Long train trips were designed for those who understand the old saying that they appreciate the journey. just Destination. Certainly, you can fly from Chicago to San Francisco within five hours, but can you stare at Cascade Falls in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, or frost pine branches in Sierra Nevada, California?
Last year, 32.8 million people rode the Amtrak and climbed. This is the best ridership ever in passenger rail service from 2023, with a 15% increase from 2023. Many of them were trying to get the job, but many were hoping to see America (and parts of Canada) at a slow, pace.
Of course, some routes are better than others, offering memorable views from the observation car. These are eight worth booking on a trip alone.
Starlight on the coast
Coast Starlight has closed riders along the Pacific since the launch of Amtrak in 1971, and is one of the railroad companies’ most beloved trains. On this trip, the observation deck will be your best friend and will offer panoramic views of the waves crashing along the majestic Pacific coastline, the fog-covered Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, lush vineyards of Willamette Valley, and the waves of snowy cascades. If the scenery beckons you, don’t be afraid. You will be purchasing a USA Rail Pass so you can fly along the route. (Yes, you can bring a surfboard to the train.)
California Zepher
Vehicles along the Zephyr in California remind us of the incredible geographical diversity of the country. Traveling from Chicago to San Francisco will take you to the rolling hills of Iowa, the endless plains of Nebraska, the mountains of Colorado, the Red Rock Canyon in Utah, the pristine deserts of Nevada, and finally the Alpine Lake in California. It also has a bit of a history of railways. The truck stretch between Reno and Sacramento is actually part of the original transcontinental railroad built during the Civil War.
Adirondack
The Adirondacks depart from New York City for breakfast and arrive in time for a late dinner in Montreal. The peak season here is fall. Although the trees are at their best in fiery autumn, the route is particularly scenic in late spring as the apple trees in the Hudson Valley are blooming. Honestly, every season is beautiful when it chuggs along the bluffed Hudson River and curves around the vast Lake Champlain.
From May to November, Amtrak’s Trails & Rails program will feature National Park Service volunteer guides on rides between NYC and Albany, providing insights into the history of the region’s Native Americans, the battles near the American Revolution, and the Adirondack Mountains.
Sunset Limited
Sunset Limited, the southernmost route of Amtrak, connects New Orleans to Los Angeles and Los Angeles, whining through the willow-splitting deserts whipping riders. Fun fact: This is the oldest “named” train in continuous operation, coming off the Sunset Limited Service of the South Pacific Railway, released in 1894. Keep an eye on the osprey and otters as you roll into the Atafalaya National Wildlife Shelter in Louisiana. Meanwhile, in Texas, they are looking for artificial wonders, like the Pecos River High Bridge (when built in 1892, it was the third tallest bridge in the world) and the iconic ones. Prey products An art installation just west of Valentine’s Day.
Empire Builder
- Endpoint: Chicago to Portland, Oregon, or Seattle
- time: 46 hours
- distance: 2,256 miles to Portland (or 2,205 miles to Seattle)
- learn more: amtrak.com/empire-builder-train
Empire Builders take the north route, connecting Chicago to the Pacific Northwest (connecting to Oregon or Seattle), and chasing Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana and Idaho. From the powerful Mississippi crossing (the river is so wide, it takes a few minutes, but it takes a few minutes) to roll alongside Glacier National Park, this is a journey to remember. Trains are actually one of the best ways to get to the glacier, and many passengers choose to jump at one of the three stops in the area to explore in one day (or weekend). While riding, bet your seat in the observation car before rolling. This will allow you to take photos of Mountain Vista, turquoise lakes and pine forests.
Pacific Surfliner
There’s no better way to absorb the beauty of Southern California. This covers some of the state’s best properties, embrace the coastline and soaks alongside vineyards and small beach towns like Carpinteria. The train services 29 stations between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. This means you don’t have to worry about traffic jams on your way to a wine tasting in Space Mountain or Oxnard at Disneyland. Want to visit some cities on your trip? Buy a California Railway Pass ($159 for adults, $79.50 for children). This allows you to travel within the window for up to 7 days.
cascade
- Endpoint: Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Oregon
- time: 10 hours, 25 minutes
- distance: 467 miles
- learn more: amtrak.com/cascades-train
The Cascade is a celebration of the Pacific Northwest and is named after the range of the Cascade. Cascade range shows trains snakes as they head from Oregon to British Columbia. You can get a glimpse of Rainier, the 14,410-foot mountain peak, the cascade. (It’s on the right if you’re traveling north.) The route also offers picturesque postcard views of the Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Chukkanut Bay on the eastern shore of the Salish Sea. The line technically runs from Vancouver, BC to Eugene, Oregon, but please note that you will need to stop and switch trains in Seattle or Portland to experience a full trekking.
Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief offers plenty of wild west nostalgia. Things start slowly coming from Illinois, but as the train passes through the Raton Pass from Colorado to New Mexico, the view becomes high gear. Highlights of the enchanting land include bends through the Apache Canyon, sidering along red sandstone cliffs near Gallup, and marveling at the barren lava fields of the El Malpais National Monument and the National Protected Area.
