Travel Tips
America’s Most Scenic Train Journeys You Need to Experience
This guide profiles five of the most scenic rail trips in the United States: the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, the Empire Builder to Seattle, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina, the Coast Starlight along the Pacific, and the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Each entry covers route highlights and a practical booking tip.
Introduction
Traveling by train offers a unique way to see America’s landscapes, from mountain ranges to coastal cliffs. Unlike road trips or flights, scenic train rides allow you to relax and take in breathtaking views without the stress of driving.
Here are the most scenic train journeys in the U.S. that every traveler should experience.
- California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco
Why Take This Train?
Often considered the most scenic train ride in the U.S., the California Zephyr crosses the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and vast desert landscapes.
Highlights:
- The Rockies: Stunning snow-capped peaks in Colorado.
- Utah’s Red Canyons: Breathtaking desert scenery.
- Donner Pass: A historic route through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Travel Tip:
Book a roomette for the best views and a comfortable overnight journey.
- The Empire Builder – Chicago to Seattle
Why Take This Train?
Following the path of Lewis and Clark, this train offers stunning views of the Great Plains and Glacier National Park.
Highlights:
- Mississippi River Crossings: Beautiful water views.
- Glacier National Park: Panoramic mountain scenery.
- Puget Sound: A breathtaking final stretch into Seattle.
Travel Tip:
Summer offers the best daylight hours to enjoy the scenery.
- The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – North Carolina
Why Take This Train?
This scenic railway offers a nostalgic steam train ride through the Appalachian Mountains.
Highlights:
- Fall Foliage Views: Vibrant autumn colors in October.
- Nantahala Gorge: Stunning river and mountain scenery.
- Vintage Train Experience: Ride in classic 1940s railcars.
Travel Tip:
Book the Open-Air Gondola Car for the best unobstructed views.
- The Coastal Starlight – Seattle to Los Angeles
Why Take This Train?
Often called "The Most Beautiful Train in the West," this route follows the Pacific coastline.
Highlights:
- Puget Sound: A scenic departure from Seattle.
- Oregon’s Coastline: Panoramic ocean views.
- Big Sur Cliffs: Jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
Travel Tip:
Book a seat on the west side of the train for ocean views.
- The Alaska Railroad – Anchorage to Fairbanks
Why Take This Train?
This is the ultimate train journey for experiencing Alaska’s wilderness, from glaciers to wildlife.
Highlights:
- Denali National Park: A chance to see North America’s tallest peak.
- Wildlife Spotting: Bears, moose, and bald eagles.
- Northern Lights: If traveling in winter, you may see the Aurora Borealis.
Travel Tip:
Visit in September for a mix of fall colors and possible Northern Lights.
Conclusion
Train travel is one of the most relaxing ways to see America’s diverse landscapes. Whether you're crossing mountains, coastlines, or national parks, these train journeys promise unforgettable scenery and a stress-free travel experience.
FAQs
- Are these train journeys expensive?
Prices vary, but booking in advance can save money. Sleeper cabins cost more but offer added comfort.
- Are meals provided on these trains?
Long-distance trains offer dining cars, but you can bring snacks for shorter rides.
- What’s the best time of year for scenic train rides?
Fall for foliage, winter for snowy landscapes, and summer for long daylight hours.
Places in this story
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
- Anchorage
- Fairbanks
- Donner Pass
- Glacier National Park
- Mississippi River
- Puget Sound
- Nantahala Gorge
- Big Sur
Frequently asked questions
- Which U.S. train ride is considered the most scenic?
- The California Zephyr, running from Chicago to San Francisco, is often called the most scenic train ride in the U.S. It crosses the Rocky Mountains with snow-capped Colorado peaks, passes Utah's red desert canyons, and travels the historic Donner Pass route through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- What is the best time of year for scenic train rides?
- It depends on the scenery you want. Fall is ideal for foliage, such as the October colors on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Summer offers the longest daylight hours, which suits the Empire Builder. Winter brings snowy landscapes and a chance to see the Northern Lights on the Alaska Railroad.
- How can I get the best views on these train routes?
- Seat choice matters. On the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles, book the west side for ocean views. On the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, choose the Open-Air Gondola Car. On the California Zephyr, a roomette offers the best views and a comfortable overnight journey.
- Can I see wildlife on the Alaska Railroad?
- Yes. The Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks offers wildlife spotting including bears, moose, and bald eagles. The route passes Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, and winter travelers may catch the Aurora Borealis. September combines fall colors with possible Northern Lights.
- Are meals provided on these scenic trains?
- Long-distance trains offer dining cars where you can buy meals onboard. For shorter rides you can bring your own snacks. Prices for the journeys vary, and booking in advance can save money, though sleeper cabins cost more while adding comfort on overnight routes.
