Train trips in the United States are often overlooked, with people preferring to travel by car or plane.
From mountain passes to ocean views and rolling forests, these long-distance train routes make getting to the destination almost the best part of the story.
Taking a long train ride in the USA is one of the most underrated experiences available.
As many of you probably suspect, train travel in the U.S. is dominated by Amtrak.
However, there are private companies offering luxury train tours in the USA that offer something a little different.
When you swap airplanes for wide windows, dining cars, and sleeper cabins, believe me, it’s an incredible experience.
So grab a coffee and let’s talk trains.
Why Train Travel in America Still Feels Magical
Long-distance routes stretch across deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines, offering hours of uninterrupted scenery that shifts like a slow-moving film reel.
There is also something deeply satisfying about watching a country as big as the United States reveal itself mile by mile.
You feel scale, distance, and geography in a way planes will never be able to provide.
Some of the best train trips in the United States are an adventure awaiting to be discovered.
The Best Western and Mountain Routes
The California Zephyr
The western region is where the continent’s most dramatic multi-day train journeys unfold.
The California Zephyr remains one of my favorites because the landscape is varied and so beautiful.
The journey from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area begins in open plains before climbing into the Rocky Mountains.
There, winding river canyons, snowy passes, cliffs, and alpine forests dominate the view.
After the Rockies, the train crosses high desert country before rising again into the Sierra Nevada.
Few routes capture the diversity of the American landscape as completely as this one, which is one of the great bucket list train rides.
Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area) is roughly 2,438 miles and just over two days of continuous travel.
The Empire Builder
The Empire Builder is one of those train journeys that will stay with you for a long time afterwards.
The journey covers roughly 2,200 miles and is typically nearly three days, crossing some of the most remote and underappreciated landscapes in the country.
After leaving the Midwest, the train glides through wide-open plains before entering Montana.
Long stretches of prairie give way to big sky, distant mountains, and rivers that seem to run forever.
One of the most striking moments comes as the route skirts the edge of Glacier National Park, where snow-dusted peaks, dense forests, and dramatic valleys appear almost without warning.
If you want to experience the northern spine of the country, this is the journey for you.
Pair a train trip with a deeper dive using our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary or an Oregon Coast Getaway.
Train Trips in the United States: Coastal Train Journeys of the Pacific
The Coast Starlight
Another remarkable western journey is the Coast Starlight.
This route connects Seattle to Los Angeles, merging two entirely different areas of the Pacific coast. I so want to take this trip.
The northern half of the ride is green, misty, and mountainous.
As you travel southward, the landscape changes into open coastline, golden hills, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s truly a beautiful journey and well worth taking. It is on my must-do list!
The journey is approximately 1,377 miles, around 35 hours.
Epic Desert Train Routes of the American Southwest
The Southwest Chief
When you head southwest, you get an entirely different experience.
The Southwest Chief travels from the Midwest through Kansas and into New Mexico and Arizona, where the views are desert mesas, red rock formations, and endless sky.
It is something a little different.
On this train, you fall asleep and wake up in an entirely new environment, which is kind of neat.
I’m told the views of the desert are almost otherworldly.
I believe this route is particularly appealing to travelers who want to experience the country’s quieter yet more stunning landscapes.
There is an altogether more surreal feel to this journey.
Chicago to Los Angeles is about 2,265 miles, which is just under two full days on board.
The Sunset Limited
Stretching from New Orleans to Los Angeles, this train travels nearly 2,000 miles across the southern edge of the country and typically takes about two nights on board.
This is a journey defined by dramatically changing landscapes.
The route begins in the humid South, passing bayous and wetlands before pushing westward into Texas, where the views seem to stretch out for miles uninterrupted.
As the train continues, the landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic, shifting into desert terrain.
It honestly sounds so perfect.
It’s a route that emphasizes scale and solitude, and it’s a great way to cross the whole country.
Train Trips in the United States: Eastern Train Routes Through Forests and Rivers
The Lake Shore Limited
If you like your landscapes a bit more gentle and historic, then the Eastern routes are perfect for you.
These train journeys have landscapes that include stretches of water, forests, and historic towns.
These routes weave through forests, lakes, foothills, and rivers, creating a calmer and more contemplative experience.
The Lake Shore Limited connects major cities while still offering wide views of the Northeast and Midwest.
It is especially wonderful during autumn.
If you are looking for some of the cheapest scenic train rides USA style the eastern routes are more budget-friendly while still offering impressive scenery.
Chicago to New York City or Boston is about 960 miles and is usually an overnight journey.
If you are looking for more epic fall journeys, read my suggestions here: Fall Foliage Road Trips In The USA?
The Crescent
The Crescent offers one of the most fascinating north-south journeys in the country. Running from New York City down to New Orleans, the route covers roughly 1,377 miles and takes around 30 hours.
What makes the Crescent special is not dramatic peaks or deserts, but the way it reveals gradual change.
You move from dense urban corridors into rolling countryside, forests, and rivers.
You fall asleep somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic and wake to warmer air, softer light, and a different rhythm entirely.
It’s an ideal route for travelers who want to feel the cultural and geographic shift between regions without rushing.
Definitely on my bucket list.
If you plan to stop in this classic Southern city, check out our Charleston Travel Guide and Weekend Itinerary.
The Peak of Luxury Train Tours USA
While Amtrak is the core of US rail travel, private operators are offering specialized luxury experiences focusing on daylight sightseeing, gourmet cuisine, and bespoke service.
The most famous of these luxury train tours USA is the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route.
Traveling between Denver and Moab over two days, this train is famous for its custom, glass-domed coaches.
They provide an unparalleled 360-degree view of the mountains, canyons, and colorful deserts of the American Southwest.
Since all travel is during the day, you stay in comfortable hotels overnight, ensuring you don’t miss a single breathtaking vista.
Other high-end options include the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service through the stunning Alaskan wilderness.
The fine-dining experience of the Napa Valley Wine Train is also wonderful; it travels through California vineyards while serving you great food.
Train Trips in the United States: What Life Onboard Actually Feels Like
Understanding the onboard experience is essential before booking is essential for a great journey.
Most travelers planning multi-day overnight train trips in the United States have never taken one before, so here are some things to think about.
Coach seating is more spacious than air travel and works well for short sections.
Most travelers planning multi-day overnight train trips in the United States will want a sleeper cabin for privacy and comfort.
I like the roomettes they offer two seats that convert into beds, small storage spaces, a fold-out table, and a door that closes.
The bedroom carriages are larger, include a sofa and chair, and come with a private bathroom.
Both room categories allow you to settle into your own space, unpack slightly, and treat the train as a moving hotel
Of course, these might differ slightly depending on what train you are on.
Dining cars bring structure to the day, especially for sleeper passengers whose meals are often included.
The lounge and observation cars generally have wide windows, swivel seating, and an open design.
This makes them a perfect place to watch the view go by.
Train Trips in the United States: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting beaches or spas during your vacation.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
What to Pack for a Smooth Multi-Day Journey
Packing for a rail trip is different from packing for a flight or road journey because your space is compact and your daily rhythm changes.
It helps to keep your essentials in a small overnight bag rather than a large suitcase.
Toiletries should be accessible, including anything you need for freshening up in shared or private bathrooms.
Comfort matters on these journeys.
Soft clothing, layers for temperature changes, and shoes that slip on and off easily will make your time onboard much easier.
Headphones allow you to block out sound when you need rest, and an eye mask helps during early mornings or overnight stretches.
Snacks and a reusable water bottle are worth having because your appetite will not always match the dining schedule.
A portable charger and downloaded entertainment are also wise because Wi-Fi and cell signal can be inconsistent.
Whether you want something adventurous, contemplative or simply different, these scenic rail travel journeys show a side of America most don’t see.
Whether you choose dramatic western peaks, quiet eastern forests, bold southwestern deserts or coastal panoramas, these journeys show a side of America that many never see.
When you take one of these train trips in the United States, the journey becomes as meaningful as the destination. It might even become your favorite way to travel.
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