Best scenic train trips in the United States

The allure of train travel in the United States often evokes romanticized images of a bygone era, a slower pace of life where the journey is as significant as the destination. While air travel might be faster, the window seat on a train offers a unique perspective, a rolling panorama of landscapes that unfold in a way that a car or plane can’t replicate. For those seeking breathtaking views, comfort, and a chance to disconnect from the hurried pace of modern life, a scenic train trip is an unparalleled experience. This article delves into some of the very best scenic train journeys the United States has to offer, highlighting what makes each one special and providing details to help you plan your next adventure.

Table of Contents

1. Why Choose a Scenic Train Trip?
2. America’s Most Breathtaking Train Journeys
   • The California Zephyr: A Transcontinental Spectacle
   • The Pacific Surfliner: California Coastal Charm
   • The Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles Odyssey
   • The Empire Builder: Northern Majesty
   • The Grand Canyon Railway: A Journey to the Wonder
   • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Colorado Mountain Magic
   • The Adirondack: Canada Bound Beauty
3. Planning Your Scenic Train Adventure
4. More Scenic Train Options
5. Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Train Travel

Why Choose a Scenic Train Trip?

Before we dive into specific routes, let’s consider why a scenic train trip might be the perfect vacation for you:

• Unparalleled Views: Trains often traverse routes inaccessible by car, offering unique perspectives on mountains, rivers, forests, and often following winding riverbeds or clinging to sheer cliffs.
• Relaxation and Comfort: Lean back, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving, traffic, or airport security. Many routes offer comfortable seating, observation cars, and even dining services.
• Eco-Friendly Travel: Compared to flying or driving alone, train travel is often a more environmentally conscious choice.
• Sense of Adventure: There’s a nostalgic charm to train travel, a feeling of being transported to a different time and place.
• Opportunities for Exploration: Some routes offer the option to detrain at various points along the way and explore charming towns or national parks before rejoining the train later.

America’s Most Breathtaking Train Journeys

Here are some of the most highly-regarded and visually stunning train trips available in the United States, offering a diverse range of landscapes and experiences:

The California Zephyr: A Transcontinental Spectacle

Perhaps one of the most iconic and longest scenic train routes in the United States, the Amtrak California Zephyr traverses the country from Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area). Over its approximately 2,438-mile journey, taking around 52 hours, it offers a breathtaking cross-section of America’s diverse landscapes.

• Route Highlights:
  • The Rocky Mountains: Ascending through the Colorado Rockies is a highlight, offering dramatic mountain vistas, deep canyons, and glittering streams. Key stretches include the Moffat Tunnel and Glenwood Canyon.
  • The Sierra Nevada: The ascent and descent through the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains into California offer dramatic elevation changes and stunning views.
  • Deserts and Prairies: The route also showcases the vastness of the American prairie and encounters striking desert landscapes.
• What to Expect: The California Zephyr is a long-distance train with amenities like sleeping cars (private rooms with beds), a dining car with full meals, a café car for snacks, and crucially, Superliner Sightseer Lounge cars with floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal viewing. The scenery between Denver and Grand Junction, Colorado, is particularly renowned.
• Insider Tip: Consider breaking up the journey for a few days in a scenic location like Denver, Colorado, or Truckee, California (near Lake Tahoe). This allows you to explore the area and reboard the train later.
• Duration: Approximately 52 hours end-to-end.
• Best Time to Travel: Spring and Fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Winter travel can be dramatic with snow-covered landscapes, but weather delays are possible. Summer can be popular but also hot.

The Pacific Surfliner: California Coastal Charm

For a shorter, yet incredibly scenic, journey along the stunning California coast, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a fantastic option. This route runs from San Luis Obispo down to San Diego, offering consistent ocean views for much of its length.

• Route Highlights:
  • Coastal Bluffs and Beaches: Hugging the coastline, the train provides continuous views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic bluffs, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns.
  • Santa Barbara: The section through Santa Barbara is particularly picturesque, with views of the “American Riviera.”
  • Del Mar: The stretch south of Del Mar is known for its stunning oceanfront passage.
• What to Expect: This is primarily a day-trip or short-haul route with comfortable coach seating, a café car, and often a “Business Class” option with more space and amenities. The large windows are perfect for taking in the coastal scenery.
• Insider Tip: Secure a window seat on the ocean side (generally the west side of the train). Tickets can be booked on Amtrak’s website or through authorized travel agents.
• Duration: The full route from San Luis Obispo to San Diego takes approximately 6 hours. You can ride shorter segments as well.
• Best Time to Travel: Year-round is generally good, with reliable California weather. Spring and Fall offer pleasant temperatures.

The Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles Odyssey

Connecting two major West Coast cities, the Amtrak Coast Starlight is a popular and scenic route traveling between Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. This journey combines dramatic coastal views with inland forests and valleys.

• Route Highlights:
  • Cascadia Region: The northern stretches through Washington and Oregon offer views of forests, lakes, and potentially glimpses of Cascade Mountain peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta.
  • Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Passing through the fertile Willamette Valley provides scenic agricultural landscapes.
  • California Mountains and Valleys: The route traverses parts of California’s Central Valley and coastal mountains.
  • Coastal Views South of Santa Barbara: Similar to the Pacific Surfliner, the southern portion shares some stunning coastal sections.
• What to Expect: Like the California Zephyr, the Coast Starlight is a long-distance train with sleeping cars, a dining car, a café car, and a Sightseer Lounge car with expansive windows. The variety of landscapes makes this a rewarding journey.
• Insider Tip: Experience the “Parlour Car” if it’s available on your segment. This premium lounge offers unique amenities and often special programming.
• Duration: Approximately 35 hours end-to-end.
• Best Time to Travel: Spring and Fall offer moderate temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is popular but can be crowded.

The Empire Builder: Northern Majesty

Traversing the northern tier of the United States from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, the Amtrak Empire Builder offers a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, including national parks and expansive plains.

• Route Highlights:
  • Glacier National Park: A major highlight of this route is traveling along the southern edge of Glacier National Park in Montana, offering stunning views of the “Crown of the Continent.”
  • Missouri River: Passing by the mighty Missouri River provides impressive riverine scenery.
  • North Dakota Plains: Experience the vastness and unique beauty of the North Dakota plains.
  • Cascadia Region (Washington/Oregon): Similar to the Coast Starlight, the western segments offer forest and mountain views.
• What to Expect: A long-distance train with sleeping cars, dining car, café car, and a Sightseer Lounge. The segment through Montana near Glacier National Park is particularly noted for its visual appeal. During the summer months, the National Park Service often has volunteers on board in this section providing commentary.
• Insider Tip: Book during the non-peak summer season to potentially get better fares and less crowding. Consider stopping over in Whitefish, Montana, for easy access to Glacier National Park.
• Duration: Approximately 46 hours to Seattle, slightly less to Portland.
• Best Time to Travel: Summer provides the best chance for good weather and access to Glacier National Park. Fall offers beautiful foliage. Winter can be dramatic but also prone to delays.

The Grand Canyon Railway: A Journey to the Wonder

While shorter and more focused, the Grand Canyon Railway provides a truly unique and scenic experience, transporting passengers from Williams, Arizona, directly to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

• Route Highlights:
  • Arizona High Country: The journey traverses the Arizona high country, passing through diverse landscapes including ponderosa pine forests and high desert.
  • Anticipation of the Grand Canyon: The train ride builds anticipation for the main event, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
• What to Expect: This is a nostalgic journey with a variety of classes of service, from historic coaches to luxury parlor cars. The trip includes entertainment like musicians and mock train robberies (depending on the season). Upon arrival at the South Rim, you have time to explore the viewpoints before the return trip.
• Insider Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Consider upgrading to a class with larger windows or access to an observation car for the best views. Check their schedule for themed rides or special events.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes each way. This is generally a day trip, but you can arrange for overnight stays at the South Rim.
• Best Time to Travel: Spring and Fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be hot. Winter offers a unique, snow-dusted perspective, but some park facilities may be closed.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Colorado Mountain Magic

A historic and incredibly scenic steam-powered train journey through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. This route runs from Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton, offering breathtaking views of deep canyons, rushing rivers, and towering peaks.

• Route Highlights:
  • Animas River Canyon: Much of the journey follows the winding Animas River through a dramatic canyon, often described as the most scenic part of the trip.
  • Mountain Scenery: Towering mountains, evergreen forests, and potential wildlife sightings are highlights.
• What to Expect: An authentic narrow-gauge steam train experience. Various classes of service are available, including open-air gondola cars for the best views and photographic opportunities. The round trip includes several hours for exploring Silverton.
• Insider Tip: The open-air gondola cars offer the most unobstructed views and the ability to hear the steam engine, but be prepared for the elements (sun, occasionally rain, soot). Book early, especially for popular summer and fall foliage seasons.
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours each way, with about 2 hours to explore Silverton (for a round trip averaging about 9 hours).
• Best Time to Travel: Summer offers warm weather and lush greenery. Fall foliage in the San Juan Mountains is spectacular, making this a very popular time to visit. The train also runs during the winter with a shorter route.

The Adirondack: Canada Bound Beauty

Connecting New York City with Montreal, Canada, the Amtrak Adirondack offers a scenic journey through the Hudson River Valley and the stunning Adirondack Mountains.

• Route Highlights:
  • Hudson River Valley: The southern portion of the route offers lovely views of the Hudson River and its surrounding landscapes.
  • Adirondack Park: Traversing the vast Adirondack Park in upstate New York provides views of forests, lakes, and mountains.
  • Lake Champlain: The train runs along the western shore of Lake Champlain, offering beautiful lake views with the Green Mountains of Vermont in the distance.
• What to Expect: A long-distance train with coach seating and a café car. While it lacks the full dining and sleeper car options of some transcontinental routes, the scenery makes it well worth the trip. The northbound journey offers views of Lake Champlain on the right side.
• Insider Tip: Bring your passport as the train crosses the international border into Canada. Consider booking in advance, especially for weekend travel.
• Duration: Approximately 11 hours end-to-end.
• Best Time to Travel: Fall offers spectacular fall foliage throughout the Adirondacks. Summer is also popular for outdoor activities near the route.

Planning Your Scenic Train Adventure

To make the most of your scenic train trip, consider these planning tips:

• Book in Advance: Popular routes and times, especially during peak seasons, can sell out quickly. Booking well in advance is recommended.
• Consider Class of Service: Think about your budget and comfort priorities. Coach is the most affordable, but sleeping cars offer privacy and beds for overnight journeys. Observation cars and lounge cars are great for enjoying the scenery.
• Window Seats: Request a window seat when booking, if possible. For many routes, one side offers more consistent scenic views than the other (e.g., the west side on the Pacific Surfliner for ocean views).
• Pack Smart: Consider bringing snacks and drinks, especially on longer journeys. Comfortable clothing, a good book, and a camera are essential.
• Check Route Details: Research the specific route you’re interested in. Look at the schedule, amenities, and any special features or stops.
• Be Flexible: Train travel can sometimes experience delays due to weather or track conditions. Build some flexibility into your itinerary.
• Consider Sleep Options: On overnight trips, decide if you want to book a private roomette or bedroom for sleeping. This significantly adds to the cost but provides privacy and a more comfortable resting experience.
• Enjoy the Journey: Resist the urge to constantly be on your phone or laptop. Look out the window, enjoy the views, and embrace the slower pace of travel.

More Scenic Train Options

Beyond the highlighted routes, the United States offers numerous other scenic train experiences, often shorter excursions or regional routes. Some notable mentions include:

• The Ethan Allen Express (New York City to Rutland, Vermont): Offers views of the Hudson Valley and rural Vermont.
• The Vermonter (Washington D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont): Travels through scenic landscapes in the Northeast.
• The City of New Orleans (Chicago to New Orleans): Follows the route famous in song, traversing diverse southern landscapes.
• Various Tourist Railways: Many states have historic or tourist railroads offering shorter scenic trips, often using vintage equipment. Research local options in areas you plan to visit.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Train Travel

Scenic train trips in the United States offer a unique and rewarding way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, the charm of the California coast, or the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, there’s a train journey waiting to transport you on an unforgettable adventure. By planning ahead and embracing the rhythm of the rails, you can create memories that will last a lifetime, all while enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery America has to offer. So, pack your bags, secure your ticket, and get ready to embark on a scenic railway journey that will redefine your idea of vacation.