There’s something timeless about train travel. Unlike the rush of air travel or the stress of highway traffic, trains invite you to sit back, sip coffee, and watch the world roll by. In the United States, where long stretches of wilderness and dramatic landscapes dominate, a train ride can feel like you’re flipping through a living postcard. Even better? Many of these journeys won’t drain your wallet.
From rugged mountains and lush coastlines to desert plateaus and historic towns, these scenic train routes offer more than just transportation. They turn the journey itself into the highlight of your trip. Whether you’re a first-time rail traveler or someone who already knows the charm of a dining car, these trips will rekindle your sense of adventure.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy them. With affordable fares, easy access to hotels, and unforgettable side trips, these train adventures are within reach. To make planning easier, I’ve also compiled trusted options for booking accommodations and incredible experiences along the way.
Where to Stay and What to Do
Before we dive into the routes, here are some quick, trusted picks for hotels and experiences you can book right now:
Hotels
- Fairmont San Francisco – Historic luxury on Nob Hill.
- Chicago Athletic Association Hotel – A stylish stay right across from Millennium Park.
- The Brown Palace Hotel Denver – A Victorian-era gem with modern flair.
- VRBO Coastal Cottage in Maine – A cozy rental perfect for rail journeys through New England.
Experiences
- Alcatraz & San Francisco Bay Cruise – Combine a ferry ride with one of the most iconic tours in the U.S.
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise – See the Windy City’s skyline from the water.
- Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip from Denver – A perfect add-on to a Colorado train ride.
- Acadia National Park Guided Tour in Maine – Ideal if you’re exploring New England by rail.
Coast Starlight: Los Angeles to Seattle
This route has earned the nickname “the most beautiful train ride in America.” The Coast Starlight takes you up the Pacific shoreline, through lush forests, past snowcapped peaks, and across sprawling valleys. It’s a painter’s palette of landscapes, changing hour by hour. For the price of a single ticket, you’re gifted front-row views of California beaches, Oregon’s Cascade Range, and Washington’s Puget Sound.
How to Get to the Coast Starlight
You can board at Los Angeles Union Station, which is easily accessible from LAX via FlyAway bus or Metro. If you’re starting from the north, Seattle’s King Street Station is within walking distance of downtown hotels and Pike Place Market. The journey takes about 35 hours if you ride end to end, but many travelers hop on for shorter sections, like LA to Oakland or Portland to Seattle.
Where to Stay
In Los Angeles, consider the Millennium Biltmore Hotel for old-Hollywood vibes and a location near Grand Central Market for late-night tacos. In Seattle, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a classic choice, blending historic charm with modern comfort. If you’re stopping in Portland, Hotel Lucia is an artsy boutique option in the heart of the city.
Best Things to Do in Seattle and LA
Seattle offers the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and a thriving coffee scene. Don’t miss the Museum of Pop Culture or take a ferry across Puget Sound. In LA, explore Griffith Park, Santa Monica Pier, or take a Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Food-wise, Seattle is unbeatable for fresh oysters, while LA has a taco truck on practically every block—both are worth planning your meals around.
California Zephyr: Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area)
If you want a crash course in American landscapes, this is the trip. The California Zephyr rolls across the Rockies, over the Sierra Nevada, and through deserts and plains that look straight out of a Western movie. The 51-hour journey is Amtrak’s crown jewel, offering views of the Colorado River canyons that you can’t get from the highway.
How to Get to the Zephyr
Chicago Union Station is the eastern hub, and Amtrak’s Emeryville stop is just a short transfer to San Francisco. Both stations are connected to public transit, making the logistics easy.
Where to Stay
Stay at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel for historic charm, rooftop views, and walking distance to Millennium Park. In the Bay Area, the Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley offers sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and easy access to the city via BART.
Best Things to Do in Chicago and San Francisco
In Chicago, take the Architecture River Cruise, then grab deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s. In San Francisco, ride a cable car, sample chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, and walk through Golden Gate Park. If you’re a wine lover, the Zephyr stops near Napa Valley—perfect for a side trip.
Amtrak Adirondack: New York City to Montreal
This train hugs the Hudson River before winding into the Adirondack Mountains and finally crossing into Canada. In the fall, it’s like riding through a kaleidoscope of colors—crimson, gold, and fiery orange stretching as far as you can see.
How to Get to the Adirondack
Depart from Moynihan Train Hall in New York City, which is connected to Penn Station and easily reached from all NYC airports. The whole trip to Montreal takes about 10 hours, but even the shorter section up to Albany or Saratoga Springs is worth it.
Where to Stay
In New York, The Beekman offers history, chandeliers, and easy subway access. In Montreal, book the Hotel Nelligan for Old World charm and cobblestone-street views.
Best Things to Do in NYC and Montreal
NYC offers Broadway, the High Line, and endless museums. Montreal’s cobblestone streets, French cafes, and Notre-Dame Basilica are unforgettable. Try Montreal bagels at St-Viateur or Fairmount, and don’t leave without tasting poutine.
Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle/Portland
This route traverses the northern U.S., following paths once traveled by explorers and fur traders. Glacier National Park is the crown jewel, with vistas that make you forget time exists. Onboard, expect sightings of bald eagles, bison, and endless prairies.
How to Get to the Empire Builder
Start from Chicago or board along the way in Minneapolis, Spokane, or other stops. The trip takes about 46 hours to Seattle or Portland.
Where to Stay
In Glacier’s vicinity, book a VRBO cabin to soak up mountain views. In Portland, the Hotel Lucia blends art and comfort. In Seattle, the Ace Hotel offers a budget-friendly boutique option.
Best Things to Do in Portland and Seattle
In Portland, don’t miss Powell’s City of Books or Saturday Market. Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market is legendary for its fishmongers tossing salmon through the air. Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver if you detour south before boarding.
Downeaster: Boston to Brunswick, Maine
This short but sweet route offers coastal views, historic towns, and lobster rolls at nearly every stop. It’s one of the best budget-friendly scenic trips in the U.S. and a perfect weekend getaway from Boston.
How to Get to the Downeaster
Depart from Boston’s North Station, connected by subway and commuter lines. The trip takes approximately 3 hours, making it ideal for both day trips and overnight stays.
Where to Stay
Stay at the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston for luxury and history, or rent a coastal VRBO cottage in Maine for a seaside escape.
Best Things to Do in Maine
Explore Brunswick’s historic downtown, take a guided tour of Acadia National Park, and eat lobster rolls at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset. Portland, a stop along the way, boasts one of the best food scenes in New England, featuring breweries, oyster bars, and James Beard-winning restaurants.
Cardinal: New York City to Chicago
Winding through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, this route is often overlooked but surprisingly breathtaking. You’ll cross the New River Gorge, now a National Park, and pass through charming Appalachian towns.
How to Get to the Cardinal
Begin at New York’s Penn Station or end at Chicago Union Station. The entire ride takes approximately 28 hours, with numerous overnight options available.
Where to Stay
Try The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver if you extend your journey westward, or the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago for a historic yet affordable base.
Best Things to Do in Chicago and New River Gorge
In New River Gorge, hike the Endless Wall Trail or try whitewater rafting. In Chicago, don’t skip Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, and deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. A Chicago Architecture River Cruise is still one of the best introductions to the city.
Sunset Limited: New Orleans to Los Angeles
From the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of the Southwest, this train feels like a slow-moving documentary on America’s changing landscapes. Expect cypress trees, adobe towns, and sunsets that make the whole sky glow.
How to Get to the Sunset Limited
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is the starting point, easily accessible from the French Quarter by streetcar or rideshare. The trip runs three times a week, taking about 48 hours to LA.
Where to Stay
In New Orleans, book the Hotel Monteleone, famous for its carousel bar. In LA, stay at The LINE Hotel for modern, artsy comfort.
Best Things to Do in New Orleans and LA
In New Orleans, explore the French Quarter, jazz clubs, and savor the authentic Cajun cuisine. Eat beignets at Café du Monde before boarding. In LA, head to Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and maybe catch a studio tour.
Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles
This route gives you red rock canyons, desert vistas, and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s like traveling through a John Ford movie set, and you can almost hear the cowboy soundtracks in the background.
How to Get to the Southwest Chief
Board in Chicago or Los Angeles, both well-connected by air and other Amtrak services. The entire ride lasts about 40 hours.
Where to Stay
In Santa Fe, detour to stay at La Fonda on the Plaza, a historic adobe-style hotel. In LA, the Hotel Figueroa offers boutique charm and a rooftop pool.
Best Things to Do Along the Way
Stop in Santa Fe for art galleries and green chile stew. In Flagstaff, hike around Walnut Canyon or visit Lowell Observatory. LA offers every flavor of neighborhood culture, from Koreatown to Echo Park, and all within easy reach of Union Station.
Conclusion
Train travel in the U.S. is like rediscovering an old love letter—you think you know what it says, but every line feels fresh when you reread it. These eight routes offer more than just a way to get from point A to point B. They immerse you in landscapes you can’t see from a freeway, connect you with towns you might otherwise overlook, and slow down life just enough to remind you why the journey matters.
With affordable fares, plenty of places to stay, and unforgettable side trips, these train adventures are waiting for your ticket. Pack a good book, grab a window seat, and let America’s scenery do the rest.