15 Unforgettable Train Rides Across the U.S. You Must Experience.
Want to add some magic to your travels? With your eyes to the window, you travel through some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes: soaring mountains, endless coastlines, charming and quirky towns. Train travel isn’t just about transportation; it’s about breathtaking scenery and experiences that will be remembered as long as we live.
If you’re looking for train rides across the US for jaw-dropping landscapes, rich history, and pure travel thrills, check out these 15 iconic train rides. A ticket away from adventure!
California Zephyr
If scenic train travel is your jam, the California Zephyr is the ultimate and rules over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Emeryville, CA. Along the way, you’ll climb the majestic Rockies, glide past Utah’s red rocks, and roll into sunny California; talk about a front-row seat to America’s natural beauty!
This historic route is a traveling postcard that links early pioneers on the track to the west. The scenery is still stunning, and the route is historical.
Empire Builder
The 46-hour journey from Chicago to Portland (or Seattle) aboard the Empire Builder train, named after railroad tycoon James J. Hill, is one not to be forgotten. Prairies and forests glide by, and excellent Glacier National Park never looked better.
You can relax in a cozy roomette or an observation car to soak up the moonlight views. This route is undoubtedly an adventure lover’s dream!
Grand Canyon Railway
Get on board the Grand Canyon Railway for a nostalgic two-hour ride from Williams, AZ, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
This charming journey through prairies and pine forests ends with epic views of one of the world’s natural wonders and lively Wild West–style entertainment, gunslingers included!
Coast Starlight
A stunning 36-hour journey from Los Angeles to Seattle along the Coast Starlight is the best and hassle-free way to experience West Coast beauty. From the Cascade Range of Oregon to Santa Barbara vineyards, you’ll see breathtaking views from the deck and have a perfect spot for whale watching, all on a deluxe onboard lounge.
Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner rides along California’s golden coastline, dreamily from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. It has a view like no other: on one side, ocean sunsets, and the other, rolling hills. It’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the state.
Bonus: It stops at iconic spots like LA’s Union Station and Santa Barbara, which are ideal for beach lovers!
Rockies to the Red Rocks
This luxurious two-day train ride offers style travel from Denver to Moab! Glass-dome coaches, jaw-dropping views of the Rockies and desert, and stopping overnight in Glenwood Springs make it the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s more like a luxury moving observatory. Epic sight assured!
Mount Washington Cog Railway
The historic Mount Washington Cog Railway offers visitors a ride from Bretton Woods, NH, to the summit of Mount Washington.
Its antique steam engines have fought an incredible 37 percent grade incline since 1869. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable views of the Northeast. A one-of-a-kind adventure!
Alaska Denali Star
Enjoy jaw-dropping views of Denali National Park and the untamed wilderness as you ride Alaska’s Denali Star from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
GoldStar service includes open-air observation decks to spot wildlife, even bears! Incredible mountains, gorgeous birch forests, and endless adventure await this train. A nature lover’s dream!
Napa Valley Wine Train
Enjoy the charm of Napa Valley aboard the iconic Wine Train. This beautifully restored vintage railcar provides the ultimate wine-country experience, allowing you to savor world-class red wines and gourmet cuisine while soaking in breathtaking vineyard views. The whole thing is a perfect blend of wine tasting and fine dining; it gets set in motion.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Soak up beautiful fall views on a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC! This scenic route winds along the Nantahala River through lush forested gorges, creating one of the most picture-perfect slices of Americana. It’s the ultimate autumn escape for solo adventurers or families.
Sunset Limited
On one of the longest-running passenger train routes, travel from New Orleans’ lively streets to LA’s recent neighborhoods! Marvel at bayous, deserts, and more on this classic trail.
Metro-North Hudson Line
Spend a few hours seeing the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie on a scenic yet quick trip from New York, especially in the fall! It’s affordable, easy, and perfect for a day trip.
Amtrak’s Northern Experience by Rail
Start an unforgettable rail adventure from Chicago to Seattle and San Francisco by combining parts of the iconic Empire Builder and California Zephyr routes. This epic loop has enough scenic and historic train rides to check off the list!
Grand Rail Experience
Join the Grand Rail Experience, which is an excellent cross-country journey! In one epic trip, you’ll travel from New York to LA with multiple stops in America’s finest cities. By rail, it’s the most exciting way to experience the very best of the US.
Capitol Limited
Combine speed, affordability, and stunning views to whisk you from Washington, D.C., to Chicago, IL, on the Capitol Limited.
Enjoy scenic routes through the Potomac River and the Appalachian Mountains for the perfect balance of nature and city vibes!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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