Two long-distance Amtrak lines pass through the state, each offering unique destinations and scenery: 🚆 California Zephyr Perhaps the most iconic route in Amtrak’s network, the California Zephyr travels from Chicago to Emeryville, California, tracing the edge of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada. It’s renowned for its scenic views and pleasant pace. In Iowa, this line stops at Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola, and Creston. 🚆 Southwest Chief Running from Chicago to Los Angeles, this historic route offers a cross-section of America's heartland and the dramatic vistas of the Southwest. It makes a single Iowa stop at Fort Madison, on the Mississippi River. These routes allow Iowans to reach both coasts and dozens of major cities with minimal hassle.