Best Train Rides in USA

Best Train Rides in the USA: Unforgettable Scenic Journeys I've Loved

Okay, I'll just say it: I'm a total convert. I used to think trains were just a way to get from point A to point B, usually slower than a plane. Then I actually took one of America's great scenic railways. Wow, was I wrong.

There's something magical about train travel. You're not staring at taillights; you're gazing out at sweeping landscapes you'd never see from a highway or 30,000 feet. You can get up and walk around, strike up a conversation with a stranger in the observation car, and just... relax. It's not just transportation; it's an experience. After years of seeking out these adventures, from short day trips to multi-day hauls, I've fallen in love with the rhythm of the rails. Let me share the best train rides in the USA that are absolutely worth planning a trip around.

The Coast Starlight: Ocean Views & Mountain Majesty 🏔️

This might be the crown jewel of West Coast train travel. The Coast Starlight runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, and the stretch from Santa Barbara up through Central California and into Oregon is simply unreal.

I took this ride in the spring, and honestly, I spent hours just planted in the sightseer lounge car. One minute you're watching waves crash against the cliffs near San Luis Obispo, and the next you're winding through the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range. The diversity of scenery is mind-blowing.

• Route: Seattle, WA - Portland, OR - Klamath Falls, OR - Sacramento, CA - Emeryville, CA - Santa Barbara, CA - Los Angeles, CA
• Can't-Miss Section: The ride along the Pacific Ocean just north of Santa Barbara. Try to time it for sunset it's pure magic.
• Pro Tip: Book a roomette if you're doing the full route. It includes all your meals in the dining car, which is a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a proper sit-down meal with a view.

My takeaway: This is the ultimate West Coast experience. It’s a long journey (over 35 hours), but it’s worth every minute. It completely changed my perspective on my own state.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: A Wild West Adventure

This isn't your average train. This is a living museum, a steam-powered time machine that takes you deep into the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The train itself is a historic artifact, and the vibe is pure 1880s.

I remember the sound of the steam whistle echoing off the canyon walls and the smell of coal smoke. The track clings to the side of steep cliffs high above the Animas River, and the views are, frankly, terrifying and spectacular in equal measure. Don't look down if you're afraid of heights!

• Route: Durango, CO - Silverton, CO (round trip)
• Can't-Miss Section: The High Line, which runs along a sheer cliff face hundreds of feet above the river. It’s the most dramatic part of the ride.
• Pro Tip: Book the open-air gondola car for the most immersive experience (and the best photos). Just bring a jacket it gets chilly up there!

My takeaway: This is less about the destination and more about the raw, thrilling journey. It feels like an authentic adventure straight out of a history book.

The Empire Builder: Crossing the Great American West

Named after the pioneering tycoon James J. Hill, this route traces a path of history and immense natural beauty from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. I rode the western segment from Glacier National Park to Seattle, and it was epic.

The highlight, without a doubt, is gliding through Glacier National Park. The train goes right through the heart of it, offering panoramic views of glacial valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains that are otherwise hard to access. I saw a bear cub from my window! The staff even provides narration through the park, pointing out landmarks and history.

• Route: Chicago, IL - St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN - Glacier National Park, MT - Spokane, WA - Portland, OR/Seattle, WA
• Can't-Miss Section: Glacier National Park, obviously. But the rolling plains of North Dakota and Montana have a quiet, hypnotic beauty all their own.
• Pro Tip: Schedule your trip for late summer or early fall. Not only is the weather in Glacier perfect, but you'll also see golden plains and the beginnings of fall color.

My takeaway: This route gives you a true sense of the scale and grandeur of the American West. It's a profound and beautiful cross-section of the country.

The Grand Canyon Railway: All Aboard for a Natural Wonder

This one is perfect for families or anyone who wants a taste of classic train travel without a multi-day commitment. The journey from the historic town of Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is pure, fun nostalgia.

They have musicians playing cowboy songs in the cars, and "stagecoach robbers" might even pay you a visit on the way back my nephew absolutely loved that part. The destination, of course, is the main event. But the train ride builds the anticipation in a way that driving up to a parking lot never could.

• Route: Williams, AZ - Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ (round trip)
• Can't-Miss Section: The final approach, where the ponderosa pine forest suddenly gives way to the breathtaking expanse of the canyon.
• Pro Tip: Splurge on the first-class car with plush seats and big windows. They also offer a vintage dome car that's really cool for 360-degree views.

My takeaway: It turns a trip to the Grand Canyon into a full-day event. It’s kitschy in the best way possible and removes the hassle of finding parking at the park.

The Napa Valley Wine Train: Elegance & Vineyards 🍇

For a completely different vibe, this is the ride for luxury, food, and wine. This isn't about dramatic mountain passes; it's about rolling vineyard views, gourmet multi-course meals, and impeccable service.

I did this for a special occasion, and it felt incredibly indulgent. You're seated in beautifully restored vintage Pullman cars, dining on food that rivals the best restaurants in the valley, all while the lush landscape of Napa drifts by your window. It's slow, sophisticated, and delicious.

• Route: Napa, CA - St. Helena, CA (round trip)
• Can't-Miss Section: The entire three-hour journey is a serene, beautiful experience. But sipping a glass of local cabernet as you pass by famous wineries is the whole point.
• Pro Tip: Book a lunch or dinner journey. The meal is the centerpiece of the experience. And check their website for special themed rides, like murder mystery dinners they're a blast.

My takeaway: This is the ultimate "treat yourself" train ride. It's a celebration of California wine country culture and a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

All Aboard: Your Tips for a Great Trip

After all these miles, I've picked up a few tricks to make your train adventure even better.

• Pack a Day Bag: Keep your book, charger, headphones, jacket, and any snacks handy. Your main luggage will be stored separately.
• Embrace the Observation Car: This is the heart of the train. Go early to snag a seat, and don't be shy about talking to people. I've heard the most amazing stories from fellow travelers there.
• Don't Stress the Schedule: Freight trains have right-of-way in the US, so delays are common. Seriously, just go with it. It's not a race. The journey is the point.
• Bring a Power Strip: Outlets can be scarce. Bringing a small power strip makes you a hero in the observation car and guarantees you'll make new friends.

My takeaway: The right mindset is everything. If you embrace the slow pace and the social aspect, you'll have an incredible time.

The Journey Is the Destination

That's the real secret, isn't it? In a world obsessed with efficiency and speed, the best train rides in the USA remind us to slow down and appreciate the journey itself. It's about the ever-changing view out your window, the gentle rocking of the car, and the unique rhythm of life on the rails.

Whether you're seeking epic mountain scenery, historic charm, or a luxurious getaway, there's a route with your name on it. So pick one, book a ticket, and get ready to see America from a whole new perspective. You might just find yourself, like I did, forever hooked on the romance of the rails.

My final takeaway: You haven't really seen America until you've seen it by train. It's a beautiful, relaxing, and unforgettable way to travel.