10 Most Scenic Train Rides Across the US

All aboard for the 10 most scenic train rides across the US, where breathtaking landscapes unfold right outside your window—get ready for a journey that’ll steal your breath away!

Explore some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the US, each providing a different perspective of the nation’s diverse landscapes, from expansive coasts to majestic mountain ranges. The train journey in the US is not as speedy, as it is in Asia, but the benefits of opting for a train ride are completely contrary. The serenity of towns and parks that pass along the route is the highlight of the journey. These train rides might end up taking you to breathtaking locations like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Let’s explore the 10 most picturesque train trips across America:

The Journey begins and ends in Salt Lake City, Utah, it’s a 5-day journey that takes you through the lower reaches of Yellowstone National Park’s Rockies to the unspoiled wilderness. In addition to popular attractions like Isa Lake on the Continental Divide, Firehole Canyon, and Old Faithful, Yellowstone is home to steam and geyser vents that shoot vapor into freezing air. The snow makes the natural beauty even more strikingly beautiful. With fewer visitors, you may see nature in its pristine splendor and witness the animals like Lamar Valley wolves that have withstood the weather.

The renowned California Zephyr celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024 and was the 1st transcontinental train to regularly operate dome carriages because of the eye candy it provided. Additionally, the more than 50-hour journey offers a fantastic opportunity to fully enjoy the experience along the way. The train travels through the majestic Rocky Mountains, into the red cliffs of Utah, from Ruby Canyon, Donner Pass, to the Sierras, and then to the San Francisco Bay.

The summertime Glacial Discovery route is another one of the Alaska Railroads’ breathtaking routes, taking you through a rural area that can only be reached by rail and to the ends of the world, which offers the sight of spectacular towering arctic glaciers. Visitors can stop by the great Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to spot bears and porcupines as they head south through Girdwood and Portage after leaving Anchorage.

Moreover, visitors can join a glacier coastal cruise at Whittier, and take a train ride to the Spencer Glacier Whistle with a short hike leading to the breathtaking Spencer Lake & Glacier.

Experience the charm of this coastal town by riding this railroad through cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and oceanfront walks. Visitors can listen to the audio guide about the cranberry harvesting process. This journey travels through charming villages like Sandwich, which was established back in 1637 and named after its British counterpart, capitalizing on its culinary heritage with its yearly June Sandwich Fest. You will have a blast as you will have the option to choose between the dinner train, where you’ll be given a 5-course meal at a formal table setting in the classic rail style, or opt for the narrated sightseeing train tours USA.

The scenic train rides USA involve the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, situated in the neighboring Bryson City. It is nearly impossible to see the entire Great Smoky Mountains in a single train excursion, so there are two options. The 32-mile, 4-hour Tuckasegee River Excursion will lead you to ancient bridges and through the valleys before arriving in the charming town of Dillsboro for a break of 1.5 hours. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion extends 44 miles and crosses the Fontana Lake, travels along the Nantahala and Tennessee Rivers, and enters the gorge.

For nature enthusiasts, who enjoy expansive views of red cliffs and cacti, Sunset Limited offers the most picturesque rail route in America. The 48-hour journey makes it way across the views of the Louisiana and Southwestern deserts of West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Catch a view of breathtaking northern lights, winding through some of Alaska’s serene sights, the seasonal Alaska Railroad train goes through urban anchorage, dizzying mountain passes, massive bridges, and into the middle of the wilderness- featuring a perfect spot to witness the heavenly dancing lights in the sky and experience snow. Visitors can choose to ride straight for 12 hours or take a break to hop off in Denali.

Experience the winter splendor in Colorado, as the train journey begins from Denver’s 1914 Beaux Arts station, you can catch off the Amtrak’s Winter Park Express to visit the Winter Park Resort, well-known as one of the best ski destinations in town. It takes you through a 6-mile-long Moffat Tunnel, passing by the Rockies, going by the Continental Divide, and along the state’s renowned Flatirons mountains. Despite being known as the “Ski Train,” the scenery is enough to make the journey worthwhile even if you don’t intend to go skiing. Moreover, maximum comfort is provided by the double-decker train coaches, and the ideal location to enjoy the breathtaking views is the upper-level sightseeing lounge.

The train’s name “Cascades” sets a high standard for scenery, going across the Pacific Northwest America. Beautiful forests expertly conceal the dense masses on the 1-5 corridor throughout the lengthy journey going from Eugene to Seattle. Visitors on the train’s west-facing side get a clear view of Olympic Mountains, featuring orcas, and shipwrecks as it passes around Puget Sound.

Back in 1971, Coast Starlight was initiated, which travels from Seattle to LA via Portland and the San Fran Bay Area. It’s a 35-hour journey that encompasses all the major attractions, including the striking cliffs along Mount Shasta, PCH, Mount Rainer, San Francisco Bay, Puget Sound, and the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. The no internet facility will let you focus on the serene journey.