Train travel in the USA is a special way to see the country’s varied landscapes. You can take long trips across the country or short rides through beautiful areas. Amtrak has many routes, both long and short, for travelers.
Traveling by train lets you see America’s beauty without driving. You can take short trips or long adventures. For example, the Pacific Surfliner goes 351 miles along California’s coast. The Coast Starlight takes 35 hours from Los Angeles to Seattle.
Experts and readers picked the top train routes in the USA. They looked at scenery, how long the trip is, and cost. You can find rides from 1 hour to 2 days, costing from $25 to $2,500.
Looking for coastal views, mountain sights, or fall colors? There’s a train trip for you. Let’s check out some of the most famous and beautiful train routes in the USA.
Iconic USA Train Routes Across America
Start an amazing journey on long-distance trains across the USA. These routes offer stunning views and unique experiences. Let’s look at some of the most famous American rail tours.
Coast Starlight: Pacific Ocean Views from Seattle to Los Angeles
The Coast Starlight is a 36-hour trip covering 1,377 miles. It shows off the Pacific coastline, with views of Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Portland. It’s a great way to see the West Coast’s beauty.
California Zephyr: Rocky Mountain Adventure from Chicago to San Francisco
The California Zephyr spans 2,438 miles, a true marvel. It goes through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, with amazing views. The trip from Emeryville to Reno takes nearly 7 hours, showing its vastness.
Empire Builder: Northern Frontier Journey Through Glacier National Park
The Empire Builder is a 45-hour trip from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. It goes through Glacier National Park, showing America’s wild nature. It’s a top choice for exploring the northern frontier.
Sunset Limited: Gulf Coast to Pacific Ocean Experience
The Sunset Limited offers a coast-to-coast journey. It goes from New Orleans to Los Angeles, through Louisiana’s bayous, Texas and Arizona deserts, and California’s hills. It shows off America’s diverse landscapes.
| Train Route | Distance (miles) | Duration (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Coast Starlight | 1,377 | 36 |
| California Zephyr | 2,438 | 51 |
| Empire Builder | 2,206 | 45 |
| Sunset Limited | 1,995 | 48 |
Most Scenic Regional Train Experiences
Train vacations in America are special ways to see different landscapes. US rail passes give you access to amazing views across the country. Let’s explore four unforgettable railway adventures in the USA.
Grand Canyon Railway: Desert Landscapes and Canyon Views
The Grand Canyon Railway goes 130 miles round trip from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim. This 2-hour 15-minute ride takes you through pine forests and prairies. You’ll see stunning desert views.
Alaska Denali Star: Wilderness and Wildlife Spotting
The Alaska Denali Star travels 358 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. This 12-hour trip shows off Alaska’s wild beauty, including Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park. Look out for wildlife!
Mount Washington Cog Railway: New England Mountain Views
The Mount Washington Cog Railway goes up to the 6,288-foot peak of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. On clear days, you’ll see views to Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.
Napa Valley Wine Train: California Wine Country Excellence
The Napa Valley Wine Train offers scenic views and fine dining. It travels through beautiful wineries and vine-covered hills in vintage Pullman railcars. Enjoy California’s famous wine country.
| Train Route | Distance | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon Railway | 130 miles round trip | 2 hours 15 minutes | Desert landscapes, canyon views |
| Alaska Denali Star | 358 miles | 12 hours | Wilderness, wildlife, Mt. McKinley views |
| Mount Washington Cog Railway | 6,288 feet elevation | 3 hours round trip | New England mountain panoramas |
| Napa Valley Wine Train | 36 miles round trip | 3 hours | Wine country scenery, gourmet dining |
Conclusion
Traveling by train in the USA is a unique way to see the country’s beauty. You can see the Pacific coast on the Coast Starlight or the Rocky Mountains on the California Zephyr. These trips show off America’s stunning landscapes.
The California Zephyr takes you over 2,500 miles, through Colorado’s plains and into California’s green areas. It’s a trip you won’t forget.
Trains are also good for the planet, using less fuel than cars or planes. They’re getting more popular, thanks to $66 billion in investments. This includes the Brightline West High-Speed Rail System, which will serve millions each year.
Even though trains might be pricier than buses, they have special perks. Amtrak has different seats and extras like Wi-Fi and power outlets. With big stops in New York City and Chicago, trains connect people all over.
So, if you want comfort, to help the environment, or to see amazing views, trains are the way to go. USA train routes are as exciting as the places they take you.
