Southwest Chief
Train Reviews
Southwest Chief Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Train for You?
Carving through the vast, fabled landscapes of the American West, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief offers a mesmerizing 43-hour journey from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the sunny shores of Los Angeles. Tracing portions of the historic Santa Fe Trail, this route takes passengers past wheat fields, pueblos, deserts, and through canyon passages barely wider than the train itself.
For travelers in 2026, the Southwest Chief is a premier cross-country vacation. With majestic views not visible from interstate highways, deciding whether to stretch out in Coach or invest in a private Sleeper cabin is the most important part of your trip planning.
Southwest Chief at a Glance
Onboard Experience: What to Expect
The Southwest Chief utilizes double-decker Superliner cars and features a stunning Sightseer Lounge, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views of the changing landscape.
Coach Class
A highly economical way to travel cross-country. Coach seats on the Southwest Chief are massive, forward-facing, and feature deep recline with generous legroom. Passengers share restrooms on the lower level of the car. While Coach tickets do not include meals, guests can purchase hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks from the Cafe Car, located on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge.
Roomettes & Bedrooms (Sleeper Service)
For an overnight journey of this length, Sleeper cars are highly recommended. Roomettes offer a compact, private space for two with facing seats that convert into upper and lower bunks, alongside access to shared showers. Bedrooms provide more floor space, a wider lower bed, and a private enclosed toilet and shower. A major perk of booking a Sleeper is complimentary access to Traditional Dining—hot, chef-prepared meals served in the Dining Car with white tablecloth service.
Luggage Allowance & Policies (Updated 2026)
Major 2026 Warning: Navigating narrow corridors and steep stairs on the Superliner trains with massive suitcases is difficult. Checking heavy bags is highly encouraged.
| Luggage Size / Type | Policy | Cost |
| Carry-on Baggage | 2 personal items (max 25 lbs) + 2 carry-on bags (max 50 lbs) per person. | Free |
| Checked Luggage | Up to 2 checked bags (max 50 lbs / 23 kg each). Checked in 45 mins prior to departure. | Free |
| Bicycles | Must reserve a spot in advance. Space in the baggage car is strictly limited. | Fee Applies |
Tip: If you are traveling in a Sleeper, check your large suitcases into the baggage car and pack a small overnight duffel bag. There is very little floor space in a Roomette for hard-shell luggage
Customer Service & Reliability
Pros & Cons of Traveling on the Southwest Chief
Pros:
Cons:
Have You Traveled on the Southwest Chief?
Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you love the views from the Sightseer Lounge, or did the freight delays slow you down?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Southwest Chief
Can Coach passengers eat in the Dining Car?
Currently, Traditional Dining is exclusive to Sleeper car passengers. Coach passengers primarily rely on the Cafe Car for meals, though the Dining Car may occasionally take limited reservations from Coach passengers if there is leftover capacity.
Can I get off the train and explore during stops?
The train makes a few designated “fresh air” stops (like in Albuquerque, where local vendors sometimes sell wares on the platform) lasting 15 to 30 minutes. However, there is not enough time to leave the station and explore the cities.
Are pets allowed on the Southwest Chief?
Small dogs and cats (up to 20 lbs including the carrier) are permitted on trips up to 7 hours for a fee. Because the Southwest Chief is a multi-day journey, pets are generally not allowed for end-to-end travel, except for certified service animals.
Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the operator before booking.