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The Best Train Trips to Take Across America

Explore the U.S. by train on these scenic train trips.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

There's a romance to train travel — the leisurely pace of a rail trip compared to the hustle of an airport or a crowded highway encourages you to relax. There are the historic train stations and roomy seats, plus the chance to get up and walk around, visit the dining car, or just sit and take in the scenery passing by .

There are many train journeys you can take across the United States, with stops in exciting cities, historic landmarks, and national parks along the way. From Napa Valley to New England, here are 10 of the best train travel routes in the country.

Note that some of these routes have changed due to travel restrictions related to the ongoing pandemic . Other operators listed have postponed trips, so be sure to check availability before you plan your trip.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train takes riders through the picturesque wine country northeast of the Bay Area. The route follows a rail line originally built in 1864. Visitors take a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to picturesque St. Helena and back. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, travel through the old industrial section of Napa, then continue through the scenic vineyards of Northern California. On some routes, you can even hop on and off the train along the way — and don't forget to plan an overnight stay at one of the incredible hotels in Napa Valley .

The Pacific Surfliner

Travel along the ocean 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. 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.

The Coast Starlight

Ride up the West Coast on Amtrak's Coast Starlight , which goes all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle, passing through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland. The scenery along the way includes snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, forests and valleys, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline.

The Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway , which dates back to 1901, offers riders a lesson in history from the Wild West and the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery in this iconic region. Kick back in the restored cars and listen to crews' incredible stories the crew as you ride the railway to the South Rim in a 65-mile trip across the high desert plateau.

Amtrak Cascades

Cross over the United States' northern border on Amtrak Cascades , stretching from Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Oregon, passing through Portland and Seattle along the way. Stop in cities for day trips or overnight stays, and then hop back on a train to pass by Mount St. Helens and cross the Columbia River Gorge.

The White Pass Yukon Route

Ride this historic railway across the Yukon on this train trip that travels from Alaska into Canada. The 67.5-mile trip takes you between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Canada, along the same route that the Klondike stampeders traveled more than 100 years ago. Stop along the way to tour the historic Bennett Station and museum.

The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer, which once only served Canada, bringing passengers from east to west with an exceptional display of scenery, now offers a U.S. route: Rockies to Red Rocks . The train steams through the American Southwest, traveling from Denver to Moab, Utah, with a stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The train runs from April to November.

The Maple Leaf Train

Take a train trip that starts at Niagara Falls and ends in New York City on Amtrak's Maple Leaf train . Along the way, you'll travel through the scenic Hudson River Valley, New York's wine country, and the gorges of the Finger Lakes region. While at Niagara Falls, stop for a cruise on The Hornblower to the rushing falls or take a Journey Behind the Falls tour, which brings you 150 feet below ground to tunnels that lead to observation spots at the foot of the Falls.

14 Best Train Trips to Take Across America for Breathtaking Scenery

Vacation in a new way to see some beautiful sights.

preview for Ten Most Beautiful Train Routes To Take In The United States

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While traveling by train can certainly be a more inexpensive option for a family getaway when compared to air travel or a boat cruise, that doesn't mean you'll be cramped and crowded. Many of the trips we have listed include luxury sleeper trains, amazing dining and, of course, unbeatable views. There are routes like the Surfliner, which runs along the Pacific Ocean (and would be an unforgettable destination for spring break ), the Grand Canyon Railway, a two-hour ride of bliss and tons more that are sure to pique your interest.

Let the best train rides in America also inspire you to make locomotives your transportation of choice even when you head to international destinations (we recommend you hop aboard Norway’s famous Flåm Railway ).

Still need help deciding where to go and what to pack? Check out Good Housekeepin g 's 2023 Family Travel Awards for expert advice, top-tested gear and more.

Amtrak Auto Train

amtrak riders around the country

If you’re traveling to a destination that requires use of a vehicle, Amtrak’s Auto Train allows you to pack it with you! It transports your car (or other recreational vehicles) as well as you and your family on a route from Washington, DC to Sanford, Florida.

Good Housekeeping’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab executive director, Lexi Sachs boarded the train with her family for a trip to Orlando, which she described as “just as fun of an experience for my two kids” as their trip to Disney World.

Sachs also pointed out that the train trip featured a range of seating options, from coach to bedrooms with pull down beds, lovely views of the East Coast, delicious dinner and breakfast, and allowed her to feel like she wasn’t losing a day of vacation due to travel. Plus, Amtrak offers priority offloading, “which means your car comes off first,” Sachs said, adding that “It was definitely worth it in my opinion!”

America's National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer

durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad steam engine train ride, durango, colorado

See eight destinations over 11 days when you embark on this incredible journey through canyons and mountains. You’ll have the chance to explore Arches National Park with its many sandstone arches, Canyonlands National Park, which is full of rock columns and original Native American cave paintings and Yellowstone National Park, where you will see its majestic hot springs and geysers. Not only does this package include multiple sightseeing tours, but it also covers 10 nights of hotel stays and three meals.

Grand Rail Experience

a drone aerial view of a freight and passenger train going through a countryside on a late summer evening

Visit great American cities, including Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and New Orleans, on this 14-day cross-country journey. Included in the package is six nights of hotel accommodations, seven nights onboard one of Amtrak’s sleeper trains, sightseeing tours and priceless landscape views.

You also get to take your pick from attractions such as the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo and Chihuly Garden and Glass for no additional cost.

Northern Rail Experience

amtraks california zephyr rolls along the rails during its daily 2,438 mile trip to emeryvillesan francisco from chicago

Get your fill of adventure when you embark on this nine-day train vacation with stops in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Muir Woods.

Amtrak offers an all-inclusive package with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, and breathtaking views of the great plains and the Pacific Coast. Plus you and your family will enjoy three nights of hotel accommodations and five nights on board Amtrak in private sleeping rooms. One meal is also included.

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic

best train rides

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic departs from Anchorage and winds along the Turnagain Arm before turning off into the backcountry wilderness and eventually ending in Seward.

Look for views of the steep Chugach Range mountains plummeting right into the ocean, and the stunning shores of Resurrection Bay; wildlife sightings along the way could include beluga whales, sheep, bear and moose. Daily service is available seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September. Take a variety of tours in Seward — like glacier treks or sled dog rides — before heading back to Anchorage.

best train trips amtrak pacific surfliner train with blue ocean and blue sky

Amtrak’s famous Surfliner route runs between San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego, with multiple daily departures.

The route runs along the Pacific Ocean — almost close enough to catch a wave — for gorgeous views throughout the journey. And yes, you can bring along your surfboard; special racks are designed to hold travelers’ outdoor gear.

Napa Valley Wine Train

the napa valley wine train a privately operated excursion train that runs between napa and st hele

If you love wine and vintage aesthetics, you absolutely must experience the Napa Valley Wine Train. Century-old railcars traverse a 150-year-old rail corridor on this 36-mile round-trip journey. The railroad once transported guests to a spa resort in Calistoga and now winds its way across the pastoral California landscape from Napa to St. Helena and back, stopping at the famed region’s wineries all along the route. Four on-board kitchens provide locally sourced, top-end cuisine for a full luxury dining experience.

Grand Canyon Railway

best train trips steam engine of the grand canyon railroad which runs from williams, a small town near flagstaff up

This trip re-creates the historic voyage to the Grand Canyon by rail, which opened to its very first passengers in 1901. Passengers aboard the Grand Canyon Railway depart from Williams Depot and make their way to the Grand Canyon Depot, which is the last operating log depot in the country. The depot is located right in the middle of the National Park’s historic district, near the storied El Tovar Hotel, and merely 200 yards from the edge of the canyon’s South Rim. In all, the trip covers 65 miles of scenic terrain, with unmatched views and photo opps.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

best train trips smoky mountain railroad locomotive

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers on a scenic rail journey through this beautiful mountain range. Choose from two versions of the trip, named for standout attractions: the Nantahala Gorge Excursion (44 miles) or the Tuckasegee River Excursion (32 miles). Both offer a range of seating classes, including an open-air gondola and first-class dining car. Specialty versions of the trip include wine and dine, fall foliage spotting, and even a Peanuts-theme Easter ride.

Cass Scenic Railroad

best train trips coming round the bend

The steam-driven Cass Scenic Railroad takes passengers through the mountains of West Virginia on revamped flat cars that hauled lumber to the Cass mill more than a century ago. The 11-mile heritage railroad runs from May through October, offering a trip through both history and scenery. Ride to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, for unforgettable views and picture-taking spots.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

best train trips cape cod central train

Cape Cod Central is a heritage railroad that operates on 27 miles of former New Haven Railroad tracks on Cape Cod. It takes passengers through marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes — places you can only access by rail. Come for a historic narrated daytime ride, Sunday brunch, sunset dinner, or a special festive holiday ride.

Sunset Limited

best train trips sunset limited

Travel between Louisiana and California on Sunset Limited, Amtrak’s Southernmost route. On the way from New Orleans through San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix and Los Angeles, see diverse scenery including the bayou country, Southwestern deserts, and California mountains. Three trains depart weekly in each direction.

Coast Starlight

best train trips railroad central california coast

The Coast Starlight works its way along the west coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. On the route, pass Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. Catch scenery from verdant valleys and forests to the snow-topped mountains of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta and the Pacific Ocean shoreline to boot. This striking route runs daily.

Empire Builder

best train trips view of willis tower from amtrak train entering chicago illinois

Amtrak’s famous Empire Builder route runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. It covers portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, following the route of the pioneers. Urban views include the twinkling skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul; natural landscapes include the North Dakota plains, Big Sky country in Montana and Glacier National Park. The route runs daily.

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8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

usa railroad trips

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England ,  here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's  Amazing Train Journeys .

A white male passenger takes in the New Mexico desert landscape at sunset from the Amtrak train.

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

The Amtrak Coast Starlight Train passes along a track through hilly terrain en route to Los Angeles

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m)  Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

A train coming into a station in an idyllic leafy setting

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

A train passing through a green landscape with blue skies

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

The northbound Amtrak Downeaster at the train station in Brunswick as seen from the front

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

A locomotive decorated with the image of the road runner

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

Empire Builder AMTRAK passenger train rolls into Whitefish, Montana, USA

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks.

From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

The Jefferson Memorial at sunset seen through some trees during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published December 2020 and updated January 2024

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4 great scenic train rides across the US

Bill Fink

Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There's no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.

During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that's worth the extra transit time.

Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.

Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.

Tips for cross-country train travel

usa railroad trips

While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.

Browse routes by region

usa railroad trips

A good first step to take when looking for a route that's right for you is to search Amtrak's "Browse by Region" menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.

Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.

Explore Amtrak Vacations

usa railroad trips

Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks , sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like "Fall Foliage" and "Multiple National Parks."

Amtrak's set of "Most Scenic Journeys" vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions . Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.

You can click on each option's details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that's left to do is book your rail vacation.

Consider famous routes

usa railroad trips

A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on "Famous Rail Routes." This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.

For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you've chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.

Weigh your accommodation options

Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you'll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak's long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.

The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak's seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you'll find in an airline's business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.

Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you'll enjoy access to a separate dining car.

Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.

4 scenic train trips to take in the US

Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you'll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.

California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago

usa railroad trips

Amtrak's California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.

The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver . You'll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.

This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you'll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.

One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago

usa railroad trips

The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train's viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana 's Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park , the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota's towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.

Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there's an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.

One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.

Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago

usa railroad trips

Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.

For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66 . However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won't find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.

The train's main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak's vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.

Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.

Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.

Crescent: New York City to New Orleans

usa railroad trips

See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans . Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington, D.C. , among other destinations.

Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.

Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.

Bottom line

Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.

The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak's many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak's website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.

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 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Scenic Train, located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a freight and heritage railroad

The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

It’s all about the journey on the best train rides in the USA, featuring mind-blowingly scenic routes

Scott Snowden

Of course, a road trip through America is one of the best ways to see the magnificent views on offer across the country, but from time to time it's just nice to take a break from being behind the wheel. Instead, how about taking one of the best train rides in the USA? Gently saunter across the country, leaving you free to contemplate life, ponder the meaning of existence or just spend a few hours thinking about nothing and staring out of the window.

Riding on a train can be a romantic, nostalgic, and best of all leisurely way to see the country. Even a commuter train between major cities can be a step up from a drive, but these scenic train rides are more than that. Geared towards long-haul trips from coast to coast, or specifically designed for enjoying the scenery, these train routes will let you take in all the glorious views.

Looking for a west coast adventure? Take the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle . Heading to Alaska ? Catch all the highlights on the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The Grand Canyon Railway and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you from quaint towns to national parks . There are even some shorter jaunts, like the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or the Hawaiian Railway that will give you a small taste of scenic train travel.

So hop aboard, enjoy the views, and take as many pics as you want without having to keep your hands on the wheel.

RECOMMENDED: The best camping in the USA

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Best train rides in the USA

Rockies to the Red Rocks

1.  Rockies to the Red Rocks

Denver, co to moab, ut.

The first US offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the new 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. The 2023 season will kick off in August and will run through October.

Discover the  best things to do in Denver

Coast Starlight

2.  Coast Starlight

Los angeles, ca to seattle, wa.

Put a spin on the classic left-coast road trip by traveling by train instead. The advantages? Zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo-ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Discover the best things to do in Seattle  

The Grand Canyon Railway

3.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, az to the grand canyon, az.

Sure you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives, and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

Discover the best things to do in Arizona

The Empire Builder

4.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, il to portland, or.

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds, so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

Discover the best things to do in Portland 

The Alaska Denali Star

5.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, ak to fairbanks, ak.

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

Discover the best things to do in Alaska 

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

6.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson city, nc.

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. Various routes originate here, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

Discover the best things to do in North Carolina 

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

7.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton woods, nh.

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288ft peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views—of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

Discover the best thing to do in New Hampshire

The Napa Valley Wine Train

8.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa valley, ca.

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant is made up of a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

Discover the best  things to do in Napa

The Hawaiian Railway Society

9.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

Discover the best things to do in Oahu

Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

10.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, co to silverton, co.

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

Discover the best things to do in Colorado

The Ethan Allen Express

11.  The Ethan Allen Express

New york city, ny to burlington, vt.

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. You’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

Discover the best things to do in Vermont

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Discover Must Ride Rail Experiences

Rocky Mountaineer in the USA

Rocky Mountaineer in the USA

The Rockies to the Red Rock route connects Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah. Relax in the comfort of your carriage as you encounter incredible red-rock canyons and wind alongside the Colorado River.

Narrow Gauge Railroad

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Step back in time and board the vintage steam train of the Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado. Follow an old mining route from Durango to Silverton and marvel at the rugged mountain ranges from one of the train's open-air platforms.

Grand Canyon Railroad

Grand Canyon Railroad

Dating back to 1901, the Grand Canyon Railroad allows you to travel in style. Climb aboard one of the vintage, 1950s-era carriages and enjoy comfortable seating, live music, and café treats on this delightful journey to the Grand Canyon.

Amtrak's 'City of New Orleans' Service

Amtrak's 'City of New Orleans' Service

The City of New Orleans service offers a diverse rail experience. From the urban bustle of Chicago to the lush Mississippi Delta, passengers travel deep through America's heartland and dive into the rich musical and cultural heritage of the South.

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Amtrak's San Joaquin route traverses California's Central Valley, offering passengers a picturesque journey through fertile farmlands, vineyards, and charming towns, with a gateway to the mighty Yosemite National Park.

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10 Scenic Train Rides Throughout East Coast With The Best Views

  • Scenic trains on the East Coast offer convenience, comfort, and beautiful views of the region's mountains, rivers, and small towns.
  • The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina offers stunning views of Nantahala Gorge and Fontana Lake.
  • The Cape Cod Central Railroad in Massachusetts provides a guided tour of Cape Cod's stunning natural landscape, including the Cape Cod Canal and the Great Salt Marsh.

There are plenty of scenic trains on the East Coast of the United States, which are becoming a popular option for travelers seeking the most beautiful views in the US while enjoying the utmost comfort. Trains offer convenience and the opportunity to take in the surrounding environment at a more leisurely pace than car travel, and they are also flexible since tourists can choose between long or short train trips.

More importantly, the views are the main draw, and the beauty of the USA's East Coast region makes train trips a no-brainer. Visitors will enjoy stunning views of the region's mountains, state parks, rivers, small cities, beautiful beachside towns, and more throughout whichever route they choose to explore.

For tourists and lifelong rail fans looking for what are easily some of the top train rides in the US, here are several picks among the most scenic train rides on the East Coast with the best views. Comprising beautiful New England train rides to those traversing America's Southeastern states, like Georgia and Tennessee, these scenic trains in America's East are unbeatable.

Related: These Are The Cheapest Scenic Trains In The World

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City, North Carolina, to Nantahala or Dillsboro, North Carolina – Unmatched Views of the Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River

The great smoky mountains railroad spans 53 miles of track, offering varied views of stunning natural features, including river gorges, shimmering lakes, forests, and mountains..

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is based out of Bryson City, North Carolina, and tourists can choose between two main train rides: The Nantahala Gorge Excursion and the Tuckasagee River Excursion. The Nantahala Excursion takes riders on a 44-mile trip through the Nantahala Gorge with views of the Greate Smoky Mountains and Fontana Lake.

The other trip, the 32-mile Tuckasegee River Excursion, is a relaxing trip through the countryside, whose highlight is a stopover at the picturesque town of Dillsboro. Visitors can book online and choose between diesel-engine or steam-powered trains.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Nantahala Gorge, Fontana lake, Nantahala National Forest, and Tuckasegee River
  • Train Start & End Location: Bryson City, NC
  • Price : Nantahala Gorge Excursion $58 - $149 & Tuckasegee River Excursion $58 - $149
  • Distance : Nantahala Gorge Excursion (44 Miles) & Tuckasegee River Excursion (32 Miles
  • Duration : Nantahala Gorge Excursion (4½ Hours) & Tuckasegee River Excursion (4 Hours)
  • Availability : Nantahala Gorge Excursion (Runs April 1 - Oct 31) & Tuckasegee River Excursion (Runs Oct 7 - Dec 31)

Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway Village, New Hampshire, to Conway or Fabyan, New Hampshire – Heritage Train Rides With Views of the Mount Washington Valley or Sawyer River

Two remarkable journeys defined by dramatic vistas of mountain peaks, waterfalls, steep ravines, and the stunning sawyer river enjoyed from the comfort of 1950s-era passenger cars..

New Hampshire has some of the most historic train rides in the US , some of which are offered by Conway Scenic Railroad. These trains pass through decades-old railway routes and are focused on immersing passengers in an old-fashioned train travel experience. The company offers several themed train rides, but its Mountaineer and Sawyer River Excursion rides, which have routes that cross multiple towns, offer a more engaging experience.

The Mountaineer Train Ride is a 50-mile round trip through Crawford Notch with scenic views of the Mount Washington Valley, while the Sawyer River Excursion follows a route through the heart of Conway's stunning landscape up to the Sawyer River and back. Overall, thanks to its location, the company offers some of the most scenic train rides in New England for fall foliage viewing, so the autumn is definitely the best time to book these trips.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Mount Washington Valley, Crawford Notch, Sawyer River
  • Train Start & End Location: North Conway Village, NH
  • Price : Mountaineer Scenic Train Ride (Starts from $79) & Sawyer River Excursion (Starts from $52 )
  • Distance : Mountaineer Scenic Train Ride (50 to 60 miles) & Sawyer River Excursion (21 miles)
  • Duration : Mountaineer Scenic Train Ride (4 to 5.5 hours) & Sawyer River Excursion (2 hours, 10 minutes)
  • Availability : Mountaineer Scenic Train Ride ( Select Dates ) & Sawyer River Excursion (Daily)

The excursion company also offers a special, but significantly more expensive, 470 Club Excursion program that sets itself apart because passengers are allowed to disembark during planned stops along the route to take pictures with the train and landscape.

Cape Cod Central Railroad, Hyannis, Massachusetts, to Sandwich, Massachusetts – Guided Tour of Cape Cod's Stunning Natural Landscape

A scenic trip through the heart of the cape cod peninsula that can be enjoyed in the daytime or on a dinner train at sunset..

The Cape Cod Central Railroad is another one of the most scenic trains on the East Coast, and it actually offers two main scenic train rides: the Canal excursion train and the Cape Cod excursion train. The Canal Excursion train departs from the company's depot at Buzzards Bay, MA and follows a route along the canal that offers unmatched views of the Great Salt Marsh.

As for the Cape Cod Excursion Train, passengers will embark in Hyannis, MA, and the tour showcases the sand mounds, evergreen cranberry bogs, and the canal that defines the landscape of the peninsula. Guides are made available for both tours to provide guests with an educational exposé of the history of Cape Cod.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Cape Cod Canal, The Great Salt Marsh
  • Train Start & End Location: Canal Excursion Train (Buzzards Bay, MA) & Cape Cod Excursion Train (Hyannis, MA)
  • Price : Canal Excursion Train (Starts from $39) & Cape Cod Excursion Train (Starts from $29.99 )
  • Duration : Canal Excursion Train (2 hours) & Cape Cod Excursion Train (2½ hours)
  • Availability : Canal Excursion Train ( Fridays at 12:00 p.m. on select dates ) & Cape Cod Excursion Train ( Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays at 11:55 am on select dates )

Related: 10 Top-Rated Chatham, Massachusetts, Hotels For A Relaxing And Scenic Cape Cod Getaway

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge, Georgia to McCaysville, Georgia — Stunning Views of the Appalachian Hills

The blue ridge scenic railway spans 26 miles offering passengers a memorable ride through north georgia with compelling views of charming towns along the route nestled within the appalachian foothills..

Blue Ridge, MA, the home of the railway company, is a destination worth visiting on its own, and the train depot from which the journey starts is a beautiful, historic building. Passengers can choose between open-air coach cars and closed coach cars for the trip, which will take two hours without any stops and four hours with stops at the picturesque villages of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN .

The route offers views of the scenic Chattahoochee Forest, charming towns, and Appalachian hills. A trip during the fall is highly recommended, given that the route in this period offers sights of some of the best fall foliage on the East Coast .

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Appalachian hills, Chattahoochee Forest, and the antique towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN
  • Train Start & End Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia
  • Price : Varies per event
  • Distance : 26 miles
  • Duration : 2 hours (Express Tours), 4 hours (Extended Tours)
  • Availability : Select dates in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Passengers are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before the time of departure because tickets are only assigned to rail cars, and seats are issued on a first-come basis.

Ethan Allen Express, New York City to Burlington, Vermont – Scenic Views of the Hudson Valley and Green Mountains

Shuttling between new york city and burlington, vermont, twice a day, this amtrack train takes its passengers on a spectacular eight-hour trip with beautiful views of the catskill mountains, the hudson river, picturesque towns, and the green mountains..

The Amtrak-operated Ethan Allen Express train takes off from the Moynihan Train Hall in Penn Station, New York City and follows a route that passes through the states of New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Also, apart from the stunning views on offer during the 312-mile trip, the destination city, Burlington, Vermont, is filled with a wide range of tourist attractions, including beautiful parks, museums, historical buildings, a lake, and more.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Hudson River, Green Mountains, Catskill Mountains, and the New York State countryside
  • Train Start & End Location: New York City - Penn Station to Burlington, VT
  • Price : starts at $115
  • Distance : 312 miles
  • Duration : 7 hours 34 minutes
  • Availability : Daily (10:20 am and 2:19 pm)

Mount Washington Cog Railway, Marshfield Base Station, Randolph, New Hampshire – Panoramic Views of White Mountain National Forest

A scenic ride aboard the first mountain-climbing train on the planet to the summit of mount washington, the tallest peak in northeastern north america..

Taking the 3-hour tour aboard either the biodiesel or the coal-fired steam engine locomotives is a singular experience. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a great alternative to hiking ; it takes visitors on a scenic trip up the 6,228-foot mountain happens at a steady pace of 3 mph to ensure passengers won't miss any notable sights and landmarks along the route.

The climb up the mountain follows a route adjacent to hiking rails that are part of the Appalachian Trail (which has cool side quests and challenges for travelers!) , and at the summit are observation decks from which people can enjoy the stunning scenery below. The trip is usually paused for an hour once the train reaches the summit to give passengers time to enjoy the views and take pictures.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: White Mountain National Forest, Rocky Gorge, the Kancamagus Highway, the Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Canada
  • Train Start & End Location: Marshfield Base Station, Randolph, NH
  • Price : $49
  • Distance : 12,500 feet
  • Duration : 3 hours
  • Availability : Select Dates

The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad, Unity, Maine to Thorndike, Maine – Best Views in Maine Year-Round

The belfast and moosehead lake railroad train ride is a scenic trip through south central maine with unrivaled views of penobscot bay, unity pond, and several charming small towns..

The Belfast and Moosehead Railroad Company organizes multiple trips all year long, and the two main hour-long scenic rides are the Unity Maine Trade Ride and the Fall Foliage Train ride. The Unity Maine Ride is held throughout the year on select dates each month, and passengers can choose between open-air or closed train cars.

The Fall Foliage Season Ride runs between September to November for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the fall colors of Maine's rolling fields and forests.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Penobscot Bay, Unity Pond, Picturesque small towns, and Waldo County, Maine in the Fall season
  • Train Start & End Location: Unity, Maine
  • Price : Unity Maine Train Ride ( Adults ($17), Children ($6) & Fall Foliage Train Ride ( Adults $20 & Children $9 )
  • Distance : 14 miles
  • Duration : 1 hour

Related: 10 Best Maine Family Resorts For An Unforgettable Vacation With The Kids

Strasburg Rail Road, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – Stunning Views of the Amish Countryside

A remarkable journey aboard a museum-quality train through the heart of lancaster county with vistas of picturesque amish farms and the beautiful landscape..

A defining feature of this railroad trip is how much history it represents. The short-line rail is the oldest in the country; the train is powered by massive turn-of-the-century locomotives; and the open-air and closed coach cars on offer are restored Victorian-style wooden train cars.

Passengers aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, which is America's oldest-running train , will have a front-row seat to view one of the most singular landscapes in the country from the comfort of the same train cars ridden by their forbears decades ago.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Lancaster County's scenic countryside and Amish farms
  • Train Start & End Location: Strasburg, Pennsylvania
  • Price : $24
  • Distance : 4.5 miles
  • Duration : 45 minutes

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Excursion, Essex, Connecticut to Middletown, Connecticut – Guided Tour of the Connecticut River Valley

An unforgettable trip through one of the most beautiful unspoiled natural landscapes in connecticut aboard a steam-powered train with vintage coach cars..

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Excursion includes a 2.5-hour train trip and a one-hour, fifteen-minute riverboat ride. The train ride starts from Essex Station and passes through a 12-mile route with vistas of the beautiful small towns in the Connecticut River Valley.

The second leg of the trip aboard the Becky Thatcher Riverboat offers scenic views of the different species of birds that inhabit the marshes of the Pratt Cove Nature Reserve and the many historic sites along the banks of the Connecticut River.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Picturesque towns, Pratt Cove, Chester Creek, and Connecticut River
  • Train Start & End Location: Essex Station, Essex, Connecticut
  • Price : $25
  • Distance : 12 miles
  • Duration : 2 ½ hours

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Romney, West Virginia, to Sycamore Bridge, West Virginia – Unmatched Views of Bald Eagles in the Trough Canyon

The potomac eagle scenic railroad spans 35 miles of track offering scenic views of the trough canyon, local wildlife, and some of the best fall foliage colors in the us..

A rail trip like no other, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is one of the most scenic train routes on the East Coast; it starts from the beautiful town of Romney, West Virginia, and follows a path along the Potomac River, with beautiful views of the Allegheny mountains and the Bald Eagles that populate the 6-mile Trough Canyon.

The trip is even more scenic in the fall season when the surrounding foliage takes on stunning autumn colors. The trip is designed to be family-friendly, and tourists can book entire coaches for a family or group of friends.

  • Best Sights On The Ride: Trough Canyon, Bald Eagles, Potomac River
  • Train Start & End Location: Wappocomo Station, Romney, West Virginia
  • Price : $70
  • Distance : 35 miles

10 Scenic Train Rides Throughout East Coast With The Best Views

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20 Most Scenic Train Rides In The South

usa railroad trips

Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Embrace the romance and nostalgia of old-fashioned train travel with a relaxing ride where the emphasis is on the journey rather than the destination. From steep mountain climbs and jaunts through marshlands to journeys across trestle bridges and jaw-dropping gorges, the geographic diversity of the South is on full display. In no particular order, we’ve rounded up 20 of the most scenic routes you can experience on the Southern rails. 

Amtrak Crescent Train

REV Birmingham

Multiple Locations

If your objective is to see as much of the South as possible on a single ride, try the Amtrak Crescent. Service begins in the Big Apple and ends in the Big Easy with stops in Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This epic journey ventures across big cities, charming small towns, and open landscapes in approximately 30 hours with ticket options that include both sleeping cars and dining packages.

Plan your ride: amtrak.com

Big South Fork Scenic Railway

Owned and run by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, the Big Fork Scenic Railway offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the historic Kentucky and Tennessee Railway line. The 30-minute ride to Barthell Coal Camp includes a two-hour layover to tour the mines and take in views of the Cumberland Plateau in the southernmost portion of the Appalachian Mountains . Reserve a Coal Miner’s Lunch in advance, which includes a half sandwich, chips, moon pie, and drink of choice.

Plan your ride: bsfsry.com

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Spend half a day exploring the North Georgia countryside with this four-hour, 26-mile roundtrip journey. You’ll pass a Native American fish trap that’s estimated to be over 500 years old and take in picturesque views along the Toccoa River Valley before making a layover to visit the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Both indoor and open-air cars are available.

Plan your ride: brscenic.com

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad

Visit Lexington

Make your way through the Kentucky countryside with a 90-minute excursion on the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad, which operates out of Versailles. Travel in an open-air car or enjoy plush first-class seating; either way, you’ll observe corn and tobacco fields, Thoroughbred horse farms, and the Kentucky river. Check the schedule for specialty rides like holiday trains with Santa.

Plan your ride: bluegrassrailroad.com

Branson Scenic Railway

Travel through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains on a vintage passenger train along the Branson Scenic Railway. There’s a Northern route that extends as far as the James River Valley in Galena, Missouri, as well as a Southern route that heads down to the Barren Fork Trestle in Arkansas. Both trips, clocking in at just under two hours, offer passengers a chance to observe wildlife and landscape that's native to the northwest Arkansas wilderness as well as landmarks dating back to the early 20th century.

Plan your ride: bransontrain.com

Visit Orlando

The eastern coast of Florida’s newest commuter train features premium service on high-speed trains from Miami to Orlando with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. All of the reclining leather seats are equipped with power outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi, not to mention access to food and beverage on board. The best part? Continuous views through windows of the surrounding marshlands, sabal palms, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Plan your ride: gobrightline.com

Cass Scenic Railroad

Visit West Virginia

West Virginia

Ride an antique locomotive on a former lumber route up Back Allegheny Mountain to Bald Knob, one of the highest peaks in West Virginia. On a clear day, the open-air cars allow visitors to observe flora and fauna native to the area, such as spruce trees and snowshoe hares. This 22-mile, half-day excursion includes a boxed lunch.

Plan your ride: mountainrailwv.com

Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway

Arkansas Tourism

Journey back in time with a visit to the Eureka Springs Railroad Depot, home to an extensive collection of antique train equipment and vintage memorabilia, followed by a ride on the 1940’s diesel locomotive. Scenic excursions narrated by the conductor as well as lunch and dinner trains are on offer. All rides journey through the Ozark Mountains allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the region.

Plan your ride: esnarailway.com

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryan Burton

North Carolina

Take a front-row seat to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina with a ride on either a steam-powered train or a diesel locomotive. Various excursions and theme rides are available, but the four-and-a-half hour, 44-mile roundtrip journey from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge offers the best views of them all. Travel along the historic 777-foot-long trestle bridge across Fontana Lake before arriving at the impressive eight-mile gorge.

Plan your ride: gsmr.com

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Visit Chattanooga

Enjoy views of the Tennessee Valley from this unique single-track system, also known as a funicular, which takes passengers on a one-mile journey up Lookout Mountain. This quintessential Chattanooga attraction has been transporting passengers for over 125 years, including the likes of President Theodore Roosevelt and actress Elizabeth Taylor. Even though the ride lasts only about 10 minutes in each direction, passengers should allow up to an hour for the full experience, including a visit to the observation deck atop Lookout Mountain.

Plan your ride: ridetheincline.com

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

Sign up for a one-of-a-kind fine dining adventure with a ride on the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train . This gourmet meal, served in a restored 1940’s dining car, takes place during a two-and-a-half hour, 37-mile roundtrip through the Kentucky countryside. The scenery includes the Four Roses and Jim Bean distilleries as well as the Jackson Hollow Trestle in the Bernheim Forest.

Plan your ride: kydinnertrain.com

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Birding enthusiasts will appreciate riding this historic locomotive through the South Branch Valley of West Virginia, where American bald eagles soar through the skies over the Potomac River. Choose from among seven different excursions ranging from 75-minute interactive holiday-themed rides to all-day excursions that include a three-hour layover at the South Side Depot, which borders the Monogahela National Forest.

Plan your ride: potomaceagle.com

South Carolina Railroad Museum

South Carolina

Board the Rockton, Rion, and Western Railroad operated by the South Carolina Railroad Museum for an educational trip through the piney woods of South Carolina. Operating out of Winnsboro, this hour-long ride takes passengers on a narrated journey along five miles of track. Don’t miss a visit to the museum to scope out its historic stationary cars and vintage artifacts.

Plan your ride: scrm.org

Tennessee Valley Railroad

Experience Chattanooga’s rail system with a visit to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and a ride in one of their climate-controlled coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive. The most popular ride to book is the six-mile Missionary Ridge Local that is just under an hour. Longer routes, such as the five-hour Hiwassee Loop and the eight-hour Copperhill Special, travel on an extended journey through the countryside including through the Hiwassee River Gorge. Snacks are available for purchase on board.

Plan your ride: tvrail.com

Texas State Railroad

Visit Palestine

Delve into the history of eastern Texas with a narrated ride on the Texas State Railroad, which features four-hour, 25-mile rides in vintage steam and diesel locomotives. The roundtrip journey operates between the towns of Palestine and Rusk, mere hours from Dallas and Houston, crossing over 24 bridges and offering views of the Piney Woods. Seven different accommodations are available, such as a private caboose for a party of eight as well as a glass-top observation dome that includes a complimentary glass of champagne.

Plan your ride: texasstaterailroad.net

Three Rivers Rambler

Explore Knoxville, Tennessee, with an 11-mile journey on the Three Rivers Rambler, which operates using both steam and diesel equipment. From historic sites to pastoral farmland, visitors can expect a view of this unique community. Highlights include the Henley Street Bridge, which connects North and South Knoxville; the Three Rivers Trestle where the French Broad and Holston Rivers combine to form the Tennessee River; and, McNutt Farm, owned by a descendant of a Revolutionary War veteran.

Plan your ride: threeriversrambler.com

Virginia Scenic Railway

Kristen Decker

Want a front row seat to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley? Operated by Buckingham Ranch Railroad, the Virginia Scenic Railway offers two excursions daily from Staunton that take travelers on a three-hour roundtrip journey, complete with dining service. The Alleghany Special heads west across rural landscapes and working farms while the Blue Ridge Flyer chugs east in the afternoons through Fishersville and Waynesboro before passing through the mile-long Blue Ridge Tunnel.

Plan your ride: virginiascenicrailway.com

Walt Disney World Railroad

Disney Parks

Calling all Disney World fans! Operating right out of Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park, the Walt Disney World Railroad offers 20-minute, one-and-a-half mile rides throughout the park in vintage narrow-gauge steam trains built in the early 1900s. Passengers may board and/or disembark at any of three stations, including near the park entrance on Main Street, the Frontierland station, or the Fantasyland station.

Plan your ride: disneyworld.disney.go.com

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Visit the majestic Allegheny Mountains with a journey on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which operates year-round steam and diesel trains. The signature four-and-a-half hour Frostburg Flyer excursion departs from Cumberland with a 90-minute layover in the quaint mountain town of Frostburg. Enjoy mountain vistas, ride over streams, and pass through a 916-foot-long tunnel.

Plan your ride: wmsr.com

Wilmington and Western Railroad

Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Wind through some of the most picturesque areas of Delaware on a 10-mile track operated by the Wilmington and Western Railroad. Departing from Greenbank Station, the train crosses Red Clay Creek before rolling past the historic Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm as well as the Wooddale Covered Bridge and old Wooddale Quarry, among other historic sites. Seasonal theme rides as well as private charters are available.

Plan your ride: wwrr.com

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These Historic Rail Journeys From New York City Revive the Golden Age of Travel

By Hannah Towey

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Scenery City Water Waterfront Architecture Building Cityscape and Urban

Train lovers everywhere wait all year for Hudson River Rail's annual excursions that allow passengers to relive the historic splendor of the 20th Century Limited express passenger train, once billed as the “most famous train in the world.” The popular rail journeys sell out every year—and last year, tickets were snapped up in minutes.

Why? Traveling up the Hudson River in two restored vintage train cars, passengers are transported back in time to the 1940s and 50s, when movie stars and presidents boarded the train via red carpet. The scenic train trips follow the original New York Central Railroad main line between Manhattan and Albany, about an eight-hour round trip.

For those looking to experience the golden age of travel themselves, the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey has just released the 2024 Hudson River Rail schedule with departures slated from April through July, as well as in October and November (ideal for catching views of fall foliage ).

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Scenery Railway Train Transportation Vehicle Road Plant and Vegetation

The popular Hudson River Rail day trips travel up the Hudson River between New York City and Albany.

Passengers can choose from two classes of service, both of which include lunch and drinks. The luxurious observation lounge, named the Hickory Creek, was the the rearmost—and most exclusive—car on the 20th Century Limited, and is the last-remaining car from the original train. It's since been meticulously restored to its historic appearance, from the signature oversized windows to the vintage carpeting and furniture. If you can't nab one of Hickory Creek's dozen or so seats, then Tavern Lounge No. 43, a lounge car first built in 1947, offers a more affordable alternative to experience the historic route. With seats facing inward and plenty of room to meander, drink, and chat, both of the cars foster a refreshingly social atmosphere on board.

In addition to the day trips from New York City's Penn Station to Albany, this year will premier two new offerings, including overnight itineraries between Chicago and New York. During four one-way and roundtrip journeys in June and July, passengers will sleep aboard the train's historic Pullman Sleeping Cars, indulge in multi-course meals cooked on-board by a private chef, and enjoy the open bar service available throughout the trip.

For the history buffs out there, the 2024 schedule includes a new variation on the classic day trip excursion: the Hudson Valley History Tour. The excursions, slated in May, October, and November, offer a fully narrated tour of the Hudson River Valley in partnership with the National Park Service’s Trails & Rails program.

Tickets go on sale March 15 at 10 a.m., with day trip prices ranging from $179 to $399. The overnight journeys between New York and Chicago are $1,600 for a one-way trip and $3,200 for a round trip.

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The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas covers 500,000 acres with no containment

Texas a&m forest service says evacuations started, but the fire is 0% contained. the cause is still under investigation. more updates to come..

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A wildfire in the Texas panhandle was burning out of control Tuesday as it threatened towns and forced residents to evacuate their homes.

The Smokehouse Creek fire burning near Stinnett, about 60 miles northeast of Amarillo, was originally reported Monday evening and has grown to an estimated 500,000 acres by around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday with no containment, according to a tweet from the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The fire is primarily being fueled by tall grass.

On Monday, the National Weather Service Office in Amarillo warned that grasses would be drier because of warmer weather.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter , it asked residents to "avoid flames and sparks over the next several days" as strong winds could help fires grow.

Smokehouse Creek fire map

The Smokehouse Creek Fire Is located in Hutchinson County, Texas.

Fire's cause under investigation

The Texas A&M Forest Service told USA TODAY the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

However, Erin O'Connor, the organization's lead public information officer, said that drier conditions have led to expanded dry areas that have contributed to the growth of the fire and have not helped the situation.

Currently, the fire is not contained at all, but evacuation efforts are underway, states a tweet posted by Texas A&M.

West Texas wildfires

Texas A&M Forest Service is also  tracking a few other fires across the state .

According to Texas A&M, these are the locations, sizes and containment of the fires as of 6:15 p.m. EST, Tuesday:

  • Grape Vine Creek Fire  — Gray County, 30,000 acres, 60% containment
  • Windy Deuce   Fire  — Moore County, 40,000 acres, 20% containment
  • Juliet Pass   Fire  — Armstrong County, 2,963 acres, 100% containment

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture.

You can follow her on  X, formerly known as Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok : @juliamariegz.

Contributing: Alexis Simmerman , Austin American-Statesman

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Rescuers and police officials at work near damaged coaches after the train crash in October.

Indian train drivers in crash that killed 14 were watching cricket, minister says

Collision in Andhra Pradesh state in October took place as India played England during one-day World Cup

The drivers of a train that missed a signal and ploughed into another train, killing 14 people, were distracted because they were watching cricket on a phone, India’s railways minister has said.

The fatal collision in Andhra Pradesh state in October took place as hosts India played England during the one-day World Cup.

“The recent case in Andhra Pradesh happened because both the loco-pilot and co-pilot were distracted by the cricket match,” Ashwini Vaishnaw said, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

“Now we are installing systems which can detect any such distraction and make sure that the pilots [train drivers] and the assistant pilots are fully focused on running the train.”

Hundreds of millions of cricket fans in India watched the live broadcast of the match, which the hosts won.

Separately, officials sacked the station master and three other employees after a runaway freight train travelled 40 miles (70km) without a driver last month, the Hindustan Times reported.

The men were removed from their posts for negligence after about 50 carriages barrelled on solo for almost two hours.

India has one of the world’s largest rail networks, and there have been several disasters over the years, the worst in 1981 when a train derailed while crossing a bridge in Bihar state, killing an estimated 800 people. In June 2023, a three-train collision killed nearly 300 people in Odisha state.

India has been investing huge sums of money to upgrade the network with modern stations and electronic signalling systems.

  • Rail transport
  • South and central Asia

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Berlin to Paris night train runs for first time in almost a decade

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Eurostar services from Amsterdam to London to be suspended for six months

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Spanish rail firm planning London to Paris service to rival Eurostar

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Night train extended to link Brussels and Amsterdam to Prague

usa railroad trips

Night train between Berlin and Paris to return after nine years

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Europe’s next-generation night trains aim to draw passengers away from planes

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Paris-Berlin high-speed train in the works for next year, says SNCF

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Italian train conductor who issued 5,000 fines wrongfully dismissed, court rules

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Faster trains and cheaper tickets to boost European rail travel in new strategy

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Spanish rail reveals plans for high-speed London to Paris link

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German train drivers' union gives statement on wage negotiations

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After Trump meet, Musk says he won't donate to either US presidential candidate

Billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla , said on Wednesday that he will not donate money to either Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump or Democratic President Joe Biden in this year's election, one day after meeting Trump in Florida.

Dengue outbreak in Sao Paulo

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  1. Amtrak Vacations®

    With Amtrak Vacations®, you can discover the most stunning destinations across the U.S. & Canada by rail! Browse train travel, Amtrak routes, and rail vacation packages. ... Embark on a breathtaking rail adventure across the United States with Amtrak Vacations to discover... Read Article. December 13, 2023 Read time: 4 minutes

  2. Train Vacations in USA

    Choose from train trips in Alaska, popular USA Coast to Coast vacations, fall foliage tours, or visits to America's national parks by train. You may select vacations with luxury train accommodations in sleeper cars or from an array of one-way journeys. With more than 100 vacations in the United States alone, you are sure to find the perfect ...

  3. Amtrak Train Vacations

    Travel to amazing cities, scenic landscapes and spectacular national parks with the option to depart from the more than 500 Amtrak rail stations across the country. With hundreds of unique rail travel packages to choose from, there's something for everyone. Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our ...

  4. Scenic Train Vacations and Packages

    Get pro travel tips, learn about iconic trains and sought-after destinations, and gather inventive ideas for your next rail journey. Vacations By Rail®, The Trusted Authority on Rail offers train vacations, train tours and rail trips in the United States, Canada, Europe and Around the Globe. National Parks, Canadian Rockies, Coast to Coast.

  5. The Best Train Trips to Take Across America

    The Napa Valley Wine Train. Hoberman Collection/Getty Images. The Napa Valley Wine Train takes riders through the picturesque wine country northeast of the Bay Area. The route follows a rail line ...

  6. 14 Best Train Trips in the United States for Beautiful Scenary

    Sunset Limited. Travel between Louisiana and California on Sunset Limited, Amtrak's Southernmost route. On the way from New Orleans through San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix and Los Angeles, see ...

  7. Amtrak Vacations

    Amtrak Tours. Traveling through 46 states and offering access to over 500 Amtrak destinations, America's national passenger rail network, Amtrak, allows you to embark on unforgettable train vacations from coast to coast. The travel packages featuring Amtrak trains are just as diverse as the routes themselves. Experience the beauty of the great ...

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    DEALS & PROMOTIONS Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More VACATIONS & RAIL TOURS Train vacation packages throughout North America MULTI-RIDES & RAIL PASSES USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets

  9. The 8 best rail journeys in the USA

    1. The Sunset Limited. Route: New Orleans - San Antonio - Tucson - Phoenix - Los Angeles. Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days. Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers ...

  10. U.S. Train Tours & Packages| Railbookers®

    The USA is one of the world's most multicultural and ethnically diverse nations. Take a trip by rail with Railbookers and be in awe of top destinations such as the Grand Canyon, New York City, San Francisco, New Orleans, Washington, DC and many more!

  11. THE TOP 10 USA Rail Tours (UPDATED 2024)

    The best Rail Tours in USA according to Viator travelers are: Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure Package. Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included. Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market. Wild West Day Trip to Virginia City from Tahoe with Train Ride.

  12. The best scenic train rides in the US

    Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler. Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here ...

  13. 11 Best Train Rides in the USA for Amazing Views

    At the top, take in the sweeping views—of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. Discover the best thing to do in New Hampshire. Photograph: Bob McClenahan, Courtesy Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 ...

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    DEALS & PROMOTIONS Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More VACATIONS & RAIL TOURS Train vacation packages throughout North America MULTI-RIDES & RAIL PASSES USA Rail passes, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets

  15. USA Rail Journeys

    Take a transcontinental rail journey from San Francisco to New York, find out how the west was won on the scenic Rio Grande Railroad and the historic trains of Colorado. Make tracks through the Deep South or capture the colour of New England in the fall. Take an alternative route and see the US on one of our 10 train tours.

  16. 10 Scenic Train Rides Throughout East Coast With The Best Views

    The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad spans 35 miles of track offering scenic views of the Trough Canyon, local wildlife, and some of the best fall foliage colors in the US. A rail trip like no other ...

  17. 20 Scenic Train Rides In The South

    Embrace the romance and nostalgia of old-fashioned train travel with a relaxing ride where the emphasis is on the journey rather than the destination. From steep mountain climbs and jaunts through marshlands to journeys across trestle bridges and jaw-dropping gorges, the geographic diversity of the South is on full display. In no particular order, we've rounded up 20 of the most scenic ...

  18. These Historic Rail Journeys From New York City Revive the Golden Age

    Topics Rail Trips Rail Travel. Recommended . Aman New York. Aman's first urban outpost in the United States. Read full review. Hemlock Neversink. View All North America . North America Travel Guide.

  19. The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas covers 500,000 acres ...

    The Smokehouse Creek Fire Is located in Hutchinson County, Texas. Fire's cause under investigation. The Texas A&M Forest Service told USA TODAY the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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  22. Indian train drivers in crash that killed 14 were watching cricket

    Italian train conductor who issued 5,000 fines wrongfully dismissed, court rules 24 Apr 2022 Faster trains and cheaper tickets to boost European rail travel in new strategy

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  24. Germany to face travel chaos with rail, airport strikes to resume

    The train drivers' union GDL has staged a series of strikes aimed at reducing its workers' weekly hours at full pay to help offset lofty inflation and staff shortages in Europe's largest economy.

  25. Amtrak Routes & Stations

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  26. Rail Vacations to the Southern United States

    Explore true southern charm by rail. Visit some of the popular Southern charmers: New Orleans, Charleston, and Savannah, and everywhere in between. Beautiful scenery, rich history, culinary delights, musical heritage, and so much more is yours to savor during a train vacation to any of these destinations.

  27. Train Tour Packages

    Rail tour packages are offered by Amtrak and our select tour operators. Combined with travel on Amtrak trains, a great variety of America's best travel destinations make the ideal regional rail travel packages. Explore the US and Canada through Amtrak train tour packages and getaways, whether it be through the natural wonders of the southwest ...