While you may think of traveling across America on an epic road trip or simply hopping on a plane to your destination, you’re missing out on a unique way to see parts of the country you’d otherwise never see. Sit back, enjoy the amazing scenery and travel in comfort on one of these great train journeys in the USA.
From cruising the Pacific coast in a luxury carriage to cutting through Alaskan glaciers, train travel is a must.
The best train journeys in the US
1. Coastal Starlight
Route: Los Angeles–Seattle
Few things can ever come close to the scenery along the Pacific coast. For 36 hours you will have a front row seat to the beautiful Cascade Mountains, rolling hills, glaciers and spectacular ocean cliffs. The most scenic route departs from Los Angeles and ends in Seattle. Don’t miss the chance on the train of your life.
2. The California Zephyr
Route: Chicago–San Francisco
You will begin your journey in Chicago, traveling 3,924 km west, climbing through the breathtaking Rockies and snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, before arriving at your final stop in San Francisco.
3. Amtrak’s Empire Builder
Route: Chicago – St. Paul/Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland/Seattle
This 46-hour journey takes you on an exciting adventure through majestic wilderness, following in the footsteps of early pioneers. From Chicago you will have a beautiful view of the Mississippi and see the glowing night skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Wake up the next morning as you cross the plains of North Dakota and travel over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle.
4. Southwest Chief
Route: Chicago – Kansas City – Albuquerque – Flagstaff – Los Angeles
The Southwest Chief runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles, through the vast expanse of the storied American West. As you cut through winding ravine passages that are only a few feet wider than the train itself, you’ll see spectacular scenery and views not visible from highways.
5. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Itinerary: Bryson City, North Carolina
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of North Carolina from the comfort of your home with the GSMR Nantahala Gorge train ride. In 4 1/2 round trip you will be guided 70 miles to and through the Natahala Gorge. Book your trip on a historic steam train here for one of the best train journeys in the US.
6. Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
Route: Anchorage–Girdwood–Seward
This scenic route is a local favorite: convenient day trips from Anchorage to Seward with beautiful scenery. You have approximately 7 hours to spend in Seward, the perfect amount of time to enjoy a Glacier & Wildlife Cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. Or choose to visit The Alaska Sealife Center and take a trip to Exit Glacier.
7. Amtrak Adirondack
Route: New York – Montreal
The Amtrak Adirondack train runs daily from New York City, for a 10-hour journey through the wine country of the Hudson Valley, to Montreal. Board the southbound train anywhere along the line, arriving in midtown Manhattan in time to enjoy dinner and New York City nightlife. Convenient connecting trains in New York extend your reach to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC.