Chicago to Glenwood Springs by train

The rail route between Chicago and Glenwood Springs connects the Midwest to the heart of the Colorado mountains. Leaving the city behind, the train crosses the plains and climbs high into the Rockies before dropping down into the Colorado River canyons.

Because this is a direct service, passengers do not need to change trains along the way. The route is popular year-round for accessing ski resorts, hot springs, and hiking trails. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during the summer and winter holiday seasons, as sleeping car accommodations often sell out well ahead of departure.

Your train options

The only direct train on this route is the California Zephyr, which operates daily in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 25 to 26 hours and requires spending one night on board.

Passengers can choose between standard Coach class, which offers reclining seats and leg rests, or upgrade to a private room. Sleeping options include the Superliner Roomette, the Superliner Bedroom, the Family Bedroom, and an Accessible Bedroom. You can read more about these in our guide to Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms.

If you book a sleeper, your meals in the dining car are included in the ticket price. All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car, which features large windows for viewing the mountains. If you are on a budget, sleeping in coach overnight is possible, but a roomette provides a flat bed for a much better rest.

The journey

The journey begins with a run across the farmland of Illinois and Iowa. After stopping in towns like Naperville, Galesburg, and Burlington, the train crosses the Mississippi River. Much of the Nebraska section, including stops at Omaha and Lincoln, usually passes during the night on the westbound schedule.

By morning, the train reaches Denver and begins its climb into the foothills. The route ascends through a long series of short tunnels before entering the Moffat Tunnel, which runs for about 6.2 miles under the Continental Divide. Emerging on the western slope, the train stops at Fraser and Granby.

From Granby to Glenwood Springs, the tracks follow the Colorado River canyons. You will travel through Byers Canyon, Gore Canyon, Red Canyon, and Glenwood Canyon. Much of this stretch is far from any road. Note that track work in the Rockies occasionally causes bus substitutions, so check your travel alerts before departure.

The stations

The trip starts at Chicago Union Station, located in the West Loop just west of the Chicago River. It is a short walk or bus ride from the Loop. The station is the hub of Amtrak's long distance network, and its 1925 Great Hall serves as a classic Beaux Arts waiting room. Sleeping car passengers can use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. Metra commuter trains and the CTA Blue Line Clinton stop are nearby.

The journey ends at the Glenwood Springs station. This historic depot sits beside the Colorado River right in the town center. From here, it is a short walk to the hot springs pools, and local buses connect toward Aspen.