Train Journeys in the United States
Train travel in the United States offers a relaxed, scenic alternative to driving or flying, with routes that traverse mountain ranges, deserts, and river valleys inaccessible by road. Amtrak’s long-distance network connects the coasts, while historic and tourist railways preserve the romance of the golden age of rail.
America’s great train journeys range from multi-day transcontinental crossings to short heritage rides behind restored steam locomotives. The observation cars, dining service, and sleeping accommodations of the long-distance routes turn the journey itself into the destination.
From the double-decker Superliner trains of the West to narrow-gauge steam trains chugging through the Rockies, rail travel reveals landscapes and towns that most travelers never see. Scenic railways and Amtrak’s flagship routes remain among the most rewarding and affordable ways to experience the American landscape.
Top Train Journeys#
California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco Bay The California Zephyr is widely regarded as the most beautiful train ride in America, crossing 2,400 miles between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its route through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, following the Colorado River and climbing over Donner Pass, is unforgettable. Passengers gather in the panoramic Sightseer Lounge to watch canyon walls and snowy peaks glide past.
Coast Starlight, Seattle to Los Angeles The Coast Starlight runs 1,377 miles down the West Coast, linking Seattle and Los Angeles through the Cascade Range and along the Pacific shoreline. Long stretches hug beaches and cliffs that are inaccessible by car, offering uninterrupted ocean views. The train’s Pacific Parlour Car heritage and dramatic scenery make it a beloved journey down the length of the West Coast.
Empire Builder, Chicago to Seattle The Empire Builder traces the historic northern route across 2,200 miles from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, following the path of the great transcontinental railroads. The train skirts the southern edge of Glacier National Park, where the Rockies rise dramatically from the plains. This is the most popular long-distance route in the Amtrak system, evoking the pioneering spirit of the American frontier.
Southwest Chief, Chicago to Los Angeles The Southwest Chief carries passengers 2,265 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles along a route steeped in Route 66 and Santa Fe Railway history. It crosses the high deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, passing red-rock mesas and traditional Pueblo lands. The train stops near the Grand Canyon and offers sweeping views of the American Southwest.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge, Colorado This historic narrow-gauge railroad has been running coal-fired steam trains through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains since the 1880s. The route clings to a cliff ledge high above the Animas River, delivering breathtaking views on the way to the old mining town of Silverton. Riding behind an authentic steam locomotive is a journey straight into the Old West.
Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona The Grand Canyon Railway carries passengers from Williams, Arizona, directly to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, just as it did for tourists a century ago. The vintage train, sometimes pulled by a steam locomotive, offers a car-free way to reach one of the world’s natural wonders. Costumed characters and staged Old West train robberies add to the historic atmosphere.
Cass Scenic Railroad, West Virginia The Cass Scenic Railroad uses geared Shay steam locomotives to climb a former logging line high into the Allegheny Mountains. The train grinds up steep grades and switchbacks to Bald Knob, one of the highest points in West Virginia. This living-history railroad preserves the machinery and spirit of Appalachia’s timber era.
White Pass and Yukon Route, Alaska The White Pass and Yukon Route climbs from the port of Skagway into the mountains along the route of the Klondike Gold Rush stampeders. This narrow-gauge marvel clings to cliffsides and crosses trestles above dizzying gorges as it ascends toward the Canadian border. The dramatic scenery and gold-rush history make it a highlight of any Alaska cruise.
Napa Valley Wine Train, California The Napa Valley Wine Train pairs a leisurely ride through California’s premier wine country with multi-course gourmet dining aboard restored early-1900s Pullman cars. The train glides past rolling vineyards and historic wineries between Napa and St. Helena. It is a rolling celebration of the region’s food and wine, complete with optional winery visits.
Amtrak Cascades, Pacific Northwest The Amtrak Cascades connects the cities of the Pacific Northwest, running from Vancouver, British Columbia, through Seattle and Portland to Eugene, Oregon. The route showcases Puget Sound, evergreen forests, and glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Cascade volcanoes. Its sleek European-style trainsets offer a comfortable, scenic corridor through the region.
Adirondack, New York to Montreal The Adirondack runs north from New York City to Montreal, tracing the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, and the forested peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. The autumn foliage season transforms the route into one of the most colorful train rides in North America. The train offers an unhurried, scenic passage between two great cities of the Northeast.
Acela, Northeast Corridor The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed service, whisking business travelers between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington along the busy Northeast Corridor. Reaching speeds up to 150 miles per hour, it is the fastest train in the Americas. While less scenic than the western routes, it offers a fast, comfortable, and quintessentially modern American rail experience.