great railway journeys usa

8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England ,  here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's  Amazing Train Journeys .

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m)  Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks.

From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published December 2020 and updated January 2024

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14 Best Train Trips to Take Across America for Breathtaking Scenery

Vacation in a new way to see some beautiful sights.

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While traveling by train can certainly be a more inexpensive option for a family getaway when compared to air travel or a boat cruise, that doesn't mean you'll be cramped and crowded. Many of the trips we have listed include luxury sleeper trains, amazing dining and, of course, unbeatable views. There are routes like the Surfliner, which runs along the Pacific Ocean (and would be an unforgettable destination for spring break ), the Grand Canyon Railway, a two-hour ride of bliss and tons more that are sure to pique your interest.

Let the best train rides in America also inspire you to make locomotives your transportation of choice even when you head to international destinations (we recommend you hop aboard Norway’s famous Flåm Railway ).

Still need help deciding where to go and what to pack? Check out Good Housekeepin g 's 2023 Family Travel Awards for expert advice, top-tested gear and more.

Amtrak Auto Train

If you’re traveling to a destination that requires use of a vehicle, Amtrak’s Auto Train allows you to pack it with you! It transports your car (or other recreational vehicles) as well as you and your family on a route from Washington, DC to Sanford, Florida.

Good Housekeeping’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab executive director, Lexi Sachs boarded the train with her family for a trip to Orlando, which she described as “just as fun of an experience for my two kids” as their trip to Disney World.

Sachs also pointed out that the train trip featured a range of seating options, from coach to bedrooms with pull down beds, lovely views of the East Coast, delicious dinner and breakfast, and allowed her to feel like she wasn’t losing a day of vacation due to travel. Plus, Amtrak offers priority offloading, “which means your car comes off first,” Sachs said, adding that “It was definitely worth it in my opinion!”

America's National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer

See eight destinations over 11 days when you embark on this incredible journey through canyons and mountains. You’ll have the chance to explore Arches National Park with its many sandstone arches, Canyonlands National Park, which is full of rock columns and original Native American cave paintings and Yellowstone National Park, where you will see its majestic hot springs and geysers. Not only does this package include multiple sightseeing tours, but it also covers 10 nights of hotel stays and three meals.

Grand Rail Experience

Visit great American cities, including Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and New Orleans, on this 14-day cross-country journey. Included in the package is six nights of hotel accommodations, seven nights onboard one of Amtrak’s sleeper trains, sightseeing tours and priceless landscape views.

You also get to take your pick from attractions such as the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo and Chihuly Garden and Glass for no additional cost.

Northern Rail Experience

Get your fill of adventure when you embark on this nine-day train vacation with stops in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Muir Woods.

Amtrak offers an all-inclusive package with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, and breathtaking views of the great plains and the Pacific Coast. Plus you and your family will enjoy three nights of hotel accommodations and five nights on board Amtrak in private sleeping rooms. One meal is also included.

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic

Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic departs from Anchorage and winds along the Turnagain Arm before turning off into the backcountry wilderness and eventually ending in Seward.

Look for views of the steep Chugach Range mountains plummeting right into the ocean, and the stunning shores of Resurrection Bay; wildlife sightings along the way could include beluga whales, sheep, bear and moose. Daily service is available seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September. Take a variety of tours in Seward — like glacier treks or sled dog rides — before heading back to Anchorage.

Amtrak’s famous Surfliner route runs between San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego, with multiple daily departures.

The route runs along the Pacific Ocean — almost close enough to catch a wave — for gorgeous views throughout the journey. And yes, you can bring along your surfboard; special racks are designed to hold travelers’ outdoor gear.

Napa Valley Wine Train

If you love wine and vintage aesthetics, you absolutely must experience the Napa Valley Wine Train. Century-old railcars traverse a 150-year-old rail corridor on this 36-mile round-trip journey. The railroad once transported guests to a spa resort in Calistoga and now winds its way across the pastoral California landscape from Napa to St. Helena and back, stopping at the famed region’s wineries all along the route. Four on-board kitchens provide locally sourced, top-end cuisine for a full luxury dining experience.

Grand Canyon Railway

This trip re-creates the historic voyage to the Grand Canyon by rail, which opened to its very first passengers in 1901. Passengers aboard the Grand Canyon Railway depart from Williams Depot and make their way to the Grand Canyon Depot, which is the last operating log depot in the country. The depot is located right in the middle of the National Park’s historic district, near the storied El Tovar Hotel, and merely 200 yards from the edge of the canyon’s South Rim. In all, the trip covers 65 miles of scenic terrain, with unmatched views and photo opps.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers on a scenic rail journey through this beautiful mountain range. Choose from two versions of the trip, named for standout attractions: the Nantahala Gorge Excursion (44 miles) or the Tuckasegee River Excursion (32 miles). Both offer a range of seating classes, including an open-air gondola and first-class dining car. Specialty versions of the trip include wine and dine, fall foliage spotting, and even a Peanuts-theme Easter ride.

Cass Scenic Railroad

The steam-driven Cass Scenic Railroad takes passengers through the mountains of West Virginia on revamped flat cars that hauled lumber to the Cass mill more than a century ago. The 11-mile heritage railroad runs from May through October, offering a trip through both history and scenery. Ride to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, for unforgettable views and picture-taking spots.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Cape Cod Central is a heritage railroad that operates on 27 miles of former New Haven Railroad tracks on Cape Cod. It takes passengers through marshes, cranberry bogs, dunes — places you can only access by rail. Come for a historic narrated daytime ride, Sunday brunch, sunset dinner, or a special festive holiday ride.

Sunset Limited

Travel between Louisiana and California on Sunset Limited, Amtrak’s Southernmost route. On the way from New Orleans through San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix and Los Angeles, see diverse scenery including the bayou country, Southwestern deserts, and California mountains. Three trains depart weekly in each direction.

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight works its way along the west coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. On the route, pass Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. Catch scenery from verdant valleys and forests to the snow-topped mountains of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta and the Pacific Ocean shoreline to boot. This striking route runs daily.

Empire Builder

Amtrak’s famous Empire Builder route runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. It covers portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, following the route of the pioneers. Urban views include the twinkling skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul; natural landscapes include the North Dakota plains, Big Sky country in Montana and Glacier National Park. The route runs daily.

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The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

It’s all about the journey on the best train rides in the USA, featuring mind-blowingly scenic routes

Of course, a road trip through America is one of the best ways to see the magnificent views on offer across the country, but from time to time it's just nice to take a break from being behind the wheel. Instead, how about taking one of the best train rides in the USA? Gently saunter across the country, leaving you free to contemplate life, ponder the meaning of existence or just spend a few hours thinking about nothing and staring out of the window.

Riding on a train can be a romantic, nostalgic, and best of all leisurely way to see the country. Even a commuter train between major cities can be a step up from a drive, but these scenic train rides are more than that. Geared towards long-haul trips from coast to coast, or specifically designed for enjoying the scenery, these train routes will let you take in all the glorious views.

Looking for a west coast adventure? Take the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle . Heading to Alaska ? Catch all the highlights on the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The Grand Canyon Railway and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you from quaint towns to national parks . There are even some shorter jaunts, like the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or the Hawaiian Railway that will give you a small taste of scenic train travel.

So hop aboard, enjoy the views, and take as many pics as you want without having to keep your hands on the wheel.

RECOMMENDED: The best camping in the USA

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Best train rides in the USA

1.  Rockies to the Red Rocks

Denver, co to moab, ut.

The first US offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the new 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. The 2023 season will kick off in August and will run through October.

Discover the  best things to do in Denver

2.  Coast Starlight

Los angeles, ca to seattle, wa.

Put a spin on the classic left-coast road trip by traveling by train instead. The advantages? Zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo-ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Discover the best things to do in Seattle  

3.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, az to the grand canyon, az.

Sure you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives, and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

Discover the best things to do in Arizona

4.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, il to portland, or.

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds, so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

Discover the best things to do in Portland 

5.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, ak to fairbanks, ak.

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

Discover the best things to do in Alaska 

6.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson city, nc.

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. Various routes originate here, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

Discover the best things to do in North Carolina 

7.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton woods, nh.

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288ft peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views—of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

Discover the best thing to do in New Hampshire

8.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa valley, ca.

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant is made up of a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

Discover the best  things to do in Napa

9.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

Discover the best things to do in Oahu

10.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, co to silverton, co.

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

Discover the best things to do in Colorado

11.  The Ethan Allen Express

New york city, ny to burlington, vt.

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. You’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

Discover the best things to do in Vermont

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• The Most Scenic Railway Journeys in the USA

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most scenic railway journeys found in the United States. It is notable for having been a National Historical Landmark since 1961. In terms of travel time, the railway journey clocks in at roughly three and a half hours. Staying within the state lines of Colorado, passengers travel from Durango to Silverton. The narrow gauge railroad was built during the Colorado Silver Boom in the late 19th century. The tracks were constructed to be two feet closer together than normal rail lines, which gives it the ability to hang onto sharper curves and pass through tight spaces on mountainous terrain. With its vintage coach cars and open-air gondolas, the ride along the Animas River takes passengers inches away from rock walls and canyons. Along the journey, wild elk or bighorn sheep can often be spotted.

Empire Builder

The Empire Builder is the longest ride of any railway on the list with about a 46 hour journey. The Empire Builder goes through seven states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Oregon or Washington. Starting in Chicago, the route has major stops along the way including stops in St. Paul-Minneapolis, Fargo, Minot, Havre, Whitefish and Spokane. From Spokane, the Empire Builder splits into two paths, with one path taking passengers to Portland, Oregon and the other to Seattle, Washington. Passengers who take a trip on the railway will have access to amenities including a cafe car, a dining car and a sleeping car. They will also get to see parts of the heartland of America as they travel to the Pacific Northwest. Notable sites on the journey include crossing the Mississippi and passing Glacier National Park in Montana.

Coast Starlight

Coast Starlight takes 36 hours in one direction, taking passengers down the West Coast of America from Seattle, Washington all the way to Los Angeles, California. The Coast Starlight has been in operation since 1971 and was the first passenger train to run the length of the West Coast. The route has many stops along the way, with the most notable being Portland, Eugene, Sacramento, Oakland and San Jose. Passengers on the trip have access to the same amenities as the Empire Builder with the addition of a Hi-Level lounge for first class passengers called the Pacific Parlour. The Pacific Parlour Car offers upscale seating, a full bar, food serving area, and even a movie theater. Passengers on the trip get to take in the landscape of the West Coast, the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound and beautiful forests.

Most Scenic Railway Journeys in the USA

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CANADIAN SUNSET

Our Canadian Sunset is a jewel of a trip featuring a rare four-night voyage through Upper Canada and scenic 1000 Islands aboard Canada's only riverboat, the 66-passenger Canadian Empress , at the height of autumn colors.  Also included is scenic train travel, four nights in New York State's beautiful Finger Lakes region, fine hotels, daily sightseeing and much more, concluding with visits to historic Niagara on the Lake and Niagara Falls for visual splendor throughout.

Being based in California, we must admit a built-in bias to the Western United States and we cover this beautiful region from top to bottom, starting at Glacier National Park, Montana and extending all the way to the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles in the south. Our Great Western Limited classic train offers vista-dome viewing over three different routes with all scenic sections timed for daylight.

Whether you choose our stunning ‘Elegant Canadian Rockies’ program with Glacier National Park, Montana or the awe-inspiring ‘Yosemite to Denali’ holiday which features a virtuoso visual treat with Yosemite, Alaska’s Inside Passage and Denali all in one sublime, relaxing vacation, we can show you the West best. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

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New Year’s at the Grand Canyon

2024/25 date:, december 29, 2024 – january 5, 2025, 8 days from $2,395 per person.

One of our most popular and affordable holidays to one of the prettiest places on earth. Travel to Gallup, New Mexico aboard the Southwest Chief train from either California or Midwest points starts this eight-day getaway, followed by a trip over the storied Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While cool, this is a magical time to be at the Grand Canyon with a light dusting of snow against the purple canyon walls and few visitors.

We have two nights at the South Rim with sightseeing and free time before, on January 2nd, doing the scenic drive to Las Vegas for a three-night stay at the iconic Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Here too, fine dining awaits including a magnificent farewell dinner at famed Lawry’s, the Prime Rib. Starting at just $2,395pp, this is a wonderful end to a year, or a nice beginning to a new one.

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September 20 to 27

2025 dates:, march 17 to 24, october 13 to 20, 8 days from $3,995 per person.

This is a showcase trip that is literally and metaphorically a peak experience, combining in one holiday great train travel with extraordinary sights including Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge, the Garden of the Gods, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway and three nights in glorious Santa Fe. Limited to 24 guests, we begin with vintage train from Chicago to Denver with classic Pullman sleeping cars, fine dining in a swank diner-lounge car and attentive service. Naturally all meals, wines & spirits aboard are included.

We then enjoy fine hotels along with rides on the famed Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, and plenty of free time to enjoy lovely Colorado Springs. Heading south we travel on the storied Royal Gorge Railroad through the Royal Gorge before the high point of the trip, a steam train trip over the extraordinary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad , the longest, highest and most authentic steam railroad in the country. We traverse the entire line on this full day magical excursion. Saving the best for last, we then have three nights in glorious Santa Fe with great dining and sightseeing.  You may want to book now as this trip will sell out quickly.

Southwest Enchantment

September 30 to october 8, march 24 to april 1, october 20 to 28, 9 days from $4,495 per person.

We have long found the Southwest one of the most stunning parts of the country and have created a brilliant holiday with fine hotels, a leisurely pace, travel over the original Route 66, some exceptional dining and a train ride on the storied Grand Canyon Railway, all in a small group that will not exceed 18 guests. Discover one of the most enchanting towns in America, Santa Fe, and in Winslow explore the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest before the centerpiece of your trip, a two-night stay at the famed La Posada Hotel.

Visit little known Homolovi State Park with its excellent visitor center devoted to the Hopi, and stunning Meteor Crater, the best-preserved meteor impact site on earth. Saving the best visual splendor for last, marvel at the Grand Canyon, traveling the entire South Rim. Board the Grand Canyon Railway for the scenic trip to historic Williams, AZ. Next, travel west over the most interesting part of Route 66 through towns like Ash Fork and Seligman on this historic roadway, complete with 1940’s era road signs for Burma Shave, a wonderful journey back in time while en route to Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, we have included a deluxe hotel stay for two nights a farewell dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib.

Rockies to the Red Rocks

2024 dates:, april 23 to 30, october 15 5o 22, 2025 dates:, april 22 to 29, september 23 to 30, 8 days from $4,295 per person.

Experience the majesty of America’s spectacular Western parks, carved over the eons into masterpieces of nature, from the soaring stone bridges of Arches to the mesmerizing spires of Canyonlands and from Monument Valley’s iconic vistas to the timeless grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Aboard the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , take in an extraordinary landscape of towering mountains, deep canyons, the Continental Divide and along the Colorado River, the same route once showcased by the original California Zephyr .  

As a special treat, marvel at the beauty of Dead Horse State Park, a rarely visited beauty just as stunning as the National Parks, and in the Grand Canyon, relish a panoramic ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway . Along the journey, magical touches abound, including an expert Navajo guide in Monument Valley, two nights in entrancing Moab, a farewell dinner at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Las Vegas and, of course, all hotels, transportation and sightseeing included along with your dedicated Uncommon Journeys professional tour manager.

Spring West Coast Swing

April 17 to 28, 13 days from $2,495 per person.

Operating in spring of 2024, our West Coast Swing offers up the very best of the West Coast by train and ship, with some of the prettiest sights on earth. Beginning in historic Old Sacramento, our guests enjoy relaxed visits with comprehensive sightseeing included to Yosemite, stunning Hearst Castle and Morro Bay, the California Coast, the wine growing region of Paso Robles, and San Diego.

And this is all before the highlight of our holiday, a rare five-day Pacific Coastal voyage aboard the splendid Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Line from San Diego to Vancouver that features two more legendary West Coast stops, lovely Santa Barbara and charming, very British Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, followed by Vancouver. With fine hotels, most meals and special attractions like the California State Railroad Museum and more, we look forward to showing you the very best of the West Coast. All Aboard!

Rocky Mountain Majesty

2024 dates:, may 3 to 10, october 18 to 25, may 16 to 23, october 17 to 24, 8 days from $4,695 per person.

Rarely does one holiday offer the visual splendor this one does beginning with visits to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, along with a visit to lesser-known Dead Horse State Park which is a hidden jewel, with complete touring of each park, and this is after two indulgent nights at the superlative Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. After Arches & Canyonlands, we board, right in Moab, the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-day journey, traveling in daylight hours only, to Denver. In addition to this fine train, our guests enjoy an overnight stay en route in historic Glenwood Springs. This train trip is legendary, traveling along the Colorado River and through Glenwood Canyon and through the Rockies in supreme comfort in big-windowed cars and every creature comfort onboard.

Upon arrival in Denver, we transfer to lovely Colorado Springs for a three-night stay where more stunning vistas await, from the spectacular Garden of the Gods to the famed Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak. We also visit the impressive US Air Force Academy and enjoy a trip through the Royal Gorge over the Royal Gorge Railroad . With fine hotels, great dining, transportation, all transfers and complete sightseeing, this is one of our nicest western holidays ever. All Aboard!

Springtime in Yellowstone & Grand Teton

June 9 to 15 – once only, 7 days from $3,495 per person.

Our ‘Springtime in Yellowstone & Grand Teton’ is the first of our new Uncommon Journeys Select departures featuring deluxe small-group touring with never more than 14 guests on a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with personalized attention, roomy 2-1 seating, upgraded complimentary snacks (including See’s candy) and best of all, the ability to see places and things not possible with a big bus.

We begin with a stay in one of America’s grandest hotels in Spokane and then enjoy Yellowstone and Grand Teton at the perfect time of the year, before crowds and hot weather. With comprehensive sightseeing included everywhere, well-chosen hotels, most meals and a professional travel manager, this is a supremely comfortable way to travel. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Best of the West

June 19 to 30 sold out, july 10 to 21, july 31 to august 11, september 4 to 15, 12 days from $5,995.

Gaze at the delicate persimmon-hued rock formations of Arches National Park and then peer across a landscape of extraordinary shapes carved over millennia by the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. Float down the Snake River beneath towering peaks in Grand Teton National Park, witness Old Faithful keep her schedule in Yellowstone National Park and in Glacier National Park, ascend to the heavens along the Going to the Sun Road.

Ride aboard America’s greatest train ride, the showcase Rocky Mountaineer , with a stunning daylight passage through the Colorado Rockies from Denver right to Moab. Experience Lake McDonald’s mirror-like waters, the frontier fun of Jackson and Park City’s captivating silver mining history. As you watch the rising sun reveal the vertical cliffs of Moab, listen to the wind whisper through the pines at Yellowstone National Park, and touch the sky from the soaring mountains of Glacier National Park, the magnificence of America’s beauty envelops you.

Wonders of the West

June 29 to july 7 sold out, july 20 to 28, august 10 to 18, september 1 to 9, june 21 to 29, july 26 to august 2, august 16 to 24, september 6 to 14, 9 days from $3,995.

Bask in the grandeur of America’s western landscapes, from surreal pools and geysers to idyllic lakes and colossal peaks seemingly shaped by a heavenly sculptor. Journey by elegant train to Glacier National Park, where you’ll wind along the breathtaking Going to the Sun Road, every turn a visual marvel. On shimmering Lake McDonald, the crown jewel of Glacier Park, you will enjoy a cruise on emerald-hued waters while gazing at the Continental Divide.

Relish additional time on pristine waters with a dinner cruise to Jackson Lake’s Elk Island during your visit to Grand Teton National Park, a unique opportunity to dine amidst a sublime setting. In timeless Jackson, soak up the exhilarating atmosphere of the Old West, and in intriguing Salt Lake City, applaud the architectural jewels of Temple Square. Whether watching majestic bison roam or spouts of steam gush skyward, this uncommon journey will bring you closer than ever to the miraculous wonders of the west.

Canadian Rockies & Alaska with the Queen

July 27 – august 10 – once only, 15 days from $4,995 per person.

For summer of 2024, we have a one-time special holiday that is very special indeed since it combines in one stylish and relaxed journey two places on every traveler’s bucket list: Alaska’s stunning Inside Passage including Glacier Bay and the majestic Canadian Rockies, both at the perfect lime of the year.

And since how one travels is often as important as the destination, here too, we offer up two more bucket list experiences: Travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies on a stunning daylight passage aboard Via Rail Canada’s showcase Canadian with its iconic dome cars followed by Alaska aboard  the acclaimed  Queen Elizabeth of Cunard Line . Thus, our guests enjoy the last great train in North America along with travel aboard a ship that is the heir to the great traditions established with the original Queen Mary , Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2 . While countless ordinary cruise ships offer Alaska cruises, there is only one Queen ship offering it and these two components make our holiday a splendid undertaking.

Glories of the West

August 22 to 31 – once only, 10 days from $4,695 per person.

Our new Glories of the West holiday offers up great vistas of some of the most extraordinary scenery in North America, on a leisurely paced and well-designed Western holiday. Begin in Denver with two nights in the ‘Mile High City’ which allows not only time to see the historic downtown center but a beautiful full day excursion that takes the storied Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, a short but fun ride aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad and last but not least a driving trip with an expert narrator through the epic Garden of the Gods.

Next we board the California Zephyr for a spellbinding day trip through the Rockies over the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , the ”Main Line through the Rockies” to Utah, a visual feast of the highest order. Then we move on to two nights at lovely Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and then for a long time favorite of ours, the gorgeous Gates of the Mountain cruise on the Missouri River near Helena, made famous by Lewis & Clark on their great expedition west. After two nights in Helena, a scenic drive west to Coeur d’Alene Idaho and historic Spokane. Better still, as an early booking bonus, guests m ay continue to the grand spectacle of Alaska including Glacier Bay aboard Holland America Line for as little more as $199pp.

Great Glacier Park & Pacific Coast

September 11 to 22 – once only, 12 days from $4,295 per person.

Begin with train travel to Spokane aboard the Empire Builder followed by a stay at one of the great hotels of America, the historic Davenport, followed by three days in Glacier National Park with complete sightseeing including the Going to the Sun Road, a cruise on Lake McDonald, Many Glacier and adjacent Waterton National Park. Then, on to Banff and Lake Louise with special treats like dinner atop Sulphur Mountain and its epic gondola ride, the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper past dozens of glaciers and towering mountains followed by an overnight stay in lovely Jasper. Next up is a daylight train ride through the Rockies aboard Via Rail Canada’s famed Canadian with its iconic vista-dome cars.

After the train ride, travel to Vancouver and the Queen Elizabeth , stopping for filet mignon at the celebrated Gotham Steakhouse in Vancouver. Aboard the Queen Elizabeth , enjoy the closest thing to a classic ocean liner voyage available today. And there can be no grander end to any holiday than sailing into San Francisco aboard a majestic liner. This holiday has only one flaw– it will sell out quickly and prompt reservations are encouraged.

A Train Holiday to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, the Black Hills & Mt. Rushmore

September 13 to 22 – once only, 10 days from $4,895 per person.

For many years, our guests have asked us to offer a trip to impressive Mt. Rushmore in addition to our usual offerings to Grand Teton and Yellowstone each summer, and we have finally tailored the perfect holiday that offers, on one leisurely vacation, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore. Nicer still, our tour ends with a style and manner of transport that has all but vanished, travel aboard our own vintage streamliner train, the Great Western Limited on an overnight passage from Denver to Chicago, a rare chance to enjoy classic train travel with Pullman sleeping cars, an observation lounge car and excellent dining (naturally, all meals, wines & spirits while aboard are included).

Comfort, along with wildlife and stunning views, abounds on this trip, with most of our hotel stays being at least two nights long. Our guests enjoy time in Salt Lake City, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, historic Cody and three nights in Black Hills/Mt. Rushmore. Comprehensive sightseeing is featured and highlights include a cruise on lovely Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, complete touring of Yellowstone including Old Faithful, the Upper and Lower Loops and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. In Cody, there is not only a visit to the Buffalo Bill Historic Center but a chuckwagon dinner under the stars. And, of course, visits to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, historic Deadwood and even a ride aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad.

Connoisseurs Great Pacific Northwest

September 14 to 22 – once only, 10 days from $3,595 per person.

For September of 2024 we have created a special one-time holiday that combines in one relaxing trip a number of unusual destinations in the great Pacific Northwest along with two famed modes of travel: Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train with its epic views of the Pacific coast and the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth , one of the nicest ships afloat, on a rare Pacific coastal voyage. To these fun modes of travel we have added in fine hotels, some great sightseeing, a visit to spectacular Olympic National Park in Washington and lovely Harrison Hot Springs, BC.

After two blissful nights at Harrison Hot Springs a short drive brings us to Vancouver, where another highlight awaits, a grand bon voyage sailing day luncheon at the acclaimed Gotham Steakhouse, one of the highest rated restaurants in Canada. Saving the best for last, we then board the stately Queen Elizabeth at Vancouver Harbor, setting sail on a rare Pacific coastal voyage with all of the luxury and amenities you would expect on one of the world’s most fabled ships. While there are many reasons to savor a short sampler voyage on the Queen Elizabeth , one of the best reasons is the excitement of sailing under San Francisco’s majestic Golden Gate Bridge in true Ocean Liner fashion.

Steam through the West

October 4 to 12 – once only, 9 days from $3,995 per person.

A one-time trip that features three great train trips behind Steam through the American West with rides over the storied Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the historic Nevada Northern Railway and the fabled Virginia & Truckee Railroad . Nicer still, we have great ‘non-train’ adventures like a tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a ride over the original Route 66 across Arizona, a full day visit to stunning Lake Tahoe and much more.

With a relaxed pace, fine hotels, some great dining including breakfast daily, comprehensive sightseeing and more, this is a wonderful trip. Additional highlights include an overnight stay in Las Vegas on the Strip, a trip aboard the California Zephyr over the Sierra Nevada between Reno and Sacramento and a visit to the acclaimed California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. All Aboard!

North by Northwest

April 30 to may 10, 11 days from $3,995 per person.

Our one-time North by Northwest offers up a visual feast of great vistas beginning with the rightly praised route of the Co ast Starlight train from California to the Pacific Northwest. And this is just the beginning of wonderful sights that include Mt. Rainier National Park followed by a full day exploration of seldom-visited North Cascades National Park. And this is just the warm up for what comes next, an Alaska Inside Passage mini-cruise with mile after mile in the Inside Pasage where whales, bears and eagles are often sighted. This rare five-day voyage also features two fun ports in Alaska – Sitka and Ketchikan – for the ultimate Pacific Northwest holiday.

Nicer still, we have fine hotels, with each stay being two nights, comprehensive sightseeing (all included), some great meals and a professional tour manager to oversee the entire program with transfers, special parties and much more. This is an ideal springtime holiday when crowds are less, at a remarkably attractive price. We look forward to welcoming you aboard this vacation, with ease and comfort throughout. All Aboard!

May 2 to 13

12 days from $3,995 per person.

Our Spring 2025 West Coast Swing offers up a visual feast in one elegant and relaxing holiday that includes Old Sacramento, Yosemite, stunning Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach and train travel over the famed Coast Route of the Union Pacific Railroad , traveling along the blue Pacific for 131 miles.

Our guests enjoy two days at Yosemite National Park and a ride on the pretty Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad before traveling to Hearst Castle for a visit of this stupendous sight! We also visit Morro Bay and picturesque Pismo Beach, all before the centerpiece of our holiday, a rare Pacific Coastal cruise from California to Vancouver aboard the Royal Princess with stops in San Francisco and lovely Victoria, BC en route. One departure only and certain to sell out so call now. All Aboard!

Journey to the Great Bear Rainforest

October 1 to 12 – once only, 12 days from $3,495 per person.

This is a splendid one-time trip to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Alaska that visits the land of the white spirit bears. You will see mist-shrouded inlets along British Columbia’s untamed coastline, isolated outposts like Bella Bella and view Alaska’s Inside Passage. With train travel aboard the famous Coast Starlight , a comfortable three-night deluxe hotel stay (with breakfast daily and all taxes), a full day visit to Mt Rainier National Park and sightseeing to wondrous sights like Snoqualmie Falls and quaint Gig Harbor, this holiday is a visual treat.

Other nice features include a visit to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park with bears, moose, mountain goats and deer in a natural setting that we drive through with an expert narrator. And to end on an elegant note, during our stay in Victoria we visit lovely Butchart Gardens, where our guests enjoy Afternoon Tea. Call now for special early booking bonuses and amenities. All Aboard.

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UNITED STATES RAIL ADVENTURES

• Grand Canyon Railroad
• Verde Canyon Railroad
• White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
• California State Railroad Museum
• Fillmore & Western
• Skunk Train
• Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
• Essex Steam Train
• Wilmington & Western Railroad
• Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
• Illinois Railway Museum
• Boone & Scenin Valley Railroad
• Kentucky Railroad Museum
• Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
• Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

MASSACHUSETTS

• Cape Cod Central Railroad
• Lake Superior Railroad Museum
• North Shore Scenic Railroad
• Branson Scenic Railway
• Nevada Northern Railway Museum
• Virginia and Truckee Railroad

MORE RAIL ADVENTURES

• Green Mountain Flyer
• Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
• Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

WEST VIRGINIA

• Cass Scenic Railroad
• Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
• Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
• Wisconsin Great Northern Railway

NEW HAMPSHIRE

• Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
• Conway Scenic Railroad
• Hobo Railroad
• Winnipesaukee Railroad
• Adirondack Scenic Railroad
• Saratoga & North Creek Railroad
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
• North Carolina Transportation Museum
• Cuyahoga Scenic Valley Railroad
• Mt. Hood Railroad

PENNSYLVANIA

• New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• Steamtown National Historic Site
• Strasburg Railroad

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Black Hills Central Railroad
• Tennessee Valley Railroad
• Hiwassee River Rail Adventures
• Texas State Railroad
• Golden Spike National Historic Site
• Heber Valley Railroad

 Rail Adventures in Canada

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