There’s something incredibly nostalgic and romantic about train travel—watching the world slowly roll by your window, unplugging from the rush of modern life, and soaking in the scenic beauty America has to offer. As someone who’s taken a few of these rides myself, I can tell you that train journeys offer an experience planes and highways simply can’t match. If you’re planning a unique getaway or just want to explore the country in a more mindful, scenic way, here are my top 12 picks for the best train rides in the USA. These aren’t just modes of transport—they’re destinations in themselves.
1. California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco)
Route Highlights: Chicago – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco
Duration: Approximately 51 hours
Best For: Sweeping mountain views, desert landscapes, and dramatic scenery
Often considered the most beautiful train ride in North America, the California Zephyr is a dream for any rail enthusiast or travel lover. Starting in Chicago, it takes you through the heart of the Rockies, across the Sierra Nevada, and finally into the Bay Area. You’ll pass through tunnels, cross deep gorges, and wind along cliffside tracks—this is bucket-list material.
Travel Tip: Book a seat in the Sightseer Lounge car—it has floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for photography and panoramic views.
2. Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles)
Route Highlights: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – San Francisco – Los Angeles
Duration: Around 35 hours
Best For: Coastal views, Pacific Ocean sunsets, lush forests
The Coast Starlight is a gorgeous ride along the West Coast, combining ocean views, forests, and mountain terrain. From the snowy peaks of the Cascades to the sunny beaches of Southern California, it’s one visual delight after another.
If you love variety in scenery and a little luxury, this is the train to hop on. The service on this route tends to be a bit more upscale, and you can splurge on a private roomette with meals included.
Travel Tip: Try to schedule this ride in late spring or early fall when visibility is best and the landscapes are lush but not too hot.
3. Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle/Portland)
Route Highlights: Chicago – Minneapolis – Glacier National Park – Spokane – Seattle/Portland
Duration: Roughly 46 hours
Best For: Wildlife watching, big-sky country, national park access
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Glacier National Park from the comfort of a train window, this route is for you. The Empire Builder takes you through the northern part of the U.S., including a remote stretch through Montana that’s nothing short of stunning.
This ride offers wide-open views, small towns, and the kind of natural beauty that will leave you breathless. Plus, it’s a great way to reach the Pacific Northwest if you’re trying to avoid flying.
Travel Tip: Book your ticket to stop at Glacier Park Station and spend a day or two hiking or just relaxing before continuing west.
4. Amtrak Adirondack (New York City to Montreal)
Route Highlights: New York City – Hudson Valley – Albany – Lake Champlain – Montreal
Duration: 10 hours
Best For: Fall foliage, river views, cultural mix
Running daily between NYC and Montreal, the Adirondack is a scenic ride especially popular during autumn. You’ll follow the Hudson River north before weaving through the Adirondack Mountains and skirting along the edge of Lake Champlain.
This route offers a mix of urban energy, small-town charm, and tranquil nature. It’s also a relatively short ride, making it ideal for long weekend trips.
Travel Tip: Try to get a window seat on the left side of the train when heading north for the best river views.
5. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (North Carolina)
Route Highlights: Bryson City – Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River
Duration: 4 to 5 hours (round trip)
Best For: Short, family-friendly scenic rides
This one’s for those looking for a day trip adventure in the Southeast. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a couple of different routes, both rich with Appalachian beauty—think winding rivers, dense forests, and historic bridges.
Unlike the long-distance Amtrak routes, this is a heritage railway with old-fashioned charm. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a slice of Americana with a vintage vibe.
Travel Tip: Book a seat in an open-air gondola car if the weather is nice—it makes the experience even more immersive.
6. Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles)
Route Highlights: Chicago – Kansas City – Albuquerque – Flagstaff – Los Angeles
Duration: Around 40 hours
Best For: Desert landscapes, Route 66 vibes, historic charm
The Southwest Chief takes you through America’s Wild West, following a route that echoes the historic Santa Fe Trail. You’ll pass red rock canyons, arid deserts, and sun-drenched plateaus that feel straight out of a western movie.
This route is perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the rugged, wide-open beauty of the Southwest. Plus, it includes stops near popular destinations like Santa Fe and the Grand Canyon.
Travel Tip: For the ultimate adventure, book a side trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon using the Grand Canyon Railway.
7. Crescent (New York City to New Orleans)
Route Highlights: New York – Philadelphia – Atlanta – Birmingham – New Orleans
Duration: About 30 hours
Best For: Southern culture, music lovers, foodies
The Crescent travels down the East Coast and into the Deep South, offering a unique cultural cross-section of America. From the fast pace of NYC to the jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans, this train ride blends urban landmarks with Southern hospitality.
Along the way, you’ll witness changing landscapes—from rolling Appalachian hills to moss-draped oaks of Louisiana. It’s also a fantastic way to arrive in New Orleans without the hassle of flying.
Travel Tip: Plan for an overnight stay in Atlanta or Birmingham to break up the trip and enjoy local cuisine.
8. Denali Star (Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska)
Route Highlights: Anchorage – Wasilla – Denali National Park – Fairbanks
Duration: Around 12 hours
Best For: Wildlife, wilderness, and Alaska’s untouched landscapes
Operated by the Alaska Railroad, the Denali Star is hands-down one of the most majestic train rides in North America. It takes you through the wild heart of Alaska, with views of towering mountains, glaciers, and possibly even bears or moose from your window.
The highlight? A stop at Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak. This is raw, powerful nature at its finest.
Travel Tip: Upgrade to the GoldStar Service for a glass-dome viewing car, outdoor deck, and gourmet meals.
9. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Colorado)
Route Highlights: Durango – San Juan National Forest – Silverton
Duration: About 3.5 hours (one-way)
Best For: Mountain lovers, history buffs, families
If you love a dose of history with your scenery, this old-school steam train is a must. Built in the 1880s to haul silver and gold, the Durango & Silverton route now serves as a heritage ride through the San Juan Mountains.
The ride hugs steep cliffs and crosses trestle bridges, offering views that are both thrilling and serene. It’s a family-friendly adventure packed with photo opportunities.
Travel Tip: Book in advance during summer and fall—especially in October when the fall colors are spectacular.
10. The Cardinal (New York City to Chicago)
Route Highlights: New York – Philadelphia – Washington D.C. – Blue Ridge Mountains – Cincinnati – Chicago
Duration: Around 28 hours
Best For: Eastern U.S. landscapes, Appalachian beauty, historic towns
The Cardinal might not be as famous as the Zephyr or Empire Builder, but it’s a hidden gem. Running three times a week, it winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and small Midwestern towns that feel like they’re frozen in time.
You’ll also pass over the iconic New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, one of the highest railway bridges in the U.S.
Travel Tip: Sit on the right side of the train when heading west for the best mountain views.
11. Sunset Limited (New Orleans to Los Angeles)
Route Highlights: New Orleans – San Antonio – El Paso – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles
Duration: Around 48 hours
Best For: Desert sunsets, Southern culture, cross-country travel
The Sunset Limited is one of Amtrak’s oldest routes, and it offers a fascinating journey across the southern edge of the United States. From the jazz and Creole flavors of New Orleans to the palm trees and Hollywood glitz of Los Angeles, the ride is packed with contrast and charm.
This train is ideal for travelers who want a real feel of the American South and Southwest. You’ll pass through bayous, plains, deserts, and mountains—all in one trip.
Travel Tip: The stretch between Texas and Arizona is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset—try to plan your journey accordingly.
12. Mount Washington Cog Railway (New Hampshire)
Route Highlights: Base Station – Mount Washington Summit
Duration: About 3 hours round trip
Best For: Mountain views, engineering marvels, short adventures
Unlike the long-distance routes on this list, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is a short but spectacular ride up the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. This historic cog train climbs a steep grade (over 37% in parts!) to the summit of Mount Washington, where panoramic views stretch across New England and into Canada on clear days.
The journey is exciting, educational, and absolutely stunning—especially during foliage season in the fall.
Travel Tip: Dress in layers! The summit can be 20–30°F cooler than the base, even in summer.
Conclusion: Rediscover the Joy of the Journey
In a world that moves at lightning speed, train travel invites us to slow down and truly take in the landscapes, cultures, and stories that shape this country. Whether you’re crossing mountain ranges, tracing rivers, or gliding past open deserts, these scenic train rides across the USA offer more than just a seat with a view—they offer a journey worth remembering.
From the legendary California Zephyr to the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, each route brings a unique perspective and experience. Some are perfect for long, reflective escapes across states, while others are ideal for short, stunning day trips. What they all share is the magic of mindful travel.
If you’ve ever longed to trade airport lines and traffic jams for panoramic windows and the gentle rhythm of the rails, now’s your time. Grab your ticket, pack a good book, and let the train do the driving.
Have you taken one of these routes, or is one on your bucket list? I’d love to hear about your favorite rail adventures in the comments below—or feel free to message me directly. Let’s keep the spirit of travel alive, one scenic route at a time.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
