These 10 American Train Rides Are Pure Travel Magic
From the rock-covered Rockies to the redwoods of California, the most awe-inspiring way to see America would be from a train window. While road trips and flights are hogging the limelight, a low-key return movement is happening with the trains.
According to their report, Amtrak served more than 28 million passengers in fiscal year 2023, evidencing a rising propensity of travelers to accept rail travel’s slow, scenic appeal. And it’s obvious why: these routes urge you to lean back, drink your coffee, and watch the landscapes unraveling as a set in a living postcard.
You’ll effortlessly coast by rivers, forests, canyons, and coastlines without any trouble with traffic or going through ridiculously long security lines. If you’re chasing fall colors through New England or skimming the cliffs along the Pacific, these 10 train rides prove the journey can be the destination. So pick up your seat at the window – your unforgettable adventure is starting.
Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
Take a railway from the misty woods of the Northwest to Southern California’s sunny beaches. The Coast Starlight is renowned for its expansive windows and comfortable lounge cars, with floor-to-ceiling windows displaying panoramic Pacific views.
Amtrak surveys taken within the last few years place this route within the top three for customer satisfaction. Notably, occasionally, you will see Mount Shasta protruding above the clouds
Hot tip: Do not miss the stretch between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo at sunset, when the coast has a sheen of rose gold—it is only visible from the train.
California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco
You’ll cover 2,438 miles on what National Geographic describes as one of the world’s best train journeys. Each window is a new masterpiece, from the patchwork prairies of Nebraska to the snow-covered Rockies.
The Zephyr traverses six states and reaches its crossing of the Continental Divide at 7,000 feet. Ridership has increased annually due to the breathtaking dome cars on the train. A tip from the conductors themselves: Book a seat on the left if traveling west for the best canyon views.
Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle/Portland
Start your morning in the Great Plains and finish it in the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest. Named after the visionary President Theodore Roosevelt, this famous train covers 2,200 miles and, when opened, has been connecting busy cities and stunning wilderness for almost a century.
An avid route for travelers en route to Glacier National Park, this is a daily trip with sights and activities. Insider tip: do not fail to get off at Whitefish, MT, and indulge in a delicious slice of gourmet huckleberry pie—a real hidden gem.
Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles
This trip takes you into the heart of the Wild West, loosely weaving through striking red rock canyons and large desert landscapes. Many travelers chose the Chief last year because of its magical stargazing and lively storytelling by its dining car hosts.
Remember to take your camera for a souvenir with a special flair. Outside Amarillo, a train window offers a good view of the world-famous “Cadillac Ranch” artwork.
Adirondack: New York to Montreal
Take a trip on the Adirondack and experience wine, waterfalls, and the close-up, breathtaking view of the Hudson Valley.
This journey leads you through the stunning Adirondack Park, a vast 6-million-acre sanctuary and the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, as noted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
USA Today recently crowned this route America’s most scenic fall foliage ride. When it’s fall, this route turns into a painting with gold, red, and orange, a performance never to be forgotten. Bonus tip: Upon entering Canada, swing by the cafe car and grab New York’s best maple syrup cookies, a favorite.
Auto Train: Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL
Daydreamed of a road trip without the wear and tear on your vehicle? Amtrak’s Auto Train saves you the hustle. It covers you as it ships you and your car (or even your motorcycle) more than 900 miles up and down the East Coast.
Including the capacity to transport up to 650 passengers and 330 vehicles, it is a favorite with families due to its usable reclining seats for comfort and all-inclusive dining options.
Grand Canyon Railway: Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park
Embark on a time machine aboard Pullman carriages dating back to the turn of the century. More than 225,000 passengers use this railway annually, with real 1901 steam locomotives on certain days, and Wild West impromptu shootouts through the week.
This 64-mile ride takes you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s a favorite all year round; thousands of passengers hop on yearly. The National Park Service rangers provide geology talks while on the move, making it an educational experience for families.
Pro tip for photographers: The pre-dawn “Golden Hour” departure creates a tapestry of the light on the canyon rim.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Durango to Silverton, CO
Durango to Silverton, CO: All aboard for a piece of Colorado mining history! This wonder of narrow gauge travels through the incredible San Juan Mountains, standing on the edge with dizzying drop-offs and pine-fragranced air.
American Society of Civil Engineers highlights that the route, which has been in continuous operation since 1882, is a National Historic Landmark and still uses coal and antique narrow-gauge equipment. On a clear day, one will see elk feeding in the wild wildflower meadow.
Insider highlight: The open-air gondola cars offer a thrilling experience, letting you feel the breeze in your hair as you glide above the river below..
Vermonter: New England in a Nutshell
The Vermonter sums up New England’s quaintness in one line – from the hub of Washington, DC, to the confines of the Connecticut woods and into Vermont’s villages.
You’ll ride past covered bridges powdered in snow in the winter and fields full of wildflowers every spring. Do not skip Northampton’s colorful arts or St. Albans’ maple syrup stores for a sugary break. Bonus fact for trivia lovers: This line still follows some of the tracks of the line in the 1840s.
Empire Service: Hudson River Masterpiece
Manhattan may be your starting line, but the Empire Service is all about the Hudson. Travel up the river’s edge, passing grand estates, wind-swept cliffs, and historic towns like Poughkeepsie.
Railway enthusiasts know this as “the mile-a-minute route”—and with good reason. Time your ride for golden hour for the most spectacular reflections on the river, and look for hidden gems. The crumbling stone remnants of Bannerman’s Castle are a hidden gem, easily overlooked but truly captivating.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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