A Business Insider reporter took Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville, California. Joey Hadden/Business Insider I recently took a 53-hour trip on Amtrak's California Zephyr — the longest train ride in the US. I booked a bedroom accommodation for $2,200, and I'd love to take the whole trip again. I was in awe of the changing landscapes from Illinois to California. One trip wasn't enough for me on the longest train ride in America. In February 2026, I took Amtrak's Californi...