Train travel used to be option A when people were trying to get from here to there. Then automobiles and planes came along and locomotives kind of took a backseat. But in recent years people have rediscovered the thrill of riding the rails. Climb aboard one of the following trains and experience the adventure for yourself!
California Zephyr
Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California
Clear your schedule for this one because a ride from start to finish on the California Zephyr takes a while. You’ll pass through small country towns and big cities like Omaha, Salt Lake City, and Denver before finally arriving on the West Coast. Some of the most scenic highlights during this multi-day excursion include the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the Great Salt Lake and Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah, and the gorgeous Sierra Nevada of California.
Grand Canyon Railway
Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
Sure, you could drive to the Grand Canyon, but where’s the fun in that? Plus, the old-school train cars of the Grand Canyon Railroad will make you feel like you’re on a steam engine in the 1880s. The ride through the northern Arizona landscape is stunning, but that’s just the appetizer for what’s to come when you step off the train at the South Rim.
Ethan Allen Express
New York City, New York to Rutland, Vermont
This higher-speed passenger train through New York State to the heart of Vermont is the weekend getaway you’ve been looking for. You’ll pass through the state capitol of Albany before crossing the border into the Green Mountain State. Explore the small towns and villages while looking for the best maple syrup or mingle with locals at downtown watering holes.
Cape Cod Central Railway
Hyannis, Massachusetts to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
This may be a short ride, but it doesn’t cheat you when it comes to amazing things to see. The Coastal Excursion ride comes with an on-board narration describing the history of the area, the building of the Cape Cod Canal, local wildlife, and a stopover in Sandwich, the oldest village on the Cape.
Amtrak Southwest Chief
Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California
Yes, this journey starts in Illinois, but the meat and potatoes of it cuts right through the middle of America’s Southwest. It’ll be hard not to feel like an outlaw of the Old West while you cruise through the desolate, desert landscapes of New Mexico, Arizona, and southeastern California. This scenic train ride to the West Coast is one you won’t want to miss!
Coastal Classic Train
Anchorage, Alaska to Seward, Alaska
The grand scale of Alaska’s wilderness becomes very apparent on this Amtrak vacation. As you leave Anchorage and twist and turn your way along the Turnagain Arm. Then ducking into the backcountry of Chugach National Forest, you’ll feel like you’re 1,000 miles from the nearest town. But then you come to a stop in Seward, one of the most scenic towns on the continent. Go for an unforgettable cruise through Resurrection Bay or to Kenai Fjords National Park—it won’t disappoint!
Next time you want to clear your mind, trade the family SUV for a lounge car on one of these top scenic train rides in America. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of Amtrak AARP discounts to ensure you score the best deal on your train travel.
Header Image Via Shutterstock.com/SUPREEYA-ANON
