There’s no shortage of luxury trains to choose from in Europe or Asia, from the glamorous Royal Scotsman to the iconic Golden Eagle. But in the US, most rail journeys are limited to Amtrak trains—and while they are a great way to travel, don’t expect Champagne or caviar butler service in the roomette bunkbed.
As the demand for luxury train travel surges, Halloway, a private rail charter company, is launching limited-time overnight routes through California and the Western US beginning this January. The privately operated railcars are historic rolling stock from the 1950s that have been fully restored to their mid-century splendor—featuring private bedroom suites, a dining room with meals from a private chef, and a glass-domed observation deck. Along the way, passengers can expect to see California’s Pacific coastline, the majestic canyons of Utah’s desert, and the snow-dusted summits of the Rockies.
The railcars are available for private charter for groups of up to six travelers and will run along two of Amtrak’s most scenic routes: the Coast Starlight and California Zephyr. While the two separate itineraries are both one-time, single-day and single-night offerings scheduled for January 15 and January 16-17, these special trips aren’t the only way travelers can book a luxury train in the US. In fact, they’re among many railcars available for private charter across all of Amtrak’s destinations.
How to charter a private train car in the US
Traveling in a private railcar is a journey through yesteryear, with many dating back as far as the 1920s and ‘30s. Imagine crossing the country in a historic cabin with charming details like mahogany paneling and brass fixtures, authentic furnishings, private bedrooms, and gorgeous glass-clad observation lounges, but with modernized comforts, too, like climate control and onboard showers.
Railcars for charter in the US are usually owned by private individuals who are train enthusiasts looking to preserve a piece of rail history. Journeys are then booked through a third-party travel site. (Halloway, for instance, is a popular site and is the one handling bookings for the journeys in January.) Each car comes with onboard staff and can be booked between any origin or destination on Amtrak’s rail network. Owners simply attach their cars to the end of an Amtrak train for an upgraded, bespoke experience.
“These meticulously-maintained homes on rails boast bigger bedrooms, private kitchens and lounges, dedicated observation areas, and other high-end amenities not found on regular commercial trains,” Halloway’s website says.
The cost of chartering your own private railcar can range anywhere from about $3,000 to $10,000-plus, depending on the type of car and journey you’re interested in. Booking timelines also vary depending on the type of trip, but err on the side of planning your charter well in advance to ensure access to your preferred railcar.
If you’re not interested in splurging on a private charter, some railcar operators offer public sightseeing trips a few times a year when it’s possible to buy an individual ticket and join other travelers on board these nostalgic cars. Just keep an eye on the railcar owners’ websites for upcoming schedule information.
Here’s a look at some of the best private railcars available for charter to any Amtrak destination in the US.
The best private train cars in the US
Cedar Rapids
“The finishing touch to a perfect train” is the tagline Milwaukee Railroads uses to describe its unique Skytop observation car. And when you step aboard the Cedar Rapids private railcar and see the breathtaking lounge area, you’ll no doubt agree.
