21 Epic Train Rides That Show Off Some Of America’s Prettiest Landscapes
Ferris Bueller said it best: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This unexpected nugget of wisdom from a high schooler really captures what our Bucket List articles try to do; that is, show you some of the most incredible places across the country that are just waiting to be explored and enjoyed. And in terms of stopping and looking around, well, there’s perhaps no better way to do that than aboard one of the best train rides in the USA.
There’s something inherently charming and magical about a train ride across America; sitting back while the world passes by, feeling the solid wood booths beneath you, with the chug of the locomotive and passenger chatter humming in the background. The following best train excursions in the USA show off America’s most sweeping and scenic landscapes, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll never forget.
Scenic Train Rides Across America
We all know that the journey *is* the destination and trains provide the rare opportunity to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy the ride! There are so many wondrous places that make up America the Beautiful, and these scenic train rides across the USA highlight some of the country’s finest features:
1. Coast Starlight - California to Seattle
- Location: A daily route between Los Angeles and Seattle that passes through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland.
- Known For: This ride is considered "the best of the best" in terms of West Coast towns, attractions, and scenery.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Soak up the California coast when you book a night at this Waterfront Getaway in San Francisco's beautiful Bay Area.
Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular train routes in the country, Amtrak's Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West Coast, from Los Angeles all the way to Seattle.
The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed; along the 35-hour ride, you'll see the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, old-growth forests in California and Oregon, and long stretches of pristine Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Winsome dining and sleeping cars only add to the charm of this epic trip. The Coast Starlight is a dazzling tour de force of the West Coast; a must for anyone looking for a scenic adventure:
2. The Pacific Surfliner
- Location: The Pacific Surfliner is a 351-mile route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in Southern California.
- Known For: Stunning SoCal views.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Soak up the surrounding SoCal scenery in the aptly-named Vista House!
The Southern California coast unfolds before your eyes from your seat aboard The Pacific Surfliner. One of the best train rides in the entire USA, you'll travel parallel to the pristine Pacific 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 along the way. 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... this is one epic adventure you'll want to slow down and enjoy!
3. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - New Mexico and Colorado
- Location: Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle.
- Known For: At 64 miles in length, it is the longest, highest, and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.
- Where To Stay Nearby: You'll find fantastic VRBO rentals all along the route, like this Charming Log Cabin in Chama, New Mexico.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers a 64-mile, round-trip journey from Chama in northern New Mexico to Antonito in Colorado.
The locomotive that you'll board is a powerhouse that ascends up into the mountains with grace and ease. Cruising through the Rocky Mountains, passengers aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad are in for a real scenic treat.
An open-air gondola allows for an immersive experience aboard this historic train, letting passengers catch cool Colorado breezes while gazing upon the stunning landscape of the Southwest:
4. Cass Scenic Railroad - West Virginia
- Location: This historic heritage railroad runs through the heart of historic Cass, West Virginia.
- Known For: Beautiful views of Bald Knob, the highest point in West Virginia.
- Where To Stay Nearby: You'll find lots of accommodations near Cass, WV, including this Charming Mountain Cabin!
Way up in the mountains of West Virginia lies Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, a place where visitors can take a step back in time aboard a restored, steam-powered locomotive. Originally built to transport logs to a West Virginia lumber mill, Cass Scenic Railroad has been transformed into one of the most scenic, historic, and interesting passenger trains in the country.
Trips depart from the town of Cass and take visitors to Whittaker Station (a two-hour ride) or all the way to Bald Knob (a four-and-a-half-hour adventure).
We're partial to the Bald Knob excursion; featuring a unique ecosystem that's more similar to what you might expect to find in Canada than West Virginia, Bald Knob rises high above all but one of West Virginia's myriad mountain peaks. The train climbs an impressive 2,290 feet from the Cass Depot to the top of Bald Knob for a breathtaking adventure that's absolutely fitting for America the Beautiful.
5. Mount Washington Cog Railway - New Hampshire
- Location: This train runs through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, climbing to the peak of Mount Washington.
- Known For: The Mount Washington Cog Railway, also known as the Cog, is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this Mountain Cabin with views *almost* as splendid as what you'll see on the Mount Washington Cog Railway!
One of the most notable features in the Northeast is New Hampshire's stately Mount Washington. Standing at 6,288 feet, it’s the tallest peak in the Northeast and also one of the most beautiful. And while you can summit this beautiful mountain by hiking or even driving, there’s a truly unique way to experience Mount Washington that belongs on your bucket list, and that's the eponymous Mount Washington Cog Railway.
This railroad has a rich history; the first cog-driven train made the climb on July 3, 1869, and has been taking adventurous passengers to this peak ever since. The three-hour ride ascends slowly into the clouds, boasting jaw-dropping panoramas with each foot climbed. In fact, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is a National Historic Engineering Landmark, and it's really a piece of history you must experience.
Luxury Train Rides Across America
Once upon a time, folks dressed up and made travel a classy affair befitting of the classy modes of transport. For those looking to “enjoy the ride” in the height of luxury, these well-appointed locomotives offer that — and then some! Sit back and enjoy the scenery on these luxury train rides across America.
6. Napa Valley Wine Train - California
- Location: This three-hour excursion travels from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back.
- Known For: Jaw-dropping Wine Country views.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations are almost as abundant as vineyards in this region, with places like this Luxury Estate absolutely bucket-list worthy.
There's nowhere more beautiful than California's Napa Valley; a fertile oasis growing some of the best grapes in the world. Home to more than 400 wineries, Napa Valley is world-renowned for its wines and spectacular natural scenery.
Oenophiles and aesthetes alike must take the Napa Valley Wine Train, which offers excursions into the idyllic California countryside. This is both a wonderful and responsible way to see Napa Valley, as you'll pass through Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena.
Of course, local wines are served during the three-hour ride, making for a perfect pairing of vino and gorgeous NorCal scenery.
7. Mount Hood Railroad - Oregon
- Location: This historic railroad traverses through the incomparably beautiful landscape of Northern Oregon's Hood Valley.
- Known For: Two words: Mt. Hood.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this gorgeous home in the heart of the Hood River Valley!
When you live in a place like Oregon that's surrounded by natural beauty, it can be easy to lose sight of just how extraordinary this part of the country really is. Sometimes we all need a reminder to stop and smell the roses -- or, in Oregon, the cherry blossoms.
And the Mount Hood Railroad is the perfect place to do just that. This charming passenger train is a big dose of nostalgia; an experience that will send you back to a simpler time. And while the train itself is utterly delightful, it’s the scenery on these excursions that you’ll remember most.
During the spring, when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, the scenery surrounding majestic Mount Hood is awash in enchanting white and pink blooms. But any time of the year, the Mount Hood Railroad offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country and is the perfect way to relish the resplendence of the PNW:
8. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Colorado
- Location: This train operates on a 42-mile span of track between Durango and Silverton in Colorado.
- Known For: Incredibly Rocky Mountain and San Juan National Forest views.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Book a night or two at this mountain cabin near Durango!
Named one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a bucket-list adventure in the American West. This coal-fired steam locomotive journeys past some of the most incredible areas in Colorado, through the stark wilderness and majestic canyons of the San Juan National Forest.
What makes this excursion so special is that it makes Colorado's most immense and impressive natural wonders accessible for anyone -- not just avid outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts.
9. Grand Canyon Railway - Arizona
- Location: The historic train makes a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Known For: Unrivaled views of one of the 7 Wonders of the World!
- Where To Stay Nearby: You'll find amazing rentals in Williams, Arizona, including this Modern Grand Canyon Train House that's perfect for your locomotive-fueled adventures!
Arizona's Grand Canyon is one of the country's crown jewels, and visiting this national treasure is a bucket list item for many. While there are numerous ways to explore this natural wonder, none is more unique or enchanting than the Grand Canyon Railway.
Traveling between Williams, Arizona, to the majestic Grand Canyon daily, the historic Grand Canyon Railway is a classic adventure with broad appeal. Passengers can choose between six different classes of train service, ranging from the original, circa-1923 Pullman cars to the Luxury Parlor, complete with a private bar and adjoining rear platform.
But really, it's not about what's inside the train cars; it's about the breathtaking scenery outside. And trust us -- the scenery here truly is extraordinary!
10. Alaska Railroad - Alaska
- Location: A tour de force through the Last Frontier, The Alaska Railroad runs through Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.
- Known For: Traversing through some of the wildest and most rugged landscapes in the country.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Time your journey with the Northern Lights, which are visible from this Aurora Cabin in Fairbanks!
There's no better (and warmer!) way to explore the Last Frontier than aboard the Alaska Railroad. Stationed in Anchorage, the Alaska Railroad hails from 1903 and has been leading adventurers through some of the state's most breathtaking natural areas in the 100+ years since.
After just one ride on this spectacular trip, you'll fully understand why National Geographic Traveler ranked it among their "Top 10 Train Rides in North America." Soak in views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach National Forest as you head south from Anchorage to Seward on one of the absolute best day trips in Alaska:
Cheap Train Rides Across America
Travel can be quite a costly endeavor, and one of the great things about trains is how accessible — and affordable — they can be. While you can certainly enjoy a high-rolling ride in the height of luxury (see above!), there are lots of cheap train rides across America that are no less bucket-list worthy.
11. Roaring Camp Railroads - California
- Location: This charming train begins its route at the Roaring Camp depot in Felton, California, and runs up steep grades through redwood forests to the top of nearby Bear Mountain.
- Known For: Family-friendly rides that take passengers through some of the oldest forests in the country.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in this mountain casita near Felton!
For the most spectacular views of Northern California, look no further than Roaring Camp Railroads. This historic line offers two train rides through California's most wondrous treasure: its towering redwood groves.
One of the rides, the Redwood Forest Steam Train, takes passengers over trestles beneath a towering redwood canopy, winding along the narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain.
The train's steam engines date back to 1890 and are considered some of the oldest that is still providing passenger service in America, making this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you must experience.
12. Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway - Colorado
- Location: Pikes Peak, Colorado
- Known For: The world's highest cog train takes families to the 14,110 ft. summit of America's Mountain, Pikes Peak, Colorado.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Keep the dramatic Colorado views going when you book a night at this luxury cabin in Teller County!
Since 1891, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has taken millions of people on an unforgettable trip to the highest point of the southern Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. At 14,115 feet, this summit is a favorite for seasoned hikers; however, for most, it's quite literally out of reach. Luckily, there's the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
This nine-mile journey takes passengers to the top of Pikes Peak, traveling along Ruxton Creek, past Minnehaha, and through Deer Park along the way. It's an immensely scenic adventure offering million-dollar views of some of the prettiest landscapes in the country.
For a while, the future of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway hung in the balance; however, in May 2021, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in a dazzling comeback following much-needed repairs and restoration.
13. Branson Scenic Railway - Missouri
- Location: This ride runs through the Ozarks of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas wilderness.
- Known For: Dramatic views of the Ozarks.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Branson is one of the most criminally underrated towns in the country, and its mountainous majesty is on full display at this Private Luxury Lodge.
Missouri is home to many beautiful places and natural wonders, and a train ride really is the best way to slow down and soak up the views. Happily, you can discover Missouri’s stunning Ozarks with a relaxing train ride on the Branson Scenic Railway.
Take a seat under the glass dome roof, enjoy a meal, and take pleasure in the beautiful scenery aboard the Branson Scenic Railway. On this railroad, passengers will embark on a 40-mile trip into the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, and it's a memorable experience you won't soon forget:
14. Arkansas Missouri Railroad - Arkansas
- Location: This three-hour, 70-mile round trip excursion takes you through the ruggedly beautiful Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks.
- Known For: Stops in historic mountain towns as well as venturing through the 1,700-foot-long Winslow tunnel.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this cabin in the Boston Mountains!
Arkansas is filled with beautiful hikes as well as scenic drives, but there’s another way to take in the sights of the Natural State, and that's aboard a train. The Arkansas-Missouri Railroad offers gorgeous train rides through one of the prettiest parts of the country.
Each of the excursions will treat you to breathtaking views all year round; but during the autumn, when the leaves begin to change, you will be rendered speechless by the captivating Arkansas Ozarks. This is the absolute best way to experience the splendor of one of America's most resplendent and underrepresented regions.
15. Great Smoky Mountains Railway - North Carolina
- Location: This train is stationed in Bryson City, North Carolina, and runs through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee River.
- Known For: Jaw-dropping Smoky Mountain views.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this cabin in Bryson City!
In North Carolina, taking the scenic route is always the best option. Between the Tar Heel State's picturesque mountains, rolling hills and valleys, and babbling streams and rivers, the only way to really enjoy the views is to go the old-fashioned route and take a train.
Based in Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates several different excursions throughout remote and scenic sections of the resplendent range. While the railroad’s rides are all spectacular, you’ll definitely want to book your tickets for the Nantahala Excursion.
For four and a half hours, you'll ride along the beautiful Nantahala River, hear Appalachian tales, and venture across some of the country's most magnificent mountain scenery. This is another ride to add to your fall list, as the cooler temps bring color and depth to the Smoky Mountains that's positively perfect.
16. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad - Ohio
- Location: This railroad runs scenic routes through Peninsula, Ohio, in the Cuyahoga Valley, primarily through the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- Known For: Epic views of Ohio's one-and-only national park!
- Where To Stay Nearby: There's no shortage of charming accommodations in this corner of Ohio, as evidenced by this cozy and historic home in the heart of Peninsula!
Ohio's only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is one of the Midwest's most dazzling hidden gems. Hilly and lush, full of rivers and valleys, it's a pristine place that you'll simply want to savor slowly -- and the National Scenic Park Ride aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is the perfect way to do just that.
Along this scenic three-and-a-half-hour train ride, you'll journey straight through the Cuyahoga River Valley, along the eponymous river, and past gorgeous wetlands (yes -- Ohio has wetlands!). This excursion offers an unrivaled experience of one of the country's finest and overlooked national parks that's sure to give passengers a newfound appreciation for the Midwest.
Amtrak Train Rides Across America
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, AKA Amtrak, is the national passenger railroad company of the United States. It operates inter-city rail service in 46 of the 48 contiguous U.S. states and three Canadian provinces, opening up this wide and wonderful country of ours for exploration — and enjoyment.
17. Empire Builder - Washington to Illinois
- Location: The Empire Builder is a daily long-distance Amtrak route with trains that travel between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest (with a choice of Seattle or Portland as a start or end point).
- Known For: One of the most picturesque ways to travel across the USA.
- Where To Stay Nearby: You'll have your choice of towns to stop and stay along the route, including Minneapolis, Minnesota, where we found this charming and modern apartment!
Experience the rugged splendor America like never before aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder train. Traveling daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest and following major portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Empire Builder takes passengers on their very own American adventure.
The 2,206-mile route ventures through the country's most majestic wilderness and stunning landscapes, following the footsteps of early pioneers. Underrepresented places like North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho get star treatment along this route, giving passengers newfound appreciation for these often-overlooked states.
This 46-hour excursion is one of the most epic American adventures you'll ever have:
18. Amtrak Missouri River Runner
- Location: The Amtrak Missouri River Runner travels daily between St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri.
- Known For: A "deep dive" into the rich history and unique attractions: the Gateway Arch, the National Blues Museum, the Negro League Baseball Museum, and more line the route.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in this posh house in downtown St. Louis with its own rooftop deck!
Train rides allow us the opportunity to literally sit back and enjoy the ride. In the U.S., the Midwest is often lumped as one big "flyover" region, a place to pass through and not necessarily enjoy.
The Amtrak Missouri River Runner reminds us that there's untold beauty and splendor to enjoy in the American Midwest.
This Midwest route departs from St. Louis and travels across the state to Kansas City, offering scenic views of the Missouri River. The train stops at a number of charming destinations along the way, and each is steeped with rich history and a host of fascinating attractions.
Be sure to hop off at the quaint, riverside city of Hermann to catch the trolley that includes stops at local wineries and restaurants, as well as distilleries. Check out Stone Hill Winery, which dates back to 1847 and boasts numerous international accolades for its impressive wines. Or, explore Hermann Farm, an enormous property with tours showcasing the regal (and relatively rare) Shire horses.
See for yourself how beautiful this route truly is!
19. Crescent Train - Louisiana to New York
- Location: The Big Apple to The Big Easy, this route runs through 12 states and the District of Columbia.
- Known For: This is Amtrak's third-longest route in the East.
- Where To Stay Nearby: You can opt to stay in numerous cities along the route, and if you want to spend some time in the Big Easy, this Traditional New Orleans Home is a total hidden gem!
Amtrak's Crescent Train is a 30-hour expedition that takes passengers from the Big Apple to the Big Easy. This ride spans 1,300 immaculate miles and passes through more states than any other Amtrak route.
Venturing deep into the American South, the train rolls through iconic Mid-Atlantic cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., before venturing into the heart of the South with places like Greenville, Atlanta, and Birmingham. New Orleans is the perfect endpoint for this route; a grand finale of jazz clubs, Cajun restaurants, and indelible, exuberant culture.
20. Acela Train - The U.S. East Coast, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
- Location: This high-speed route runs along the East Coast, stopping at places like Boston, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Washington DC.
- Known For: A tour de force of the East Coast in the height of Amtrak luxury!
- Where To Stay Nearby: Spend a few days in our nation's capital city when you book a getaway at this Washington D.C. home.
Amtrak's seven-hour Acela Train is an epic tour of the East Coast, venturing from Boston all the way to Washington D.C. Along the way, you'll stop and experience the culture of the Eastern Seaboard; you can enjoy fresh clam chowder in Boston, learn about U.S. history in D.C., or go museum hopping in Philly.
Not only will the views outside dazzle and delight, but Amtrak's Acela cars are newly renovated to be the height of modern luxury. If it's epic views and luxurious comfort you're seeking, the Acela Train will deliver in spades.
21. Amtrak Vermonter
- Location: Daily service between Washington, DC and St. Albans, Vermont.
- Known For: Spectacular leaf peeping during the height of fall foliage.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this cozy VRBO on Lake Champlain!
Vermont is known across the country for its vibrant fall foliage, and the Amtrak Vermonter gives leaf peepers an up-close and immersive experience of this seasonal spectacle.
Amtrak’s Vermonter offers daily service between Washington, D.C. and St. Albans in northern Vermont, traveling through major metropolitan areas like New York City as well as countryside communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire along the way.
This route gives travelers the opportunity to appreciate autumn from both an urban and rural perspective. Hop off in cities like Philadelphia and Wilmington; explore charming small towns such as New Haven and Stowe; or simply sit back and let the lovely landscape wash over you. It's a choose-your-own-adventure on the rails!
Sometimes the journey really is just as important as the destination. Such is the case for passengers who step aboard these superlative trains. Climb aboard and get ready for one of these epic train rides across America the Beautiful.
For more stunning scenic adventures in the U.S., these charming small towns are some of the best and brightest, offering visitors beauty, history, and experiences that will undoubtedly further your love for our great country. And for more ways to discover the good ole USA, you can never go wrong with looking at Airbnb Experiences.
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