19 Breathtaking Train Journeys That Show Off America's Beauty

There’s something timeless about watching the country roll by from a train window – the rhythm of the tracks, the shifting light, the landscapes unfolding like a living postcard.

America’s railways offer a front-row seat to its most stunning scenery, from snow-capped peaks to desert canyons and coastal cliffs.

Each journey tells a story of craftsmanship, adventure, and nostalgia, where the destination matters less than the view along the way. These unforgettable rides prove there’s no better way to see the country than by rail.

1. California Zephyr

Picture yourself gliding through seven states while mountains, canyons, and rivers paint an ever-changing masterpiece outside your window.

This legendary route connects Chicago to San Francisco, taking passengers through the heart of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada.

You’ll cross the Continental Divide and witness some of the most remote wilderness areas in America.

The glass-domed observation cars make every seat feel like front-row tickets to nature’s greatest show, especially through Colorado’s Glenwood Canyon.

2. Empire Builder

Stretching from Chicago to Seattle and Portland, this route takes you along the northern tier of America where wilderness still reigns supreme.

Glacier National Park becomes your backyard as the train hugs mountain slopes and skirts pristine lakes.

During summer months, the extended daylight hours mean you’ll catch incredible views for nearly the entire journey.

Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, elk, and occasionally bears making appearances alongside the tracks.

3. Coast Starlight

If ocean breezes and crashing waves sound like your kind of scenery, this Seattle-to-Los Angeles route delivers in spectacular fashion.

For hours, you’ll ride parallel to the Pacific, watching surfers catch waves and seabirds soar above the shoreline.

The journey also includes Mount Shasta’s snowy peak, California’s agricultural valleys, and charming coastal towns. Many travelers consider the section through Santa Barbara particularly magical during golden hour.

4. Sunset Limited

Connecting New Orleans to Los Angeles, this transcontinental adventure showcases the American Southwest in all its sun-baked glory. You’ll cross bayous, deserts, and mountain ranges while experiencing the dramatic shift from humid Southern landscapes to arid Western terrain.

The route passes through Texas Hill Country, crosses the Rio Grande, and traverses New Mexico’s high desert. Historic missions, adobe buildings, and sprawling ranches tell stories of the Old West.

5. Adirondack

Running between New York City and Montreal, this route transforms into an artist’s palette every autumn when leaves explode in reds, oranges, and golds.

Lake Champlain accompanies you for miles, its blue waters contrasting beautifully with forested mountains.

You’ll pass through the Hudson River Valley before entering the Adirondack wilderness, where small towns and natural beauty dominate.

Fall is peak season, but spring and summer reveal their own charm with wildflowers and lush greenery.

6. Winter Park Express

Skiers and snowboarders celebrate this seasonal route connecting Denver to Winter Park Resort, operating only during winter months.

As you climb higher into the Rockies, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland of frosted pines and blankets of powder.

The train travels through 29 tunnels, including the famous Moffat Tunnel beneath the Continental Divide. It’s the easiest way to reach the slopes without dealing with mountain driving or parking hassles.

7. Grand Canyon Railway

Starting in Williams, Arizona, this historic railway has been carrying passengers to one of the world’s natural wonders since 1901.

Vintage train cars and occasional steam locomotives add nostalgic charm to your journey through ponderosa pine forests.

Musicians and Old West characters entertain passengers during the two-hour ride to the South Rim. Once there, you’ll have several hours to explore the canyon before returning, making it a perfect day trip.

8. Virginia Scenic Railway

Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, this short excursion packs big views into a few hours.

You’ll cross historic bridges, pass through tunnels, and watch pastoral farmland give way to forested hillsides.

Special themed rides throughout the year include fall foliage tours, Easter bunny trains, and Christmas excursions.

The railway operates vintage diesel locomotives that perfectly complement the timeless mountain scenery rolling past your window.

9. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Following the Toccoa River through North Georgia’s mountains, this excursion offers four hours of pure Appalachian beauty. The route includes river crossings, tunnels carved through solid rock, and views of waterfalls cascading down hillsides.

Open-air cars let you feel the mountain breeze and hear the river rushing below during warmer months. The small town of Blue Ridge serves as your starting point, with antique shops and cafes perfect for exploring before or after your ride.

10. Heber Valley Railroad

Set in Utah’s picturesque Heber Valley, this heritage railroad operates authentic steam locomotives through terrain that looks straight out of a Western movie.

The Wasatch Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop as you chug through farmland and alongside Deer Creek Reservoir.

Various routes offer different experiences, from short excursions to longer journeys up Provo Canyon.

Special events like the North Pole Express during holidays make this railway popular with families year-round.

11. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad

Operating at the base of Washington’s iconic volcano, this railway lets you experience Pacific Northwest forests without hiking a single step.

Towering Douglas firs and western red cedars line the tracks while Mount Rainier’s massive peak dominates the horizon.

The journey follows old logging routes through areas once vital to the timber industry. Steam and diesel locomotives pull vintage coaches, and on clear days, the mountain views are absolutely breathtaking.

12. Cass Scenic Railroad

Built originally to haul lumber, this West Virginia railway now carries tourists up some of the steepest railroad grades in America.

Powerful geared steam locomotives grunt and hiss as they climb Bald Knob, the state’s third-highest point.

The company town of Cass remains frozen in time, with restored logging-era buildings and equipment. From the summit, you’ll see multiple states on clear days, with endless forested ridges stretching to every horizon.

13. Adirondack Railroad

Exploring the heart of New York’s largest wilderness area, this railroad offers multiple routes through six million acres of protected forest.

You’ll pass pristine lakes, rushing streams, and mountains covered in hardwoods and evergreens.

Different seasons bring completely different experiences, from spring wildflowers to summer greenery to spectacular fall colors.

The railway operates both vintage and modern equipment, with some routes offering open-air cars for maximum scenery immersion.

14. Texas Eagle

Spanning from Chicago to San Antonio and Los Angeles, this long-distance route showcases America’s incredible diversity across multiple climate zones.

You’ll experience Midwest plains, Ozark foothills, Texas Hill Country, and eventually desert Southwest landscapes.

The journey through central Texas during wildflower season (especially when bluebonnets bloom) creates postcard-worthy views.

Historic towns, sprawling ranches, and big-sky country remind you just how vast America really is.

15. Heartland Flyer

Running between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, this daily service crosses prairie lands where the horizon seems endless in every direction.

You’ll see working ranches, oil pumps nodding rhythmically, and small towns that time seems to have forgotten.

The route follows historic cattle trails once used for massive livestock drives to northern markets. Wide-open spaces and big skies define this journey, offering a peaceful contrast to crowded highways and airports.

16. Pacific Surfliner

Hugging the Southern California coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, this route delivers beach views that rival any coastal drive.

You’ll pass famous surf breaks, charming seaside towns, and stretches where the tracks run just feet from the sand.

Palm trees, beach volleyball games, and sunset views over the Pacific make this journey feel like a vacation in itself. The train serves numerous stops, making it perfect for beach-hopping adventures.