Experience America like never before aboard a train – an experience filled with historical significance, breathtaking vistas, and unique insight into its heart! In this post we highlight some of the best train rides across all 50 states from coast-to-coast and mountain valleys alike.
1. California Zephyr Amtrak
The California Zephyr is unquestionably one of the great train journeys in the world, stretching 2,400 miles between Chicago and San Francisco on Amtrak over 52 hours and 244 minutes. Passengers on board will experience America’s beautiful countryside as the California Zephyr glides by, passing Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada’s, expansive Great Plains, Iowa/Nebraska farmlands as well as incredible sunset views – truly making for an unforgettable journey.
2. Coast Starlight of Amtrak
Coast Starlight, considered one of America’s most beautiful train rides, travels between Los Angeles and Seattle across an expansive 1,377-mile span and takes about 35 hours. Along this spectacular journey are breathtaking landscapes spanning California’s dramatic coastline, Oregon’s lush forests, and Washington’s snow-capped mountains – providing unobstructed views with its observation car providing unobstructed views so you won’t miss anything along your journey.
3. Grand Canyon Railway of Arizona
Grand Canyon Railway provides a short but unforgettable trip from historic Route 66 town Williams, Arizona directly into the magnificent Grand Canyon. This 65-mile journey typically lasts 2.5 hours, providing plenty of time to take in its magnificent sights as one of nature’s seven wonders. Plus, vintage-style trains complete with authentic diesel locomotives add nostalgic charm.
4. Adirondack Line, Amtrak
Amtrak’s Adirondack line runs between New York City and Montreal and provides a delightful showcase of northeastern states during its 11-hour journey. Passing through verdant Hudson Valley, serene Lake Champlain and magnificent Adirondack Mountains this train provides panoramic views of vibrant autumn foliage during this journey, making it one of the most sought-after rides during autumn season.
5. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad of Colorado
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers an incredible historical journey through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Coal-fired locomotives powered by steam power pull vintage cars through the scenic Animas River Valley for a 3.5-hour experience that allows visitors to witness Colorado’s majestic peaks, wild landscapes, and remnants of America’s Wild West firsthand.
6. Amtrak Crescent
Step back into Southern culture on-board Amtrak’s Crescent train from New York City to New Orleans. Passing through iconic southern cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham and Charlottesville en route, its 30-hour journey gives passengers glimpses into America’s Civil War history, stunning Blue Ridge Mountain landscapes and vibrant New Orleans scenery – providing a fascinating blend of culture, history and scenery.
7. Empire Builder Amtrak Service
Amtrak’s Empire Builder train ride travels through the northern U.S. and ranks among their premier long-distance train rides, covering 2,200 miles between Chicago and either Portland or Seattle in 46 hours. You’ll experience diverse landscapes that stretch from verdant farmlands of the Midwest and North Dakota plains to breathtaking vistas in Montana Rockies, lush forests of Pacific Northwest regions – reflecting James J. Hill who built Great Northern Railway; named in his honor to reflect its rich history.
8. Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train
Discover Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train between Anchorage and Seward to experience Alaska’s last frontier in four hours! This breathtaking trip offers stunning views of Alaska’s wilderness – Kenai Mountains, glaciers, rivers full of salmon – while timing and luck could even allow you to see bears or moose.
9. Cass Scenic Railroad of West Virginia
Experience steam-powered locomotives like never before aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia, which features vintage Shay locomotives on an 11-mile trip between Cass and Bald Knob – West Virginia’s third highest point – offering passengers a rare glimpse into logging by rail as they take in breathtaking mountain and valley scenery of the Appalachian Range.
10. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief: Amtrak Train Service
The Southwest Chief is an epic journey across America’s southwest, covering over 2,265 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles and through breathtaking landscapes like New Mexico’s red cliffs, Arizona deserts and Kansas plains. Additionally, its journey is filled with Native American and Spanish colonial history for an enriching cultural experience.
11. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway of Georgia
Operating between Blue Ridge and McCaysville in Georgia, this scenic railway ride stretches for 26 miles along the Toccoa River. Over four hours, experience the tranquility of Appalachian foothills as you pass charming rural towns of the Georgia-Tennessee border – open-air cars are especially beloved during fall foliage seasons when colors explode all around you.
12. Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire
As one of the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railways, this incredible journey offers an unrivaled view of New England. A three-hour round trip ascends Mount Washington – the highest peak in New England’s Northeast region. Along its steep path are striking panoramic views spanning across New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and even Canada on clear days.
13. Auto Train and Amtrak Services
Are you in search of an unforgettable, long-distance travel experience? Amtrak’s Auto Train transports vehicles (car, van, motorcycle, SUV, small boat jet-ski or even U-Hauls) between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington DC) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). With approximately 855 miles traveled and an approximate travel time of 17 hours 30 minutes this overnight journey offers travelers a stress-free alternative to driving that allows them to start their vacation relaxed and ready.
14. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in New Mexico and Colorado
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a steam-powered narrow gauge heritage railway that takes passengers on a 64-mile trip through the Rocky Mountains. Travel from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado aboard this world’s highest and longest narrow gauge heritage train! Enjoy passage through tunnels, over trestles, past long abandoned mining towns with spectacular views of Cumbres Pass and Toltec Gorge along this breathtaking journey.
15. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited
America’s southernmost train route, the Sunset Limited, spans 1,995 miles between Los Angeles and New Orleans in two nights. Along this scenic journey are various scenes ranging from beautiful deserts of the Southwest and Texas’ fertile plains to bayous in Louisiana; hence its name which hails back to when its original route ran from New Orleans all the way westward in pursuit of setting sun.
No matter where you live in America or what kind of journey you seek to undertake, train travel offers an unforgettable way to discover America’s vast and varied landscapes and rich history.
