I spent 53 hours on an Amtrak sleeper train. I want to take it again, but I'll do 6 things differently next time.

8 hours ago 6

The exterior of a double-decker Amtrak Superliner train with red and blue stripes

When I exited the California Zephyr in Emeryville after a 53-hour journey from Chicago — the longest train ride in the US — I knew I'd be back.

I had the time of my life on the overnight Amtrak train in February 2026. I booked a bedroom, which is essentially a tiny hotel room, for $2,200. And I enjoyed it so much that I'm certain I'll take the California Zephyr again. But there are a few things I'll do differently next time to save money and make the most of my trip.

Next time, I'll pack lighter.

The author's packed bags in front of a couch in an Amtrak bedroom

My two-night journey on the California Zephyr was part of a weeklong trip, so I had a backpack and a carry-on suitcase, which I kept with me in my 50-square-foot bedroom.

I brought some items exclusively for the train ride, including my ukulele. I imagined passing the time by learning songs and writing new ones, but with thin walls between guests, I decided against playing.

I also brought my own towel and shower toiletries, but my bedroom provided both.

Next time, I'll leave all of these items at home.

I'll bring binoculars.

A train on the right side of a snowy mountain scene

From the Rockies to the Sierra Nevada mountains, the California Zephyr is the most scenic Amtrak journey I've ever been on.

The rails go through the wilderness across the diverse landscapes of the American West. The best place to catch the views is undoubtedly the observation car, a communal lounge car with two rows of wide windows on each side.

As I stared out the windows in awe, I longed for a closer look. With binoculars, I might have spotted more wildlife or noticed more textural details in the trees, rocks, rivers, and canyons.

I'll go during a different time of year.

Fall colors start peaking on Kenosha Pass in Park County, Colorado

Since I've seen the full route in winter, next time I want to visit during a different season for a fresh view of the passing landscape. I'd love to see what it's like in September or October for peak fall foliage.

I'll skip the first 20-or-so hours.

A view of plains as the sun sets out the window of a train

I'm glad I experienced the full route of the California Zephyr. Still, I noticed that the views on the first day are the least dramatic of the trip as you travel west through the plains of Illinois and into Iowa and Nebraska. Once you hit Colorado on the morning of day two, you're flush with breathtaking views for most of the journey.

Getting on in Denver for a shorter trip would save me money without sacrificing the best views. When searching for future trip dates, in some cases, the trip from Denver was listed for half the price.

I'll bring a friend.

The author sits with a book in her hand looking out a train window to the left inside the Amtrak bedroom

Another way to save money on my next California Zephyr journey would be to travel with a friend or family member. When booking my trip, I checked the price of the bedroom for two travelers, and it was only $300 more. So splitting the total cost would have saved me hundreds.

More importantly, though, I think having company would make the journey more fun.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed passing the time by reading, playing video games, and listening to music and podcasts. But for me, these hours might be better spent having conversations or playing cards with someone I love.

Joey Hadden is a travel reporter and photojournalist at Business Insider based in NYC. She covers transportation modes, alternative lifestyles, and luxury travel. Many of Joey's stories are visual features that give readers a front-row seat to her personal experiences at home and around the world.Joey graduated from St. Edward's University in May 2019 with a BA in Photocommunications. Since joining BI in 2019, Joey has traveled by train in seven different countries, from day trips to overnight rides as long as 30 hours. She's ridden on many different train lines, including Amtrak, Via Rail, and the iconic Orient Express of the 21st century, among others. During her travels, she's slept in countless accommodations — five-star hotels, unique tiny homes, and private train cabins, to name a few.When traveling in North America, Joey takes readers inside the continent's wealthiest enclaves where billionaires hide away, from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Medina, Washington. She spends her free time singing and playing drums for the indie-rock band Blanket Approval. You can follow Joey on Instagram or send her an email at [email protected].Popular ArticlesI spent $1,000 to have a room to myself on a 30-hour Amtrak ride. It was the best experience I've had on an overnight train in the US.I booked basic economy flights with Delta and United. They felt like 2 completely different classes.I went on an adults-only cruise for the first time, and 8 things surprised meI spent 2 nights in a 2-story, 100-square-foot tiny home in Germany that was smaller than any I've seen in the USStep inside the richest city in Arizona, where wealthy Californians are flocking for private mountainside estates