Best Cross-Country Train Rides in the United States

Coast Starlight Train

spring view of amtrak pacific northwest route — Courtesy of Amtrak

This train runs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, making planning a breeze, but it's definitely not your everyday train ride. During the 35-hour route, you'll see the wonders of California locales like Santa Barbara wine country and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Pacific Northwest gems like Portland, Oregon. Throughout the ride, you'll spot scenery that includes the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta and green valleys that stretch to the Pacific Ocean for miles and miles.

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Ethan Allen Express

views from amtrak ethan allan express train — Courtesy of Amazon

In the fall, there's no better way to see the foliage of the Northeast than traveling on the Ethan Allen Express. This daily train travels between New York City and Rutland, Vermont, so while it's not a very long trip, it's one that's well worth your time if you have a long weekend to spare. Of course, you can also take this trip during the spring, summer, and winter months—there's plenty to do, including hiking through wildflowers, taking a dip in Lake Champlain, and skiing Vermont's best peaks.

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Capitol Limited

fall view of amtrak capital limited train — Courtesy of Amatrak

You'll need a little more time for this travel adventure, but it's one that's perfect for history buffs. The Capitol Limited runs from—where else—the country's capital through the heartland of the United States before terminating in Chicago. During the journey, you'll see all kinds of landscapes, from Ohio's farmland to the Allegheny Mountains, to the Potomac Valley, to industrial Pittsburgh.

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The Napa Valley Wine Train

interior view of napa valley wine train — Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

The Napa Valley Wine Train itself is one of the most beautiful and luxurious trains out there, with accommodations you'll be raving about for years to come. Routes are much shorter—just two to six hours through California wine country—but filled with gourmet meals and sips on the train, as well as vineyard tours and tastings along the way.

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Pacific Surfliner

amtrak coast starlight train — Courtesy of Amtrak

California dreaming? The Pacific Surfliner is the train for you, as it hugs the Southern California coastline from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Along the way, you'll see the entirety of the coast, which includes everything from sprawling beaches, to rolling hills, to jagged cliffs. Feel free to hop on and off to bike, surf, or even explore renowned wineries.

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Denali Star

Alaska Railroad's flagship train departs Anchorage every summer morning for a 356-mile, 12-hour trek to Fairbanks. Along the way, it makes stops in popular locales like Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park where you'll catch a glimpse of North America's tallest mountain and the train's namesake peak: Denali. Hop aboard for a day trip just to see the sights and reach a new destination, or opt for a pre-planned multi-day itinerary that includes overnight accommodations—the choice is yours.

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Grand Canyon Railway

exterior scenic veiw grand canycon railway train — Courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Like the Napa Valley Wine Train, the Grand Canyon Railway is a historic train that truly feels like a treat to ride. On the train, which departs daily from Williams, Arizona, you'll ride on vintage rail cars through one of the true wonders of the country—the Grand Canyon—all while being entertained by western musicians and cowboy characters.

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Glacier National Park Express

mountain view glacier national park — Feng Wei Photography / Getty Images

Looking for a true cross-country experience? Reserve 10 days for this train trek, which will take you from Chicago to Glacier National Park and then on to Seattle. During the excursion, you'll see it all: the awe-inspiring architecture of Chicago, the sprawling Glacier National Park, the famous Seattle market, and the peaks and valleys of the landscape in between.

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Sunset Limited

If you prefer to see the Southern part of our country, hop aboard the Sunset Limited, which runs from Louisiana to California. Along the way, you'll have the chance to stop in locations like Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, and New Orleans. Out the window, you'll see a diverse landscape that includes mountains, deserts, and swamps.

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Great American Majestic Landscapes

exterior amtrak train near colorado — Courtesy of Amtrak

Here's another lengthy excursion, but one you won't want to miss since you'll truly see the country from coast to coast. The 12-day trip starts in the hustle and bustle of New York City, then travels through four other bucket list destinations that include Chicago, Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, and San Francisco, before ending in what's perhaps the best place to celebrate a fantastic trip: Napa Valley.

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The California Zephyr

amtrak train in california — Courtesy of Amtrak

The Golden State earns its nickname for a good reason—offering some of the most beautiful views in the country, from jagged cliffs over the ocean to unbelievably high mountains. If your travels take you to the West Coast and you need to get back east, consider booking the iconic California Zephyr. Sure, it's the long way home, but you'll be able to see the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, the Colorado River Valley, and many other gorgeous sights on this 2,300-mile journey.

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The Coast Starlight

coast starlight train ride — Courtesy of Amtrak

There's something nostalgic—and almost romantic—about taking a long train journey. As the primary mode of transportation for decades before air travel became more accessible, you almost feel as if you're traveling back in time when the conductor calls all aboard. For the ultimate West Coast experience through iconic mountain ranges, book a seat on the Coast Starlight along the Pacific coastline. You'll see views of the Pacific, Mount Shasta, Cascades Range—and even Mount Rainier on a sunny day.

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The White Pass & Yukon Route

white pass yukon route alaska train — Courtesy of White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Though you might not be up for an arctic hike, you can still witness some wintry beauty by taking the White Pass & Yukon route. This train is nearly 68 miles long and runs between Canada and Alaska. It follows the route of the Klondike stampeders, who trekked between these coordinates over a century ago. Talk about a worthwhile bucket list item.

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