These are the best scenic train trips in the USA, from multi-day Amtrak long-distance routes to scenic short hops. Train travel is slower than flying, but the views, legroom and dining car make it an experience in itself.
Routes compared
| Train | Route | Time | Scenery |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Zephyr | Chicago – Emeryville (San Francisco Bay) | about 51 hours | Rockies, Glenwood Canyon and the Sierra Nevada |
| Coast Starlight | Seattle – Los Angeles | about 35 hours | Pacific coast and Cascades |
| Empire Builder | Chicago – Seattle/Portland | about 46 hours | Glacier National Park and the northern plains |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago – Los Angeles | about 43 hours | Desert Southwest and Route 66 country |
| Adirondack | New York – Montreal | about 11 hours | Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain |
| Downeaster | Boston – Brunswick, Maine | about 3.5 hours | New England coast |
| Cardinal | New York – Chicago via West Virginia | about 26 hours | New River Gorge |
| Pacific Surfliner | San Luis Obispo – San Diego | about 8.5 hours | Ocean views |
Classes of service
- Coach: spacious reclining seats; the cheapest option.
- Roomette: a private compartment with two seats that convert to bunks, including meals on long-distance trains.
- Bedroom: larger, with an in-room toilet and shower.
Prices vary dynamically; booking early gets the best fares, especially for sleepers.
Travel tech we recommend
- High-capacity power banks for road trips BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Sit on the right side heading west on the California Zephyr for the best canyon views (it varies by section, so explore the sightseer lounge).
- Expect delays; freight trains have priority on much of the network.
- Bring snacks, layers and a power bank.
- Combine with national parks: the Empire Builder stops at East and West Glacier in summer.
See our Glacier guide and best US road trips.
Destinations to pair with a train trip
Chicago
Chicago is a city of bold architecture, a sparkling lakefront, world-class museums and deep-dish pizza, with neighbourhoods full of blues clubs and restaurants. Read our Chicago travel guide.
- Best time: May to October
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to Milwaukee; 5 hours to Detroit
- Don’t miss: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Millennium Park and Cloud Gate and Art Institute of Chicago
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is known as the Crown of the Continent, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, turquoise lakes and more than 700 miles of trails. Read our Glacier National Park travel guide.
- Best time: July to September
- Getting there: About 30 minutes from Kalispell to West Glacier
- Don’t miss: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass and Lake McDonald
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
San Francisco
San Francisco is a compact, hilly city of cable cars, Victorian houses and fog rolling under the Golden Gate Bridge, with Napa, Muir Woods and the Pacific coast close by. Read our San Francisco travel guide.
- Best time: September and October (warmest and clearest)
- Getting there: About 1–1.5 hours to Napa; 3.5–4 hours to Yosemite
- Don’t miss: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Cable cars
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Seattle
Seattle sits between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, with Pike Place Market, coffee culture, the Space Needle and quick access to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park. Read our Seattle travel guide.
- Best time: June to September
- Getting there: About 3 hours to Vancouver; 3 hours to Portland
- Don’t miss: Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Denver
Denver, the Mile High City, combines craft breweries, museums and sports with quick access to the Rocky Mountains. Read our Denver travel guide.
- Best time: June to September; December to March for skiing
- Getting there: About 1.5–2 hours to Estes Park; 2 hours to I-70 ski resorts
- Don’t miss: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Union Station and Denver Art Museum
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel gear we trust
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - High-capacity power banks for road trips BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Travel gear picks BuyrSkip
Packing cubes, neck pillows and organisers that make travel days easier.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most scenic train in the USA?
The California Zephyr is widely considered the most scenic.
Do sleeper rooms include meals?
Yes, on long-distance trains.
Is Amtrak cheaper than flying?
Coach can be; sleepers usually cost more than flying.
Are there Wi-Fi and outlets?
Outlets are standard; Wi-Fi is limited on long-distance routes.
Can I stop along the way?
Yes, book separate segments.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Glacier National Park Travel Guide: Going-to-the-Sun Road and Best Hikes
- Best Road Trips in the USA
- Chicago Travel Guide: Architecture, Food and Neighbourhoods