A road trip is undoubtedly one of the most significant ways to experience the breathtaking sights the United States offers. Still, now and then, it’s lovely to step away from the wheel and allow someone else to decide the best course of travel. The answer? Take one of the most incredible train trips in the USA and leisurely meander across the nation, giving you time to reflect on life, mull over the nature of existence, or spend a few hours staring out the window and thinking about nothing.
A nostalgic, romantic, and, most importantly, unhurried method to travel the nation is by train. Even a commuter train between two major cities can be preferable to driving, but these picturesque train journeys go above and beyond that. These train routes will allow you to take in all the breathtaking views because they are intended for long-distance travel from coast to coast or are created explicitly for scenic journeys.
Denver to Moab | Rockies to the Red Rocks
The new “Rockies to the Red Rocks” excursion, the first US offering from the Canadian business Rocky Mountaineer, brings travelers on a two-day journey from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, traveling through the spectacular Rocky Mountains and southwest countryside along the route. The very best? From the glass dome on top of the train, passengers can view the stunning natural environment! Yes, we’re talking about unhindered vistas of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the USA. Season 2022 will begin in August and last until October.
Amtrak Coast Starlight
Tour western cities while riding along the breathtaking Pacific coastline on the storied Amtrak Coast Starlight. You may travel 36 hours by way of the Starlight, which has Superliner sleeping, sightseer lounging, and eating cars. The route passes Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound, and impressive coastal cliffs as it stops in Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Santa Barbara. Bi-level coach accommodations on the train include extra legroom, foot and leg rest, and curtains. For the best views, sit on the west side of the upper level. Upgrade to a private room for benefits like priority boarding, fine dining, and turndown service. All personal room rates include onboard meals. Family rooms are available, each sleeping up to four people and with private restrooms and shower facilities.
Amtrak Empire Builder
If long train journeys across the country are your thing, look at the Amtrak Empire Builder, which follows Lewis & Clark’s route through the Midwest on its way to the Pacific Northwest. The one-way, 46-hour trip offers magnificent views of the Great Plains, Mississippi River, Glacier National Park, Gassman Coulee Trestle, and Montana’s Big Sky Country.
There are sleeping cars, lounge cars, and dining cars on the train for your comfort. There are family rooms and accessible rooms available, and there are many onboard dining options, but Wi-Fi is not offered. The duration of each station stop can range from five minutes to more than thirty minutes. The train will depart at the appointed time whether or not there are ticketed passengers, so there may occasionally be opportunities to get off and grab a bite to eat.
During the warmer months, a volunteer from the National Park Service’s Trails & Rails program gets aboard the train between Shelby, Montana, and Seattle to give commentary on the landscape, animals, and history.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad through the natural splendor of Verde Canyon in the American Southwest on a newly restored train car on a 3.5-hour, 20-mile round trip from Sedona, Arizona. While driving in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle, take in the stunning scenery. To maximize your time on board, the train offers three classes: coach, first, and opulent caboose rentals for groups, with both vintage train cars and an open-air viewing car.
Whether you go on a guided tour or take the train, visit the Sinagua cliff dwellings and the historic mining sites. You could also keep an eye out for local wildlife like antelope and bald eagles.
The Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure includes train transportation and entry to the John Bell Railroad Museum, which is housed in the depot and has relics and displays about rail travel and the indigenous peoples who formerly lived in the region.
Amtrak Adirondack
Take the breathtaking fall foliage in the Hudson River Valley of New York on the Amtrak Adirondack. To get to Gare Centrale Station in Montreal, Canada, you may travel this high-speed train via Upstate New York on a 10- to 12-hour journey over the Hudson River and Lake Champlain through mansions, forests, and farmland. Towns like Poughkeepsie, Saratoga Springs, Whitehall, and Ticonderoga are stops along the road.
The early departure of the Amtrak Adirondack from New York’s Penn Station results in a dinnertime arrival in Montreal. Have your passport and visa form ready for the officer; immigration may take one to two hours. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
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