skip to Content skip to Navigation

Southwest Chief

  • Chicago
  • Kansas City
  • Albuquerque
  • Flagstaff
  • Los Angeles
40+ hours Daily Departure

Take in the grandeur of the American West on an adventure between Chicago and Los Angeles. The Southwest Chief runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, through the vast expanse of the fabled American West. You'll be mesmerized by this region's beauty and allure. We'll take you across the mighty Mississippi through eight states — past wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos, mountains and deserts. Carving through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, you'll see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from interstate highways.

Schedule

Southwest Chief

Onboard the Southwest Chief, enjoy Superliner Sleeping and Dining Car accommodations and spectacular views from our renowned Sightseer Lounge.

See the Majestic Grand Canyon

Arrive just steps away from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, with Thruway bus connections to the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, AZ. On this century-old railway, you'll be entertained by cowboys, musicians and a mock early 1900s-style train robbery.

Getaway to Santa Fe

The Lamy Shuttle Service meets Southwest Chief trains daily for an easy ride to Santa Fe hotels. Return service to Lamy is also provided. Advance reservations are required.

Features & Amenities

Amenities vary by train.

Dining Options

Meals on This Train

Eastbound: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch
Westbound: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Sample Menus

Downloadable menus are updated regularly, but menu items and prices are subject to change and may be different from what is available onboard.

Take your small dog or cat along with you on the train. Before you go, learn more about the types of pets allowed, pet reservations and fares, approved pet carriers and additional details.
 

Route Highlights

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago - Union StationFeature area content link

From the grandeur of Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain to iconic museums and skyscrapers, see for yourself why Chicago was once dubbed “Paris on the Prairie.” Engage in retail therapy on the Magnificent Mile or root for the home team within the friendly confines of famed Wrigley Field.

Chicago will satisfy whatever you hunger for, from hot dogs and deep dish to culture and comedy.

Route Highlights

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City - Union Station Feature area content link

Discover 19th century Americana at the Arabia Steamboat Museum and 20h century sacrifice at the National World War I Museum. Visit the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District where the American Jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball Museums invite you to see American culture and sport in a whole new light.

Hit the Power and Light District for an energetic mix of shops, bars, restaurants and live entertainment.

Route Highlights

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Wander amid musicians and artisans on the colorful streets of Old Town and shade yourself in the shadow of the 1793 Church of San Felipe de Neri. Soak up the sights, sounds and tastes of the native peoples at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Discover thousands of carved images at Petroglyph National Monument and watch the sky blossom with color during the International Balloon Fiesta.

Route Highlights

Flagstaff, Arizona

Look up to star gaze at the Lowell Observatory or head downhill on the slopes of the Snowbowl. Explore ancient pueblos at the Wupatki National Monument. Get your kicks exploring Route 66 nostalgia or set off on a modern ale trail.

Hike and bike amid ponderosa pines or simply breath deep and ponder the natural wonders that stretch out in every direction.

Route Highlights

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles - Union Station Feature area content link

What trip to California would be complete without a stop in Tinseltown? Shop with the stars along Rodeo Drive or head to the beaches of Malibu for some serious people watching. For family fun, head out to the historic Santa Monica Pier or the mecca of amusement, Disneyland.

If culture is what you’re after, don’t miss the world-renowned collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Immerse yourself in the stunning geography and iconic images of an old Western. Watch the sun rise over the Grand Canyon and set on Sedona’s red cliffs. Discover nature’s breathtaking artistry in the Painted Desert. Retrace the Santa Fe Trail. Glide past expansive plains and cross the Continental Divide to reach the glistening waters of the Pacific.

“This landscape is animate: it moves, transposes, builds, proceeds, shifts, always going on, never coming back…” — Ann Zwinger

Forgot Password?

Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~

Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. We will send password reset instructions.

An email with password reset instructions is on the way.

Question 1 of 2

Question 1 of 2

Question 2 of 2

Question 2 of 2

That answer wasn’t correct either. We’ve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead.

Password was reset successfully.
Continue as Signed In Sign Out

Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more.

JOIN NOW
Guest Rewards