SWC or CZ?

Hi, I am looking for some advice please.

I have a booking for the SWC in November and I managed to get a bedroom on the SWC however I wonder if I have now made a mistake and should have booked to ride the CZ?

My journey starts in NYC where I shall travel on The Cardinal and connect in Chicago to the SWC, however as I am visiting from Scotland I am thinking should I have travelled on the CZ instead.

If anyone can please suggest what would be the best option as I can change the reservation to the CZ although it shall be a roomette rather than a bedroom.

Look forward to hearing your suggestions and thoughts on this.

Thank you

The Zephyr is more scenic. The SW Chief is fine for scenery, with Raton and Glorietta Passes and the red rock country near Gallup. It is one of my favorite trains.

But the Zephyr spends all day in the Rockies and the canyons of the Western Slope, then the next morning in California's Sierra Nevada. It is one of the most scenic train trips in the world.

As a solo traveler, I find roomettes just fine and travel in bedrooms pretty infrequently. Two people in a roomette that are unfamiliar with them is a different matter.

But no toilet nor sink in Superliner roomettes; there's one restroom on the upper level and 3 more downstairs. Also, there's virtually no floor space at all when the bed is set up. Just so you know.

I think you'll find that most people seem to think the westbound CZ is the most scenic route in the Amtrak network. I certainly loved it. I have not take the SW Chief yet, but will at the end of this month (also westbound). I'm looking forward to it. I think you will enjoy either, especially since you indicated you liked the Texas Eagle in your introductory post on this forum. I would go with which ever fits into your overall plans for your US visit. Do you have enough time to do a loop? CZ Chicago to Emeryville - Emeryville to LA on the Coast Starlight - and then LA back to Chicago on the SW Chief? I'm doing that loop at the end of the month in the reverse direction.

I have ridden all of the long distance Amtrak routes as well as the Canadian. The Zephyr is by far my favorite. Only regularly scheduled train id rate above it is the Anchorage to Seward train in Alaska.

Definitely ride the zephyr if you can!

joelkfla said:

But no toilet nor sink in Superliner roomettes; there's one restroom on the upper level and 3 more downstairs. Also, there's virtually no floor space at all when the bed is set up. Just so you know.

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Hi, thanks for the info it is greatly appreciated. When I was on the Texas Eagle I was in a roomette between San Antonio and Chicago and I loved it. Whilst I did spend a lot of time in the Sightseer Lounge, I did find the roomette comfortable enough.

crescent-zephyr said:

I have ridden all of the long distance Amtrak routes as well as the Canadian. The Zephyr is by far my favorite. Only regularly scheduled train id rate above it is the Anchorage to Seward train in Alaska.

Definitely ride the zephyr if you can!

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Thank you so much, I think I shall be calling Amtrak and requesting a change from the SWC to the Zephyr. No matter what though I am really looking forward to my upcoming trips on Amtrak.

PaunchyPirate said:

I think you'll find that most people seem to think the westbound CZ is the most scenic route in the Amtrak network. I certainly loved it. I have not take the SW Chief yet, but will at the end of this month (also westbound). I'm looking forward to it. I think you will enjoy either, especially since you indicated you liked the Texas Eagle in your introductory post on this forum. I would go with which ever fits into your overall plans for your US visit. Do you have enough time to do a loop? CZ Chicago to Emeryville - Emeryville to LA on the Coast Starlight - and then LA back to Chicago on the SW Chief? I'm doing that loop at the end of the month in the reverse direction.

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Thank you for the suggestion PaunchyPirate, I would love to have done this however sadly I just don't have enough time as visiting Texas and NYC on this trip and trying to catch up with family whilst over. If I didn't have the Cardinal at the start of my trip then this could well have been possible however I have always wanted to travel on the Cardinal for some reason however it has always been a challenge to be able to get a reservation on it. One thing for sure though is I am really looking forward to my trip.

zephyr17 said:

The Zephyr is more scenic. The SW Chief is fine for scenery, with Raton and Glorietta Passes and the red rock country near Gallup. It is one of my favorite trains.

But the Zephyr spends all day in the Rockies and the canyons of the Western Slope, then the next morning in California's Sierra Nevada. It is one of the most scenic train trips in the world.

As a solo traveler, I find roomettes just fine and travel in bedrooms pretty infrequently. Two people in a roomette that are unfamiliar with them is a different matter.

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Thank you so much for the info it is greatly appreciated. One thing for sure if I am unable to get booked onto the Zephyr then I shall still be happy on the SW Chief.

While The California Zephyr is a more scenic route in terms of mountains and dramatic landscape, you might find the Southwest Chief more interesting. If you are from Scotland you know what dramatic scenery can be as in yoour Highlands and I suspect you may have seen the Alps a time or two. If so the SWC will offer something far different with red bluffs, desert, and high plains. It’s a pretty unique landscape and not something you can find in Europe. But you can’t go wrong with either choice.

I haven’t done the Chief yet, but look forward to when I do.

The CZ was one of the greatest train trips I’ve ever been on. It’s incredible scenery for most of the trip. And Denver is a super cool place to stop in the morning.

CA Zephyr is the better choice for scenery if it sticks to the schedule. I don't think you'll be disappointed. First day out of Chicago is large open fields of Midwestern USA, but then grab a seat in the Sightseer Lounge Car while the train is at Denver Union Station, as you'll want to be seated there as the train ascends through the Rockies for the entire day to Salt Lake City. Next day - again - head to the Sightseer Lounge (before or at Reno if relatively on-time), and get a seat for travelling over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Getting a seat in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge by the time you depart Denver and Reno (Westbound) is KEY! You'll break for lunch in the Diner, but should be able to find seats afterwards in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge. Course, the train is also down in its capacity (no second or third sleeper, no third coach, etc.), so it may be less demanding in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge Car.

When getting a roomette, I recommend the "upper deck" rooms 3 through 8 are typically the best in the regular Superliner Sleeper. Room 2 is ok - but closer to the bathroom and could be a bit disturbing, but definitely doable. Roomettes 9 and 10 are next to the door that goes to the adjacent Superliner passenger car (and more overtop of the trucks - wheels). I've always been OK with roomettes 9 and 10, but some people have it lower on their preference. Not a fan of the lower level sleepers (rooms 11 through 14), but if there's no other space available, I am sure it will do the the trick. If you are assigned roomettes 17 and above, you'll be in the Superliner Trans-Dorm Sleeper (crew sleeper). Again, I don't have an issue being here, but some do. CA Zephyr is a hard train to book a "through sleeper" on - from Chicago "all the way" to Emeryville. I'd still take whatever roomette you can get, as the scenery is worth it, and you'll largely be between the Diner and Sightseer Lounge during the day, then roomette for sleeping at night. Just bring earphones or something to block out the train horn and noise as needed.

When booking sleeper space, I always talk to an agent via phone. I am sure they hate me by the time I book my trips due to looking at options and trying to get the bedroom or roomette space I want. But they charge enough, so why not get what I want/prefer if possible. As I've gotten older - for the longer trips (two nights or two full day trips) I've been booking a bedroom if I can get it! But if travelling solo, roomette is certainly doable. Two people in a roomette - can be a bit challenging, especially with age.........

Happy travelling!!!

Palmland said:

While The California Zephyr is a more scenic route in terms of mountains and dramatic landscape, you might find the Southwest Chief more interesting. If you are from Scotland you know what dramatic scenery can be as in yoour Highlands and I suspect you may have seen the Alps a time or two. If so the SWC will offer something far different with red bluffs, desert, and high plains. It’s a pretty unique landscape and not something you can find in Europe. But you can’t go wrong with either choice.

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Thank you for this Palmland, you have certainly given me food for thought here. Yes, even though I live in Glasgow only thirty minutes away we have Loch Lomond and several hills and then of course the famous West Highland Line which is known as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. As you rightly mention I have also travelled through the Alps and all of the beauty that they bring so the SWC could be the best option. Decisions, decisions however I know no matter what I shall very much enjoy my trip no matter which train I travel on.

JP1822 said:

CA Zephyr is the better choice for scenery if it sticks to the schedule. I don't think you'll be disappointed. First day out of Chicago is large open fields of Midwestern USA, but then grab a seat in the Sightseer Lounge Car while the train is at Denver Union Station, as you'll want to be seated there as the train ascends through the Rockies for the entire day to Salt Lake City. Next day - again - head to the Sightseer Lounge (before or at Reno if relatively on-time), and get a seat for travelling over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Getting a seat in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge by the time you depart Denver and Reno (Westbound) is KEY! You'll break for lunch in the Diner, but should be able to find seats afterwards in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge. Course, the train is also down in its capacity (no second or third sleeper, no third coach, etc.), so it may be less demanding in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge Car.

When getting a roomette, I recommend the "upper deck" rooms 3 through 8 are typically the best in the regular Superliner Sleeper. Room 2 is ok - but closer to the bathroom and could be a bit disturbing, but definitely doable. Roomettes 9 and 10 are next to the door that goes to the adjacent Superliner passenger car (and more overtop of the trucks - wheels). I've always been OK with roomettes 9 and 10, but some people have it lower on their preference. Not a fan of the lower level sleepers (rooms 11 through 14), but if there's no other space available, I am sure it will do the the trick. If you are assigned roomettes 17 and above, you'll be in the Superliner Trans-Dorm Sleeper (crew sleeper). Again, I don't have an issue being here, but some do. CA Zephyr is a hard train to book a "through sleeper" on - from Chicago "all the way" to Emeryville. I'd still take whatever roomette you can get, as the scenery is worth it, and you'll largely be between the Diner and Sightseer Lounge during the day, then roomette for sleeping at night. Just bring earphones or something to block out the train horn and noise as needed.

When booking sleeper space, I always talk to an agent via phone. I am sure they hate me by the time I book my trips due to looking at options and trying to get the bedroom or roomette space I want. But they charge enough, so why not get what I want/prefer if possible. As I've gotten older - for the longer trips (two nights or two full day trips) I've been booking a bedroom if I can get it! But if travelling solo, roomette is certainly doable. Two people in a roomette - can be a bit challenging, especially with age.........

Happy travelling!!!

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Thank you @JP1822 for all the info about travelling on the CZ especially in relation to the Sightseer Lounge Car.

To change my reservation from the SWC to the CZ I shall need to call so I shall need to check with the agent which roomettes are available so all the detailed info about which ones to try and get has been so useful. I would want to be on the upper level as I have never been a fan of the ones on the lower level.

I am travelling on the Cardinal leaving NYC on Black Friday November 25th so would be connecting to the CZ leaving Chicago on the 26th. These dates were what worked out best as visiting family in NYC for Thanksgiving before travelling across the country on Amtrak to California and then after a few days heading to Texas. If I had more time I was thinking of taking the Sunset Limited to Houston however sadly not enough time on this trip to fit everything in.

I shall ask what is available before making the change over from the SWC to the CZ.

Not sure what the Cardinal shall be like, however this is a train that I have also wanted to travel on and was able to get a roomette for November 25th.

Thanks again for you all the info it is much appreciated and a great help.

ScottishAmtrakFan said:

Thank you for this Palmland, you have certainly given me food for thought here. Yes, even though I live in Glasgow only thirty minutes away we have Loch Lomond and several hills and then of course the famous West Highland Line which is known as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. As you rightly mention I have also travelled through the Alps and all of the beauty that they bring so the SWC could be the best option. Decisions, decisions however I know no matter what I shall very much enjoy my trip no matter which train I travel on.

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I don’t have much to add to the conversation, for although I’ve taken the CZ before (and loved it), I haven’t been on the SWC yet, so can’t compare the two. I did want to say though that I love your positive and upbeat attitude! How regardless of which train you ended up taking, you’re sure you’ll enjoy yourself very much. In this age of everybody obsessing over options to find the “very best” one (whatever that may mean), it is so refreshing to see someone with your attitude who recognizes they’re choosing from two great options and will have fun regardless! Wishing you a great and fun journey!

It may be worth mentioning that these two trains go to very different cities in California, so if you've made follow on plans for LA, you're going to have to change them if you take the CZ to SF.

Palmland said:

If so the SWC will offer something far different with red bluffs, desert, and high plains. It’s a pretty unique landscape and not something you can find in Europe.

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the zephyr has dessert as well and certainly lots of scenery that would not be found in Europe.

I do like the chief for the history, especially with a few semaphores still remaining, but the zephyr has so much more variety.

crescent-zephyr said:

the zephyr has dessert as well and certainly lots of scenery that would not be found in Europe.

I do like the chief for the history, especially with a few semaphores still remaining, but the zephyr has so much more variety.

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Apparently all the Semaphores will be gone by November though.

jis said:

Apparently all the Semaphores will be gone by November though.

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That soon? I made a side trip to photograph some of them last summer on my way to Cumbres & Toltec. I knew the days were numbered.

Ryan said:

It may be worth mentioning that these two trains go to very different cities in California, so if you've made follow on plans for LA, you're going to have to change them if you take the CZ to SF.

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Hi @Ryan thanks for the tip. Fortunately I had not made any firm plans for my onward travel from California to Texas yet so this shall enable me to make a change to SF if I take the CZ.

trainnewbee said:

I don’t have much to add to the conversation, for although I’ve taken the CZ before (and loved it), I haven’t been on the SWC yet, so can’t compare the two. I did want to say though that I love your positive and upbeat attitude! How regardless of which train you ended up taking, you’re sure you’ll enjoy yourself very much. In this age of everybody obsessing over options to find the “very best” one (whatever that may mean), it is so refreshing to see someone with your attitude who recognizes they’re choosing from two great options and will have fun regardless! Wishing you a great and fun journey!

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Hi @trainnewbee thank you so much for your very nice reply. No matter which of the trains I finally end up on I am delighted to be able to take another trip on Amtrak and have the opportunity to travel coast to coast in your wonderful country. Thank you for your kind wishes and I shall keep you all posted on which train I finally end up on.

Welcome, I hope you enjoy your trip no matter which train you chose.

I've traveled west and east on the CZ and yes, it's more scenic than the SWC. When taking the SWC, we stopped at Flagstaff, stayed a night in an historic hotel two blocks from the station, took a shuttle bus to the Grand Canyon, spent one night in a lovely hotel right on the rim, then back to Flagstaff for one more night, then on to Los Angeles where we changed to the Coast Starlight to get to San Francisco.

Lonnie said:

I've traveled west and east on the CZ and yes, it's more scenic than the SWC. When taking the SWC, we stopped at Flagstaff, stayed a night in an historic hotel two blocks from the station, Thtook a shuttle bus to the Grand Canyon, spent one night in a lovely hotel right on the rim, then back to Flagstaff for one more night, then on to Los Angeles where we changed to the Coast Starlight to get to San Francisco.

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Thank you @Lonnie for the info it is greatly appreciated. I sure am looking forward to my trip to the US and of course to get back onboard Amtrak.

Even though the CZ is a more senic train, my favorite Amtrak Train is the SW Chief. Whenever I ride the Chief, It takes me back in time, seeing some of the signs and historical markers from the old Santa Fe Days. Plus my Cousin lives in Kansas City and she brings me barbecue to the station during the stop there.

In a different thread, we cast our vote for the Southwest Chief as our favorite train because it follows essentially the same route as the Santa Fe Chief and the Super Chief. During the so-called “Golden Age” of rail passenger service, the passenger lists for these two trains included A-list movie stars & entertainers, captains of industry, prominent sports figures, world famous musicians, visiting royalty, scientists, educators, politicians, and other "leading personalities." When we travel on the SWC, we are essentially seeing the same scenery and sharing many of the same experiences as these celebrities from yesteryear.

Eric in East County said:

In a different thread, we cast our vote for the Southwest Chief as our favorite train because it follows essentially the same route as the Santa Fe Chief and the Super Chief. During the so-called “Golden Age” of rail passenger service, the passenger lists for these two trains included A-list movie stars & entertainers, captains of industry, prominent sports figures, world famous musicians, visiting royalty, scientists, educators, politicians, and other "leading personalities." When we travel on the SWC, we are essentially seeing the same scenery and sharing many of the same experiences as these celebrities from yesteryear.

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But you don't get to eat in the Turquoise Room!

Eric in East County said:

In a different thread, we cast our vote for the Southwest Chief as our favorite train because it follows essentially the same route as the Santa Fe Chief and the Super Chief. During the so-called “Golden Age” of rail passenger service, the passenger lists for these two trains included A-list movie stars & entertainers, captains of industry, prominent sports figures, world famous musicians, visiting royalty, scientists, educators, politicians, and other "leading personalities." When we travel on the SWC, we are essentially seeing the same scenery and sharing many of the same experiences as these celebrities from yesteryear.

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To my surprise, I met an actress in the SWC dining car. To my amazement the crew didn't run us out at the end of breakfast and poured another round of coffee instead. She told me about the series she was hired for, and I explained the Super Chief as a part of Hollywood lore. On another trip, I met a producer who was, like me, storing his bag and looking for supper due to a delayed departure. I took him to Philippe's and he loved the place.

Unfortunately, these things won't happen again unless:

1. We coach passengers are allowed breakfast with our betters, and
2. the Thruway DEN<>RAT link is restored (it was a victim of Greyhound, train delays, and Amtrak cutbacks).

However, if those conditions do not affect your travel plans, there are interesting people on the SWC. The CZ has better scenery, but the SWC seems to make people open up more.

Back when commercial air travel as we know it today was still in the unimaged future, the Super Chief, in combination with the Twentieth Century Limited, was the fastest means of traveling between New York City and Los Angeles. Like the 20th Century Limited, the Super Chief was an extra fare train with deluxe service, food, and accommodations. In a time when how you traveled was who you were, the Super Chief was the train of choice for the Hollywood-Broadway habitué whenever they had to travel east or west.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to post and share your suggestions and experiences. I have really enjoyed reading them and to be honest regardless of the train I am so looking forward to visiting the USA again and of course being back onboard Amtrak. I was going to change to the CZ as I note so many of you comment about the wonderful scenery however I have decided to stick with the SWC as I have a bedroom on this service and secondly reading some of the comments about the history etc of this route made me wish to experience it. One thing for sure on my next trip to the US I shall be making sure that I manage to fit the CZ into my plans. Really looking forward to my upcoming trip and I am thinking after a couple of days in LAX of jumping on the Coast Starlight to Emeryville. If taking that trip is it ok to do it in coach or business class? Your input has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated and I am already planning to be on the CZ sometime in 2023. I shall keep you all posted about my trip on the Cardinal and SWC.