train journeys north america

8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England ,  here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's  Amazing Train Journeys .

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m)  Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks.

From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published December 2020 and updated January 2024

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The 31 Most Scenic Train Rides in North America

Taking a scenic train trip is a must-do to cross off your bucket list. Whether you choose to go diesel-electric or utilize the classic steam locomotive, nothing beats a train ride through memorable scenery and notable landmarks.

From lush green forests to crystal blue oceans is the reason the United States is called “America the beautiful.” If you want to discover the thirty-one most scenic train rides in North America, this article is for you.

Are There Scenic Train Journeys in North America?

When it comes to appreciating the gorgeous view of this majestic country, riding the train is the way to go. You can only look at a certain expanse of the land below in an airplane. However, when you are on a train, you get to see the broad scope of the land and all its beautiful terrain. The scenery outside when you are riding on the train is unbeatable.

There are different train rides offered throughout North America. You can go many places and experience the pure wonder of a train ride. There is nothing like a long train ride to make you appreciate our magnificent country. The following includes the most scenic train rides North America has to offer:

1. Grand Canyon Railway

You can experience a touch of the wild west when you ride the Grand Canyon Railway. It is an incredible vintage train car that will transport you 65 miles north through Kaibab National Park and to the National Park at the Grand Canyon. At close to 7,000 feet elevation, you can see the dramatic landscape and feel through the rugged terrain.

The southern rim of the Grand Canyon is the destination. The canyons and deep narrow valleys you will see are breathtaking. With the beautiful scenery and fun, laid-back vibe of the railcar, your trip on the Grand Canyon Railway is sure to be unforgettable.

2. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Your diesel or locomotive train leaves from Bryson City. It moves along:

• Tennessee River
• Nantahala River
• Nantahala Gorge

You will be privileged to see the Smoky Mountains surrounded by a blanket of emerald forests. You may also visit the Tuckasegee River if you prefer that route. You will ride across a bridge over to Fontana Lake and into a scenic area in the Smoky Mountains.

If you choose to go the Tuckasegee River route, you will encounter the North Carolina countryside and take in its splendor. Opt for a locomotive train if you want to feel like one of the first people ever to experience these striking views.

3. Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Road

Drive through the picturesque mountains and forests of West Virginia. You will go to Cass Depot and experience the crown of Bald Knob, which is the third-highest point in West Virginia. Ride these historic steam-powered locomotives or vintage diesel-powered passenger trains to see the land’s beauty. You will travel through remote areas that not even automobiles can come through.

4. California Zephyr

Journey across the heartland on one of North America’s best train rides. Savor the awe-inspiring scenery as you pass through the Rockies. The route begins in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Emeryville, California. It is the same path that pioneers traveled when they settled out West. It is a 2,800-mile tour that highlights the center of Gold Rush country.

5. White Pass & Yukon Route Through Alaska

The Klondike Goldrush is responsible for creating the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway just before the turn of the 19th century. The railway is celebrated for its clever civil engineering. Travel past glacial rivers and gorgeous waterfalls on your journey. The train route begins in Skagway, Alaska, and you can go round trip or one way, depending upon your preference.

6. The Empire Builder

This one is a long-distance passenger train that Amtrak provides. It takes you the exact route Lewis and Clark went on their famous expedition. On this trip, you will see sublime views:

• Mountain ranges
• National parks

The train travels from Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, to Chicago, Illinois. Then, they combine in Spokane, Washington, to complete the trip. To see the Columbia River Gorge, you will need to begin or end your journey in Portland. However, if you choose to see Puget Sound and the Skykomish River over the Columbia River Gorge, start or end in Seattle.

Traveling this route in the summer will allow you to see more meaningful sites. Along the route, there are various sites worth mentioning, such as the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountain, the Cascade Mountains, and the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

7. Coast Starlight

This trip starts between Los Angeles and Seattle and passes through Santa Barbara, the SanFransico Bay, Sacramento, and Portland. This train connects all the best cities on the West Coast. If you do not check it out, you do not know what you are missing.

When riding the Pacific Coast Highway, you will spy extraordinary seaside cliffs and a glimpse at the reflection of lakes at sunset. The San Francisco Bay is a delight to see from the passage car window. You will also see the snow-capped mountains and Puget Sound. The route goes from Seattle, Washington, to Los Angeles, and this remarkable trip will prove to be memorable.

8. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This train is a steam locomotive. The railway is designated as a National Historic Landmark commissioned through The American Society of Civil Engineers having the status of a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The scenic route lies between Durango and Silverton, as passengers are treated to a stunning view of the gorges of southwest Colorado’s San Juan National Forest. You can also spy where the San Juan Mountains meet the San Juan River in New Mexico.

9. Train Ride Along the Hudson River

This ride between New York City and Albany is one to remember as it travels along the Hudson River. There are breathtaking scenic views, including the big, gorgeous houses and charming little towns. The Hudson Valley is a definitive work of art in autumn.

10. Cape Cod Central Railroad

Cape Cod has some brilliant scenery:

• Cape Cod Canal
• Cranberry bogs
• Salt marshes

As the route takes its course, passengers can see these outstanding views come to life.

11. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, Iowa

The ride takes passengers along a scenic route from the Des Moine River Valley in Boone, as you will get a great view of the river valley. As a bonus, there is a museum with some cool things to look at. The trip is ideal for families with kids.

12. Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad

This trip is the best way for you to see Colorado’s rocky mountains. There is a lot to look at:

• Wildflowers
• Aspen groves

Make sure you bring your phone to record these images, as the trip is photo-worthy all the way around.

13. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

On this trip, you will explore the 1,000-foot granite cliffs of the Colorado Rockies and enjoyable scenery. It runs from the Santa Fe Depot to the Royal Gorge , which is Colorado’s most spectacular canyon. The train is an upscale traveling restaurant.

14. Jefferson Railway, Texas

This railway offers a steam locomotive that travels through the fantastic wetlands of Cypress Bayou.

The events to look forward to on Jefferson railway include:

• Diamond Don’s Vintage Motocross
• The Great Locomotive Chase
• The Christmas Express Train

One of the additional exciting stops is at the Diamond Don Gator Pit, where you have the good fortune to witness the live feeding of the alligators. During the trip, passengers can see the location of the first artificial gas plant in Texas, a sawmill, what is left of a blast furnace, and one of the last remaining Confederate powder magazines from the 1800s.

15. Silver Chef, Branson Scenic Railway, Missouri

Calling all food lovers! If you enjoy good cuisine , this is the ride for you. This train provides a smooth ride through the Ozark Mountains as you enjoy a four-course romantic dinner that is reminiscent of classic fine dining on a passenger train. The train runs several pieces of vintage railroad equipment, as well as dome cars, a dining car, and numerous coaches. There are also some great events, as Branson Scenic Railway offers a festive Polar Express train during the holidays.

16. The Crescent

This train drive between New York and New Orleans through Atlanta is a memorable ride because the train goes across the majestic Lake Ponchartrain. The water is crystal blue and has a stunning view for passengers. If you board the train that goes North, the experience is even more special because you can watch over the water at sunset.

The train was named because the amount of time it takes to travel from New York to New Orleans is about 30 hours, which means that passengers must spend the night on the train. Extending 1,377 miles, the Crescent is one of the longest train routes in America.

17. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Georgia

When you travel through Georgia, you want to go through the charming mountain village of Blue Ridge. You will take a 26-mile roundtrip trek along the Tocca River, overlooking the fantastic body of land. The train allows you to experience the Georgia and Tennessee border towns of McCaysville and Copperhill. You will enjoy this 13-mile train trip. The train also has seasonal and holiday events:

• Easter Eggspress
• Firecracker Special
• Santa Train
• New Year’s Eve Excursion

They even celebrate the fall season with fall foliage rides from October to mid-November. It is a great train to ride for families with kids.

18. Napa Valley Wine Train, California

What could be better than wine and trains? The Napa Valley wine tour offers a 36-mile journey from Napa through one of North America’s fascinating wine valleys. You will ride through the quaint little town of St. Helena and enjoy sampling the wine. You will also pass through:

On this train, you will return to an elegant era, as the train cars feature Venetian red paneling, classy brass accents, glass soundproofing, and velveteen fabric seating. You will ride in style on the Napa Valley wine train.

19. Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad

This ride is one of the oldest and lengthiest picturesque journeys in the country. You can choose between diesel-electric or steam locomotives. The ride provides an enchanting panorama of natural views, and you can spy the wildlife of Cuyahoga National Park as you discover:

The park also has plenty of plants and wildlife. You will also see the Cuyahoga River and the remarkable Ohio & Erie Canalway between Cleavland and Akron to the Canton.

20. Mount Hood Scenic Railroad, Oregon

This ride offers passengers a magnificent landscape view of Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge. The journey takes you to one of the only switchbacks remaining in the United States. It offers impeccable scenery as you glide past Mount Hood, Oregon’s most impressive peak. Mount Hood also has holiday offerings for the whole family to enjoy:

• Christmas Polar Express tour
• Pumpkin Patch tour
• Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Express tour

The Fruit Blossom tour features the fruits that Hood River Valley is famous for, such as the April apple and pear blossom. There are also some fun Murder Mystery tours as well.

21. Alaska Railroad, Alaska

The expedition takes you 470 miles and covers the spectacular landscape with vistas. It crosses:

• Denali National and State Parks
• Chugach National Forest

The tour runs between Seward and Fairbanks and places where only trains have special access. The Alaska Railroad offers a captivating ride that stretches for 470 miles. These parks are full of wildlife, including moose, bears, wolves, and eagles. You can also combine train tours in Alaska with bus or car tours to continue your journey.

22. Pacific Surfliner

The Pacific Surfliner is part of Amtrak and is one of the extremely popular train routes in North America. The train ride offers impressive scenery:

• Ocean views
• San Diego towns

This train ride is truly a scenic adventure as it displays one of the best beach spots in the country. The trip is undoubtedly a postcard-worthy excursion with all of its variations.

23. Lake Shore Limited

On Lake Shore Limited , you will ride through many scenic places:

• New York City

On this trip, you will encounter some of the most stunning shorelines in the United States. You will ride through steep and rocky cliffs and highly recognizable landmarks like The Great Lakes and the Erie Canal, which have mesmerizing scenery. The Lake Shore Limited consists of a New York section and a Boston section which operate combined between Chicago and Albany.

24. Southwest Chief

Summon your inner cowboy and get a glimpse of the Wild West on this trip. You will see mesmerizing views:

• Wheat fields

You will get to see gorgeous scenes and vistas on this trip that you would never be able to see from the inside of your car. You will travel across the Mississippi through eight states, including Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, California, and Arizona. It is a trip worthy of any aspiring rancher.

25. The Cardinal 

The Cardinal travels from New York to Chicago. You will get stunning views of:

• Rolling hills

You will also get to see the clean water rivers of West Virginia. The Ohio River is also included in this first-rate tour. This ride typically gets booked up fast in the fall when you can see the colorful assortment of burgundy, pumpkin orange, gold, and amber leaves from the passenger car.

26. The Canadian

The Canadian runs between Toronto and Vancouver, and you will see some picturesque mountains in Alberta and British Columbia and the gorgeous landscape between Winnipeg and Toronto. In the blink of an eye, the panorama will change from enormous stretches of lush green grass to majestic mountains and finally to the glorious waves of the turquoise Pacific Ocean.

27. New England in the Fall

Nothing beats the scenery in the fall. Fall foliage is a sight that many people look forward to around the “ber” months of the year. This list includes September, October, and November and ends in December. The New England tour does not fail to please fans of the fall. You will see:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island

Watch from the comfortable seat on the train as the vivid fall leaves burst in color and discover the historical towns to see where the pilgrims first landed. Riding the train through New England in the fall will prove to be a truly romantic experience.

28. Glacier, Yellowstone, and Jackson

You will get a complete tour during your adventure through Glacier National Park . You may visit the Charles Russel Museum and check out the fantastic history of the parks, and then you will arrive at Yellowstone Park and stay for three nights. On your tour, you will find that there are a plethora of  different things you can be doing at the Yellowstone Park:

• Birdwatching
• Rafting, Kayaking, Boating, Swimming
• Rock climbing
• Horseback riding
• Enjoying the wildlife
• High rides and ziplines
• Looking at the stars
• Looking out for bears

Finally, the trip ends in Jackson, Wyoming. You get to experience the pure wonder of these three national parks.

29. Alaskan Trains and Kenai Fjords

Discover Kenai Fjords and Denali National Park. Take the riveting Tundra Wilderness Tour. Travel South to Wasilla and see the Iditarod Trail Headquarters. Then, visit Alaska’s largest city. Take a walk through the fascinating Anchorage Museum, then go to the Kenai Penninsula on the Alaska Railway. You will get to see a wide range of sites on this tour.

30. Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Yellowstone

Ever want to see the President’s heads carved in a mountain? Here is your chance. Check out the frontier towns of the Wild West. The journey begins in Chicago, where you will board the California Zephyr and see the Rockies. Some of the features of the journey include:

• Buffalo Jeep Safari in Custer State Park
• Float Trip on the Snake River through Grand Teton Park
• Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument

You will also be able to take in the Grand Teton National Park, Badlands National Park, and the Buffalo Bill Western museum.

You will see the famous   Yellowstone National Park. The park is renowned for its scenic lakes and rivers, rugged mountains, and geologic offerings, such as fossil forests and eroded lava flows. Finally, you will get to see the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is a fun trip with many high points that will be memorable.

31. America’s Treasures and Natural Wonders

This ride is an adventure in the Wild West. You get to visit six awe-inspiring National Parks , complete with great photo opportunities for you to take plenty of pictures.

The best part of the trip is going to Yellowstone. You will see many attractions:

• Hot springs
• Old Faithful

Old faithful , the most famous geyser located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, is in the southwest area of the park. Eruptions from the geyser can be abrupt and unpredictable. Yellowstone Park also has dashing green meadows with lots of wonderful little animals. You can also view breathtaking mountains.

What Are Tips for Traveling on a Train in North America?

When aboard a train, no matter how scenic, you want to be prepared and take along some items you may need during your ride. Riding on a train is fun and relaxing, as long as you have everything you need to be comfortable. The following includes some tips for traveling on a train in North America:

• Make sure you have all essential items , such as your ID, prescriptions, and medications like Ibuprophen, or motion sickness medicine
• There is no harm in bringing entertainment , such as your favorite book, deck of cards, movies you can watch on your phone, or music you can listen to. Just be sure to pack your earbuds.
• Many railroads offer luggage assistance , so be sure to have a tip ready for the train employees
• Bring a healthy snack that will energize you for the trip, such as almonds and an apple
• Make sure you have all your care items , such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap
• Make sure you have what you need to be comfortable , such as an extra blanket or a nice neck pillow
• Reserve a sleeping car room. It is all about comfort when you want to relax. The best way to enjoy the experience on long-distance train trips is to book a roomette or bedroom onboard. You will also get a sleeping car attendant, and remember to tip them!

Another point is to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. You do not want to go on a train trip being too hot or too cold. You may even want to wear your pajamas.

There are some very scenic railroad tours in North America you can enjoy. A picturesque train ride does wonders for the soul. Hopefully, the list in this article inspires you to choose the train ride of your dreams.

Lifelong Rail Enthusiast and Owner of Worldwide Rails

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Train & Rail Tours in North America

Relax and admire breathtaking views in North America only accessible by train journey. With 24 North America train tours lasting from 5 days up to 25 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

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24 train tour packages in north america with 1,332 reviews.

• Train & Rail

Via Railway Experience｜5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure

Overall it was a very good experience. The tour is organized and the entire team were nice and helpful. The tour was great in the sense that you get to see a lot in a few days which is great. You also get explanation and details of every spot. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in discovering the Rocky Mountains. The only thing I would change is to exclude the Vancouver part, if you are going from TO I advise to go strait to Calgary and start the tour from there. We did the 5 days excursion from TO to Vancouver then to Jasper, Banff …Calgary. And we had a flight delay going to Vancouver of 2 days so arrived on the same day we had to head to Jasper and that was very exhausting. In conclusion, it’s a great tour to consider and totally worth it :)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal

Our overall experience was good, but were very disappointed by our stay in the last hotel, the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal.

• Ocean Cruise

Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise

Good tour . But first section of the train ride was not good as I expected . Unable to see much beauty of Canda. Unfortunately I was unable to see any bears , beauty of Lake Louise due to weather changes . However we had experienced in beauty of winter .

• In-depth Cultural

Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Great Canadian Rail Journey

I really had a great time all the people were so friendly and nice .The accommodation was fantastic the meals really good and James was full of info and a very helpful friendly guy.It was the trip of a lifetime .

Canadian Rockies by Train

This was s bucket list trip. I was really looking forward to taking the train through the Rockies and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Eastern City Lights: Toronto to Quebec City by Rail

Western Canada’s Grand Rail Circle Tour

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 9 Days)

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 9 Days) (from Banff to Vancouver)

7-day Winter VIA Experience (Vancouver To Jasper) Vacation Package (ends In Calgary)

Canadian Rockies, Alaska & Arctic Circle - Okanagan Valley > Banff

Canadian Train Odyssey

I would like to see more meals offered. Not use to locating evening meals in unknown city. Understand if stopping at place and everyone buys their own, but evening meals???? Breakfast in past has been standard.

Western Canada by Rail

Truly stunning mountain scenery through the Rockies to Vancouver with guest appearances from bears, elk, eagles and gophers! A well paced and organised trip led by an excellent guide Sibylle. Travelling in style on the Rocky Mountaineer was a memorable experience, even though we were in Silver Leaf. A class operation. A minor gripe that there was so little time at the end of the tour in Vancouver and Vancouver Island, luckily we added a couple of extra nights in Vancouver to explore the city.

Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise

What people love about train & rail tours in north america.

We enjoyed our tour very much, the sights were beautiful, staff we well informed. A highlight for us was the optional evening photographic tour. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars was the last day felt very rushed, especially at the Banff gondola as the queue to get on took half an hour and not enough time allocated to our lunch at the Lake Louise Chateau, we had to ask the waitress to bring out the dessert while we were eating the main as we only had 15 minutes until the bus left. Allocate a bit more time for those things and you will get five stars.

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• Deutsch: Nordamerika Zugreisen
• Français: Amérique du Nord : Circuits train et rail 2024/2025
• Español: Tren y ferrocarril Circuitos en América del Norte
• Nederlands: Trein & spoor Rondreizen in Noord-Amerika

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The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

It’s all about the journey on the best train rides in the USA, featuring mind-blowingly scenic routes

Of course, a road trip through America is one of the best ways to see the magnificent views on offer across the country, but from time to time it's just nice to take a break from being behind the wheel. Instead, how about taking one of the best train rides in the USA? Gently saunter across the country, leaving you free to contemplate life, ponder the meaning of existence or just spend a few hours thinking about nothing and staring out of the window.

Riding on a train can be a romantic, nostalgic, and best of all leisurely way to see the country. Even a commuter train between major cities can be a step up from a drive, but these scenic train rides are more than that. Geared towards long-haul trips from coast to coast, or specifically designed for enjoying the scenery, these train routes will let you take in all the glorious views.

Looking for a west coast adventure? Take the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle . Heading to Alaska ? Catch all the highlights on the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The Grand Canyon Railway and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you from quaint towns to national parks . There are even some shorter jaunts, like the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or the Hawaiian Railway that will give you a small taste of scenic train travel.

So hop aboard, enjoy the views, and take as many pics as you want without having to keep your hands on the wheel.

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Best train rides in the USA

1.  Rockies to the Red Rocks

Denver, co to moab, ut.

The first US offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the new 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. The 2023 season will kick off in August and will run through October.

Discover the  best things to do in Denver

2.  Coast Starlight

Los angeles, ca to seattle, wa.

Put a spin on the classic left-coast road trip by traveling by train instead. The advantages? Zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo-ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Discover the best things to do in Seattle  

3.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, az to the grand canyon, az.

Sure you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives, and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

Discover the best things to do in Arizona

4.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, il to portland, or.

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds, so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

Discover the best things to do in Portland 

5.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, ak to fairbanks, ak.

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

Discover the best things to do in Alaska 

6.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson city, nc.

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. Various routes originate here, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

Discover the best things to do in North Carolina 

7.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton woods, nh.

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288ft peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views—of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

Discover the best thing to do in New Hampshire

8.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa valley, ca.

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant is made up of a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

Discover the best  things to do in Napa

9.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

Discover the best things to do in Oahu

10.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, co to silverton, co.

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

Discover the best things to do in Colorado

11.  The Ethan Allen Express

New york city, ny to burlington, vt.

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. You’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

Discover the best things to do in Vermont

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The 6 Most Adventurous Train Trips in North America

Train travel is back and better than ever, with upgrades and expanded service hitting iconic destinations across North America. Sit back, look out the window, and wake up to new sights and adventures.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

In my early 20s, I zigzagged across Europe by train. Fresh out of college and pinching pennies on a month-long backpacking trip in Italy and Switzerland, I went by overnight rail, combining the cost of a room with travel to wake up in a new country each morning. It was amazing.

Traveling long distance by train is on the rise again, as adventurers look for an eco-friendly and engaging alternative to flying. In Western Europe, night trains are seeing a post-Covid resurgence, with the new Nightjet network connecting major cities. Here in the United States, Amtrak has purchased 125 new diesel-electric locomotives, most for long-distance use. In the past several years, the company spent $580 million in station upgrades and put $28 million toward upgrading its overnight railcars’ seating, lighting, tables, and bedding, as well as reintroducing dining cars after a pandemic-forced hiatus.

Going by train isn’t about getting somewhere fast, or cheaply either: Amtrak and other operators in the U.S. and Canada can’t compete with the budget airlines. But train travel is more eco-friendly than flying, especially with the new diesel-electric locomotives. Trains, writes Andres Eskenazi of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy , “pollute much less than airplanes, sometimes by as much as 73 percent, and they are more easily electrified than planes.”

You can customize a train trip with layover days in any stop along the route, to explore an interim park or town. (Arrange the stops upfront when you book.)

Traveling by train  is fun and relaxing; you can read a book, stare out the window, walk around, play cards, or see a film. Just ask Hartwell Carson, who has ridden the rails with his daughter, 13-year-old Evan, multiple times since she was eight.

“It’s everything that is great about traveling,” Carson says. “You’re forced to slow down and spend quality time with your companions. My daughter and I read books, drew pictures, and went to the dining car. There is nowhere to go, so you slowly watch the landscape change. It takes you back to a time when the journey was as important as the destination.”

We’re all about that. So here are six of the most scenic rail journeys in North America, and great things to do along the way, including in our national parks . (Note that costs given are for one-way trips.)

1. The Vermonter

The Route: Washington, D.C., to St. Albans, Vermont Duration: 611 miles, 13 hours

Want variety? How about a train that travels through nine states, some of the largest cities in the country, lush farming valleys, and rugged mountains? The Vermonter connects Washington, D.C., with the villages of Vermont right up to the Canadian border, and stops in Philadelphia and New York City along the way. The trip begins among towering skyscrapers, but once you pass New York City, you hit the estuary of Long Island Sound, with its islands and tall seagrass and the occasional lighthouse. Next come the hills and vineyards of the Hudson River Valley. As you reach New England proper, the scenery cedes to a mix of quaint villages (all those steeples), dense hardwood forests, and the lush Green Mountains of Vermont. The final stop is St. Albans, near Lake Champlain and the Canadian border, but you can end your journey anywhere.

The Adventure: Stop at the Waterbury-Stowe station, which is within walking distance of historic downtown Waterbury, a lovely place to stay the night. Stowe, home of the massive ski resort of the same name, is 10 miles away and reachable by bus or bike. Bring your skis in winter or your bike in summer (if a bike is under 50 pounds, with tires under 2”, you can carry it on, but check bigger bikes at $20 per rig). The Stowe Recreation Path is five miles long, connecting various trail systems and more than 50 miles of singletrack from town. Check out the nearby Cady Hill Forest , and opt for the super flowy Florence Trail .

The Fares : This isn’t an overnight route, so there are no sleeper cars. Choose coach (from $81) or go for business class (from $253), with its increased leg room and free non-alcoholic drinks. Amtrak’s Café has breakfast sandwiches, burgers, salads, and snacks. The food is tasty but pricey. Regular travelers may want to bring your own.

2. The Coast Starlight

The Route : Los Angeles to Seattle Duration : 1377 miles, 35 hours

If Amtrak has a superstar route, it’s the Coast Starlight , which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle along the western edge of the United States, hitting Portland, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. The train runs daily in both directions, with many adventure-prime stops along the way. If you begin in L.A. and travel north, the journey starts among the rocky outcroppings and farms of the San Fernando Valley before hugging the coast with its constant breakers and tall, rocky bluffs. You sleep through Northern California, and the next day gaze out on the dense evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest and views of the Cascade Mountain Range, including—if you wake up early enough—California’s Mount Shasta, as seen from Oregon.

The Adventure: Just north of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo is the first stop after the train leaves L.A. (or, if you’re traveling south, the last stop before L.A.), and an ideal spot for a surf break. (Again, schedule any stops ahead of time). There’s no shortage of rental shops, but you can check your own surfboard on the Coast Starlight for just $10. Pismo Beach, 13 miles west and accessible from the station by an hourly bus, has one of the most consistent breaks on California’s Central Coast. The Pismo Beach Pier attracts the most surfers, and hosts a steady clip of contests, but there are several miles of quieter stretches to explore. Pismo’s sloping beach also means a softer wave—better for beginner surfers—than those at some other California places.

The Fares: You can get coach tickets (from $100) or private sleeper cars (from $674). It’s a one-night trip, so you could save some money by roughing it in a seat just for the night. All passengers may use the observation car, with its glass dome ceiling.

3. The Canadian

The Route: Toronto to Vancouver Duration: 2,775 miles, four days, four nights

VIA Rail, Canada’s national rail service, operates a number of incredibly scenic train routes throughout the country (you can take a train to Churchill, the polar-bear capital of the world), but the Canadian is the crown jewel, sampling diverse landscapes from Toronto to Vancouver. The first two days of the trip pass through eastern Canada, known as “the Great Canadian Shield,” a sparsely populated area loaded with thousands of natural lakes and forests full of spruce and pine. East of Winnipeg, the terrain shifts to vast prairie for a day before hitting the jagged, ice-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies and crossing the Athabasca River amid a dense fir forest. In Jasper National Park , you’ll see the blocky-topped 7,500-foot Roche Miette mountain on the horizon, as well as Mount Yellowhead, Mount Robinson, and Pyramid Falls. Make your way early to one of the glass-dome viewing cars to get a spot.

The train runs twice a week, hitting the towns of Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Jasper. The regularly scheduled stops are short (only a couple of hours at each town), but you can arrange for a multi-day itinerary through VIA Rail.

The Adventure: The town of Kamloops sits in the Thompson River Valley, known for its sandstone canyons, rolling hills, and a vast mountain bike system , comprised of both the largest municipal bike park in North America (the Bike Ranch) and lift-served downhill trails at Harper Mountain, a ski and snowboard resort. The trails are fast, flowy, and technical. Start with the Bike Ranch, which has a mix of downhill trails, a massive jump park, and a few intermediate and beginner lines for good measure.

The Fares: Prices for the full trip start at $514 for economy class, but you’ll be sleeping in a reclining seat and eating from a take-out counter. The Sleeper Plus fare (from $1,387) gets you a private cabin, access to the dining car, and community showers. Splurge for the Prestige class (from $6,261) and you get your own shower as well as a concierge, who changes your bedding and helps you with any requests during the trip.

4. The Denali Star

The Route: Anchorage to Fairbanks Duration: 356 miles, 12 hours

Alaska Railroad operates a handful of train routes throughout the Last Frontier, but the Denali Star is the flagship, running daily during the summer (May 9 to September 19), connecting Alaska’s two biggest cities and hitting Denali National Park along the way. The scenery couldn’t get more Alaskan: the train crosses the Knik River, which forms a broad valley full of alpine meadows that stretch to the bases of glaciers and the Chugach Mountains, then picks up views of Denali above the Susitna River before dipping into the roadless backcountry, where you look out on the Alaska Range and Healy Canyon. The route stops for 30 minutes at Denali National Park and Talkeetna, but if you really want time to explore around the tallest mountain in the U.S., turn this into a multi-day trip with overnights along the way.

The Adventure: Sure, you might want to climb the 20,310-foot mountain for which Denali National Park is named, but that adventure isn’t for everyone, especially on a whim during a train trip. Instead, you can hike up 4,400-foot Sugarloaf Mountain. The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail begins behind the Grande Denali Lodge and ascends 2,700 feet in two miles to the above-tree line summit with views of Mount Fellows and Mount Dora, two peaks in the Alaska Range. You could also sign up for a Discovery Hike , a full-day adventure led by a park ranger. The location changes daily, but a Discovery Hike day is typically eight to ten hours and includes off-trail trekking.

The Fare : Choose from Adventure class (from $215) and Goldstar class (from $432). If you opt for Goldstar, you ride in glass-dome cars and have access to an outdoor viewing platform. The price also includes meals in the dining car and two free cocktails per day.

5. Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks

The Route: Denver to Moab Duration: 375 miles, two days with an overnight in Glenwood Springs

Amtrak isn’t the only company running trains in the U.S. The Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury train service formerly used for scenic routes through the Canadian Rockies, debuted its first U.S.-based trip in 2022. The Rockies to Red Rocks connects Moab with Denver in a two-day journey along the Colorado River, passing remote, roadless canyons only visible from the train. You see the 25-mile-long Ruby Canyon, winding through towering sandstone cliffs on the Utah-Colorado border, and watch the lights flicker off the rock walls in the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel as the train cuts through the Continental Divide. The trip takes two days, but instead of offering sleeper cars, the Rockies to Red Rocks puts you in a two- to three-star hotel (the specific hotels change) within walking distance of the Glenwood Springs station. On board, you receive a three-course breakfast and lunch each day.

The Adventure: You’re staying over in Glenwood Springs, so soak in one of the town’s developed hot springs; Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has a big lap- and crowd-sized pool kept at 90-93 degrees, and a smaller pool that stays at 104 degrees (day passes start at $32). Iron Mountain Hot Springs has 16 geothermal pools of varying temperatures (passes start at $40). Further, in Moab, Arches National Park is a must. Hike to Landscape Arch, at 306 feet the longest natural arch in the country, on the 7.6-mile Devil’s Garden . This trail is a gem even among great hikes in our national parks.

The Fares: Prices start at $1599 per person, and include on-board meals and your hotel room in Glenwood.

6. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago to Seattle Duration : 2,206 miles, 48 hours

Think two full days on a train is too much? Not when you’re traveling through eight different states, tracing the U.S./Canadian border, and hitting Glacier National Park . The Empire Builder begins with views of Chicago’s skyline, and then crosses the Mississippi River, which is surprisingly wide (several hundred feet) even though you’re close to the headwaters. You’ll see the bright lights of Minneapolis and St. Paul, enter the Great Plains at night, and wake up in North Dakota looking out on pastures of wheat shimmering gold in the sun. Make sure to be in the glass-domed lounge car as you approach Glacier National Park, the train winding along the Flathead River with views of snowfields clinging to the steep granite peaks of the Lewis Ranges. Before the final destination of Seattle, you can detour into Spokane and head south into Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge, where you’ll get views of Mount Hood.

The Adventure : The climax of this trip is Glacier National Park. If you time a spring trip perfectly, you can pedal Going-to-the-Sun Road after it’s plowed but before it opens to vehicles. Whitefish Outfitters offers rental bikes and shuttles to the start of the ride (from $45). Your other best bet is to hike. Check out the 10.6-mile out and back Grinnell Glacier Trail , which passes waterfalls and backcountry lakes before delivering you to the glacier of that name, one of the few in the park you can actually walk across.

The Fares : This train has a number of options. Coach (from $160) will get you a doss in a reclining chair, while First Class fares with private rooms start at $979 and include all meals on board and access to the lounge and communal showers. For $3,405, the First Class Superliner Bedroom Suite includes a full bedroom with its own bathroom. Amtrak also offers a comprehensive, 10-day package deal ($3499 per person) with multiple days in Chicago, Glacier, and Seattle, and activities and lodging planned for you.

Onboard with all of that? Pick your route, plan your stops, and ride the rails to adventure.

Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national parks columnist. He loves the idea of being able to drink a beer, eat snacks, and play poker while traveling from point A to point B.

For more by the same author, see:

The 10 Best Backpacking Trails in Our National Parks

How to Score the Best National Park Campsites for Summer

The Best Budget Airlines—and Adventure Locales They Go To

• Arches National Park
• Denali National Park and Preserve
• Glacier National Park
• Los Angeles
• Train Travel

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in the usa.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, usa coast to coast from $236.

You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States.  You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains.  The USA has an excellent rail network for visitors, it may only be a skeleton network by European standards but it'll take you to almost all the towns & cities a visitor wants to see, in comfort at affordable prices.  It'll take you to many of the U.S. national parks, too.  Long-distance trains in the USA are operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, www.amtrak.com .  This page explains what you need to know to plan and book a memorable cross-country trip by train.

Train service in the USA, at a glance    See detailed map

This route map shows where Amtrak trains run.  Each of the very long-distance transcontinental routes shown in blue has one daily train, except for New York to Florida with 2 trains a day and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans-San Antonio-Los Angeles) which runs 3 times a week.  Important short distance routes (for example, Washington-New York-Boston or Los Angeles-San Diego) have regular intercity services and are shown in red.  It's easy to check Amtrak train times at www.amtrak.com , just use their online booking system.  Click here for the official large-scale Amtrak route map .

Useful country information

Cross-country by train.

The 3,000 mile journey across the United States by train is one of the world's greatest travel experiences.  It's easy, comfortable, safe, and an affordable alternative to flying.  Free route guides are available on board each train, telling you what to look out for from the window, and the scenery on many routes is world class. 

In a nutshell

The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast train ride takes 3 nights, without stopovers.

Choose from 4 or 5 different cross-country routes, each with their own character.  I explain the most scenic routes below with train times & description.  You can stop off on the way, but remember that a separate ticket/reservation is needed for each stage.

It takes one night from New York, Boston or Washington DC to Chicago where you change trains, then two nights from Chicago to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle on a superb double-deck Superliner train .  You can also travel coast to coast via New Orleans , this takes an extra night as you need to spend a night in New Orleans.  Most of the trains run daily all year round, although the New Orleans-LA train only operates three times a week.

Check out the cross-country train packages at www.amtrakvacations.com , they can sort packages with tickets, private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers & hotels included.

If you book regular tickets online at www.amtrak.com , cross-country fares from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle start at just $236 in a spacious reclining seat, surely one of the world's greatest travel bargains.  A private sleeper for 1 or 2 people can be added to your booking, the extra cost is often quite hefty but the sleeper room charge includes all meals as well as tea, coffee & fruit juice throughout the trip. Amtrak's spacious trains also have cafe & lounge cars, open to both seat and sleeper passengers.  See descriptions of the trains here .

On-time performance .  Bear in mind that these trains run for over 2,000 miles, although they often arrive on time or perhaps half an hour late, they can sometimes arrive an hour or two late or more, so don't book any tight connections.  You can see how your chosen trains have performed the last few weeks using www.amtrak.com/historical-on-time-performance and you can also see real-time train positions & performance at www.asm.transitdocs.com .

Which is the best cross-country train route?

I've crossed the United States multiple times by train, using every major cross-country train except the Texas Eagle.  Each transcontinental route has its own distinctive character even if the trains themselves are the same, but one stands out as the most spectacular for both scenery & historical significance:  I recommend the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco, which you can take in connection with the Lake Shore Limited between New York or Boston and Chicago, or the Capitol Limited between Washington DC and Chicago.

The California Zephyr is one of world's greatest train journeys, in around 48 hours you will leave Chicago, roll over the vast farmlands of Nebraska, cross the Mississippi, scale the Rockies out of Denver over breakfast in the diner, snake through lovely Colorado canyons, and pass through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area.  The route covers much of the very first historic trans-continental railroad route, and there's a commentary for the most significant section.  To give you an idea of what a cross-country train ride is like on this route, see the California Zephyr page . 

However, all Amtrak's cross-country train routes are scenic, and the Southwest Chief is another favourite.  It'll take you from Chicago to Los Angeles over the Santa Fe railroad (which used to operate the famous Super Chief) , alongside the equally famous Route 66, through Navajo Indian country.  This is another amazing trip, with a chance to stop off at the Grand Canyon .

Cross-country westbound 2024

* The California Zephyr terminates in Emeryville and an Amtrak Thruway bus transfers passengers across the Bay Bridge to the Temporary Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco.  Tickets can be booked through to (and luggage checked through to) San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

** The Chicago-Los Angles portion only runs 3 times a week, departing Chicago on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Daily Chicago-San Antonio.

Use these times as a guide, always check current times & fares at www.amtrak.com as they change from time to time.

Cross-country eastbound 2024

* The California Zephyr starts in Emeryville.  An Amtrak Thruway bus links the Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco with Emeryville across the Bay Bridge.  Tickets can be booked through from (and luggage checked in at) the Amtrak station at San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

*** The Los Angles to Chicago portion only runs 3 times a week, leaving LA on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.  Daily San Antonio-Chicago.

Facilities on each train

What are the trains like.

Click here to see what the trains are actually like inside & out, and to understand the sleeping-car, lounge & dining facilities.

How much does it cost?

3,000 miles coast-to-coast overland for as little at $236 has to be one of the world's greatest travel bargains!  Railpass options .

Amtrak fares are dynamic, so you'll see various prices on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are the cheapest examples I have found.

Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare, children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

There's a 10% discount for seniors over 65 on some fares.  The discount applies to the base fare but not to saver fares, flexible fares, roomette/bedroom charges.

If you choose to travel in a sleeper, the premium fare column on the Amtrak website will show the total cost for all passengers travelling in a roomette or bedroom.  This is calculated as a basic fare for each passenger plus one charge covering the whole roomette or bedroom.  The roomette or bedroom cost is the same whether it's occupied by one person or two.  So a sleeper is a lot better value if there are two of you!  The two people price in the table above is the total you pay for two people sharing a roomette or bedroom.

Tip :  You can save 10% on the basic travel fare (but not on accommodation supplements) by becoming a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which at the time of writing costs $35 for an individual or $50 for a family.  It can pay for itself on one coast to coast trip.  See www.narprail.org for full details and online sign-up.

Can I stop off on the way?

Yes of course, but if you want to stop off you'll need to buy separate tickets for each leg.  To book a cross-country trip with stopovers at any cities you want, simply look for the 'Multi-City' link at top right of the booking form on www.amtrak.com .  This allows you to book a trip with up to 4 segments, and of course you can book additional segments as separate bookings.  However, if you buy a through ticket at the cheapest price between an East Coast city such as New York and a West Coast city such as Los Angeles, then no, you cannot stop off, you must travel direct on your assigned trains.  Although the several hours between trains in Chicago is often time enough to climb the Sears Tower (now owned by the Willis corporation, see theskydeck.com ) and get great views over the city, it's only 5 minutes walk from Chicago Union Station!  As you can see from the fares table above, separate tickets New York to Chicago and Chicago-Los Angeles (so you can stop off in Chicago) work out about $35 more expensive than a New York to Los Angeles through ticket.

Want to stop off at the Grand Canyon?  See the Grand Canyon section

All the trains shown here offer checked baggage.  All passengers (both coach & sleeper) are entitled to check in up to 2 large items of luggage free of charge, plus an additional 2 large items for $20 each.  Maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, maximum total linear dimension (length + height + width) = 75".  Oversize bags (up to a total linear dimension of 100") $20 per bag.  A name and address label must be attached to each item.  Hand luggage is limited to two items per passenger, maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, dimensions 28" x 22" x 14".  See www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

You can check bags through to your final destination, so for example if you have a New York to San Francisco ticket you can check your bags in at New York all the way to San Francisco Transbay Terminal.  They will be transferred for you from train to train in Chicago and from train to bus at Emeryville, leaving you free of it until you arrive.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.amtrak.com

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com , which sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Booking opens 11 months in advance.  An e-ticket will be emailed to you, you can print it out or show it on your phone.

Or call Amtrak 24 hours a day on 1-800-USA RAIL.  From outside of the USA, Amtrak's international desk is + 1-215-856-7952.  Open Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00 Eastern Time.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You print out your ticket or can show it on your phone.

Let Amtrak Vacations arrange your trip

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner for vacations, tours & packages.

Amtrak Vacations can put a package together from anywhere to anywhere to your specification, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.

They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.  

Click here for Amtrak Vacations' cross-country packages

Lines are open 09:00-22:00 Monday-Friday & 09:00-17:30 Saturday, Eastern Time (5 hours behind the UK).

Let Railbookers arrange your trip

Railbookers are train travel specialists with offices in the UK, Australia & United States.  They can arrange coast to coast tours by train to your own specification, with trains, stopovers, hotels, transfers and (if necessary) flights all sorted.

Escorted tours with Great Rail Journeys

Using a usa railpass.

A USA Railpass is available covering the whole Amtrak network or just parts of it, see advice on USA Railpasses here .

See it in pictures: Cross-country by train

See an illustrated journey from New York to San Francisco on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr.

Back to top

Cross-country via New Orleans

This is the Southern cross-country route, a whole different flavour from the routes via Chicago.  Coast to coast via New Orleans takes 4 nights, making it slower than the more usual transcontinental route via Chicago, as you need to spend a night in New Orleans - but a stopover down south is hardly a burden!  For a taste of the deep south, this is the way to go.

Amtrak fares vary dynamically, so you'll see various fares on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are just typical examples, assuming you book ahead.

Luggage arrangements .  Railpass options .   Can I stop off?

New York to Florida

Introducing Amtrak's Silver Service from New York & Washington DC to Orlando, Tampa & Miami.

Facilities on board

Silver Meteor:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car .

Silver Star:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car.

Luggage arrangements .

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com .  This sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You just print out your ticket or show it on your phone.

Boston - New York - Washington

A fast and frequent inter-city service links Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.  There are two types of train: Acela Express 150mph high-speed trains with 1st class & business class (premium fares apply) and regular trains with coach class and (in most cases) business class.  There are also services from Boston to Portland (Maine) and from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. See www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking, or try Omio.com .

How long does it take?

New York to Washington takes as little as 2h48 by Acela Express.

New York to Boston takes 3h30 by Acela Express.

Fares vary like air fares, with cheaper prices available the further ahead you book.  Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare (except on Acela Express where there is no discount for children on weekdays), children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

Luggage on Washington-New York-Boston trains:   These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  You can take 2 items up to 23Kg each, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg - pretty generous, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Omio.com sells Amtrak tickets quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  You just print your ticket or show it on your phone.

Acela Express

Acela Express is Amtrak's very own high-speed train, reaching 150 mph on certain sections of upgraded line.  It has first class & business class, there's no economy coach class.  Premium fares apply, with no discounts for children on weekdays.

Northeast Regional trains

Cheaper but slower than Acela Express, with coach class & business class between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington DC.

Other Amtrak routes

New york - niagara falls.

Three daily trains link New York via Albany with Niagara Falls.  Journey time is a leisurely 8 hours 30 minutes, a relaxing journey along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See either Omio.com or www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking.

New York - Toronto, Montreal (Canada)

A daily train called the Maple Leaf links New York with Toronto via Niagara Falls, and another daily train called the Adirondack links New York with Montreal via the scenic Adirondack mountains.  Both trains travel along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See the Train travel in Canada page for train times .

Chicago - Memphis - New Orleans

Amtrak's daily City of New Orleans links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Intercity trains in California

Regular trains link Los Angeles, Anaheim (for Disneyland), and San Diego.  Regular trains link San Francisco (Oakland) with Sacramento, Bakersfield and San Jose.  A daily train links Los Angeles with San Francisco (Oakland).  See either Omio.com , www.amtrak.com or www.amtrakcalifornia.com for times, fares and online booking.

Seattle - Portland - Oakland (San Francisco) - Los Angeles

Amtrak's daily Coast Starlight links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Portland - Seattle - Vancouver

Amtrak runs an inter-city service between these cities, see www.amtrakcascades.com - Some of these services use European-design Talgo trains.

Luggage on trains without checked baggage:   Some of these trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  Generous limits apply - 2 items each up to 23Kg, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

What are Amtrak trains like ?

Short distance trains come in various types, all with comfortable air-conditioned seating and often with a café car.  On the Boston-New York-Washington DC route, there is now the premium fare, 150mph Acela Express high speed train, based on French TGV technology, but running on conventional tracks.

(1)  Long distance trains in the east

Long-distance trains east of Chicago (such as the New York-Chicago Lake Shore Limited , the New York to Florida Silver Star & Silver Meteor or the New York to New Orleans Crescent , but not the Washington to Chicago Capitol Limited ) have Viewliner sleeping-cars , Amfleet reclining seat cars and an Amfleet cafe/lounge car serving snacks and drinks.  If you have paid for a sleeper, meals are included in the fare.

Amfleet reclining seats

These distinctive stainless-steel coaches have comfortable reclining seats with loads of legroom, drop-down tables & 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  Drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.

Dining cars, cafe cars & flexible dining

Most long-distance trains have a cafe/lounge car serving hot & cold drinks and snacks, with an area with seats & tables for socialising.  The cafe/lounge car can be used by both sleeper and seats passengers.

Traditional dining-cars on all the 1-night long-distance trains east of Chicago were discontinued in 2018-2019.

Amtrak now offers sleeper passengers what it calls Flexible Dining on these trains.  Sleeper passengers are served pre-packed reheated or microwaved meals delivered to their sleeper compartments, or meals can be served in the table area of the cafe/lounge car.   The New York-Florida Silver Star and Silver Meteor retain dining-cars of the new Viewliner II type with an impressive double row of windows, but only to serve the pre-packaged Flexible Dining meals to sleeper passengers.

Latest update:   In March 2023 full dining has been reinstated on the Silver Star between New York and Florida.

Viewliner sleeping-cars

Long-distance trains in the East have Viewliner sleeping cars.  The distinctive double row of windows on these cars makes them light & airy during the day, and gives both upper & lower berths a window for star-gazing at night.  Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car,  and a 'coffee station' provides complimentary tea/coffee & fruit juice in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  A hot shower is available at the end of the corridor if you're travelling in a roomette, or en suite if you are travelling in a bedroom.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Viewliner sleeping-cars have:

(2)  Long distance trains in the west

Long-distance trains between Chicago & Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle/Portland, also the New Orleans-Los Angeles Sunset Limited , Seattle-Los Angeles Coast Starlight and Washington DC-Chicago Capitol Limited use impressive double-deck Superliner cars.  Superliner trains have coach class reclining seats , sleeping-cars , a dining car & an observation-lounge car .  A route guide is available free on these trains, telling you want to look out for along the way.  Watch a video guide to Amtrak Superliner trains .

Superliner reclining seats

Coach class reclining seats are spacious with lots of legroom, comparable with business class on an airliner.  Don't worry if you can't afford a sleeper, these seats recline to about 40 degrees, and are quite easy to sleep in, in fact if there is any train in the world where I wouldn't much mind not having a sleeper, Amtrak trains are the ones I'd choose.  There are 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles at each seat, and drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.  You can either bring a blanket or buy an Amtrak blanket from the lounge car.  Panorama photo of Superliner coach class .

Superliner Sightseer Lounge car

On the upper deck is an observation lounge with armchairs & tables and huge windows for sightseeing.  On the lower deck is a cafe selling drinks & snacks.  All passengers can use the lounge car, whether they are travelling in coach class or in the sleepers.  You end up spending most of your day here, watching America unfold in front of you!   Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis, but it's not usually too difficult to find a seat or two free.  However, they do fill up for the most scenic sections of the journey!  See panorama of a Superliner lounge car .

Superliner dining car

Trains west of Chicago retain a proper dining-car with freshly-cooked food.  During the pandemic, the dining-car was only open to sleeper passengers, but in 2023 coach seat passengers were allowed to use the diner again on most routes.  The dining-car serves breakfast, lunch & dinner.  All the tables in a Superliner dining-car are on the top deck for great views while you eat - the kitchens are downstairs.

Meals are included in the fare if you have a sleeper, although drinks are extra.  In the sleepers, the dining-car manager comes down the train asking each passenger which sitting for lunch or dinner they'd like, and issuing table reservations.  An announcement is made at the start of each sitting. 

Note that couples and singles don't get a whole 4-seater restaurant table to themselves, you'll normally be seated with other passengers. This is a great chance to meet people, even if you're travelling solo.  Panorama photo of Superliner dining-car .

What's the food like?   The food is surprisingly good:  The Angus Steak Burger is great for lunch, for dinner the herb-roast chicken & rice is good and the garlic butter marinated New York Strip Steak is excellent.  A beer costs around $6, a half bottle of very good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot costs around $15.  For breakfast next morning a freshly-cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon & potatoes hits the spot.  There is also a children's menu.  Credit cards are accepted.  You can find sample menus on the Amtrak website www.amtrak.com , click 'plan' then look for 'meal & dining options'.

Since 2018, sleeper passengers on the Lake Shore Limited  (NYC-Chicago) & Capitol Limited (Washington-Chicago) get a pre-packed meal either served in their compartment or eaten in a lounge area.

Superliner sleeping-car s

Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary breakfast, lunch & dinner in the dining car,  and each sleeping-car has a 'coffee station' with complimentary tea/coffee and fruit juice available in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  Superliner sleeping-cars are double-deck, with 10 very compact 2-berth roomettes and 4 larger 2-berth bedrooms on the upper deck, whilst the lower deck has another 4 roomettes, 1 family bedroom & 1 special accessible bedroom.  The bedrooms have a private shower & toilet, for roomette passengers there are toilets on both upper and lower decks, and a hot shower on the lower deck.  The gangways to the adjacent cars are on the upper deck.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Superliner sleeping-cars offer:

Video guide: Riding a Superliner train

The grand canyon connection.

There are two main ways to reach the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country train trip, after you get off Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff Arizona.  The first is to use a bus between Flagstaff and the South Rim of the Canyon, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes each way.  The other is to take a connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to the nearby town of Williams and use the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the Canyon, journey time 2 hours Williams to the South Rim.

Option 1, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon by bus

Scheduled buses link Flagstaff's Amtrak station (which also incorporates the excellent local Visitor Centre) with the Grand Canyon's South Rim, with an 8am bus departure from Flagstaff conveniently connecting out of Amtrak's Chief from Los Angeles arriving at the Grand canyon around 1 hour 45 minutes later.  A bus returns from the Grand Canyon at 6.15pm (also at 4.15pm from March to October), arriving back in Flagstaff 1 hour 45 minutes or so later.  It can easily be done as a day trip, returning to Flagstaff in time for the evening Chief to Los Angeles, although you can of course choose to stay overnight at the hotels at the Grand Canyon.  For bus times see groometransportation.com/grand-canyon .  The bus fare is around $34 each way.

Grand Canyon Tours from Flagstaff:   Alternatively, take a tour.  A company called The Grand Canyon Store http://grandcanyoncustomtours.com   offers 1-day tours from both Flagstaff & Williams to the Grand Canyon, including a tour to the Grand Canyon Village & South Rim, and the more extensive Inner Canyon Tour that actually takes you to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, not merely to the South Rim as with other tours and the scheduled bus - not surprisingly the Inner Canyon Tour is their most popular!  They also do a tour from Flagstaff to the South Rim using the Grand Canyon Railway, see the section below.

www.amtrakvacations.com can put together an Amtrak coast-to-coast package for you with a stopover at the Grand Canyon, or a tour from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon and back, customised you your specification.  See Grand Canyon packages .

Option 2, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway

The more interesting way to reach the Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Canyon's South Rim.  This is the original Santa Fe railroad branch line, Williams Junction just outside Williams town is where the line diverges from the Chicago-LA main line.  However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief no longer calls at Williams Junction (it called there at uncivilised times in any case), you now use Flagstaff as the stop for the Grand Canyon with Amtrak bus connection to Williams.

To reach the Grand Canyon by train, get off the Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff and take the connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to Williams.  The buses are timed to connect with train's arrival & departure to and from both Chicago and Los Angeles.  Williams is a pleasant town with plenty of motels, shops & diners.  The Grand Canyon Railway runs a daily morning train some 65 miles over the Santa Fe's historic railway from Williams station to Grand Canyon South Rim station in the Grand Canyon Village, right on the edge of the Canyon's South Rim.  The train returns in the afternoon, arriving in time to have dinner then catch the shuttle bus to Flagstaff for Amtrak's Chief onwards to Los Angeles.

The Amtrak reservation system at www.amtrak.com will actually let you buy through tickets between Los Angeles and Grand Canyon in either direction, although if you want to book through tickets between New York or Chicago and Grand Canyon this involves an overnight stay in Williams so you'll need to use the multi-city booking feature.  But you can book your Amtrak trains at www.amtrak.com then book the Grand Canyon train at the GCR official website, www.thetrain.com .

You can also book Chicago-LA packages with Amtrak travel and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway at www.amtrakvacations.com , Amtrak's official partner for tours and packages involving Amtrak travel.  See Grand Canyon packages .

The fare includes entry to the Wild West show at Williams station in the hour before departure, and some Wild West entertainment on board!

USA rail passes

One of the best ways to see America is with an Amtrak USA rail pass, but be aware of its limitations before you invest in one.

A 30-day 10-segment rail pass costs around $499.

That's 10 train rides, enough to travel coast to coast 5 times, at €49.90 per train ride!  Children aged 2-12 get passes for half price, under 2's travel free.

Segments:   Sadly, since 2008 Amtrak's USA railpass no longer gives unlimited travel, it only covers a maximum of 10 'segments'.  This is the maximum number of individual train rides you can take during your 30 day pass duration.

A segment is one train ride on one train:  So a 2-day 2,200-mile trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief counts as one segment, and a 30-minute ride on a Northeast Regional train is also one segment.  Go figure!  A journey involving a change of train (for example, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited then Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr ) counts as two segments.

Will a railpass save you money?   Very probably, if you intend making 8, 9 or 10 long-distance train rides.  10 rides for $499 is €49.90 per train ride, if (say) you only used 7 segments it'd work out at $71 per train ride.  Now use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to see what normal fares would be, to compare.  But read the bit about passholder quotas below!

Reservations, upgrades & quotas

Railpasses are valid for any Amtrak train in the USA except Acela Express high-speed services and the Auto-Train car-carrying service.

Reservations are required!   The railpass is not a ticket, you must make a (free) reservation before boarding any train.  You can make reservations online at www.amtrak.com after buying your pass.  Alternatively, you can make them at stations as you travel around or by calling Amtrak's 24 hour freephone number, 1-800-USA RAIL (from outside the States call Amtrak on (001) 215-856-7953, not free).

Upgrading to a sleeper is no longer possible:   It used to be possible to upgrade to a private sleeper when using a pass, simply by paying the appropriate room charge.  For an idea of sleeper room charges, see the fares section above .  However, in 2021 this has changed, though it's not clear if this is permanent or temporary.  At present you cannot upgrade to a sleeper (or to business class) with a pass.  So only buy a pass if you're happy using a seat, even overnight.

Warning about passholder quotas:   After buying your pass, you can make reservations online, or at stations as you go, or by calling Amtrak.  However, with a pass you can only book trains on which a Value or Saver fare is available.  If only the most expensive Flexible fare is showing, you cannot use your pass on that train, even if there are seats still available for customers paying cash.  Many trains have Value or Saver fares available even on the day before departure, and sometimes even on the day of travel itself, but not always.  Trains get busy in summer, Value and Saver fares have limited-availability and often sell out.  When they sell out, you can't use your pass on that train.  So don't buy a pass only to find you can't travel on the trains you need.  Before buying the pass, use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to get a feel for how fares work, and to see if your chosen trains have Value or Saver fares left.

How to buy an Amtrak Railpass

Check prices in pounds & buy a USA railpass (UK-based company, but passes sent to addresses worldwide)

Check prices in Australian dollars & buy a USA railpass (Australia & NZ residents)

Tours by train across America

Amtrak vacations, www.amtrakvacations.com.

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner.  They can put a package together to your own specification, from anywhere to anywhere, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.  They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.

Railbookers

Train travel specialist Railbookers have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.  They can arrange a tour by train across the United States on Amtrak, starting any date you like, to your own specification with hotels and train reservations all made for you, hassle-free.  They know what they're doing, and take good care of their clients, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Escorted coast-to-coast tour with www.greatrail.com , 01904 527 120

G uidebooks, click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in the USA

New York:  The Algonquin is New York's oldest operating hotel, opened in 1902, and a designated New York City Historic Landmark.  Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, a block or two from Times Square one way and Grand Central the other, with a lovely wood-panelled lobby and even its own hotel cat, which you may find wandering the corridors or sitting on the reception desk.  To check prices & book, click here .  For the Algonquin's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Hotel .

Washington DC:   Phoenix Park Hotel .  A great choice, directly across the road from Union Station so handy for arrivals and departures by train, with an excellent Irish Pub doing great food & Irish beer on the premises, and just 2 minutes walk from the capitol.  From around $154 for a double.

Los Angeles:   Hotel Queen Mary (closed for refurbishment in mid-2022, but reopened in April 2023).  This has got to be of the most fascinating places to stay, anywhere.  If you go to Los Angeles, consider making the Hotel Queen Mary your base to explore the Los Angeles - Hollywood - Disneyland area.  The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station (about a $90 taxi ride), and it's undoubtedly the most wonderful place to stay in LA.  The hotel consists of most of the original first class cabins on board the Queen Mary, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too.  Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board (and yes, from my own experience there is something going on aboard that beautiful ship!).  Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and (as we worked out from a historic deck plan) in some cases two of the Queen Mary's original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor.  She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.

Backpacker hostels in the USA: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places across the States at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to the USA

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com .  I have found that having lounge access with complimentary tea, coffee, food and wine makes all the difference to an economy flight.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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The Best Train Trips to Take Across America

Explore the U.S. by train on these scenic train trips.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

There's a romance to train travel — the leisurely pace of a rail trip compared to the hustle of an airport or a crowded highway encourages you to relax. There are the historic train stations and roomy seats, plus the chance to get up and walk around, visit the dining car, or just sit and take in the scenery passing by .

There are many train journeys you can take across the United States, with stops in exciting cities, historic landmarks, and national parks along the way. From Napa Valley to New England, here are 10 of the best train travel routes in the country.

Note that some of these routes have changed due to travel restrictions related to the ongoing pandemic . Other operators listed have postponed trips, so be sure to check availability before you plan your trip.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train takes riders through the picturesque wine country northeast of the Bay Area. The route follows a rail line originally built in 1864. Visitors take a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to picturesque St. Helena and back. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, travel through the old industrial section of Napa, then continue through the scenic vineyards of Northern California. On some routes, you can even hop on and off the train along the way — and don't forget to plan an overnight stay at one of the incredible hotels in Napa Valley .

The Pacific Surfliner

Travel along the ocean on this Amtrak train that travels 351 miles through southern California. Start in San Diego and head north, stopping along the way in quaint ocean towns like Carpinteria, San Juan Capistrano, and Ventura. Be sure to leave some time to explore Santa Barbara , or head all the way to the end of the line at San Luis Obispo before looping back.

The Coast Starlight

Ride up the West Coast on Amtrak's Coast Starlight , which goes all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle, passing through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland. The scenery along the way includes snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, forests and valleys, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline.

The Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway , which dates back to 1901, offers riders a lesson in history from the Wild West and the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery in this iconic region. Kick back in the restored cars and listen to crews' incredible stories the crew as you ride the railway to the South Rim in a 65-mile trip across the high desert plateau.

Amtrak Cascades

Cross over the United States' northern border on Amtrak Cascades , stretching from Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Oregon, passing through Portland and Seattle along the way. Stop in cities for day trips or overnight stays, and then hop back on a train to pass by Mount St. Helens and cross the Columbia River Gorge.

The White Pass Yukon Route

Ride this historic railway across the Yukon on this train trip that travels from Alaska into Canada. The 67.5-mile trip takes you between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Canada, along the same route that the Klondike stampeders traveled more than 100 years ago. Stop along the way to tour the historic Bennett Station and museum.

The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer, which once only served Canada, bringing passengers from east to west with an exceptional display of scenery, now offers a U.S. route: Rockies to Red Rocks . The train steams through the American Southwest, traveling from Denver to Moab, Utah, with a stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The train runs from April to November.

The Maple Leaf Train

Take a train trip that starts at Niagara Falls and ends in New York City on Amtrak's Maple Leaf train . Along the way, you'll travel through the scenic Hudson River Valley, New York's wine country, and the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. While at Niagara Falls, stop for a cruise on The Hornblower to the rushing falls or take a Journey Behind the Falls tour, which brings you 150 feet below ground to tunnels that lead to observation spots at the foot of the Falls.

10 Scenic Overnight Train Trips In North America

Picture a journey without roads, traffic, or stress. Experience the tranquility of these scenic overnight train trips in the US and Canada.

• Scenic overnight sleeper trains in North America offer a more enjoyable and scenic alternative to cars and planes, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the views along the way.
• These scenic overnight trains in the US and Canada offer enchanting experiences, showcasing stunning landscapes and cultural sites.
• Scenic overnight train routes like the California Zephyr, the Crescent, and the Rockies Red Rocks provide breathtaking views and unforgettable travel experiences.

There are many scenic overnight train trips in America and Canada, from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. Some of them cross the border between the USA and Canada, while others are within one country. Train travel is growing in popularity, and some of the reasons for this include that it's more eco-friendly than flying and devoid of the hassles associated with airports. Not to mention, overnight rail routes offer a significantly more pleasant and convenient alternative to driving long journeys in cars.

Sleeper trains, in particular, offer a significantly more enjoyable alternative to both cars and planes. Heather Leisman, President of Vacations by Rail , notes that train vacations also allow travelers to admire and enjoy the scenery while leaving the driving to someone else. The leisurely pace, the soothing rhythm, the freedom to simply gaze out the window; this sentiment holds true for most rail journeys, but it's particularly pronounced on sleeper trains – the hotel-on-wheels where guests can tuck in for the night in one country and awaken in another.

The Hogwarts Express, The Polar Express, and Thomas the Tank Engine – though fictional, these classic train journeys often fire the imaginations, creating fantasies of rail adventures. While real-life train trips may not transport its passengers to a famous wizarding school, Amtrak and other scenic overnight train rides in North America can offer equally enchanting experiences for passengers. The following scenic overnight trains in North America are just as much about the breathtaking ride as they are about the fascinating places they stop along the way.

10 Scenic Train Trips In The US That Cost $100 (Or Less)

10 the california zephyr (amtrak), route: chicago to los angeles – coach from $119.

Beginning its 51-hour journey from the Windy City to the Golden Gate, with notable stops in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno, this westward-bound train departs from Chicago under the cloak of night. The Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River, the Glenwood Canyon, Donner Lake, and San Pablo Bay are just a few of the breathtaking natural beauties on route to the Bay Area.

Departing from Chicago under the cover of night, passengers awaken to the anticipation of the day ahead, just before arriving in Denver. And that’s when the excitement begins, with the route passing through deep canyons that cars can’t access, through the red rock country of Utah. Passing through Reno, Nevada, the excitement builds as the train approaches its final destination near the majestic Golden Gate Bridge in the Bay Area.

• Start/End: Chicago Union Station (Chicago) - Emeryville Station (San Francisco Bay Area)
• Scenic Highlights: Colorado Rockies, Utah canyons, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Golden Gate Bridge views
• Stops: Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno
• Distance: 2,438 miles

9 Crescent (Amtrak)

Route: new york to new orleans – coach from $114.

This big city train departs from the hustle and bustle of New York’s Penn Station, but it quickly changes its character. At the start of the 30-hour route, it’s packed with passengers on the busy East Coast corridor, with stops in Philadelphia and Baltimore, but then the train slows down, and the scenery changes.

Climbing to an elevation of 2,100 feet, the train crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains, showcasing the stunning view of the peaks, valleys, and forests of the Appalachians. Then, it travels down from the mountains to the plains, passing by the scenic landscapes of the Deep South, such as the cotton fields, the swamps, and the bayous where some of the cultural and historical sites of the region can be seen, such as the antebellum mansions, the plantations, and the battlefields.

• Start/End: New York Penn Station (New York City) - New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (New Orleans)
• Scenic Highlights: Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian foothills, Civil Rights landmarks, Mississippi River delta
• Stops: Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Charlottesville, Atlanta, Birmingham
• Distance: 1,377 miles

Amtrak Tickets: How To Find Them For Cheap & Other Things To Know Before Purchasing

8 rockies red rocks ( rocky mountaineer), route: denver to moab – from $2,402.

The Rockies to the Red Rocks is a new two-day train route from the Rocky Mountaineer that goes from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Passengers can enjoy two days of breathtaking beauty as the train travels southwest, passing colorful sandstone mountains, desert cliffs, and mountain vistas.

The route follows the Colorado River and passes through one of the most magnificent and colorful canyons, the breathtaking Ruby Canyon red sandstone cliffs, which are only reachable by train or from the river. Once across the state boundary separating Colorado and Utah, keep an eye out for Mount Peale.

Finally, passengers arrive in Moab and are welcomed by the sandstone mountains that have made the American Southwest so well-known. A hotel stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is included in the Rockies to Red Rocks package.

• Start/End: Various routes - Vancouver, Calgary, or Jasper are possible on other routes, but this particular trip starts in Denver and ends in Moab
• Scenic Highlights: Majestic peaks, glaciers, vibrant canyons, cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows
• Distance: Varies depending on route (430–630 miles)

10 Short & Scenic Train Rides In The U.S.

7 southwest chief (amtrak).

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, spanning 43 unforgettable hours. Traverse through eight states, crossing the majestic Mississippi River and encountering a diverse tapestry of landscapes. Traveling through huge wheat fields, historic missions, rough mountains, and immense deserts, the trip reveals the breathtaking beauty of the American West.

As the train winds through winding canyon passages, passengers can marvel at the beauty of canyons and pristine vistas visible only from the train. Indulge in the comfort of Superliner Sleeping and Dining Car accommodations aboard the Southwest Chief, while relishing panoramic views from the renowned Sightseer Lounge. Movie stars used to love this ancient route because of its opulent all-sleeping-car train service, which provided chic cross-country travel.

• Start/End: Chicago Union Station (Chicago) - Los Angeles Union Station (Los Angeles)
• Scenic Highlights: Mississippi River, Raton Pass, Painted Desert
• Stops: Kansas City, Albuquerque, Flagstaff
• Distance: 2,268 miles

10 Affordable Yet Scenic Train Rides In Canada

6 the canadian (via rail), route: toronto to vancouver – coach from $514.

Over 82k annual riders experience the iconic Toronto-Vancouver rail journey aboard the Canadian train. The Canadian spans Canada from Toronto to the Pacific, with three distinct parts:

• The Great Canadian Shield from Toronto to Winnipeg
• The Prairies from Winnipeg to Jasper
• The Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver

Departing from Toronto, soak in the vibrant city before boarding the comfortable train. With almost four days of travel, the Canadian ensures a well-equipped journey with sleeping options for all, dining cars, a Skyline Café, take-out, and even a private dining room for Prestige Class passengers.

As the train traverses iconic Canadian landscapes, a major highlight is a 3-hour stop in Jasper National Park, where the majestic Roche Miette, standing at a height of 2,316m, captivates passengers. By 2025, VIA Rail is to spend more than $80 million renovating four of its Heritage stations , including Vancouver Pacific Station. With the help of this announcement, VIA will be able to enhance the visitor experience and preserve these iconic structures.

• Start/End: Toronto Union Station (Toronto) - Vancouver Pacific Central Station (Vancouver)
• Scenic Highlights: Canadian Rockies, Fraser River Canyon, Pacific Ocean views
• Stops: Winnipeg, Jasper, Edmonton
• Distance: 2,775 miles

10 Bucket List Towns To Explore By Amtrak Train

5 empire builder (amtrak), route: between chicago and seattle to portland, oregon – coach from $85.

The 46-hour Empire Builder, one of Amtrak's busiest and most popular routes , gives passengers a front-row seat to some of the most famous Western landscapes. Following portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail, the daily westbound train leaves Chicago and crosses the Mississippi River as well as the prairies of North Dakota.

View the sparkling Minneapolis and St. Paul night skyline; then, the following morning, rise and shine while traversing the breathtaking Gassman Coulee Trestle and crossing the prairies of North Dakota. Skirting the Missouri, the powerful Empire Builder enters Montana's Big Sky region and passes via Glacier National Park, a popular destination for hiking .

Passengers have two options for the rest of the trip: carry on to Seattle from Spokane, Washington, or take a scenic route along the Columbia River Gorge to Portland, Oregon.

• Start/End: Chicago Union Station (Chicago) - Seattle King Street Station (Seattle)
• Scenic Highlights: Prairies, Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests
• Stops: Milwaukee, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Grand Forks, Spokane
• Distance: 2,205 miles

4 Cardinal ( Amtrak)

Route: new york to chicago – coach from $144.

New York and Chicago are close enough to consider ditching flights for a scenic train ride instead. The Cardinal, running three times a week, connects the two cities in just 26.5 hours. Rolling past the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allegheny range, and the Shenandoah Valley, the journey offers stunning views of the eastern US landscape.

The train passes through the New River Gorge, which is worth seeing , and West Virginia’s wild white-water rivers before reaching the grand Ohio River, passing by charming towns like Ashland and Maysville, and eventually arriving in Chicago.

Onboard, private roomettes and bedrooms ensure comfort and a good night’s sleep, with flexible dining services available. A café caters to all passengers' needs. Popular in the summer and fall, early bookings are recommended, especially if anyone is eyeing a bedroom or suite for added comfort.

• Start/End: New York Penn Station (New York City) - Chicago Union Station (Chicago)
• Scenic Highlights: Rolling hills, Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, Ohio River Valley
• Stops: Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Indianapolis
• Distance: 1,166 miles

The Cardinal also accommodates bikes and pets—just be sure to check the guidelines beforehand.

3 The Texas Eagle (Amtrak)

Route: chicago to los angeles – coach from $139.

Following a historical route established in 1948, The Texas Eagle showcases breathtaking sights from the Ozarks to Little Rock along the Mississippi River and across the vast Texan countryside. Spanning three nights and 65 hours, stops in Dallas and Austin add to the journey's charm, but it's the Lone Star State's expansive landscapes that truly captivate passengers.

From remote small towns to wide-open fields, the scenery is unparalleled. Passengers can enjoy the journey from comfortable sleeping quarters, ranging from roomettes to suites, with amenities like turndown service, full meals in the dining car, and daily essentials delivered to their door.

Rooms are equipped with outlets, lighting and climate controls, and closets, with higher-tier options offering additional comforts like toiletries and towels. An attendant call button ensures any extra needs are promptly addressed. For a change of scenery, passengers can head to the Sightseer lounge, featuring wraparound windows and a beverage and snack service.

• Scenic Highlights: Mississippi River, vast plains, colorful deserts, dramatic mountains
• Stops: Kansas City, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson

2 Coast Starlight (Amtrak)

Route: seattle to los angeles – coach from $192.

A stunning route with Amtrak, the Coast Starlight is another one of the many scenic overnight train journeys in North America; it offers breathtaking vistas of the vast Pacific Ocean, the stunning Cascade Mountains, and California's agricultural Central Valley.

Travelers are in for a beautiful ride as they leave Seattle and pass by the gorgeous Puget Sound. The train stops at Portland, Oregon, a busy city, for a few hours before continuing on the 36-hour journey. Views of the majestic Mount Shasta in California are also available, as are opportunities to see surfers riding waves off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Passengers can enjoy expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Oregon's lush forests during the journey, which is framed by stunning mountains, tranquil lakes, and deep forests.

• Start/End: Los Angeles Union Station (Los Angeles) - Seattle King Street Station (Seattle)
• Scenic Highlights: California coastline, Oregon beaches, Cascade Mountains
• Stops: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Portland
• Distance: 1,368 miles

8 Amtrak Cross-Country Trips To Travel Coast To Coast By Train

1 sunset limited (amtrak), route: new orleans to los angeles – coach from $144.

For an unforgettable scenic journey, look no further than Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route, stretching from Louisiana's bayous to the Pacific Ocean. This southernmost Amtrak route crosses five states—Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—following the historic path of the Southern Pacific Railway dating back to 1894.

Passengers traveling on the Sunset Limited, which starts and ends in well-known places like New Orleans and Los Angeles, can unwind and take in views of the Bayou Country, the Mexican border, the southwestern deserts, and the California mountains outside their window.

Travelers heading west to east depart from Los Angeles in the evening, arriving in New Orleans two days later (or vice versa if preferred). With a duration of approximately 48 hours, passengers enjoy comfortable overnight accommodations, full-service dining, and the true essence of a long-haul train adventure.

• Start/End: New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (New Orleans) - Los Angeles Union Station (Los Angeles)
• Scenic Highlights: Mississippi River delta, desert landscapes, sunsets over mountains
• Stops: San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix
• Distance: 1,996 miles

Beautiful Train Rides To Take In North America During The Winter

The winter season adds an extra touch of magic to some of North America's most scenic train rides . Bid farewell to the challenges of snow-covered roads and crowded airports. Instead, nestle into the comfort of a train, sipping hot cocoa as breathtaking winter landscapes — inaccessible by road or air — sweep past your window.

Whether it's a multi-day expedition with cozy hotel layovers, an overnight train odyssey where you can snuggle into your own roomette , a day-long adventure, or a festive one-hour jaunt filled with holiday spirit, there's a journey for every kind of traveler. From sleek modern trains to restored vintage classics, various rail experiences await your winter wanderlust. And rest assured, whether traveling with a small historic railroad or a national corporation like Amtrak, rail companies work hard to make winter train travel safe and comfortable. No matter which train you choose for your long-distance trip , you can relax worry-free while enjoying the journey.

Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Winter Explorer

Embark on a breathtaking Amtrak Vacations adventure, journeying from Vancouver, B.C. to Calgary, A.B. Your expedition starts with two days immersed in Vancouver's rich tapestry of cultures, nestled between majestic mountains and sparkling seas.

Step aboard the VIA Rail for an overnight ride through the snow-covered Canadian Rockies. Arrive in the heart of Jasper National Park, a winter paradise with waterfalls, lakes, forests, and awe-inspiring glaciers. Dive deep into the park's wintery secrets with a wildlife tour. Look out for elk, mountain goats, moose, coyotes, and even the elusive wolves as you discover tales about how these animals survive the chilling embrace of winter.

Set your sights next on the iconic Lake Louise before being swept away to the enchanting town of Banff. Here, an exhilarating gondola ride awaits, whisking you atop Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the winter landscape below. Conclude your rail journey in the bustling streets of Calgary, with a camera full of memories and stories waiting to be shared.

Head west from Chicago

Recognized as one of the crown jewels of North American train journeys, Amtrak's California Zephyr route promises sights that are simply unparalleled. Kick off your adventure in Chicago. Plenty of indoor activities will keep you sheltered from Chicago's notoriously cold and windy winters. Before boarding the train, explore world-renowned museums and indulge in a slice of legendary deep-dish pizza. Once aboard, watch as the urban sprawl fades into the vast expanse of Illinois prairies. You'll cross the Mississippi River on a rail bridge, marking your entry into Iowa, and then sweep through the plains of Nebraska.

In Colorado, the train climbs through the heart of the Rockies, winding alongside the Colorado River. In addition to craggy canyons and snow-draped landscapes, marvel at engineering history as you journey through Moffat Tunnel. Designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark , it takes about 15 minutes for the train to traverse through this 6.2-mile rail tunnel. The tunnel cuts through the Continental Divide near the Winter Park Resort ski area.

You'll be treated to more winter mountain scenery as you continue westward into the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Glide past the shimmering Donner Lake and ascend the breathtaking mile-high Donner Pass. Before you know it, you're in California's vibrant capital, Sacramento. Skirt past the serene San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait, signaling your arrival in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area . Though the train halts in Emeryville, bus service is available to San Francisco.

Grand Canyon by train

Six days and roundtrip from Chicago, Vacations by Rail Winter Escape takes you through America's southwest to the Grand Canyon. Imagine waking up aboard Amtrak's majestic Southwest Chief, as the pristine snow-covered plains of Kansas gently unfold outside your window. As you drift further southwest, the snow melts away, giving hints of the sunny views awaiting you. Upon reaching Flagstaff, Arizona, a shuttle whisks you away to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for the night.

In the morning, you'll step aboard the vintage Grand Canyon Railway, originally crafted to carry precious ore from distant mines. As the southwest landscape rushes by, enjoy the train's musicians and cowboys who bring the Old West alive. You're in good company — luminaries like William Howard Taft, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Clark Gable, and Doris Day have all been entranced by this very route.

And then ... the Grand Canyon in winter! A time when the crowds thin out but the views remain as majestic as ever. Dive into its wonders with a narrated bus tour along the South Rim, pausing at iconic spots like Hermits Rest and Pima Point. Retreat for the night to a lodge nestled within the park. Then, enjoy the next day to soak in more of the canyon's allure. Finally, set your sights back on Chicago. Retrace your tracks with more great views on the way back, along with plenty of photos to sort through.

Mississippi views and the Pacific Northwest

Imagine journeying through a living canvas of some of America's most captivating winter scenes. That's what awaits you aboard the Empire Builder . Setting off every afternoon from the vibrant hubs of Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, the 46-hour trip weaves its magic as it makes its way east toward Chicago. Fancy the reverse trip? Chicago sends off its own daily afternoon voyages.

Settle into the Observation car, designed with seats facing panoramic windows. Your backdrop includes rugged western terrains and the pristine winter wilderness, with much of the route along the Lewis and Clark trail. Depending on the direction you take, you might enjoy views of the Mississippi, the charm of North Dakota's towns, the awe-inspiring Gassman Coulee Trestle steel rail bridge, and Montana's big sky country.

For those journeying east, some of the most scenic views of the trip come as the train hugs the southern border of Glacier National Park , home to 7,000-year-old glaciers. This vast expanse of wilderness, with its dramatic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and glacial-carved terrain, takes on a surreal beauty under the blanket of winter. Heading westbound in winter? It's nighttime through the park. Consider an overnight halt — the daylight views are worth a stop.

Oceans and mountains along the west coast

Journey aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight , a name that has graced this iconic route since spring 1974. Its moniker is a tribute to two former Southern Pacific trains — the Coast Daylight and the Starlight — melding their legacies into one captivating experience. Renowned not only for its picturesque views but also for its modern amenities, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas that include the awe-inspiring Cascade Mountain Range, the bustling vibes of cityscapes, and the serene beauty of nature's coastal masterpieces. Departing daily from Los Angeles, this iconic train route embarks on a 35-hour odyssey that culminates in the vibrant city of Seattle.

Your window will frame ever-changing views, from the picturesque Santa Barbara and the lively pulse of the San Francisco Bay Area to the historic aura of California's capital, Sacramento. As you glide along, you're treated to an exclusive seaside spectacle, stretching over nearly 350 miles of California's coastline. The proximity to the ocean is so intimate, you might just catch a glimpse of majestic whales playfully spouting greetings as they breach the surface.

But this trip isn't just about the ocean — the Coast Starlight can also namedrop mountains. Feast your eyes on the snow-capped summits of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and the mighty Mt. Rainier. Along the way, enjoy forests of trees dusted in snow and bask in the beauty of sunlit valleys where winter seems to have forgotten its touch.

Vermonter with lots of snow

Amtrak's Vermonter route provides a breathtaking journey from the heart of the nation's capital to the snow-laden landscapes of northern Vermont. Leaving in the morning from Washington, D.C., the train meanders through nine states, offering passengers a visual tapestry of New England charm. As you start your nearly 14-hour journey, you'll witness the transformation of landscapes, from the towering skyscrapers of major cities like Philadelphia and New York City to the quaint snow-laced towns of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Journeying through some of America's snowiest states   — with Vermont proudly wearing its crown for the most snow — the Vermonter offers the best chance for a snow globe experience. Watch as winter paints countryside scenes, from picturesque colonial churches to rolling snow-draped hills. And for the snow sports enthusiasts, with Vermont parading its epic ski resorts and the East's longest ski season, you can ride to some of the country's best winter recreation with great views along the way.

But, the magic isn't confined to just the views. Eager to share your journey with the world? The Vermonter has you covered with onboard WiFi, ensuring you stay connected every step of the way.

Alaska's Aurora Winter Train

Embark on an unforgettable 12-hour journey between Anchorage and Fairbanks, where the wonders of Alaska unfold before your very eyes. Each Saturday, the Aurora Winter Train glides northward, returning on Sunday, with special mid-week departures available too. From stops in the charming towns of Wasilla and Talkeetna to the unspoiled, roadless wilderness near Hurricane Gulch, this journey is an exploration of Alaska's heartland. Sip a warm beverage from the cozy embrace of a heated railcar as views of untouched snow pass by through large panoramic windows.

On a clear day, the majestic Denali mountain emerges in the distance, towering over the serene Susitna River. But don't just gaze afar — watch your surroundings! Moose and other wildlife sightings are always a possibility.

Want to mix things up? Consider a rail-fly package. Operating from mid-September to mid-May, experience the beauty of Alaska both by train and plane as you ride the Aurora Winter Train in one direction and fly the other.

Montreal to New York

Start in Montreal, a city draped in European allure, with its cobblestone streets, historic cathedrals, and a delightful blend of French and North American cultures. End up in New York City, where the grandeur of the Empire State Building and the glittering lights of Times Square await your arrival. In between, enjoy breathtaking winter views. This 10-hour journey aboard Amtrak's Adirondack offers daily departures.

Along the route, enjoy scenes that capture the essence of winter in the Northeast. Admire snow-covered mountains and marvel at frozen lakes that shimmer under the winter sun. You'll pass by idyllic small towns, where chimney smoke curls into the frosty air and children play in the fresh snowfall. Travel through snow-draped vineyards of Hudson Valley's wine country. And enjoy the train's namesake — the beautiful panorama of the eastern border of the Adirondack Mountains.

The route is peppered with opportunities for winter wonder. Ski resorts, ice-skating rinks, snowmobile trails, and sledding hills dot the many possible stops along the way. But if you choose to remain nestled in the comfort of the train, you won't be missing out on the world outside. This is another Amtrak train offering free WiFi onboard.

Ride to Niagara Falls

Amtrak's Maple Leaf Route whisks you from New York City to Niagara Falls. As the city's skyline fades in the distance, find yourself lost in the captivating beauty of winter along the Hudson River. For nine enchanting hours, the train showcases a frozen world of quaint snow-draped towns, glimmering icy marinas, and majestic snow-crowned mountains.

Upon arrival to the Niagara Falls, New York Amtrak station, you're a mere five miles from Niagara Falls State Park. Buses, shuttles, and taxis are available for transportation between the station and the park. Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and you can enjoy it with fewer crowds during the winter. Yet the views are arguably better during this season. Snow settles on every available surface. Mighty icicles form, some appearing like crystal daggers hanging precariously, while others meld with the cascading waters. This creates the famous illusion of "frozen falls." It's a unique perspective, quite different from the views in other seasons.

The allure of Niagara doesn't end at the falls, especially in winter. At the Cave of the Winds Pavilion, borrow snowshoes to embark on a frosty adventure to discover more breathtaking views. For a change of pace, visit the Aquarium of Niagara to see marine animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.

Colorado's Cascade Canyon Winter Train

This 5.25-hour roundtrip ride from Durango, Colorado travels along a historic railroad through the remote San Juan National Forest. The Durango & Silverton Railroad, a National Historic Landmark , maintains the railroad and the nostalgic engines of yesteryears. But the vintage flair doesn't mean a lack of modern amenities — coaches have bathrooms and are heated for your winter ride. The Cascade Canyon Winter Train runs mid-November through early May.

As the train chugs along, savor the beauty of the Rocky Mountains blanketed in snow. Watch the Animas River snake through the winter landscape. See ice-covered waterfalls and snow-covered pines. The train navigates steep mountain canyons and ventures through stretches of wilderness inaccessible by car.

Enjoy a scenic stopover in Cascade Canyon. This is a chance to stretch your legs with a short walk to the footbridge along the Animas River. Capture the vintage charm with lots of pictures of the historic train against the winter landscape. Or simply relax and enjoy a fireside lunch. Concessions are available for purchase on every train, or you can preorder a boxed lunch.

Verde Canyon train in Arizona

Verde Canyon — Arizona's other "grand canyon" — is only accessible by rail. Hop aboard a vintage diesel-powered train and be transported into a world where nature and history intertwine. The Verde River gently guides your path on this four-hour roundtrip ride from Clarkdale, Arizona. On board the Verde Canyon Railroad , every passenger has a seat in a luxurious coach and access to open-air viewing cars.

Let your gaze drift across the dramatic landscape, where fiery red rock pinnacles pierce into the sky. Marvel at the cacti-covered cliff walls and delight in the gentle sway of cottonwoods and sycamores. Nestled between the Prescott and Coconino National Forests, Verde Canyon is a prime spot for wildlife viewing year-round. Its unique riparian habitat merges desert and wetland, providing critical habitat for waterfowl, such as the Great Blue Heron. And scan the skies for bald eagles — sightings are common from the train, especially between December and March.

But the wonders of Verde Canyon aren't limited to nature. In cliffs towering above the tracks, you'll see ancient Sinagua ruins. Admire bridges built over 100 years ago (and safely reinforced since then). Plunge into 700 feet of total darkness as you traverse a human-made tunnel through solid rock. Reemerge for more scenic views in the Verde Canyon.

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect way to experience California's wine country . Any season offers a beautiful ride, but winter offers unique seasonal journeys, such as the Peppermint Tea Train and Santa Train Jolly Journeys. Rides are aboard a fully restored vintage Pullman train, roundtrip from Napa, California — about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco. The route traverses beautiful vineyards, passes posh farm real estate, and chugs through quaint towns with charming names like Oak Knoll and Oakville.

The winter Peppermint Tea Train is a holiday twist on traditional afternoon tea service. In addition to finger sandwiches and scones, the service includes sweet holiday treats and, of course, peppermint tea. If you want the winter ambiance but prefer a different flavor, other fine-steeped tea options are also available.

Santa Train Jolly Journeys are a chance to bring the season of joy aboard the train. From the moment you set foot at the station, cheerful carolers and twinkling photo ops with Santa whisk you into the holiday spirit. As the train chugs along, immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of holiday tunes and festive décor. Fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate, and visits from Santa will add jolly to the journey. Some holiday trains, such as the Gourmet Holiday Express, include a three-course dinner aboard. Whatever voyage you choose, the blend of holiday cheer with the timeless charm of a vintage train sets you up for a magical winter journey.

The Polar Express

Historic and scenic railroad operators throughout the U.S. and Canada host The Polar Express Train Ride . This is a licensed event based on the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Awarded a Caldecott Medal , "The Polar Express" tells the story of a young boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The one-hour trip features a read-along of the story. As wheels clatter and the tale unfolds, passengers enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, served by lively dancing chefs. And guess who else comes aboard — Santa and his jolly helpers! The film version of "The Polar Express" will come alive as characters lead onboard entertainment to the tunes of the movie soundtrack. Every passenger receives a shimmering sleigh bell as a cherished keepsake.

Curious about the dress code for The Polar Express? Pajamas are encouraged for passengers of all ages! Cozy up for a memorable ride of winter holiday fun.

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Train & Rail Tours in North America

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey with one of these amazing train and rail tours in North America. Our extensive research has led us to uncover the finest journeys available, carefully analyzed from a diverse range of offerings from highly regarded travel companies. Every aspect, from pricing and guest ratings to service quality, destinations, and activities, has been taken into account. Whether you're an experienced explorer or venturing to new places for the first time, these thoughtfully selected train and rail tours promise an unforgettable adventure in North America.

• Canadian Train Odyssey with Alaska Cruise 22 Days, $5720.00
• Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise 16 Days, $5023.00
• Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise 21 Days, $7540.00

What are rail tours like in North America?

Here are the important factors:

• 11 trip options analyzed
• $356 average price per day (USD)
• 5 to 22 days in length
• 4.85 of 5 average rating
• 48 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of train and rail tours in North America, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 48 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 13 days, with tours ranging from 5 to 22 days long. For physical activity , the tours are marked as easy and moderate, with a prevalent number on easy tours. With our thorough analysis of 11 train and rail tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that North America has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Train & Rail Tours in North America

Canadian train odyssey with alaska cruise.

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for train and rail tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional trip, visiting Canada and USA, that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 22 days, this jouney will have 50 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 5 and up. Expertly organized by Cosmos , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $290 per day.

• Train & Rail
• Ocean Cruise

Western Canada by Rail with Alaska Cruise

This memorable trip, visiting Canada and USA, is offered by Cosmos which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $351 per day. Along the way, this journey encompasses 10 destinations, including Glacier Bay National Park, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Kamloops. Your journey will begin in Calgary and end in Vancouver. The maximum group size is 50 people, welcoming guests from 5 and up.

Great Canadian Rail Journey with Alaska Cruise

Set off on an extraordinary journey, visiting Canada and USA, that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 21 days, this trip offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 46 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests from 5 to 80 years old. This itinerary covers 12 captivating destinations, with stops in Kamloops, Victoria, Vancouver, and Juneau, among others. Begin your trip in Toronto and complete it with a memorable finale in Vancouver. Brought to you by Globus , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $392 per day.

Canadian Rockies by Train

With this option you can experience an unparalleled voyage for 8 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 42 participants at most. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 5 destinations, featuring Banff, Jasper, and Kamloops. Your journey starts off in Calgary and finishes in Vancouver. Tours of Distinction , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests guests from 12 to 100 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $500 per day.

Western Canada by Rail

This fantastic voyage has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Uncover the beauty of 7 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Kamloops, and Vancouver. Your journey will begin in Calgary and end in Vancouver. You'll love the emphasis on wildlife and family-friendly activities, too. Lasting 9 days, the maximum group size is 50 people, and it's good for guests from 5 and up. Organized by Cosmos , this is a great deal because it's only $441 per day.

Great Canadian Rail Journey

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary trip, visiting Canada and USA, is the perfect choice. Traverse through 8 enchanting destinations, with Banff National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, and Winnipeg among the must-see stops along the route. Begin your trip in Toronto and complete it with a memorable finale in Vancouver. Spanning across 14 days, the trip accommodates 46 individuals, and is suitable for guests from 5 to 80 years old. Offered by Globus , this remarkable trip is priced at just $416 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Historic Trains of the Old West with Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

This exceptional trip offering by Globus has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 11-day voyage you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip visits 12 destinations, including Chimayo, Albuquerque, Breckenridge, and Glenwood Springs along the way. Your adventure starts and ends in Denver. With a group size of 46 people, it's suitable for guests from 5 to 80 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $404 per day.

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton with Ocean Train to Montreal

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. Experience a trip that takes you to 8 remarkable destinations, including Cape Breton Island, Peggys Cove, Lunenburg, and Moncton. Your journey will begin in Halifax and end in Montreal. Spanning across 12 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 46 participants, and it's great for guests from 5 to 80 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Globus , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $349 per day - an unbeatable value.

Canadian Train Odyssey

This 15-day voyage, visiting Canada and USA, is ideal for guests from 5 and up. And priced at only $312 per day, it's a great value, too. Explore 9 incredible locations on this trip, including Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and Kamloops. Begin your trip in Toronto and complete it with a memorable finale in Vancouver. It's offered by Cosmos , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

Ontario & French Canada with Ocean Train to Halifax

Priced at just $259 per day, this terrific 11-day voyage is ideal for guests from 5 and up. Discover a journey that spans 7 destinations, with notable stops in Kingston, Thousand Islands National Park, Ottawa, and Montreal. Your journey starts off in Toronto and finishes in Halifax. Organized by the reputable Cosmos , this is one of the best tours on this list.

• In-depth Cultural

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to North America , The Best Wildlife Tours to North America , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in North America , The Best Historical Tours in North America , The Best 10-Day Tours in North America , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in North America , The Best 3-Day Tours in North America , The Best 2-Week Tours in North America , The Best 3-Week Tours in North America , The Best Bicycle Tours in North America , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in North America , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in North America , The Best Coach Bus Tours in North America , The Best Adventure Tours to North America , The Best Eco Tours in North America , The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in North America , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in North America , The Best Sightseeing Tours in North America , The Best Cultural Tours in North America , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in North America , The Tours for Animal Lovers in North America , The Best Photography Tours in North America , The Best Camping Tours in North America , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in North America , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in North America , The Best Walking Tours in North America , The Best Northern Lights Tours in North America , The Best Tours Under $1000 in North America , The Best Luxury Tours to North America , The Best Budget Tours to North America , The Best Tours for Seniors to North America , The Best Contiki Tours to North America , or The Best G Adventures Tours to North America for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

How much do Train & Rail Tours in North America cost?

After analyzing 11 train and rail tours in North America, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $356 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for train and rail tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in North America .

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These Are The Best Rail Journeys In North America

Posted: May 1, 2023 | Last updated: July 1, 2023

Unmissable rail experiences

California Zephyr, Chicago, Illinois to San Francisco, California

Often dubbed the ultimate cross-country rail trip by enthusiasts, this epic 2,438-mile (3,924km), 51-hour journey between Chicago and San Francisco is undeniably breathtaking. From the majestic mountain ranges of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada to the bright-red hues of Utah’s deserts and the seemingly endless plains of Nebraska, expect fabulous scenery from start to finish. 

What’s more, there are plenty of options to experience it. Coach seats start at around $142 for the full trip – you’ll have to make do with a reclining seat for this price – while roomettes start at around $680 (although prices vary depending when you’re traveling and how many people there are). Travelers in private rooms also have access to flexible dining that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a wide selection of drinks. Trains usually depart daily, but check the website for updates.

Rocky Mountaineer, Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah

Launched in August 2021, the Rocky Mountaineer’s exciting new route takes passengers on a two-day excursion between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah, including an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Rockies to the Red Rocks journey is an extravagant one and doesn’t come cheap, starting at $1,395 for a one-way trip. All packages include gourmet meals, access to opulent lounge carriages and accommodation in Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver. 

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While it would be easy to focus on all the luxuries found inside, the real highlight of this journey is the incredible landscapes to be found outside – which include Ruby Canyon, Mount Logan and Mount Garfield. To maximize the views, the train only runs during the day and features oversized windows and glass-domed coaches. There are also options to start or end in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas if you’d like a little time to explore these destinations.

City of New Orleans, Chicago, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana

Amtrak’s City of New Orleans  is a popular choice for those wishing to explore the rich history and culture of Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans. Trains typically leave the Windy City at 8pm, trundling through Illinois and Kentucky by night and gliding into Tennessee as the sun rises. Be sure to stop off in Memphis to wander through the homeland of blues, rock n’ roll and soul music, as well as paying a visit to Elvis’ former home.

The Canadian, Vancouver to Jasper, Canada

VIA Rail’s overnight service between Vancouver and Jasper certainly doesn't scrimp on impressive scenery. What’s more, it’s a fraction of the price of the famous Rocky Mountaineer service. The 19-hour trip starts at reasonable C$156 (US$122) per passenger for a reclining seat in Economy, or C$527 (US$413) for a two-person cabin in Sleeper Class.

Trains depart Vancouver at 3pm each day, gliding away from the city’s gleaming skyscrapers and towards British Columbia’s breathtaking mountains and lakes. Stopping at Kamloops just after midnight, the journey continues along through eastern BC and into Alberta (be sure to wake up early to see the Rockies at sunrise). Finally, you’ll arrive in Jasper at 11am the following day. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes, this laid-back town is the ideal base for exploring the Rockies and Jasper National Park.

Now discover Canada's most jaw-dropping views

The Ocean, Montréal to Halifax, Canada

Many visitors flock to western Canada for its big-name national parks and hulking mountains, but the east coast is stunning in an entirely different way. Seeing the delights of this charming region is easy on board VIA Rail’s The Ocean . Beginning at 7pm in Montréal, the journey whisks you alongside the Lac Saint-Pierre, before passing through New Brunswick by night and then onto the picturesque lakes of Nova Scotia. Finally, you’ll arrive in Halifax at 5.51pm the following day.

Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa to St Helena, California

What could be better than drifting past emerald-green vineyards with a glass of wine in hand? Perhaps doing so on one of Napa Valley Wine Train's  unique vintage carriages, which travel on a 36-mile (58km) there-and-back trip from Downtown Napa to St Helena on an original 1864 rail line. The carriages, with their opulent velvet-upholstered seats, mahogany paneling and brass, have been sensitively restored to evoke the glamor of vintage train travel.

Offering the perfect combination of history, stunning landscapes and (of course) great wine, there's a range of packages on offer, from half-a-day winery tours with tastings to on-board dining experiences and special events, like the Murder Mystery dinner theater option. As you might expect, food and wine options aboard are ultra-opulent, with most packages offering multi-course gourmet meals and complimentary private-label wines. Needless to say, all of this doesn’t come cheap – prices are only available on application. 

Sky Railway, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Skirting through some of New Mexico’s finest scenery, the tantalizingly named Sky Railway is just as fantasy-filled as you’d imagine. The journey is made all the more enticing by the fact this 141-year old heritage route was recently saved by a group of rail enthusiasts ( Game of Thrones author George RR Martin among them). Since its revival in late 2021, it’s been given a new lease of life as a family-friendly adventure trip.

Denali Star, Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Ditch the car and opt for a more climate-friendly journey through one of America’s most beautiful (and least-visited) national parks. The Alaska Railroad's flagship train  Denali Star embarks on a 12-hour ride between Anchorage and Fairbanks via Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. Along the 365-mile (587km) route, the train rushes past rivers and mountains and offers expansive panoramas of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot (90.2m) bridge.

Check out Alaska's most incredible sights

Copper Canyon train, Los Mochis to Chihuahua City, Mexico

This nine-hour trip between Los Mochis, Sinaloa and Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, has rightly gained a reputation as one of the most epic rail journeys in the world. The famous Copper Canyon through which it travels is nothing short of magical: think dramatic gorges, towering peaks and historic colonial towns. It’s possible to travel in both directions, but we’d advise setting off from Los Mochis so you get to see the most stunning scenery (much of which is at the beginning of the route) before the sun sets. 

Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Dubbed “the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world”, this one-of-a-kind route traverses the steep summit of Mount Washington, reaching a 37% gradient at certain points. Located in the gorgeous Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains, the National Historic Engineering Landmark is certainly a fun way to discover rural New England. 

Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown to Silver Plume, Colorado

Want to travel across this terrifying-looking railroad? While we admit the aptly named Devil's Gate High Bridge, which features a 100-foot (30m) drop over Clear Creek, isn’t for the faint-hearted, this thrilling experience is at the top of many rail buffs’ wish lists. It’s no surprise that when it was completed back in 1884, this circular railroad connecting Georgetown and Silver Plume was seen as an engineering marvel and attracted visitors from all over.

Grand Canyon Railway, Williams to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

It’s been a favorite road trip destination for decades, but you might not have thought to visit the Grand Canyon by rail. Yet this underrated (and surprisingly affordable) excursion has to be one of the most beautiful train journeys on the planet. Beginning in Williams, a small town 30 miles (48km) west of Flagstaff, Grand Canyon Railway meanders through ponderosa pine forests and open prairie, stopping at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim before heading back to Williams.

Jose Cuervo Express, Guadalajara to Tequila, Mexico

Tequila fans need look no further: we’ve found the perfect train for you. Traveling the 11-hour journey between Guadalajara and the town of Tequila, the Jose Cuervo Express allows you to taste a wide variety of tequilas while whizzing past endless agave fields, all in a highly luxurious setting. Along the way, guests will also tour a distillery to discover how the spirit is made, wander the historic streets of Tequila and see an agave harvesting demonstration.

Trains depart from Guadalajara every Saturday and passengers can choose between four carriages: Express, Premium Plus, Diamond or Elite (pictured). On this luxury option, enjoy a large adults-only lounge and open bar providing a range of tequila cocktails, with decor inspired by the old-school glamor of the Orient Express. Tickets start at around 2,590 Mexican pesos ($128). 

These are the world's most luxurious train journeys

White Pass & Yukon route, Skagway, Alaska to White Pass summit, Canada

Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? A journey on the unforgettable White Pass & Yukon , which climbs nearly 3,000 feet (914m) from Skagway, Alaska to White Pass Summit in Canada’s Yukon territory, should do the trick. The 40-mile (64km), 2.5-hour round trip also takes place on a historic railroad dating back to 1898, when it was built to give greater access to mines at the time of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Today’s travelers can enjoy the ride from a range of vintage train carriages, kitted out with balconies to allow for optimum sightseeing and picture-taking. Among the incredible sights you’ll see are Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch – so named because some 3,000 horses tragically died here while traversing the Chilkoot Trail before the railroad was built. Between April and October each year there are several departures a week, with tickets starting at C$134 ($105) for adults and C$67 ($53) for children.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango to Silverton, Colorado

Often listed as one of the world’s greatest routes, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a unique journey through America’s history. Original coal-fired locomotives from the 1880s follow in the tracks of countless miners, cowboys and gunslingers from the Old West, giving an insight into what train travel was like some 140 years ago. In fact, the railroad has even been listed as a National Historic Landmark to protect its heritage. 

On the 45-mile (72km) trip, the train crosses the Animas River five times and winds its way through canyons in the stark wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. Travelers pass farmlands, old stagecoach roads and the brooding Tacoma Power Plant along the way. There are four classes to choose from during the summer season from May through to October, with prices starting at $94.

Ethan Allen Express, Burlington, Vermont to New York City

We can't think of a much better way to experience gorgeous fall colors than this. The Ethan Allen Express , which was launched by Amtrak just ahead of fall, takes passengers on a leisurely seven-hour journey between Burlington, Vermont and New York, stopping at Rutland and Albany along the way. The scenery you'll pass is incredible, from idyllic New England countryside as you pass through the Hudson Valley to the historic college towns and maple tree forests of Vermont.

You could sit back and soak up the scenery all day, but if you wish to break up the route there are plenty of worthwhile stops. Be sure to take some time exploring Saratoga Springs, where horse-racing, elegant Victorian architecture and plenty of independent shops and restaurants await. Outdoorsy types should make a beeline for Rutland, which offers skiing opportunities by winter and gorgeous hiking year-round. 

Next, discover the world's best sleeper trains

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5 US Sleeper Train Routes for the Ultimate Slow Travel Journey

By Marianna Cerini

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sleeper trains are having a moment. And why wouldn’t they? More eco-friendly than flying —with none of the hassle that comes from even just stepping into an airport these days—and a lot more pleasant than driving, overnight rail routes make for increasingly smarter alternatives to cars and planes, turning the journey to your destination into an experience in itself.

While Europe is leading the pack when it comes to taking you from A to B as you rest peacefully in your sleeper car, the US isn’t lagging that far behind. Several lines have in fact stepped up their game in recent years in terms of comfort and on-board services, offering travelers anything from plush beds to dedicated attendants and roomy sleeping quarters.

Here are five sleeper trains that are worth skipping highway tolls and airport lines for.

Coast Starlight

Linking Los Angeles to Seattle in around 34 hours, the Coast Starlight is one of Amtrak’s most scenic rail lines. The route delivers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the lush Oregonian forest , with mountains, lakes, and thick woodlands as the main backdrop for most of the trip. You can gawk at them all from the gorgeous observation cars, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and snug seats to while away the hours and snap plenty of pictures.

Come nighttime, the Coast Starlight’s sleeper cars ensure all the zzzs you need with roomettes, bedrooms, and one family bedroom to choose from (if you book the sleeper car, you also have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before departure, which is a nice plus). While the smaller roomettes have outside toilets and showers, the bigger accommodations feature an ensuite bathroom for extra comfort, and more space to stretch your legs. Regardless of size, all of them grant access to the restaurant-style dining car for dinner, breakfast, and lunch—all included in your ticket—as well as complimentary coffee to keep you energized throughout the journey.

Top tip: Travel in the summer to get the most daylight, and make sure to take advantage of the early morning fresh-air stops in Oregon after your night onboard. You’ll feel restored in no time.

California Zephyr

At 2,438 miles and almost 52 hours of overall travel time (that’s three days and two nights), the California Zephyr is Amtrak’s second longest route, and the very definition of a long-distance rail journey. Riding from Chicago to Emeryville/San Francisco, you’ll roll through Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah , Nevada, and California—passing by verdant plains and the Rocky Mountain range, across arid countryside and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. The whole trip is basically a deep dive into the natural beauty of the United States, and one of those experiences every train aficionado should try at least once in their lifetime.

There are plenty of places to stop and visit on the way—you can get off in Denver and explore the Rocky Mountain National Park or spend a few days in Salt Lake City—but should you choose to stay onboard for the whole ride, you’ll be in for a treat.

With roomettes, bedrooms, bedroom suites, family bedrooms, and one accessible bedroom spread across two levels of its sleeper cars, the California Zephyr has a wealth of sleeping options to cater all needs. All of them come with complimentary meals, dedicated cabin attendants, lounge access in Chicago, and priority boarding, while restrooms and showers are either within the car or ensuite, depending on the room category. The upper-level quarters offer better views and sell out fast, though if you suffer from motion sickness, the lower accommodations might be a better fit.

Besides the sleeping arrangements, however, it’s waking up to the Great Plains and winding through the Rockies and then the Sierra Nevada that’s truly special. Just make sure to always have your camera ready.

Texas Eagle

Another cool way to travel from Chicago to California— Los Angeles , to be exact—by train rather than plane? The Texas Eagle. Amtrak’s longest route (and the longest in America), this three-night, 65-hour journey follows a path first established by the Pacific Railway in 1948, passing some pretty amazing sights: from the Ozarks to Little Rock along the Mississippi River, then into the vast expanse of the Texan countryside.

There are stops in Dallas and Austin along the route, though really, it’s the sheer grandness of the Lone State’s topography—a never-ending mix of remote small towns and rural settlements, wide-open fields and swamps—that’s the trip’s biggest draw.

That, and the fact you can watch it all from compact-to-spacious sleeping quarters, which range from roomettes to suites and feature perks like turndown service, full meals in the dining car for the entire duration of the ride, and coffee, juice, and daily newspaper delivered every morning to your door.

In-room amenities include outlets to keep your electronics charged, lighting and climate controls, and a closet for your clothes (there are also soap and towels if you’re in the higher room categories), as well as an attendant call button should you have any extra needs. If you want to stretch your legs, the Sightseer lounge, with swivel seat, wraparound windows, and a beverage and snack service, is the place to go—and the best spot to meet like-minded travelers to share the journey with.

AWS Machine Learning Blog

Generative ai roadshow in north america with aws and hugging face.

In 2023, AWS announced an expanded collaboration with Hugging Face to accelerate our customers’ generative artificial intelligence (AI) journey. Hugging Face, founded in 2016, is the premier AI platform with over 500,000 open source models and more than 100,000 datasets. Over the past year, we have partnered to make it effortless to train, fine-tune, and deploy Hugging Face models using Amazon SageMaker , AWS Trainium , and AWS Inferentia . Developers using Hugging Face can now optimize performance and lower cost to bring generative AI applications to production faster.

We are happy to announce a generative AI roadshow in North America where you can meet with Hugging Face and AWS experts, learn about the latest developments in generative AI, and get hands-on experience with fine-tuning and deploying foundation models. As part of this roadshow, Julien Simon , Chief Evangelist at Hugging Face, will travel to eight AWS headquarters across North America between April and June . You can meet with Julien and AWS experts to dive deep into your use cases and learn how AWS and Hugging Face can help.

The following are the cities and dates for the 2024 roadshow:

• Seattle, WA: April 9–11
• San Francisco, CA: April 12
• Santa Clara, CA: April 15, April 17
• Los Angeles, CA: April 18–19
• Boston, MA: April 22–23
• New York City, NY: April 24–26
• Austin, TX: May 28–31
• Arlington, Washington DC: June 3–5

You can participate in the roadshow in two ways:

• Request a 1:1 meeting with Julien Simon and AWS experts. Reach out to your AWS Account Manager or submit your request .
• Register for Seattle
• Register for Santa Clara
• Register for NYC
• Register for Austin

For further inquiries, reach out to the AMER Hugging Face roadshow organizers .

We look forward to seeing you there. To learn more about the AWS collaboration with Hugging Face, visit the Amazon SageMaker resources and AWS Inferentia and Trainium space on the Hugging Face website.

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