with the following stops:

•  Denver, Colorado (starting point)
• Fraser–Winter Park, Colorado (ski country)
• Granby, Colorado
• Glenwood Springs, Colorado (hot springs and Glenwood Canyon)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
• Green River, Utah
• Helper, Utah
• Provo, Utah
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Elko, Nevada
• Winnemucca, Nevada
• Reno, Nevada
• Truckee-Lake Tahoe, California (gateway to Lake Tahoe)
• Colfax and Roseville, California
• Sacramento, California
• Davis, California
• Martinez and Richmond, California
• Emeryville, California (final stop)

Not all stops on the line accept all passengers, and stops may vary, so check your tickets before departure.

Scenic Highlights You Will See

Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel (Colorado): The train leaves Denver, climbs, passes through the Moffat Tunnel, and then begins its descent into the Fraser Valley.

Gore Canyon and Colorado River: The river and train carry on their journeys through remote, roadless canyon country.

Glenwood Canyon: Canyon walls, cliffs and the river are dramatically close to the train.

Ruby Canyon and Utah Desert: Dramatic desert and canyon country, and outstanding sunsets.

Nevada: Basin-and-range country, and remote, open desert.

Sierra Nevada and Donner Pass: Desolate and majestic country; views of the Sierra (and Lassen) and Lake Tahoe country before the descent to the Bay Area.

Denver to Emeryville Train Ticket Prices

Prices change with demand. Generally, the earlier you book, the better the price.  Seats and rooms can impact price as well. See chart for an estimate.

Accommodation	Best For	What You Get
Coach Seat	Budget travelers, solo travelers	Large reclining seat, extra legroom, footrest, power outlet
Roomette	Solo travelers, couples	Private room with two seats that convert to beds, with meals included
Bedroom	Couples, extra comfort	More space, private toilet and shower in the room, with meals included
Family Bedroom	Families with children	Large room that sleeps two adults and two children

How to get lower fares:

• BOOK EARLY. Book your tickets well in advance. Usually, fares go up with rising demand.
•  TRAVEL OFF-PEAK. Travel during off-peak months (fall and winter, except for the holidays). Travel during the week.
•  SAVE MONEY. Save money with a coach seat.
•  OTHER DISCOUNTS: Discounts may be available for seniors, children, students, veterans, and groups.

Coach vs. Sleeper: Which Should You Choose?

Because you’ll spend one night on the ship, your choice is important on this trip.

Choose Coach if:

• You are looking to save money.
• You’d be OK with a reclining seat, with a pillow and blanket, if it meant saving money.
• You are looking for the absolute lowest price.

Choose a Roomette or Bedroom if:

• You want to lie flat and get a real night’s sleep.
• You want to be locked in your room and have a private bathroom.
• You want food in the dining car to be included.
• You are celebrating a special occasion and want a nicer experience (anniversary, honeymoon, etc.).

Best Time to Travel from Denver to Emeryville by Train

Season	What to Expect
Summer (June-August)	Long daylight hours, green mountains, warm weather, higher fares
Fall (September-October)	Golden aspens in Colorado, comfortable weather, fewer crowds
Winter (December-February)	Snow-covered Rockies and Sierra, lower fares in off-peak weeks, possible weather delays
Spring (March-May)	Mild weather, rivers running high, moderate fares

Travelers love the changing of the aspen trees in the fall and the scenic views of snowy mountains in the winter, and they are prepared to face possible delays for these.

Getting from Emeryville to San Francisco

Across the bay from San Francisco is Emeryville. Amtrak offers Thruway bus connection service from Emeryville to San Francisco (Ferry Building area). You can also get to San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley via local transit, taxi, or ride-share. For further travel to San Francisco, mention this during your booking, and we can provide the best itinerary.

What to Pack for Your Train Trip

• Wear comfortable clothes and layers to adjust to the temperature changes on the train.
• Bring a neck pillow and a light blanket (especially for coach).
• Bring a phone charger and power bank.
• Bring headphones.
• Bring books and/or movies (downloaded).
• Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle.
• Bring a camera for the mountain and canyon views.
• Bring medication and toiletries.
• Bring a Photo ID for boarding.

Tips for a Better Trip

• We’ll help you pick the side of the train with the best views. Views can vary depending on which direction the train is going. Ask which side is best for your travel date.
•  Download offline content. Cell phone signal can be weak in canyons and desert areas.
•  Arrive early to Denver Union Station. Give yourself enough time to check in and drop off your bags.
•  Keep valuables on you. Put important documents, medications, chargers and other important items in your own small bag.
•  Be prepared for delays. Long-distance trains can be really behind schedule, so don’t schedule important things on the same day you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the train from Denver to Emeryville take?

The train takes approximately 32-34 hours, with one night on the train. Times can vary slightly with different schedules.

Is there a direct train from Denver to Emeryville?

Yes. The California Zephyr goes through Denver and continues on to Emeryville without a connection.

Is Emeryville near San Francisco?

Yes. There is an Amtrak Thruway Bus that connects the Emeryville station to San Francisco.

How much are train tickets from Denver to Emeryville?

Prices change with date and seat type. The most inexpensive seat is in coach, and the sleeper rooms are more expensive, but include meals. Call to find out the exact prices.

Is the train cheaper than flying from Denver to San Francisco?

The train is actually not that much more expensive than flying, and with baggage fees and other expenses, flying can add up quickly. The main factor to think about with the train is that the sleeper rooms replace the cost of a hotel.

Are meals included?

Meals are provided for sleeper passengers. Coach passengers can purchase meals at the café or dining car.

Can I sleep on the train?

Yes. Seats on the train are recliners and are designed with a footrest. Sleeper rooms are provided with a proper bed.

Is there Wi-Fi on the train?

Wi-Fi is limited and is not always available, especially while the train is traveling through canyons.

Can I bring luggage?

Yes. Passengers are permitted to carry-on and checked luggage within the restrictions provided by the railroad. Check the baggage policy before you travel.

Can I change or cancel my ticket?

The rules for changing or cancelling a ticket depend on the fare you purchase. Before you book, call to see what your options are.

Do you help groups, seniors and travelers with disabilities?

 Yes. Call [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] for assistance.