There’s something truly magical about trading the rush of daily life for the rhythmic sway of a train. Imagine settling into a comfortable seat, gazing out as America’s vast, ever-changing tapestry unfolds before your very eyes. It’s an escape, a journey where the destination is just as spectacular as every single mile along the way.
The sheer size and scale of the USA are nothing short of astounding—it’s an absolute, supersized whopper just waiting to be explored. From epic mountain ranges and massive deserts to dense forests and seemingly endless prairies, our country is sprinkled with cities both world-renowned and charmingly lesser known. While road-tripping has its iconic allure, for those who prefer to soak up the scenery without the stress of driving, train travel is truly the way to go.
It’s time to disconnect from our devices—many routes even encourage it by not offering Wi-Fi—and instead, connect with the breathtaking landscapes and perhaps even new friends in the observation car. Or simply sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the pure joy of the ride. We’re about to embark on an extraordinary journey, unveiling 12 unforgettable train trips that promise to redefine your perception of travel.
1. **California Zephyr**: Beginning in Chicago and winding all the way to Emeryville, California, the California Zephyr is an absolute visual masterpiece. This incredible journey takes you through the snow-capped Rockies, the lush Sierra Nevadas, and the arid deserts of Utah, offering changing landscapes that are nothing short of breathtaking at every turn. It truly is the furthest you can go within the US by train, packaging up the best of the country in a little more than two days.
Picture yourself sipping a hot drink as the train tunnels through majestic mountains, offering thrilling glimpses of secluded river valleys and towering peaks. This route is deeply steeped in history, dating all the way back to the early days of American rail travel, and engaging onboard commentary often provides fascinating insights into the landmarks and lore along the way. As you head west, the Midwest prairies roll out a verdant carpet for miles in every direction until the dramatic Rocky Mountains begin to peek over the horizon, a sight that never fails to inspire awe.
The train then snakes through impossibly narrow gorges along the mighty Colorado River before rumbling through the lunar-like salt flats of Utah and Nevada and then, winding its way up mountains once again—this time the magnificent Sierra Nevada. Be sure to grab a seat in the observation car early to secure front-row views through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, especially between Reno and Sacramento where volunteer docents from the California State Railroad Museum often narrate the journey, enriching your experience with local knowledge and historical anecdotes. While the entire journey is certainly worth seeing through from end to end, there are plenty of tempting stops that might just lure you away temporarily, like Salt Lake City, Utah, a particularly good option for keeping the train theme alive with its gorgeous former Union Station, now the Asher Adams hotel, and the nearby Golden Spike National Historical Park.
2. **Amtrak Coast Starlight**: Prepare for a journey that’s as dreamy as its name suggests: the Amtrak Coast Starlight. Hugging the stunning western shoreline, this train provides unrivaled, panoramic views of the vast ocean, rugged cliffs, and golden beaches that make California’s “best coast” so legendary. It’s a true feast for the eyes as the scenery gracefully transitions from dense, ancient forests to vibrant urban skylines, showcasing the incredible natural diversity of the West Coast.
But this journey isn’t just about the views; it’s about embracing pure relaxation and indulgence. The train itself is designed for comfort, offering plush seating, exquisite dining services, and, most importantly, a breathtaking panoramic observation car. Imagine witnessing a fiery sunset over the Pacific Ocean, its colors bleeding across the sky, all while savoring a gourmet meal or sipping on a perfectly chilled glass of wine—it’s an experience that truly elevates train travel to an art form.
As you travel south of Santa Barbara, the route majestically curves atop high cliffs, with the Pacific Ocean waves often dotted with brave surfers crashing far below, a truly iconic California scene. An hour or so before sunset is a particularly opportune time to claim your spot in the observation car, as the Golden State enters its magical “golden hour,” bathing everything in a warm, ethereal glow. On the Coast Starlight’s northern stretches, the tracks gracefully head further inland, swapping the shimmering water for a verdant sea of towering trees, including California’s famous redwoods, and the often snow-capped peaks of the majestic Cascade Range, completing a diverse and unforgettable vista.
3. **Great Smoky Mountains Railroad**: Step aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and prepare to be transported back in time, embarking on a truly nostalgic trip through one of America’s most spectacularly beautiful regions. This historic steam train begins its charming journey in Bryson City, North Carolina, and then gracefully winds its way through dense, ancient forests and alongside picturesque, rushing rivers, painting a serene and idyllic picture at every turn.
For any nature lover, this ride is nothing short of a dream come true. While beautiful year-round, the autumn months are especially magical, transforming the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and sunny yellows as the leaves explode in color. The open-air gondola cars provide the absolute perfect vantage point for photography enthusiasts, allowing you to breathe in the crisp mountain air and capture the stunning scenery without any obstructions.
It’s more than just a train ride; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to truly connect with the raw, untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The gentle chug of the steam engine and the whistle echoing through the valleys create a timeless atmosphere, making this journey a heartwarming reminder of simpler times and the profound wonder of nature. This is a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of one of America’s most beloved national treasures from a truly classic perspective.
4. **Empire Builder**: The Empire Builder is far more than just a train; it’s a magnificent gateway to America’s rugged and untamed beauty, traversing vast plains, majestic mountains, and charming small towns along its epic route. As you journey, watch in awe as the seemingly endless Great Plains, long and low as the horizon, gradually give way to the awe-inspiring, snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and eventually, the serene grandeur of the Cascade Range. It’s a stunning natural rise and fall of American landscapes that captivates every passenger.
This particular route connects three excellent epicenters of culture, making it a fantastic choice for a cross-country adventure. Keep your eyes peeled from the comfort of the observation car, as this journey offers unique opportunities to spot incredible wildlife, including majestic bears, graceful moose, and the iconic bald eagles soaring overhead. For the true nature enthusiast, there’s even the chance to get off the train and step directly into the pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park from the station at East Glacier, which is conveniently located near the historic Glacier Park Lodge, built by the Great Northern Railway back in 1913.
Beyond the impressive log-cabin-style building of the lodge, you’ll discover glacial blue alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows, creating a scene of unparalleled natural splendor. If you choose the Portland branch of the Empire Builder, your journey will take you along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, a designated National Scenic Area characterized by its thick forests and deep, water-carved cliffs. This route impressively follows parts of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition, adding a rich, educational twist to your already thrilling trip, ensuring that every mile is filled with both beauty and historical significance.
5. **Napa Valley Wine Train**: For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers an exquisite blend of indulgence and stunning scenery, rolling gracefully through lush vineyards and charming, picturesque towns. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a luxurious experience set within beautifully restored vintage train cars that evoke the golden age of travel, complete with gourmet dining and world-class wine tastings that will tantalize your palate.
As you sip on expertly curated, world-class wines, the picturesque views of rolling hills covered in meticulously manicured vineyard rows create an utterly serene and unforgettable backdrop. The train even offers convenient stops at select, renowned wineries, providing you with the perfect opportunity to disembark, explore the vineyards on foot, and deepen your understanding of the intricate winemaking process from grape to glass. It’s a truly immersive sensory experience that delights at every turn.
Whether you consider yourself a seasoned wine connoisseur with a sophisticated palate or simply someone who relishes a leisurely, beautiful trip through an iconic American landscape, this journey promises a delightful taste of the good life. The inherent beauty of Napa’s celebrated wine region, combined with the timeless charm and elegance of the train itself, makes the Napa Valley Wine Train an absolutely must-do experience for any traveler seeking a unique blend of culinary delight and scenic splendor. It’s a testament to the fact that travel can be a truly refined art form.
6. **Rocky Mountaineer**: Imagine a travel experience where ultimate luxury seamlessly merges with some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the continent. The Rocky Mountaineer offers precisely this, with its world-renowned routes carving through the majestic Canadian Rockies, a truly iconic mountain range. While technically traversing Canadian territory for much of its journey, this extraordinary train is a worthy inclusion on our list of unforgettable North American trips because it conveniently starts its incredible adventure in the vibrant city of Seattle, providing an accessible gateway for U.S. travelers.
The train’s signature glass-domed coaches are a marvel in themselves, designed to provide truly unobstructed, panoramic views of dramatic, soaring peaks, lush, verdant valleys, and spectacular cascading waterfalls that tumble down rocky faces. With each gentle turn of the tracks, a new natural spectacle is unveiled, making it an absolute paradise for photography enthusiasts eager to capture every awe-inspiring moment. The sheer grandeur of the scenery is almost overwhelming, yet the comfort onboard ensures you can simply sit back and absorb it all.
If you place a high value on unparalleled comfort and exceptional service, the Rocky Mountaineer elevates the concept of train travel to an entirely new level. From the gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, served right at your seat, to the attentive and knowledgeable service from the dedicated staff, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a truly indulgent and memorable journey. It’s an experience that invites you to truly immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Rockies, all while enjoying the pinnacle of luxury rail travel.
Beyond the awe-inspiring routes we’ve already explored, America’s rail network continues to unfurl a tapestry of diverse landscapes and rich cultural connections, promising even more unforgettable adventures. These next six journeys delve deeper into the heart of the U.S., from charming eastern forests to the sun-drenched southern coasts and the dramatic, vast expanses of the Southwest. Each offers its own unique rhythm and perspective, inviting you to witness the country’s varied beauty and history unfold right outside your window. Prepare to discover further horizons, where every clickety-clack of the wheels brings a new revelation and a deeper appreciation for the journey itself.
7. **Silver Meteor**: Prepare for an extraordinary journey on the Silver Meteor, a train that transports you from the electric energy of New York City all the way down to the sun-kissed shores of Miami, Florida. This remarkable route is a masterclass in showcasing the incredible diversity of the Atlantic coast, transitioning seamlessly from the bustling, iconic skylines of major cities to the serene, rolling countryside, and finally, into the captivating, tropical allure that defines Florida. As your journey progresses and you draw nearer to Miami, the landscape gracefully shifts, with swaying palm trees and stretches of soft, sandy beaches becoming your continuous, idyllic scenic backdrop.
This is a journey that, while long in duration, is meticulously designed by Amtrak to ensure your absolute comfort and enjoyment, making every moment on board a pleasure. The train offers superb amenities, including luxurious sleeper cars for restful nights, inviting dining options where you can savor delicious meals, and the convenience of Wi-Fi to stay connected, should you choose. These provisions allow you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the evolving scenery without a single worry.
Adding an extra layer of enchantment, the Silver Meteor carries with it a rich and storied history, infusing a palpable nostalgic touch into every mile of your journey, making it feel like a trip back in time to the golden age of rail travel. For those discerning travelers who cherish a perfect blend of dynamic urban landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty, the Silver Meteor stands as an unparalleled choice, promising an unforgettable travel experience that perfectly captures the vibrant essence of the East Coast, from its bustling metropolises to its tranquil, sun-drenched shores.
8. **Southwest Chief**: Embark on a magnificent cross-country expedition aboard the Southwest Chief, a legendary route that masterfully connects the bustling city of Chicago to the sun-drenched vibrancy of Los Angeles. This incredible journey plunges you deep into the very heart of America’s iconic Southwest, revealing a landscape of unparalleled natural splendor and dramatic contrasts. The panoramas unfurling outside your window range from sweeping, seemingly endless deserts that stretch to the horizon to awe-inspiring, rugged canyons that carve deep into the earth, each providing unique and truly spectacular opportunities for photography, ensuring your camera roll will be as full of wonder as your memories.
As the sun begins its descent, preparing to bid farewell to the day, the sunset views from the Southwest Chief are nothing short of magical, painting the vast desert sky in a breathtaking symphony of vibrant, fiery colors that ignite the heavens. While the terrain outside may appear harsh and untamed, the train itself stands as a veritable haven of comfort and luxury, meticulously designed to ensure your relaxation and enjoyment. Passengers can indulge in the plush amenities of sleeper cars for a restful journey, savor delicious meals in the well-appointed dining options, and absorb the expansive vistas from the dedicated observation decks, making every moment an absolute pleasure.
For history buffs, this route offers an additional layer of fascination, as it proudly follows parts of the historic Santa Fe Trail, connecting you directly to the legendary paths of pioneers and adventurers of yesteryear. Whether you identify as a daring adventurer eager to explore new frontiers or a leisure traveler simply seeking serene beauty, the Southwest Chief unfailingly provides a journey abundantly filled with both natural splendor and profound cultural insights. It is a testament to the enduring allure of America’s wild and beautiful Southwest, seen from the incomparable vantage point of the rails.
There’s truly no getting around the sheer size and magnificent scale of the USA—it is, without a doubt, an absolute, supersized whopper of a country. And as we’ve seen, there’s simply no better, more immersive, or more captivating way to behold its staggering grandeur than from the rhythmic comfort of a train. From the dramatic peaks of the Rockies to the tranquil beauty of the Southern bayous, and from vibrant cityscapes to the awe-inspiring expanses of desert, these rail journeys transform travel into an art form, allowing you to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the raw, untamed, and utterly unforgettable beauty of America. So, what are you waiting for? All aboard for your next grand adventure; the rails are calling, and countless stories await!
