Riding the rails is one of the best ways to take in the breathtaking views this country has to offer, and Amtrak has long led the charge when it comes to long-haul train journeys in the U.S. But as beautiful as the surrounding scenery may be, the interior of a typical passenger railcar doesn’t scream “luxury.” However, a new company is looking to redefine luxury train travel in the U.S. Here’s a look at this new service, set to hit the tracks later this month.

Private Railcars Make a Comeback

Booking a private train car may seem like a concept straight out of the Gilded Age. Now, though, you don’t have to be a 19th-century industrialist to experience it, thanks to a company called Halloway. The company describes itself as “the first search and booking platform exclusively dedicated to private railcar charters and excursions.” 

Riders can either reserve a spot on a preplanned route, or contact Halloway to charter a private railcar. Halloway doesn’t operate its own train routes; rather, it partners with Amtrak and other rail networks to utilize existing routes. Halloway’s private railcars are tacked on to the back of those trains, but booking a spot on one of these railcars promises a far different experience. Not only will you be isolated from the rest of the riders, but you’ll also be treated to a private, luxurious ride.

Inside the Train Cars

Halloway currently manages a fleet of five private railcars, two of which will operate in tandem on several planned routes in June 2026. The remaining three are available for charter. The cars contain comfortable bedrooms, private lounges, dedicated observation areas, and staff members who will cater to your every need during your journey.

The two train cars planned to operate this month are the Evelyn Henry and the Warren R. Henry. The Evelyn Henry was originally built in 1954 for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and it features five double bedrooms that can also be configured into four spacious suites. Guests are treated to morning coffee, curated wine tastings, 24-hour laundry, and nightly turndowns. 

The Warren R. Henry railcar, built in 1955 for Union Pacific, serves as the perfect complement. Connected to the Evelyn Henry, it contains a spacious lounge featuring a flat-screen TV and wine bar, a dedicated dining area and private kitchen, plus a second-level observation deck with a glass-dome, swivel chairs, and comfortable couches.

Other railcars that are part of the fleet and available for charter include the Pacific Home, which was built in 1949 and includes 15 bedrooms, and the 1950s-era Blue Ridge Club railcar, which features three bedrooms, a suite, a lounge area for eight guests, and a dining area that can fit 20 people. Lastly, the Santa Fe, built in 1956, sleeps up to eight guests.

Past and Future Routes

Halloway began operations in January 2026. The company’s first trip took passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route — a 12-hour journey filled with stunning Pacific views and chef-prepared meals throughout the day. Halloway also operated a train from San Francisco to Denver along Amtrak’s California Zephyr route, taking riders on a scenic trip through the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains.

While it’s been several months since Halloway provided service, there are three planned routes scheduled for June aboard the Evelyn Henry and Warren R. Henry railcars. The first leg departs Chicago, Illinois, on June 16 and arrives in Emeryville, California, on June 18. The second journey leaves Denver, Colorado, on June 24 and returns to Emeryville on June 25. The third option leaves Emeryville on June 27 and arrives in Denver on June 28. Riders on this last trip are welcome to stay aboard and continue on to Chicago the next day for an additional cost.

How Much Does It Cost?

Unfortunately, riding with Halloway doesn’t come cheap. Think of the experience as more like booking a private jet or a suite aboard a luxury cruiseliner.

As for Halloway’s upcoming offerings in June, the first leg from Chicago to Emeryville is already sold out. For the remaining options, prices start at $37,375 and go up to $51,750 based on the length of your journey. This flat cost covers a travel party of up to six guests and allows for exclusive use of both train cars.

As noted above, these private railcars are operated in partnership with Amtrak and other rail providers, so the trains will depart and arrive from Amtrak terminals, and will be subject to the same schedule (and potential delays) as other Amtrak services.