Train travel in the USA is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore the country. Unlike flights, where you miss the beauty below, or road trips, which require constant driving, trains offer a stress-free experience with breathtaking views. From snow-capped mountains to coastal cliffs, these scenic train routes take you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the USA. If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, here are the best scenic train journeys in the USA.
- 1. California Zephyr – The Ultimate Cross-Country Adventure
- 2. Coast Starlight – The Best West Coast Train Journey
- 3. Empire Builder – The Great Northern Adventure
- 4. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief – The Desert Beauty Route
- 5. White Pass & Yukon Route – Alaska’s Scenic Railway
- 6. The Adirondack – Best Fall Foliage Train Ride
- 7. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – The Best Short Scenic Train Ride
- Which Scenic Train Ride Should You Choose?
- Final Thoughts
1. California Zephyr – The Ultimate Cross-Country Adventure
Route: Chicago, IL → San Francisco, CA
Duration: ~51 hours
Best For: Stunning mountain and desert landscapes
Rocky Mountains – Travel through Colorado’s breathtaking canyons and snow-covered peaks. Utah’s Red Rocks – Witness the mesmerizing red rock formations of the American West. Sierra Nevada Mountains – Enjoy scenic alpine views before arriving in California. Comfortable Sleeper Cars – Book a private roomette for an ultra-relaxing journey.
Why Take It? Often ranked as America’s most scenic train ride, the California Zephyr is a bucket-list journey for travelers who want to experience the heart of the USA.
2. Coast Starlight – The Best West Coast Train Journey
Route: Seattle, WA → Los Angeles, CA Duration: ~35 hours
Best For: Spectacular Pacific Ocean views
Puget Sound & Cascade Mountains – Pass through lush forests and snow-capped peaks. Oregon’s Vineyards – Enjoy views of wine country and rolling green hills. Big Sur & California Coast – Travel alongside the Pacific Ocean with stunning coastal cliffs. Dome Lounge Car – Offers floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views.
Why Take It? This is one of the most scenic coastal train rides in the world, offering incredible sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
3. Empire Builder – The Great Northern Adventure
Route: Chicago, IL → Seattle, WA / Portland, OR Duration: ~46 hours
Best For: Glacier National Park & vast open landscapes
Mississippi River Views – Travel along the mighty river with stunning sunrise views. North Dakota’s Open Plains – Experience the endless, golden landscapes of the Midwest. Glacier National Park – Pass through one of America’s most beautiful national parks. Luxury Sleeping Cars – Available for a first-class travel experience.
Why Take It? If you love wild, open landscapes and mountain scenery, the Empire Builder is a dream route.
4. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief – The Desert Beauty Route
Route: Chicago, IL → Los Angeles, CA Duration: ~40 hours
Best For: Grand Canyon & Southwestern landscapes
Mississippi River & Midwest Views – Pass through farmlands and rolling hills. Painted Desert & Red Rocks – Experience the stunning landscapes of Arizona & New Mexico. Grand Canyon Connection – Stop in Flagstaff and take a side trip to the Grand Canyon. Spacious Coach Seats – Even economy-class seats offer plenty of legroom and comfort.
Why Take It? This is the best train for those who want to experience the beauty of the American Southwest, including deserts, canyons, and historic towns.
5. White Pass & Yukon Route – Alaska’s Scenic Railway
Route: Skagway, AK → White Pass, Canada Duration: ~2.5 hours
Best For: Alaskan wilderness & historic gold rush routes
Alaska’s Snowy Peaks – See glaciers, waterfalls, and dense forests. Historic Gold Rush Route – Ride on the same path taken by prospectors in the 1800s. Steep Mountain Climbs – Travel up to 3,000 feet in just 20 miles! Scenic Tunnels & Bridges – Cross deep gorges and sky-high bridges for jaw-dropping views.
Why Take It? If you love adventure and untouched wilderness, this short but dramatic train ride is perfect.
6. The Adirondack – Best Fall Foliage Train Ride
Route: New York City, NY → Montreal, Canada Duration: ~10 hours
Best For: Fall foliage & scenic lakes
Hudson River Valley – Travel alongside rolling hills and charming villages. Lake Champlain Views – Enjoy stunning lakeside scenery in Upstate New York. Montreal Arrival – End your journey in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Best in Autumn – Experience fiery red and golden fall colors from the train.
Why Take It? If you want a short but incredibly scenic journey, this is the best fall foliage train ride in the USA.
7. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – The Best Short Scenic Train Ride
Route: Bryson City, NC → Nantahala Gorge, NC Duration: ~4.5 hours
Best For: Mountain views & river landscapes
Nantahala Gorge – Ride along the beautiful Nantahala River. Historic Steam Trains – Some trips are operated by classic steam locomotives. Deep Forests & Mountains – Travel through lush Appalachian woodlands. Short & Family-Friendly – A great option for travelers who don’t want an overnight trip.
Why Take It? If you love historic train rides and breathtaking nature, this is a must-do in the Smoky Mountains.
Which Scenic Train Ride Should You Choose?
For Mountain Views: Empire Builder, White Pass & Yukon For Coastal Scenery: Coast Starlight For Desert Beauty: Southwest Chief For Fall Foliage: The Adirondack For an Ultimate Train Adventure: California Zephyr
Final Thoughts
Traveling by train is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore the USA. Whether you love mountains, coastlines, deserts, or forests, there’s a perfect train journey for you.
Which of these train rides would you love to experience? Let us know in the comments!