The 8 Best Train Itineraries across the U.S.

06/21/2023

ADVENTURES  on rail

If you're looking for a unique and relaxing way to explore the United States, consider train travel. With comfortable seating and stunning views, it's a great way to see the country at a leisurely pace.

From the rolling hills of Napa Valley to the charming towns of New England, there are plenty of train itineraries to choose from. Here are eight of the best train itineraries across the U.S., each featuring popular attractions and sights along the way you shouldn't miss.


EDITOR'S NOTE: for some of these itineraries it is necessary to choose the most suitable season because they may not be available all year round.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a picturesque journey northeast of the Bay Area. Running along a historic railway, it begins in Napa and ends in St. Helena, affording passengers a view of the region's vineyards. For a comprehensive experience, an overnight stay in Napa Valley is highly recommended.


The Pacific Surfliner

The Pacific Surfliner is one of the top train itineraries in the U.S. It covers 351 miles through California; starting in San Diego, the route continues up to San Luis Obispo, touching quaint ocean-side towns along the way. An absolute must is a stopover in Santa Barbara.


The Coast Starlight

It's a phenomenal experience to explore the West Coast aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight train, traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle. Intermediate stops include Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. Along the route, there are ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of snow-capped mountains, forests, valleys, and stretches of the Pacific Ocean coastline.


The Grand Canyon Railway

One of the most adventurous train routes in the United States is the Grand Canyon Railway (established in 1901), which allows you to explore the history of the Wild West. You can relax in vintage carriages and enjoy the view across the desert plateau up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Truly a unique experience.

BEST TRAIN ITINERARIES: THE MAP

The Amtrak Cascades

In the North-West of the U.S. and Canada, there's another train route we highly recommend: the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver to Eugene. The journey touches the vibrant cities of Portland and Seattle, where it's worth stopping to spend the night. Highlights of the journey include scenic views over the majestic Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge.


The White Pass Yukon Route

Another train route in the U.S. worth planning is the White Pass Yukon Route. It's a 67.5-mile journey that links Alaska and Canada, crossing the region following in the footsteps of the Klondike Gold Rushers. Unmissable stops along the route are Skagway, Carcross, and the Bennett Museum.


The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer train, already renowned for its routes and spectacular panoramic views in Canada, now has a new route in the United States. Departing from Denver and stopping at Glenwood Springs, the train heads towards Moab (Utah), offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The route is only accessible from April to November.


The Maple Leaf Train

To conclude, among the best train itineraries in the U.S., we have the Maple Leaf Train. On board, passengers can explore the northeastern part of the country. The route starts from Niagara Falls and crosses the Finger Lakes region and the Hudson River Valley, finally reaching New York City. You can also do the same route in reverse departing from NYC and ending in Niagara Falls.

HAPPY TRAIN TRAVELS!

US TRAIN ITINERARIES - PHOTO GALLERY 

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DISCOVERING THE UNITED STATES BY RAIL

   ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE 8 BEST ITINERARIES BY TRAIN