Traveling the United States by train offers a uniquely scenic and relaxing way to experience the country’s vast beauty. From winding mountain passes to sweeping coastlines and bustling cities, each route reveals a different side of America’s landscape and culture. Unlike flying or driving, train travel lets passengers slow down, unwind, and enjoy the journey itself. With comfortable seating, panoramic views, and historic stops along the way, traveling the U.S. by rail turns every trip into a memorable adventure.
Shutterstock: zhukovvvladNew England
Explore New England in the fall on a picturesque train tour. It’s a nine-day trip that takes you to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. You can admire the everchanging fall foliage as you travel on the country’s east coast in autumn.
This itinerary includes plenty to see and do for history buffs and photographers alike. It starts in Cape Cod, then takes you to Martha’s Vineyard for an island life excursion. You will also travel through the White Mountains, then to a ride 6,228 feet aboard the world’s first mountain-climbing cog train in Mount Washington, New Hampshire.
Explore small town charm in Salem on day seven, then get a taste for what prestigious academics are like on a visit to Harvard University. You’ll finish the tour in Boston after seeing the best of what these east coast cities have to offer.
National Parks
Get up close and personal with some of America’s greatest national parks on this two week trip. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore nature by getting to know more about the country’s diverse topography, wildlife, and history.
Some of the parks you can visit on this journey include:
- Glacier National Park;
- Yellowstone National Park;
- Grand Teton National Park;
- National Oregon/California Trail Center;
- Arches National Park;
- Canyonlands National Park, and;
- Dead Horse Point State Park.
The first park you’ll explore is Glacier National Park in Montana and the last will be Dead Horse Point State Park all the way in Utah. Some of the excursions you can expect are guided tours, a lake boat cruise, and lots of sightseeing.
Alaska
The ultimate great outdoors adventure takes place in the state of Alaska. This nine-day trip takes you on an escorted tour of Alaska, starting in Fairbanks and ending in Anchorage. Some highlights you can expect on this journey include stunning fjords, massive mountains, and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Engage with wildlife at Trail Breaker Kennel, where you’ll be given an educational presentation about Alaska and even get to meet some sled dogs. The next day, you will visit Denali National Park to learn some natural and cultural history. On the last day, travelers will go on a five hours cruise and sightsee some beautiful places in the Prince William Sound.
The California Zephyr
For travelers seeking one of the most scenic rail experiences in America, the California Zephyr is a must. Running between Chicago and San Francisco, this route stretches over 2,400 miles and showcases a dramatic cross-section of the country’s landscapes.
Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River, and the Sierra Nevada range—all from the comfort of a glass-domed observation car. Along the way, stops in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno offer opportunities to explore regional culture and cuisine before reaching the Bay Area’s rolling hills and coastline.
The Coast Starlight
If ocean views and coastal charm are more your style, the Coast Starlight delivers a memorable journey along the West Coast. Traveling from Seattle to Los Angeles, this route combines the best of the Pacific Northwest and California’s golden beaches. Riders are treated to stunning vistas of cliffs, forests, and ocean waves through large panoramic windows.
Key stops include Portland, Sacramento, and Santa Barbara—each offering unique local experiences. With comfortable sleeper cars, fine dining options, and miles of scenic shoreline, the Coast Starlight is often regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in North America.
Explore More Travel Routes
There is no shortage of diverse, historic, and iconic places to visit in the U.S. From oceanfront getaways to nature-filled parks to small towns, you can see what this country has to offer via train travel.
Discover the many travel itineraries you can take part in. Find out which cities the train stops at, what day trips you can expect, and what activities you will engage in. Many of them book up quickly, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.