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10 Best Train Journeys in the USA: Scenic Routes and Travel Tips

The best train journeys in the USA reveal landscapes that travelers often miss when flying between cities or driving along interstate highways. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to California’s Pacific coastline, America’s railways offer an extraordinary way to discover the country’s natural beauty.

Some routes cross several states over multiple days, passing through deserts, forests, river valleys and mountain ranges. Others provide shorter scenic excursions, combining historic railway experiences with visits to national parks and small towns.

Amtrak operates many of the country’s best-known long-distance passenger trains, including the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder. Independent operators such as the Grand Canyon Railway and Alaska Railroad offer equally memorable journeys.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country rail adventure, a family holiday or a short scenic excursion, these ten journeys offer something distinctive.

Best Scenic Train Journeys in the USA at a Glance

The first nine are intercity or regional passenger services, while Railtown 1897 offers a short heritage railway experience.

1. California Zephyr: Chicago to Emeryville, California

Best for: Rocky Mountains, canyons and cross-country scenery.

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – Reno – Sacramento – Emeryville.

The California Zephyr is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular long-distance train journeys in the United States.

Operated by Amtrak, this roughly 2,438-mile route connects Chicago with Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area. The complete journey takes a little over two days, passing through some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

The adventure begins across the agricultural plains of the Midwest before reaching Denver, where the terrain changes dramatically.

Crossing the Rocky Mountains

West of Denver, the train climbs into the Colorado Rockies, passing through tunnels, mountain valleys and forested slopes.

One of the most memorable sections follows the Colorado River through remote canyon landscapes, including the spectacular Glenwood Canyon area.

Passengers can enjoy views of steep rock walls, rushing water and mountain scenery that often appears remarkably close to the railway.

Farther west, the route crosses Utah’s open landscapes and the high desert of Nevada before climbing into California’s Sierra Nevada.

The journey through the Sierra Nevada, including the historic Donner Pass area, offers another dramatic contrast of mountains, forests and deep valleys.

Is the California Zephyr Worth Taking?

For travelers who want to experience the scale and variety of America’s landscapes, the California Zephyr is an excellent choice.

The complete route includes two nights aboard the train. However, travelers can also book shorter sections, such as Denver to Glenwood Springs or Sacramento to Reno.

Travel tip: The train terminates at Emeryville, not downtown San Francisco. Amtrak offers connecting bus services to selected San Francisco destinations, so check the complete journey when booking.

2. Coast Starlight: Los Angeles to Seattle

Best for: Pacific Ocean views, forests and mountains.

Route: Los Angeles – Santa Barbara – San Luis Obispo – San Jose – Sacramento – Portland – Seattle.

The Coast Starlight connects Southern California with the Pacific Northwest on one of America’s most varied rail routes.

The journey takes approximately 35 hours, combining coastal scenery, agricultural valleys, mountain landscapes and forests.

Departing from Los Angeles, the northbound train travels towards the Pacific Coast, where sections of railway run close to the ocean.

The stretch around Santa Barbara and farther north offers particularly attractive coastal views.

Passengers may see sandy beaches, waves breaking along the shoreline and coastal hills rising beyond the tracks.

From California’s Coast to the Cascade Mountains

The route eventually moves inland, continuing through Northern California.

Mount Shasta and the surrounding volcanic landscape are among its most impressive natural features.

Farther north, the Coast Starlight passes through the forests and mountain scenery of Oregon before reaching Portland and continuing to Seattle.

Because the train travels through very different environments, the journey feels like several scenic experiences combined into one.

Choosing the Best Section

Travelers who primarily want ocean views can consider a shorter journey between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo.

Those interested in mountains and forests may prefer sections farther north.

The full route offers the greatest variety, although some scenery will pass during darkness depending on the schedule and direction.

Travel tip: Do not assume the entire route follows the Pacific shoreline. Much of the journey runs inland, and coastal rail services can experience temporary changes caused by infrastructure work or other disruptions.

3. Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle or Portland

Best for: Glacier National Park region and northern landscapes.

Route: Chicago – St. Paul/Minneapolis – North Dakota – Montana – Spokane – Seattle/Portland.

The Empire Builder offers a remarkable journey across the northern United States.

Operated by Amtrak, the train travels from Chicago through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana before continuing towards the Pacific Northwest.

Along the way, passengers encounter open prairie, river valleys, mountain scenery and historic railway towns.

The route is particularly appealing for travelers interested in America’s northern wilderness.

Traveling Near Glacier National Park

One of the highlights is the journey through northern Montana near Glacier National Park.

The railway passes through the region’s spectacular mountain landscapes, with stops serving communities near the park, including East Glacier Park, West Glacier and Whitefish.

Forested valleys, mountain slopes and distant peaks make this one of the most memorable portions of the route.

However, the train itself does not provide a guided tour inside Glacier National Park. Visitors must arrange local transport and any necessary park access separately.

Two Pacific Northwest Destinations

At Spokane, the Empire Builder divides into separate sections.

One continues towards Seattle, while the other travels along the Columbia River corridor towards Portland.

Both provide beautiful scenery, but the landscapes are different.

Travel tip: Consider spending a few nights near Glacier National Park rather than treating the entire journey as a continuous train ride. Check seasonal station access and park transportation before booking.

4. Grand Canyon Railway: Williams to Grand Canyon Village

Best for: Families, railway heritage and national park visits.

Route: Williams, Arizona – Grand Canyon Village, South Rim.

The Grand Canyon Railway combines a historic train journey with a visit to one of America’s best-known natural attractions.

Departing from Williams in northern Arizona, the train travels through pine forests, open countryside and high-desert landscapes before reaching Grand Canyon Village.

The journey takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes each way.

Unlike a conventional transport service, the railway incorporates entertainment inspired by the history of the American West.

Depending on the programme, passengers may enjoy musicians, costumed performers and theatrical Old West experiences.

Arriving at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim

The railway arrives at the historic Grand Canyon Depot in Grand Canyon Village.

From here, visitors can explore parts of the South Rim, enjoy viewpoints and discover the area’s visitor facilities.

The train offers a practical alternative to driving into the park, particularly for travelers who prefer to avoid parking arrangements.

However, the standard same-day return schedule allows only a limited period for sightseeing.

Visitors planning extensive walks or additional activities may prefer to arrange an overnight stay.

Historic Steam Train Experiences

The railway normally uses diesel-powered locomotives, while selected steam departures take place on special dates.

These heritage journeys attract railway enthusiasts, but steam operations depend on equipment availability and operating conditions.

The company also runs a separate seasonal Polar Express experience in Williams.

Travel tip: Confirm the specific train class, departure schedule, park admission arrangements and available sightseeing time before booking. The regular Grand Canyon Railway travels to the South Rim, not the North Rim.

5. Pacific Surfliner: San Diego to San Luis Obispo

Best for: Short coastal journeys and California beach towns.

Route: San Diego – Orange County – Los Angeles – Ventura – Santa Barbara – San Luis Obispo.

For travelers who want spectacular coastal scenery without committing to an overnight journey, the Pacific Surfliner is an excellent option.

This Amtrak service connects major destinations across Southern California and the Central Coast.

The full route covers approximately 351 miles, with several sections running close to the Pacific Ocean.

Passengers can enjoy views of beaches, coastal cliffs, seaside communities and the ocean stretching towards the horizon.

The Most Scenic Sections

The route includes particularly attractive coastal scenery around San Clemente and between Ventura and Santa Barbara.

At times, the railway runs close enough to the shoreline for passengers to enjoy uninterrupted sea views.

The journey also connects popular destinations such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Travelers can easily plan a short railway holiday by stopping in one or more coastal towns.

A Convenient Alternative to Driving

Unlike many long-distance scenic routes, the Pacific Surfliner operates multiple services on portions of its route.

This makes it useful for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with practical transportation.

Travel tip: Not every departure covers the complete route. Check the timetable for your intended stations and confirm whether planned track work or coastal maintenance affects your journey.

6. Ethan Allen Express: New York City to Burlington, Vermont

Best for: Hudson Valley scenery and autumn foliage.

Route: New York City – Albany – Saratoga Springs – Rutland – Middlebury – Burlington.

The Ethan Allen Express offers a scenic escape from New York City into the countryside of upstate New York and Vermont.

Departing from Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station, the train follows the Hudson River Valley before continuing north towards Vermont.

The landscape changes gradually from urban surroundings to river views, wooded hills, historic towns and rural countryside.

Exploring the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is one of the most attractive parts of the journey.

Passengers can enjoy views of the river, wooded slopes and communities along its banks.

Autumn is particularly appealing because the region’s deciduous forests develop shades of gold, orange and red.

Saratoga Springs offers an interesting stop for travelers interested in architecture, mineral springs and local history.

Continuing into Vermont

The train travels through Rutland and Middlebury before reaching Burlington, near Lake Champlain.

Burlington provides access to a lively waterfront, restaurants, shops and outdoor activities.

The full service between New York City and Burlington takes approximately seven and a half hours, making it suitable for a longer day of travel or a multi-stop holiday.

Travel tip: Autumn colours vary according to weather and elevation. The train is an attractive way to experience fall scenery, but passengers should not expect peak foliage along the entire route on the same day.

7. Denali Star: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Best for: Wilderness, wildlife habitats and mountain scenery.

Route: Anchorage – Wasilla – Talkeetna – Denali – Fairbanks.

The Denali Star is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship summer passenger service.

Connecting Anchorage with Fairbanks, the route passes through vast forests, river valleys and mountain landscapes.

The journey includes stops at Talkeetna and Denali, making it particularly attractive for travelers planning to visit Denali National Park.

On clear days, passengers may see Denali, North America’s highest mountain, rising above the surrounding wilderness.

However, mountain visibility depends heavily on cloud cover and weather conditions.

Experiencing Alaska by Rail

The railway offers opportunities to appreciate the scale of Alaska’s landscapes without driving long distances.

Passengers pass through regions of extensive forest, broad rivers and relatively remote countryside.

Wildlife sightings are possible, but animals should never be expected to appear at particular locations.

The journey itself is the attraction, particularly for travelers who enjoy photography and natural scenery.

Onboard Experience

The Alaska Railroad offers different seating classes, including Adventure Class and GoldStar Service.

GoldStar Service includes glass-dome viewing areas and additional amenities, while Adventure Class provides comfortable seating and large windows.

Travel tip: The Denali Star is primarily a summer service, generally operating from mid-May to mid-September. Book accommodation and park excursions separately unless purchasing a package that explicitly includes them.

8. Coastal Classic: Anchorage to Seward, Alaska

Best for: Coastal mountains, glacier landscapes and day trips.

Route: Anchorage – Girdwood – Seward.

The Coastal Classic provides one of Alaska’s most impressive shorter railway experiences.

The train departs Anchorage and follows Turnagain Arm, where the mountains of the Chugach Range rise steeply beside the water.

This dramatic meeting of sea and mountains creates some of the route’s most striking views.

After passing Girdwood, the railway continues into more remote landscapes, including sections away from the road network.

The journey eventually reaches Seward on Resurrection Bay.

Mountains, Water and Wildlife

The scenery includes tidal waters, forested hillsides, mountain valleys and rugged terrain.

Travelers may spot wildlife along the route, although sightings are never guaranteed.

The railway is particularly rewarding for photographers because the landscape changes considerably within a relatively short distance.

Explore Seward and Kenai Fjords

Seward serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Visitors can arrange sightseeing cruises, explore the waterfront or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.

The Coastal Classic’s seasonal schedule is designed to allow a day visit to Seward, although passengers should check the time available before booking additional excursions.

Travel tip: This is an excellent option for travelers who want Alaska’s scenery without spending several days aboard a train. Services typically operate from mid-May to mid-September.

9. Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles

Best for: Deserts, red-rock country and the American Southwest.

Route: Chicago – Kansas City – Albuquerque – Flagstaff – Los Angeles.

The Southwest Chief offers a different kind of American rail adventure.

Instead of focusing mainly on forests and alpine mountains, the route crosses the Great Plains and the dramatic landscapes of the Southwest.

The train connects Chicago with Los Angeles, traveling through several states and passing through regions shaped by desert climates, mountains and centuries of human settlement.

Discover New Mexico and Arizona

One of the route’s most interesting sections passes through northern New Mexico and Arizona.

Passengers encounter open country, rugged hills, desert vegetation and broad views of distant mountains.

The railway also passes through landscapes associated with historic settlements and the development of rail travel across the American West.

Albuquerque offers opportunities to explore New Mexico’s cultural heritage, while Flagstaff provides a convenient base for visiting northern Arizona.

Can You Visit the Grand Canyon From the Southwest Chief?

Yes, but not directly by train.

The Southwest Chief stops at Flagstaff, not Grand Canyon Village.

Travelers must arrange a separate road transfer to the South Rim or to Williams if they want to board the Grand Canyon Railway.

A combined Southwest Chief and Grand Canyon Railway itinerary can make an interesting holiday, but the connections require careful planning.

Travel tip: The complete route takes roughly two days. Check which scenic sections will be visible during daylight before choosing your travel direction.

10. Railtown 1897: A Historic Railway Experience in California

Best for: Vintage locomotives, railway history and film locations.

Location: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown, California.

Travelers interested in railway heritage should consider visiting Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in California’s Gold Country.

Located in Jamestown, the park preserves historic railway facilities associated with the Sierra Railway.

The site includes a working roundhouse, locomotive maintenance facilities, historic equipment and an interpretive centre.

Rather than offering a conventional long-distance passenger service, Railtown provides an opportunity to discover how American railways operated during the steam era.

Ride a Vintage Train

The park operates seasonal excursion trains using historic railway equipment.

Its standard excursion travels through the Sierra foothills on a short round-trip route.

Depending on the schedule and locomotive availability, passengers may ride behind a historic steam or diesel locomotive.

The park also offers railway-related activities and special events.

Discover the Hollywood Connection

The historic Sierra Railway became well known in the film industry.

Railtown’s locomotives and facilities have appeared in numerous films and television productions, giving the location the nickname “The Movie Railroad.”

Visitors can explore the history of these productions while learning about the railway’s original industrial role.

The preserved roundhouse and maintenance shops are particularly interesting for railway enthusiasts.

Travel tip: Railtown 1897 is in Jamestown, not San Francisco. Its excursion rides operate seasonally, while park and museum access follow separate arrangements. Confirm the specific train schedule before traveling, especially if you want to ride behind a steam locomotive.

Which Scenic Train Journey in the USA Should You Choose?

The best route depends on whether you prefer a long cross-country adventure, a shorter coastal trip or a historic railway experience.

For a first major American railway holiday, the California Zephyr offers an especially varied introduction to long-distance train travel.

Travelers with less time may find the Pacific Surfliner, Grand Canyon Railway or Coastal Classic easier to include in an existing itinerary.

How to Plan a Scenic Train Trip in the USA

Train travel in the United States requires slightly different planning from travel in countries with extensive high-frequency passenger rail networks.

Many long-distance routes operate only once daily, and some heritage railways run on selected days or during particular seasons.

Choose Between Daytime and Overnight Journeys

A short rail journey can fit comfortably into an existing holiday.

Long-distance routes such as the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder require more time.

Before booking, decide whether you want to travel the complete route or focus on a scenic section.

Shorter journeys can be particularly useful for travelers who prefer hotel accommodation rather than sleeping aboard a train.

Understand Amtrak’s Seating and Sleeping Options

Amtrak offers different accommodation types depending on the service.

Coach Class: A reserved seat suited to daytime journeys and travelers who prefer a more economical option.

Roomette: A small private sleeping compartment available on selected overnight services. It provides seating during the day and sleeping arrangements at night.

Bedroom: A larger private compartment with additional space and amenities.

Facilities vary between routes, so check the specific train before booking.

Not every service provides sleeping accommodation, and food options differ between long-distance and regional trains.

Book Tickets Through Official Operators

The easiest way to compare schedules, ticket availability and accommodation classes is through the railway operator.

• Amtrak: Most intercity passenger services in the contiguous United States.
• Alaska Railroad: Scenic services connecting Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks and Seward.
• Grand Canyon Railway: Historic passenger service from Williams to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
• Railtown 1897: Seasonal heritage railway excursions in California.

Ticket prices change according to travel dates, demand, accommodation class and other booking conditions.

Allow Time for Connections

Long-distance passenger trains can encounter delays caused by weather, track conditions, freight traffic and other operational factors.

Avoid planning critical flight connections immediately after a long rail journey.

For complex itineraries, consider an overnight stop between separate train services or before an international flight.

Amtrak provides real-time train status information and service alerts through its website and mobile app.

Pack for a Comfortable Journey

For longer rail trips, consider bringing:

• Comfortable clothing and an extra layer
• Drinking water and snacks
• Phone charger and power bank
• Headphones or reading material
• Essential medication
• A small overnight bag
• Camera or binoculars for scenery and wildlife viewing

Keep important documents, medication and valuables in your carry-on luggage.

Wi-Fi and mobile phone coverage can be limited on remote mountain and desert sections.

Best Time of Year for Scenic Train Travel in the USA

The ideal season depends on the route and the landscapes you want to experience.

Spring

Spring can bring green valleys, flowing rivers and attractive mountain scenery.

Weather can still be unpredictable at higher elevations, particularly in the Rockies.

Summer

Summer is particularly suitable for Alaska Railroad journeys and outdoor activities around national parks.

Longer daylight hours allow passengers to see more of the landscape.

However, popular services and accommodation near major attractions can become busy.

Autumn

Autumn is an excellent choice for the Ethan Allen Express and rail journeys through wooded regions.

Fall foliage also adds colour to mountain landscapes in parts of Colorado and the northern United States.

Winter

Winter offers opportunities to see snow-covered landscapes from heated train carriages.

The California Zephyr can be particularly scenic when the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada receive snow.

However, winter weather may affect schedules, and Alaska’s principal summer sightseeing trains do not operate on their usual summer routes throughout the winter.

Can International Tourists Travel by Train in the USA?

Yes. International visitors can use Amtrak and other passenger rail operators, subject to ticketing and identification requirements.

However, visitors must meet the relevant US immigration and entry requirements before traveling.

Depending on nationalit