15 Epic Train Journeys You Can Take in America
According to an Amtrac report, around 32.8 million Americans traveled by train in 2024. A scenic train ride offers a timeless experience. Train travel will give you the country’s most stunning landscapes as you pass comfortably.
America’s epic rail lines offer an adventure you’re missing out on if traveling by train hasn’t been on your agenda yet: history, beauty, and thrill! These are routes worth experiencing, not just reading about.
California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco)
Regarded as one of America’s most scenic train routes, the California Zephyr takes you on a 2,438-mile adventure across the heart of the country. During this two-day trip, you’ll pass through the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Plains.
The panoramic observation offers breathtaking views. Amtrak stats show that in 2022, 290,359 passengers used Zephyr. Its rich history of connecting Chicago to the West Coast elevates its allure for adventure and history lovers alike. Don’t miss the chance to see Glenwood Canyon or Donner Lake up close!
Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle/Portland)
Step into the footsteps of early pioneers! The Empire Builder runs along the historic Lewis and Clark trails, spanning 2,200 miles across the northern United States. You’ll witness natural wonders like Glacier National Park, the Mississippi River, and the Cascade Mountains.
Seeing these landscapes from a spacious train cabin makes this trip extraordinary. In 2023, the 338,993 annual passengers agreed—it’s the scenic route of a lifetime.
Coast Starlight- Seattle to Los Angeles
Enjoy the glamorous Pacific Coastline trip aboard the Coast Starlight. Winding 1,377 miles, this famous trail presents unrivaled vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rich forests, and snow-capped mountains.
Experience the luxe dining and sleeping cars aboard the Coast Starlight. This route prides itself on 400,000 passengers annually, making it a favorite for travelers who appreciate relaxation and magnificent views.
Southwest Chief – Los Angeles to Chicago
This high desert beauty keeps rolling, with the Southwest Chief delivering exceptional experiences via 2,265 miles through the Midwest and Southwest. Utah has dramatic cliffs, and Kansas has open plains.
Popular travel guides call the route “one of the best ways to experience the stark beauty of the American West. The onboard National Park Service guide even provides commentary during the trip!
Grand Canyon Railway (Williams to Grand Canyon Village)
This is a trip for history buffs and nature lovers. The Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a stretch of 65 miles.
This vintage railway has offered rides with a history lesson and some of the most beautiful views since 1901. The iconic canyon is one of the country’s most visited landmarks; six million people visit it annually. Why not get some experience on a train ride?
Adirondack – New York City to Montreal
Take in the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and relax on a 10-hour train ride. You go along the Hudson River by Lake Champlain. With each changing season, your experience is uplifted—more so in fall when the foliage turns red and gold.
This route, which National Geographic hailed as one of the world’s top 10 train rides, will intrigue your train-loving heart as a bucket-list destination.
Crescent – New York and New Orleans
The Crescent route stretches 1,377 miles across the linguistically and culturally rich Southeast. From Charleston to Atlanta—busy cities, historical gems—each stop has its story.
See iconic landmarks the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley pass by. The Crescent is a must for a history, culture, and Southern hospitality combo trip that’s hard to beat.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City Loop)
This scenic railroad takes you through the Appalachian wilderness. The two primary routes of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operate through the terrific North Carolina terrain.
On either the Nantahala Gorge Excursion or the Tuckasegee River Excursion, you will be welcomed by glorious mountain scenery, cute trestle bridges, and historic towns. It’s a short and sweet trip for a family getaway.
Sunset Limited – New Orleans to Los Angeles train
The 1,995-mile deep South and Southwest route of the Sunset Limited showcases desert landscapes, marshlands, and historic towns.
Mile by mile, the rich culture of the American South unfolds—a sight like no other. Southern desert sunsets are also frequently mentioned by passengers—a sight so awe-inspiring that it is named after the train.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge
This narrow gauge heritage rail travels through Colorado’s rugged mountains. The vintage locomotives and cars in the train opened in 1882 and became a means of transporting miners.
It coerces a 45-mile trip through rivers, cliffs, and valleys. Durango & Silverton Railroad is a National Historic Landmark that draws more than 140,000 travelers annually.
Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver to Eugene)
From the Puget Sound to the Khohut’s of Mount Rainier and miles upon miles of green forests, Amtrak Cascades will take you across the Pacific Northwest.
The ride covers about 467 miles and stops in Portland and Seattle. Light refreshments are included as you drift through one of the country’s most picturesque areas.
Capitol Limited – Washington D.C. to Chicago
This train route combines history and geography. The Capitol Limited runs 764 miles and offers views of the Potomac River, Allegheny Mountains, and farmlands. Key stops include Harper’s Ferry and Cleveland, all of which give a glimpse of American heritage.
The Zephyr Route (Denver to Fraser/Winter Park)
As a shorter segment of the California Zephyr, this is an incredible route for the scenery. It’s a great day trip and runs 56 miles through Colorado.
This route is especially loved by skiers, as there are plenty of stunning slopes mere steps away from the platform, and this is where the nearby Winter Park Resort is a short walk away.
Riding Texas Eagle (Chicago to San Antonio/Los Angeles)
The 1,306-mile Texas Eagle line runs from Chicago to San Antonio, with the option of going to Los Angeles. Highlights include the Ozark Mountains and the desert regions of West Texas.
As frequent travelers will tell you, the route stops in small towns in America are charming and create a uniquely local experience.
Hudson River Line – New York City to Albany
The quick two-hour ride along the Hudson River line offers up the beauty of New York State. During the trip, you’ll ride past the Catskills and West Point’s iconic landmarks. It is perfect for a city escape, and as you follow the river north, you’ll see the area’s natural beauty.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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