When you think of traveling across the U.S. by train, the word “luxury” isn’t usually part of the conversation. But that’s slowly changing now that private rail cars are being added to traditional Amtrak routes. These rail cars can be rented out for exclusive use and include a lounge car with a viewing dome and a private chef and an attached five-bedroom sleeper car.
The initial run of these restored vintage rail cars—named Warren R. Henry and Evelyn Henry—was in January 2026, but the booking company, Halloway Rail, shared with Travel + Leisure that four new journeys had been added to the 2026 summer calendar.
The trips all run on Amtrak’s California Zephyr route, which connects Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco. The first excursion departs Chicago on June 16 and makes its way to Emeryville, the Amtrak station serving San Francisco. (For a shorter trip, travelers can also board in Denver.) On June 24, there is another departure from Denver headed to Emeryville and a few days later, on June 27, the train will leave Emeryville for Denver. The final train will run all the way between Emeryville and Chicago (although you can also hop off midway, in Denver) on June 30.
Along the way, travelers are treated to what is widely considered one of the most beautiful train trips in North America. The route passes through the Sierra Nevadas before dipping into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, including a journey through the stunning Glenwood Canyon. Vast expanses of desert, prairie, and open plains are punctuated by arrivals into some of the nation’s most beautiful cities.
The journeys between Denver and Emeryville (or Emeryville and Denver) are $37,375 for up to six people, while the full journey between Chicago and Emeryville (or Emeryville and Chicago) is $51,750 for up to six travelers.
The journeys between Denver and Emeryville (or Emeryville and Denver) are $37,375 for up to six people, while the full journey between Chicago and Emeryville (or Emeryville and Chicago) is $51,750 for up to six travelers.
All bookings include full and exclusive access to both rail cars: the Evelyn Henry, the sleeper car with five luxurious bedrooms that dates back to 1954, and the Warren R. Henry, which has a high-end lounge positioned under a glass dome with a dining area and a full bar. Guests enjoy three daily gourmet meals prepared by an onboard chef and the assistance of a dedicated steward.
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