train trip from california to chicago

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This 2,438-mile Train Trip From California to Chicago Offers Views of the Rockies and Sierra Mountains Like You've Never Seen Before

The 51-hour California Zephyr train journey also stops in Salt Lake City, Denver, and Omaha.

With a reputation for being one of the most beautiful train routes in North America, Amtrak’s California Zephyr travels daily between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area on a 51-hour, 20-minute trip traversing 2,437 miles.

"The California Zephyr passes through two mountain ranges that are gorgeous ," Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari told Travel + Leisur e, referring to the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas. "In some places, you can see views that can't be seen from the road because a lot of the railroad tracks were there well before cars were invented and roads were paved."

Passengers can take any portion of the route during its daily journeys through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California, which include stops in major cities like Chicago, Omaha, Denver , Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, and Reno, as well as Naperville, Lincoln, Fraser, Glenwood Springs, Davis, and Truckee. Although the Bay Area stop is on the East Bay in Emeryville, connections to both Oakland and San Francisco are available on the Thruway bus service.

Courtesy of Amtrak

Throughout the journey, there are plenty of stunning viewpoints. "Climbing out of Denver, you can look down from the train and be above the Mile High City as you first make your way through a whole series of tunnels that bring you up to a place called Fraser and Winter Park," Magliari said. "The train continues on winding its way through the mountain. You pass through Salt Lake City in darkness, but pop out in time to be through Reno when you're in the Sierras."

During this stretch, he said the charm comes in riding on the hand-built railroad between Reno and Sacramento, which is "part of the original transcontinental railroad route built during the Civil War to unite the country." That’s not the only historical aspect of the route — the name California Zephyr also dates back to the train that ran from 1949 to 1970 , before Amtrak even began.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Amtrak Train 5 leaves Chicago’s Union Station at 2 p.m. each day and pulls into Emeryville at 4:10 p.m. two days later, while Train 6 departs Emeryville daily at 9:10 a.m. and arrives in Chicago at 2:50 p.m. two days later. Both have lunch and dinner service the first day, three meals the middle day, and breakfast and lunch the third. 

Travelers can choose from a variety of accommodations aboard the train, from coach seats to bedroom suites. Five types of Superliner rooms are available across two levels, starting with the Roomette , measuring between six-foot-six to six-foot-eight in length and three-foot-six wide. It has two seats by day that are transformed into an upper and lower bed at night, with access to a shared restroom and shower in the car. 

Those craving more space and a private bathroom can upgrade to the Bedroom with twice as much space, at seven-foot-one to seven-foot-six long by six-foot-six to six-foot-eight wide. Sleeping two adults, this space has a sofa and separate chair that turn into an upper and lower bed at night, as well as an in-room sink, restroom, and shower.

Families can even go twice as big with the Bedroom Suite , which can sleep up to four adults. This is basically two Bedrooms attached, offering two of everything in the standard size. There’s also a Family Room , designed for two adults and two children, with seating for four during the day and two upper beds and two lower beds at night, plus a private restroom and shower. Passengers with disabilities can book the Accessible Bedroom , which can sleep two adults in an upper and lower bed. These accommodations have accessible features in the private restroom, as well as more space, with rooms as long as nine-foot-five and wide as six-foot-nine. 

Across all the Superliner rooms, the beds have newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens, and customers also have a dedicated first-class attendant, lounge access, and priority boarding. 

For those who prefer more standard seating, Amtrak’s coach class is available, with reclining seats that have tray tables, reading lights, and electric outlets — and with two-by-two seating, there are no middle seats. 

Those staying in private rooms also get all meals included in the dining room, with seasonal menus featuring a variety of entrees, like omelets and quesadillas for breakfast and burgers and salads for lunch. The three-course dinners, which include wine, come with appetizers like caprese skewers and coconut shrimp, entrees like flat-iron steak and Atlantic salmon, and dessert like chocolate toffee mousse and lemon cake. Depending on availability, coach passengers may also be able to purchase dining car access once on board. Guests can choose to have the meals in their rooms, too.

All passengers have access to the cafe , which offers food a la carte, from breakfast items to burgers, tamales, and hot dogs throughout the day.

The California Zephyr also offers checked baggage service and trainside checked bicycles , and allows small cats and dogs on board (check for restrictions). 

No matter what portion of the route you take, the California Zephyr offers a way to experience America's landscape like no other, especially through some of the nation’s greatest mountain ranges, making it a glorious experience. Magliari said, "The difference between the California Zephyr and some of the other Western routes is simply more miles in the mountains."

Related Articles

California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco

• Post author By railwaytraveller123
• Post date 22nd June 2020
• No Comments on California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco

California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco

A journey on Amtrak’s famous California Zephyr train from Chicago to San Francisco is one of the best train adventures in the US. On a stunningly picturesque 2,438-mile odyssey you will get to travel on a dramatic route through America’s heartland, enjoying the flatlands of Nebraska, Denver, the canyons of the Colorado river , the Utah desert and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Making its debut in 1949, this is one of North America’s most scenic and historic routes – so it’s no wonder travellers on this train will see more of America than most Americans.

Prices from: $516 Departing from: Union Station, Chicago Journey length: 2 nights

California Zephyr route

The California Zephyr Superliner departs from Chicago at 2pm, arriving in San Francisco at 9am. At the main stops on the way – which include Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Provo, Reno and Sacramento – you can get off the train to stretch your legs and have a quick look around.

California Zephyr train

This stunning silver double decker superliner train features a dining car, snack car and sleeper carriages. Its cleverly built observation car has amazing wraparound picture windows that are perfect for sightseeing.

Sleeper carriages on the California Zephyr

On this two-night journey on the California Zephyr, you could, technically sleep on the reclining coach class seats but you’ll have a terrible journey so it’s always worth the extra money to book a space in one of the sleeper carriages. You also get breakfast, lunch and dinner included in the fare so it’s a false economy to rough it. Unlike European trains, in the US you have to pay for the whole sleeper carriage, whether there are one or two of you.

As well as your included meals, each sleeping carriage features a coffee station where you can pick up a complimentary tea, coffee or fruit juice. All bedding, toilets and towels are provided for the journey and while you eat dinner each night the on-board staff will make up your bed for you. Here’s what’s on offer –

Roomettes – these compact sleeper carriages consist of two facing seats and a small table. By night, these convert into two sleeping berths. WCs are situated along the corridor, with a shower on the lower deck. 

Bedrooms – these are larger than roomettes, and some have an ensuite shower and WC. During the day they have a chair and a sofa then at night they convert to upper and lower berths. You can choose from a two-person bedroom (ensuite), a family bedroom for two adults and two children (with a bathroom and WC in the corridor) or a wheelchair-accessible special bedroom with a private WC (a shower is outside the room).

Food and drink

The dining car is open to all passengers but those in the coach class will have to pay for their meals. All passengers travelling in the sleeper carriages get breakfast, lunch and dinner in their fare. However, drinks are extra. The meals are reasonably priced and guests travelling in the sleeper carriages are invited to make a reservation for lunch and dinner. You don’t have to do this but it’s worth it, to get a good seat. The views from the dining car are fantastic so it’s wise to book ahead.

The American-themed food on board is good and plentiful with big freshly cooked breakfasts and great choices for lunch and dinner. The on-board burger is particular good as well as the New York strip steak. You’ll also find a wide range of wine and beer on board as well as a good children’s menu too. You can also get food and drink throughout the day at the snack car.

There is no formal dress code on this train and most guests wear very casual clothes. The good news is that you don’t have to dress for dinner either. 

Fellow passengers

This is a real bucket-list train trip for Americans and railway fans so expect to meet people from all over the States as well as fewer guests from around the world. It’s a family-friendly train so expect to multi-generational families enjoying the ride. It’s a very friendly train and passengers often get talking at lunch or dinner when they share tables together.

What’s included

All meals are included in the fare for sleeper-carriage passengers. However, you will have to pay extra for alcoholic beverages.

Pros and cons

This is truly one of the last great American railroad adventures and you’ll love every bit of your journey. The generous three meals a day that are included in the price are well worth paying for. Our only gripe is that there is no complimentary Wi-Fi on the train.

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By train travelers for train travelers, 20 best amtrak trips from chicago.

Chicago is one of the best cities for train travel. Sixteen Amtrak routes arrive and depart from Chicago Union Station , so there are many options for day, weekend or multiple-day getaways. Here are some of the best trip options listed in order of travel time so you can start planning your rail adventure. Destinations were selected based on convenient train departure times and unique things to see and do.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page . For current schedules, visit Amtrak.com,

For a day or overnight trip, travel to Milwaukee on the Hiawatha Amtrak route. Travel time is about 1.5 hours, and you’ll arrive near the Historic Third Ward neighborhood and the RiverWalk. There are several museums and a zoo to explore, including the Harley-Davidson Museum, which is in walking distance of the Amtrak station. You can also go to a sporting event, visit the many breweries or attend one of the city’s many festivals .

St. Joseph/Benton Harbor

Escape the city and experience Lake Michigan from the charming towns of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor via the Pere Marquettte Amtrak route. In addition to beaches and parks, explore the Sarett Nature Center , Silver Beach Carousel and wineries. This trip from Chicago is only two hours, but you’ll need to stay at least one night in Michigan as there is only one train each day.

Springfield

Book a trip on the Texas Eagle or Lincoln Service to visit Springfield , the Illinois capital. Major attractions here include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum , Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois State Museum and various other historic homes and parks. If you plan to do a day trip, you’ll have about six hours to explore if you choose the morning departure from Chicago and evening departure from Springfield.

Wisconsin Dells

A great destination for kids, the Wisconsin Dells is full of water parks , theme parks, wildlife parks and outdoor activities . It’s approximately a four-hour train ride from Chicago on the Empire Builder , with an arrival around dinnertime. Plan to stay two nights in order to have a full day to visit the local attractions. You can walk to several hotels and motels near the Amtrak station ( White Rose Inn s and Alpine Motel are two of the top-rated places to stay) or check out hotels with shuttles (verify service with the hotels before booking).

About 5.5 hours away from Chicago by train, St. Louis is known for the Gateway Arch , but there are many other things to see and do. Some of the top attractions include the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Mississippi River and Busch Stadium. There are multiple trains to choose from each day, so a day trip is doable, but due to the longer travel time, you may want to stay overnight in St. Louis .

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Minneapolis and St. Paul are full of cultural attractions, sport venues and outdoor activities — including a  scenic bike trail  along the Mississippi River,  Chain of Lakes recreation  and a beautiful  urban park with a waterfall . If you don’t like cold weather, plan to visit between May and September, although the  Saint Paul Winter Carnival  is a historic event worth checking out. Travel time from Chicago is almost eight hours.

Niagara Falls

Visit the majestic Niagara Falls with a getaway on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited route. This is an overnight trip with a morning arrival in Buffalo, New York. Roomettes and bedrooms are available for a more comfortable and private experience on the train. Travel time is 10 hours, and you’ll be sleeping most of that time.

On the return trip to Chicago, the Lake Shore Limited departs Buffalo around midnight, which means you can spend the day sightseeing and get back on the train same day instead of staying at a hotel.

You’ll need to rent a car or use a taxi or rideshare service to reach downtown Buffalo and the Niagara Falls area — both have hotels if you plan to stay overnight. An Enterprise rental car office is near the Amtrak station. Call ahead to confirm pickup from the Amtrak station. The falls are about a 40-minute drive away from the train station and 30 minutes from Enterprise. FlixBus also departs from downtown Buffalo and travels to the Niagara Falls State Park .

About 10.5 hours away from Chicago, Memphis is full of music and iconic places. It’s a party every night on Beale Street , and during the day you can visit Graceland, Sun Studio, the National Civil Rights Center and other tourist sites . When you aren’t sightseeing, eat the city’s famous barbecue or go on a top-rated food tour .

The Greenbrier Resort

Travel through the beautiful New River Gorge on the Cardinal route to reach The Greenbrier , a 1778 resort with casino. The Cardinal only operates three days each week, so you will need to stay more than one night, but there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. In addition to the casino, there is a spa, golf course, swimming pools, bike rentals, bowling alley, fishing, aerial adventure course and more. Travel time is about 17 hours from Chicago, and the White Sulphur Springs Amtrak Station is conveniently next to the resort, so you don’t have to rent a car.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is about 17 hours away from Chicago via the Capitol Limited route. The train departs Chicago around dinnertime and arrives at D.C. Union Station in early afternoon. At the station you can transfer to WMATA subway trains for easy access to museums , monuments and hotels. Taxi and rideshare cars are also options for getting around. Plan to stay in Washington D.C. at least one night before returning to Chicago. View top-rated hotels to find a place to stay.

New York City

Be a part of the city that never sleeps with trip to New York City . Travel time is between 19 and 20 hours on the Lake Shore Limited Amtrak route, with an arrival at the new Penn Station train hall in the evening. Penn Station has connections to the MTA subway and you can easily walk to the Empire State Building and Times Square . If you plan to see a Broadway Show, you’ll need to stay two nights in the city and use your first night to get settled at your hotel and see any attractions that aren’t at a scheduled time (in case there are train delays).

New Orleans

Plan a trip to New Orleans for amazing food, music and culture. The City of New Orleans train departs Chicago in the evening and arrives 20 hours later in the afternoon. The return train departs each day in the afternoon, so you could stay one night in New Orleans and have time to see some of the sights. Attractions to check out include the National World War II Museum , Garden District, French Quarter and historic cemeteries. There are also boat tours and streetcars for sightseeing.

Eat lobster, drink local craft beer and relive American Revolution history in Boston . The Freedom Trail is a must-do. Travel time is 21-22 hours to and from Boston’s South Station on the Lake Shore Limited route, with an evening departure from Chicago and evening arrival in Boston. You can also book your Amtrak ticket to the Back Bay Station, which is closer to Fenway Park and Copley Place shopping mall.

September and October are great months to visit, along with the summer months. Plan to stay two nights in the city, otherwise, you’ll basically only have one morning to see the sights before the daily early afternoon train back to Chicago.

Rocky Mountains

The California Zephyr is arguably the most scenic Amtrak route, especially the journey through the Rocky Mountains along the Colorado River (pictured above). There are multiple Amtrak stations in the Rockies with lodging and activities so you can enjoy time there before returning to Chicago.

If you love skiing, book your Amtrak ticket to Fraser/Winter Park (21-hour trip) and hit the slopes at the popular Winter Park Resort . Glenwood Springs (25 hours from Chicago and pictured top of page), is another great option with hotels and a hot springs pool in walking distance of the Amtrak station. There are also hiking trails, whitewater rafting, an amusement park and the Frontier Historical Museum to explore.

When the weather gets cold in Chicago, head to Texas on the Texas Eagle to explore Dallas or Austin . Dallas is 22 hours away from Chicago by train and Austin is 28. Both have surprisingly walkable areas near the Amtrak stations, light rail transit and rental car options.

In Dallas, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza , the site of his assassination and the Sixth Floor Museum are all in walking distance of the Dallas Amtrak Station . There are also many other museums and an aquarium nearby, or rent a car to reach the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

For a vacation full of music, nightlife and outdoor recreation, travel to Austin. There are many parks along the Colorado River to explore, boat rentals and tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, festivals, and live entertainment on 6th Street .

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is 26 hours away from Chicago on the Southwest Chief . It’s New Mexico’s largest city, plus you’ll travel through mountains on the way there. Top attractions include Sandia Peak Tramway for gorgeous panoramic views, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center , National Museum of Nuclear Science and the Petroglyph National Monument . There’s also plenty of things to check out near the Amtrak station, including a zoo , botanic garden , Old Town Albuquerque , and trails along the Rio Grande River. Consider planning your trip around the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , which is a major event in the fall.

Glacier National Park

Take Amtrak to Glacier National Park on the Empire Builder to see stunning landscapes and relax in a historic inn. There are four train stations near the park to choose from, each with unique lodging options. East Glacier Park is the first stop, about 30 hours away from Chicago, and you can walk to the Glacier Park Lodge from the station. Next is Essex Station, which is next to the historic Izaak Walton Inn . West Glacier Station is the third station near the park, with the West Glacier Village, the 1910 Belton Chalet and other lodges in walking distance. Or get off the train in Whitefish if you want to rent a car or stay in an area near restaurants.

Los Angeles

Travel to Los Angeles for a 43-hour, two-night trip on the entire length of the Southwest Chief Amtrak route. You’ll travel though mountains and deserts and arrive at the beautiful Los Angeles Union Station in the morning. There’s plenty to see and do in the city, including the Getty Center , Griffith Observatory , Hollywood Sign , Santa Monica Pier , theme parks, tours, shopping and beaches. If you don’t want to take Amtrak back to Chicago, there are plenty of direct flights to choose from.

Portland and Seattle

Last, but not least, is the full long-distance trip on the Empire Builder . You have the choice to travel from Chicago to either Portland or Seattle . Both options offer amazing scenery, with views of the Columbia River Gorge on the Portland route, or travel along Puget Sound and multiple rivers on the Seattle segment. You’ll also see the Rocky Mountains in Montana if you book your trip around the summer solstice. Total travel time is 46 hours, with two nights on the train. You can easily get a flight back to Chicago in Portland or Seattle to shorten the return trip.

More Information

• Amtrak’s 15 Long-Distance Routes
• 7 Essential Things to Pack for an Amtrak Trip
• Popular Amtrak destinations from Chicago

Top photo credit: Loco Steve/Flickr.com (California Zephyr train in Colorado)

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I spent 77 hours traveling from California to DC by train. It was worth it, but there are a few things everyone should know before hitting the rails for a long ride.

I took Amtrak trains from California to Washington, DC, which took 77 hours over four days.

Bring a book, pillow, coat, and snacks, but there will be hot water for instant meals and tea.

If the observation car is too crowded, try grabbing a spot right below it to take in the views.

A few years ago, when flight prices were awfully expensive, I saw an Amtrak ticket from California to Washington, DC , for just $250 and snapped it up.

First, I hopped on the California Zephyr for a 53-hour ride from Emeryville to Chicago. Then, I transferred to the Cardinal line, which took me through the Appalachian Mountains to the nation's capital in 24 hours.

I'd traveled by train numerous times before, but there were still some parts of the experience that surprised me — and some parts that I was glad I was prepared for.

There's no WiFi on certain Amtrak routes. And even when there is, it can be spotty.

The California Zephyr didn't have WiFi on board, and cell service was poor or nonexistent going through the Sierra Nevada mountains and parts of Nevada, Colorado, and Nebraska.

Luckily I had some downloaded movies and reading materials, which helped pass the time when I couldn't use the internet.

I don't think you can dependably work remotely from the train. Even when I was on the Cardinal line , which offers WiFi, I found the service cut in and out frequently.

At some stops, you can pick your seat, and the side you choose matters.

When I boarded the California Zephyr at the first stop of the line in Emeryville (right across the bay from San Francisco), I was able to pick my seat.

I made sure to take advantage of it because the seat you pick matters in terms of views.

If you want to see San Francisco Bay, Donner Lake, and the Rocky Mountains , sit on the left side. But the right is better if you prefer being up close to the Colorado River.

Whichever side you pick, you can always go to the observation car for even better views.

It can get cold on the train, so remember to bring a jacket and some comfortable clothes.

Thankfully, the train cars are air-conditioned in the summer. But that can also make them quite chilly, especially at night.

I came equipped with some thermal leggings and a puffy jacket.

Make sure to wear clothes that you're comfortable sitting in for long periods of time. And I recommend bringing a change of clothes (or at least an extra shirt) if you're traveling for multiple days.

The observation car fills up quickly, but you can find great views just below it.

Everyone wants to be in the observation car during the most scenic stretches of the Zephyr's route (especially through the Rocky Mountains), making it tricky to find a seat.

If it's full, head to the café car, which is right below the observation deck on the Zephyr. There are tables right up against the large windows, and you'll have almost as good a view as you'd get upstairs.

You have to buy something to sit there, but I thought it was worth it for a change of scenery.

Bring snacks, especially if you're not a fan of the options in the café car.

I stopped at Trader Joe's before my trip and came fully loaded with some granola bars, clementines, and pita chips.

My haul kept me from being too hungry when the café car ran out of everything I wanted to eat.

Though there were vegetarian options on the train, if you're vegan or have any special dietary needs or allergies, it's probably best to bring some of your own food.

Trains are frequently delayed, especially when they're traveling longer distances.

The railroads that Amtrak trains travel on are owned by private companies that also cater to freight trains. That leads to a lot of delays , as Amtrak waits to let other trains pass.

A longer route like the California Zephyr's can fall behind schedule by hours each time.

I was lucky that my train to Chicago was only about an hour delayed, so I ended up having two hours to make my connection to the Cardinal. But if you have a tight layover, it's something to keep in mind when purchasing your ticket.

There was free hot water on the trains.

I realized on this journey that the café car had a supply of free hot water. You can bring your own foods (like instant ramen) or tea and just ask them to fill up your cup.

I saw several passengers doing so and wished I'd thought of that.

There are also some spigots dispensing drinking water throughout the train, but on this journey, most of them didn't work. Even the ones that worked dispensed water very slowly. I wanted to avoid buying bottled water, so I made do.

Bring a pillow and a blanket to make sleeping more comfortable.

My seats leaned back and had a leg rest that extended outward, making it much easier to sleep than on a plane.

Even so, a pillow is essential — either a travel pillow that you can use to sleep upright or a standard one that you can lean against the window.

A blanket was great to have, too. My jacket wasn't enough to keep me warm at night when it got really chilly.

Step out and enjoy the stations when you have time.

Amtrak stops tend to be pretty short — you can't even get off the train for many of them, and others are just 10-minute smoke breaks.

Occasionally, at major stops, though, there's enough time to get out and enjoy the station. If you get off, just listen closely to the announcements from the conductor to know when your train will be leaving.

Union Station in Denver had great restaurants, shops, and bars to enjoy while I waited for my train to depart.

This story was originally published in September 2022 and most recently updated on August 29, 2024. 

Read the original article on Business Insider

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• fatal shooting

Man charged in fatal shooting of 4 people on train near Chicago

FOREST PARK, Illinois -- A man has been charged with four counts of first degree murder after four people were fatally shot on a Chicago Transit Authority train in Forest Park, Illinois, early Monday, officials said.

Rhanni S. Davis, 30, of Chicago, has been charged in their deaths, according to Forest Park, Illinois, police.

The Forest Park Police Department received a 911 call about three people shot on a westbound train at the CTA Blue Line station in Forest Park, just west of Chicago, around 5:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement from police.

Authorities cleared the station, finding four victims. Three were pronounced dead on scene and the fourth was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where they died.

Forest Park police, along with CTA security, used video surveillance to help identify the alleged offender. Then, the Chicago Police Department located a suspect who matched the description on a CTA Pink Line train. The subject was taken into custody and a firearm was found, Forest Park police said.

According to Forest Park officials, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident with no immediate additional threat to the community.

In a statement, the CTA called the incident a "heinous and egregious act of violence" that "should never have occurred, none the less on a public transit train."

"As soon as it was reported, CTA immediately deployed resources to assist the Forest Park Police in their investigation into the matter, including review of all possible security camera footage, which proved to be vital in aiding local enforcement," the statement read.

The CTA commended the Forest Park Police Department and the Chicago Police Department for their rapid response and coordination.

CTA said it will continue to work with local law enforcement regarding the ongoing investigation.

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5 Places to Visit in the Scottish Highlands & Travel Tips with Trip.com

1. Isle of Skye

2. loch lomond & the trossachs national park, 4. fort william, 5. loch ness, travel tips:, book your train tickets on trip.com.

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Known as the place closest to the sky. The island holds pristine coastlines where the sea meets the sky, expansive highlands devoid of human presence, rising layers of mountains, and grotesque cliffs and rocks. Feel the wildest romance and the spirit of nature here! On your way to the island via the A87 road, you’ll encounter the ancient ruins of Eilean Donan Castle standing out in the middle of the lake.

Must-Visit Spots on the Isle of Skye:

This vast national park serves as the natural boundary between the rolling hills of the southern lowlands and the towering, rugged mountains of the highlands. Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in the UK, is nestled among the mountains.

The valley is surrounded by rolling green hills, with lakes winding through it. It exudes a sense of grandeur and desolation under the mist. Heading north along the road, you’ll see the snow-capped peak of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, attracting numerous hiking enthusiasts every year.

Known as the “gateway to the Scottish Highlands,” this tranquil town serves as a resting place for travelers, with a relatively complete transportation network. Take the Harry Potter-themed steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and visit the towering Glen Finnan Viaduct🪄 standing amid the gorge.

Beyond the mysterious allure of the Loch Ness Monster legend, Loch Ness offers a paradise-like scenery with its lake and mountains. The highland capital city Inverness is located at the mouth of the River Ness.

Begin your Scottish adventure by taking the ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley or Glasgow Queen Street Station to Fort William. You can catch a return train from Inverness.

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A suspect has been named after 4 people were killed on a train in the Chicago area

Updated September 04, 2024 at 05:20 AM ET

Police have identified the suspect who is accused of shooting and killing four people on a Chicago-area train, authorities announced Tuesday.

Rhanni Davis, 30, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder after four people were shot across two train cars in Forest Park, Illinois, a village 10 miles west of Chicago.

Police were dispatched to a train station in Forest Park at about 5:30 a.m. after receiving a call that three people were shot. Three people were pronounced dead on the scene, while one was transported to the hospital and died there, Forest Park police said.

The train was in motion on the system’s blue line, and the shooting happened across two cars, police said.

“There is an absolute urgent need to address safety in our communities," Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said. "We should be free to ride the train, to do yard work, gather with friends on a front porch. Public transportation should be a safe space for everyone and we must work together to ensure that every resident feels secure in their daily lives, whether at home, at work, and traveling on our transit systems. No place or time should be off limits because of crime.”

Davis initially escaped from the scene, but was later found through Chicago Transit Authority surveillance video, on the platform of a different station. Police also recovered a 9mm handgun in their possession. The weapon matched the six casings found on the train cars, police said.

Davis makes his first court appearance Wednesday, Foxx said. No motive has been established, authorities said.

“This is an isolated incident, so it can happen anywhere,” Forest Park Police Deputy Chief Christopher Chin said Monday. “Obviously, there’s a little bit more concern because it is on a mass transit system, but understand that there are security measures in place, not only by our local police departments that run along the line, but also CTA, as well.”

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins said the village’s fire and police departments are dispatched to the train station often. He added that village officials have petitioned to state leadership to allocate more resources to Forest Park for mental health and opioid addiction.

“To the extent that out leaders in Springfield [Illinois] are considering any kind of CTA mass transit reorganization, we would ask them to consider investing additional resources in terms of safety, public safety, law enforcement personnel, what have you, to support a small community like Forest Park that has to respond to two major train lines ending in Forest Park,” he said Monday.

CTA President Dorval Carter said the agency is constantly investing in its security measures, including expanding and upgrading its 30,000-camera system, hiring more security guards and recruiting more volunteer police officers.

The Chicago Police Department provides officers for CTA through its transit unit.

“To our riders, we want you to know that we hear you and we understand your concerns about safety," Carter said. "The men and women of CTA are united in our commitment to make sure we’re doing everything in our power to protect you, our riders, as well as our employees.”

Information on the victims has not been released yet. Three of the victims' next-of-kin have been contacted, police said.

Copyright 2024 NPR

4 people killed on Chicago-area L train likely didn’t even see the shooter, official says

The Associated Press

September 3, 2024, 10:26 PM

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FOREST PARK, Ill. (AP) — A man suspected of killing four people aboard a Chicago-area transit train shot them at close range while they were asleep, officials said Tuesday.

The shooting took place before 5:30 a.m. Monday aboard the Chicago area’s L system, on a Blue Line train that was moving near where the line ends in Forest Park, a suburb about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of downtown Chicago. Rhanni S. Davis, 30, was later arrested on another Chicago Transit Authority L line, according to police. Authorities charged Davis with four counts of first-degree murder Tuesday.

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins said the victims likely didn’t even see the shooter.

“They were shot execution-style as they slept,” Hoskins told The Associated Press.

Margaret Miller, 64, and three men including Simeon Bihesi, 28, and Adrian Collins, 60, were fatally shot, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. All of their addresses were listed as unknown. Police said they were still working to notify relatives of the fourth person killed, so his name has not yet been released.

Preliminary investigation shows the victims were on two different cars as the Blue Line train was headed toward Forest Park, police said. The Blue Line runs 24 hours and stretches from that suburb through downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport. It runs both below and above ground.

The suspected shooter fled. But police found and arrested Davis thanks to video footage from the train, Hoskins said.

Public records did not have a listed phone number for Davis. A message sent Tuesday to a listed email was not immediately returned. Forest Park police and the Cook County state’s attorney’s office did not immediately respond to messages about Davis’ legal representation. The Cook County public defender’s office said it wasn’t representing him.

Davis is scheduled to appear in court at noon on Wednesday, according to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who spoke Tuesday evening during a media briefing in Forest Park. She called the shootings a “horrific, heinous and inexplicable act of violence” and said more details would come out during the court hearing.

Investigators haven’t determined a motive, police said at the briefing.

CTA officials said they were assisting in the investigation and that security footage “proved to be vital.”

“Although this matter remains under investigation, all current information points this being an isolated incident,” CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. said in a statement.

Forest Park police are used to calls to the busy transit stops there, Hoskins said. The CTA’s Green Line also ends in Forest Park and runs nearly 24 hours a day.

Over the years, nonprofit organizations have also used the transportation hubs for outreach and providing medical care and other services to homeless people who seek refuge aboard the trains, particularly in winter.

But the mass shooting in the community of 14,000 people has sparked new fears. Hoskins, whose position as mayor is part time, said he couldn’t recall a homicide being reported in Forest Park in years.

His teenage son takes the L to school and he watched a little closer than usual at Tuesday morning’s drop off.

“People are rattled,” he said. “We want to make them feel safe.”

AP writer Lisa Baumann contributed to this report from Bellingham, Washington.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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4 people shot dead on subway train near chicago. a suspect is in custody.

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Four people are dead following a mass shooting aboard a Chicago transit train Monday morning, police said.

"The victims, they were all passengers on the train early this morning," said Forest Park Deputy Chief Chris Chin. "The train was in motion on the way into Forest Park."

Related video above: Can mass shootings be prevented?

A suspect is in custody for the shooting, which police believe to be an isolated incident.

"There is no immediate threat, and this appears to be an isolated incident on this unfortunate day," Chin said.

Investigators are working with the Chicago Transit Authority to review surveillance footage of the shooting, which police believe happened in two train cars.

Police said surveillance video was instrumental in identifying the suspect, who was taken into custody about an hour and a half after the shooting. Law enforcement also recovered a firearm.

"Although this was an isolated incident, this heinous and egregious act of violence should never have occurred, nonetheless, on a public transit train," the transit authority said in a statement.

Police did not immediately release any information about the victims but said their next of kin are being notified.

"This obviously is shocking. You know, it is uncommon to have a mass shooting like this," said Chin. "This is an isolated incident, so it can happen anywhere. Obviously, there's a little bit more concern because it is on a mass transit system," he added. "For people to feel unsafe, it's justified."

There have been 377 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive , which, like CNN, defines a mass shooting as one with four or more victims, not including the shooter. There have been an average of 1.5 mass shootings per day in the U.S. in 2024.