A cross-country train journey through the United States is attracting attention online after travel creator Chris Tinaa (@tinaa.chris) shared a video of her 54-hour journey from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenic railway footage also reminded some viewers of the dramatic train sequence in Citadel, the spy thriller starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Rather than flying, Chris chose to travel by train because she did not want to put her film cameras through airport security screening again. The decision turned into an extended journey through forests, valleys and dry landscapes, offering a different perspective on travelling across America.
She later revealed that her coach-class ticket cost US$112 (approximately ₹10,610). Booking early helped her secure the fare.
The Train Route: Chicago to San Francisco
The rail service connecting Chicago with the San Francisco Bay Area is Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of the best-known long-distance passenger routes in North America.
The train travels west from Chicago through the American Midwest and the Rocky Mountains before continuing towards Utah, Nevada and California.
Major stops along the route include:
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Denver, Colorado
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Reno, Nevada
- Sacramento, California
- Emeryville, California
One important detail for travellers is that the train terminates at Emeryville, rather than directly at San Francisco. Amtrak provides a connecting Thruway bus service for passengers travelling onward to the city.
The complete journey therefore combines the train ride with a connecting road transfer.
Why the Journey Took 54 Hours
The journey takes passengers through several distinct geographical regions, making the changing scenery one of its main attractions.
In Colorado, the California Zephyr passes through the Rocky Mountains and the dramatic landscape of Glenwood Canyon, where steep canyon walls rise alongside the Colorado River.
Further west, the terrain gradually changes as the train crosses Utah and Nevada. The route then enters the Sierra Nevada mountain region before reaching California.
For Chris, watching these landscapes change throughout the journey was a major part of the experience. She described spending more than two days looking out of the window, enjoying the scenery rather than rushing towards the destination.
Amtrak’s published timetable gives a scheduled journey of approximately 52 hours, although actual travel time can vary. The creator’s reported 54 hours should therefore be understood as her experience rather than a guaranteed journey duration.
A $112 Coach Ticket Across the United States
The ticket price was another detail that caught viewers’ attention. Chris revealed that she paid US$112, equivalent to approximately ₹10,610 at the exchange rate used in the original report.
She travelled in coach class and said booking early helped her obtain the lower fare.
The California Zephyr offers different accommodation categories, including:
| Accommodation | Experience |
|---|---|
| Coach Class | Standard reclining seats for long-distance travel |
| Superliner Roomette | Compact private sleeping accommodation |
| Superliner Bedroom | Larger private accommodation with an en-suite toilet and shower |
| Bedroom Suite | Larger accommodation combining two bedrooms |
Prices depend on availability, travel dates and accommodation type. The $112 fare is the creator’s reported booking price, not a standard or guaranteed rate.
Why the Video Reminded Viewers of Priyanka Chopra’s Citadel
Citadel episode 2 ending explained
Chris’s railway footage attracted additional attention because some viewers associated its train visuals with Citadel, the spy thriller featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The series includes a dramatic opening sequence involving a train, which became a reference point for people watching the travel video.
One social media user specifically mentioned the train crash in Citadel. Other viewers responded by sharing their appreciation for the peaceful atmosphere of Amtrak journeys and the opportunity to experience the American landscape at a slower pace.
The comparison was a social media reaction rather than an actual connection between the television production and Chris’s journey.
What Makes the California Zephyr Special?
The California Zephyr is particularly popular among travellers interested in scenic long-distance rail journeys.
Its route combines mountain scenery, river valleys, desert landscapes and large stretches of open countryside. The train also has a Sightseer Lounge, featuring expansive windows that allow passengers to enjoy views from a dedicated observation area.
For travellers who prefer not to spend the entire journey in their seats, the observation lounge provides an opportunity to appreciate the surroundings and meet other passengers.
The journey also demonstrates the appeal of slow travel. Although flying between Chicago and the San Francisco area is considerably faster, the train offers a completely different experience by making the landscape part of the holiday.
Is a Cross-Country Amtrak Journey Worth Trying?
Chris’s experience highlights why some travellers choose trains even when faster alternatives are available.
The California Zephyr offers an opportunity to explore several American landscapes in one journey, with different accommodation options for passengers with varying budgets.
For photographers, railway enthusiasts and travellers interested in scenic routes, the experience can be a memorable addition to a US holiday.
However, travellers should account for the lengthy journey, possible schedule variations and the connecting transfer to San Francisco. Booking early may help secure lower fares, but the final cost depends on availability.
Sometimes, the appeal of a journey lies not in reaching the destination quickly, but in having enough time to appreciate everything along the way.
