10 Great Rail Journeys To Take In The USA

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04 Apr 2025

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Rail journeys offer enjoyable travel experiences and many other benefits. You get to experience the best scenic view when exploring the countryside via rail journeys. The entire experience can be relaxing and you get to enjoy an adventurous trip.

The authorities ensure that passengers can relax during their journey. The compartments in US trains are interconnected, so passengers have the freedom to relax or recline at their will. The authorities have also provided reclining compartments for passengers who like to enjoy long-distance routes.

Benefits of Rail Journeys in the USA

To enjoy rail journeys in the US, passengers enjoy flexible and restriction-free travel. The journey also eliminates unwanted commuting through city routes.

A rail journey is the best way to get familiar with different cultures and social groups. You enjoy a journey with different groups of people from all parts of the globe.

Passengers get the flexibility to enjoy and be a part of a themed travel experience. The journey is the best way to entertain yourself without being distracted.

Compared to sea cruises and air travel, rail journeys are cost-effective. You can also ensure that you get to book and enjoy the journey at your convenience.

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10 great rail journeys to enjoy in the USA

The US is a country that offers some of the best and most iconic scenic beauties- the city and the countryside. When you book any rail journey route, you get to enjoy rugged mountain terrains, flat lands, sweeping coastal plains, exotic shorelines, and desert plains. So, if you are adventurous, then the USA rail journey certainly does have a lot to offer you.

It can be your lifetime experience to book a rail journey when in the US. You can continue reading further to understand the 10 best rail route journeys in the USA. You get all the information you may need before making your decision.

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1. California Zephyr

California Zephyr is considered as world’s most epic-filled rail journey. This route offers maximum exposure towards the interiors of the US. The journey takes over 48 hours but passengers get travel experience between the two most important states in the USA – California and Chicago.

When taking this route, you get a travel adventure to explore the prairie Midwest to lush green countryside views, horizons, and Rocky Mountain terrains. The gorges in between the narrow Colorado River line offer passengers the best view close to raw nature.

The best excitement is that passengers can book floor-to-ceiling window seats to enjoy the best views of the terrains. If you are further interested then you need to pay a visit to railroad museum- Colorado state for more information related to the journey. There are some of the best stops in-between this route from Salt Lake city to Union station and Western coastal lines.

2. Coast Starlight

There is no better way to explore the untouched Western coastal lines of US as compared to booking with Coast Starlight. You may find the route very much exciting. This route is one way to experience the diversity of the West coastline of US. The entire route is focused towards Southern points of Santa Barbara.

When travelling along this exotic route, you get to experience fluttering views of the Pacific Ocean and high cliffs along the shorelines. This certainly is the best journey if you like to see brave surfers crushing against the mighty ocean waves in the Pacific.

This journey will also showcase the best sunset scenes of the Ocean world. The rail service provides an observation room for people who like to enjoy breath-taking views of the Ocean shore line and Northern stretch lands. The route also explores some parts of the in-land within California. Cascade Range snow-capped mountain terrains are magical views for any traveler.

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Route – This route journey is between California, Los Angeles, and the Western parts of Seattle.

Distance – This journey stretches along 1,377 miles with breathtaking views of the Southern and Northern parts.

Time Duration- If you like to enjoy this rail route journey, then you have to dedicate around 35 hours to a one-way trip.

Highlights- When a part of this journey, you enjoy all views from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Barbara coastline and the Mighty Cascade mountain ranges.

Special facilities- Some special facilities of this route include a sleeping accommodation car, business class car, Pacific parlor, lounge, etc.

How to book- The tickets can be purchased at the Ticket kiosk located at the station or online via the Amtrak website.

Cost- To enjoy this journey in the US you have to spend $ 1,200 for sleeper coach, $ 500 for roomettes or $ 120 for seat coach.

3. Empire Builder

Just as the name suggests, this rail journey connects 3 main routes via Amtrak services. The rail route is considered as the epicentre of US rail route travels. This is one way to enjoy Fall landscapes of the US.

When selecting this route journey, you can experience the Great Plains to prairies, and woodlands in the countryside. Further in this journey, passengers also get a great view of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Rocky.

The journey showcases the best views if you book a seat in the observation car. You also get a chance to see the natural wildlife of the US, including bald eagles, moose, and wild bears. So, if you like to explore nature, then this is the best rail journey for you.

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Route- The journey is split between Orlando (OR) to Portland (WA) and Seattle to Chicago IL.

Distance- To enjoy every part of this journey you have to cover a distance of 2,206 miles, during your journey.

Time Duration- It is obvious that for this distance you have to spend around 46 hours or so for the entire journey.

Highlights- This journey will offer great views starting from the Glacier-rich national park area to the Mississippi River front and the Columbia River gorge.

Special features- Sightseeing lounge car, star liner, dining car, and seating coach.

How to book- You can approach a registered travel agent service or book tickets via the railway counters.

Cost- For sleeper class, it costs $ 1,200 and $ 150 for seat coach, while roomettes cost $ 500.

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4. Sunset Limited

If you are interested in Southernmost rail journey within US then Sunset Limited is the right option. This route offers best WoW factor to passengers. This is considered as next best rail journeys in USA next to California Zephyr. You may find this route slightly classic in features.

The journey links the Southern with the Eastern land. You can experience bayou lands of Alligator Valley – Louisiana. The route diverges along 153rd Mississippi river route, Texas and New Orleans.

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Route- The journey routes from California to Orleans via Los Angeles.

Distance: This route is approximately 1,995 miles in length.

Time Duration – To cover this route journey you have to be prepared to spend around 48 hours on one-way trip.

Highlights- The best highlights of this rail route journey include the Sonoran Desert, Texas plans and Louisiana Bayouts.

Special features – Seating coach, sleeper coach, and observation coach are the main features.

How to book- Bookings can be made via phone lines or in-person visit at the ticket counter.

Cost- You spend $ 1300 (sleeper coach) and $ 130 for seat coach, while roomettes are available from $ 600.

5. Pacific Surfliner

This is the best coast liner that ends at the LA. The starliner takes a Southbound route to LA. You enjoy great Oceanic views along the journey. The journey covers the main parts of the Pacific Ocean view- both Western and Coastal lines.

The rail journey can be enjoyed every day as bookings are available. This is the best route if you plan to visit San Diego. The rail route covers this journey in shorter time. you get to enjoy entire West coast on rails.

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Route- The route includes the Southern California coast to LA via San Diego and the coastal plains.

Distance- The main scenic beauty along this route stretches from 350 miles onwards. It offers a shorter route to travel to LA.

Time Duration- This journey can be covered only within 5 to 8.5 hours.

Highlights- Eco-friendly travel experience, comfortable lounges, city access, and exotic coastal views.

Special facilities- This is an ultra-modern rail coach offering power outlets, Bike racks, WiFi, business class travel, and café cars.

How to book- You have three options: in-person, phone, and online bookings.

Cost- The ticket prices may vary depending on the travel distance. You can opt for special discounts for senior citizens of around 15 %. Regular tickets may cost between 60 to 90 US$ $.

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6. Amtrak Cascades

If you enjoyed Pacific Liner, then you are going to love Amtrak Cascades. Both the rail routes share some common stops. The difference is that Amtrak Cascades penetrates deep into the Coastal plains. With this in mind, you can get to the US-Canada border if you make this route choice.

You may also find that the entire route is very much similar to Fairyland. So, if you want to explore the Rocky Mountains excitingly then you should book your seat here.

7. Adirondack

This is the best rail journey route in the US for travellers who like to enjoy autumn leaf peepers. If you are an adventurous type, then this route is perfect for you. During the journey, you come across multiple seasons, which you notice in the changing colors of the leaves.

You also get a chance to be a part of the vineyards of the US. Lake Georgia and Champlain are the next two main attractions. The entire route is country-bound via Houston valley.

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Route- New York City to QC (Montreal).

Distance- To enjoy this rail route journey, you have to cover over 381 miles via rail.

Time duration- The entire rail journey may take around 10 hours.

Highlights- Some of the highlights of the journey include Lake Champlain, the Adirondack mountain ranges, and Hutton Valley.

Special facilities- Scenic views are the first main special facilities offered by this rail route. You may need to book a window seat during your travel. You can also enjoy the lounge and café car during your travels.

How to book- You can book your tickets via the railway station in Canada or the Amtrak website.

Cost- The cost is on the affordable side, ranging from US$ $ 130 to 30.

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8. Rocky Mountaineer

If you want to enjoy Rocky Mountain views, then you should book your travel with this rail service. The journey is covered during a long stretch of time. The best feature is that the rail journey covers only daytime travel.

During your journey, you can visit Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Rocky Mountain terrain and much more. You get to depart by train at Moab.

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Route- The route includes the journey to Vancouver, Jasper, Quesnel, Seattle, and the Canadian Rockies.

Distance- The journey will cover only about 250-mile distance but in a longer time duration.

Time duration- This journey will take around 2 to 3 days, depending on the conditions.

Highlights- You get to enjoy sunny landscapes, luxury service, best and exclusive routes, hotel stays (overnight) and wildlife.

Special facilities- Some special facilities include a glass dome coach for better scenic views, hotel packages, onboard host services, gourmet dining, and a comfortable travel experience.

How to book- The bookings can be made via the official website. You can also approach nearby travel agents or reach them over the phone line.

Cost- Tickets might be slightly on the higher side, with CAD 1500 to CAD 4000 per person for the custom package.

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9. Durango & Silverton (Narrow Gauge rail journey)

This is a very short distance rail journey in the US. So, if you are in Colorado, then you can enjoy this journey. The journey is a part of the USA Heritage Services and is ideal for tourists. The journey also offers travellers a two-hour stopover.

The rail service has been operating since 1884 and is not a vintage collection. The entire journey runs 9318 ft above sea level.

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Route – The route includes Colorado, Silverton, Steam House, and Animas River.

Distance- The journey covers a short distance of about 45 miles.

Time duration- the best part is that this short duration is covered within the 9 hours.

Highlights- The journey offers stunning mountain views, wildlife spotting, rich US history, and Silverton exploration.

Special facilities- These include special concessions, Gondola cars (open-air type), fire engine experience, Historical site, and Deluxe and first-class travel experience.

How to book- Simply approach the ticket window or any travel agent in person or via phone line.

Cost- The ticket cost is about $ 99 to 169, depending on the class you select.

10. Grand Canyon

This rail journey will offer the best Grand Canyon exploration. This is a short 64 mile journey, but can be your one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This journey also offers you a chance to explore Williams town.

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Route- Arizona Grand Canyon.

Distance- 64 miles max.

Time duration- It takes around 8 hours.

Highlights- The best way to explore the Grand Canyon terrain.

Special facilities- Eco-friendly travel experience, Wild West lifestyle experience, and walking tour.

How to book- It is best to book tickets directly from the station or via mobile devices.

Cost- The current ticket cost is between $ 67 to $ 219 for a luxury coach.

Rail services in the US offer picturesque and breath-taking views of country side and city landscape. The rail compartments are luxurious and spacious for passengers. You can select different rail routes ranging from few hours to over a day or two. Rail USA is best way to explore natural beauty of the towns and small country-side.

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10 Great Rail Journeys To Take In The USA

Benefits of Rail Journeys in the USA