Traveling by train is more relaxing than taking a flight as one does not have to worry about unfamiliar terminals or stringent security checks. Also, as in the case of a car journey, one need not be attentive behind the steering wheel. During a train ride, all one has to do is sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscapes passing by. One can choose from several popular train trips across the country.
Aurora Winter Train
Those who want to witness the spectacular northern lights can plan a scenic train vacation aboard the Aurora Winter Train. True to its name, this train only runs in winter, which stretches from September through to May in Alaska. The train moves from its starting point at Anchorage to its destination at Fairbanks, covering the 358-mile journey in 12 hours. It passes through some of the most stunning sceneries of the state, providing passengers with views of gigantic mountain passes, dense wilderness, expansive bridges, and celestial night skies. The biggest advantage of booking a seat on the Aurora Winter Train is that travelers can roam freely in the coach to get a better view.
Yellowstone National Park Getaway
Among the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Yellowstone National Park is known for its beautiful views, hiking trails, and hydrothermal features like geysers and hot springs. This train journey is a great way to get to the national park from Salt Lake City, Utah. The Yellowstone National Park Getaway includes a 360-mile round-train trip covering famous attractions like the Firehole Canyon, Old Faithful, and Isa Lake on the Continental Divide. During off-peak season, travelers can enjoy the wilderness in all its glory and spot rare species of wolves in the Lamar Valley. For these reasons, the Yellowstone National Park Getaway is among the top scenic train journeys in America one cannot miss.
Cass Scenic Railroad
People who love nostalgic train trips involving period steam locomotives will adore the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia. This ride provides a one-of-a-kind retro experience to travelers as it passes the country’s original colonial frontier from railroad tracks, cutting through the formidable Appalachian Mountains. Travelers can segue their train journey into one of the country’s newest and most popular national parks—the New River Gorge National Park—to make their holiday experience even more memorable.
California Zephyr
At around 2,400 miles, this 51-hour, 20-minute trip is the longest scenic train ride in the US by Amtrak. The California Zephyr begins at Emeryville, California and concludes at Reno, Nevada. Due to its incredible length, many choose not to complete the entire trip. A popular route in this journey stretches from the Bay Area (travelers can get on the train at Emeryville or San Francisco) to the Lake Tahoe area (travelers can get off in Truckee or Reno). This is one of the must-see scenic train rides as passengers can witness the beauty of Tahoe and take in the dreamy views before the train gets to its destination.
Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad
Certain scenic train tours, such as the Narrow Gauge Railroad that heads from Durango to Silverton in Colorado, have more picture-perfect points than others. This 3.5-hour, 45.4-mile trip (each way) offers travelers an immersive experience of the wild wild west associated with Colorado. The train runs in both directions along the Animas River (crisscrossing it five times) and passes long-deserted mining camps, 14,000-foot-high peaks, and old stagecoach trails before winding up at Silverton.
Pacific Surfliner
This 351-mile Amtrak train runs along the California coast, allowing passengers to witness the state’s gorgeous beaches and delectable ocean views. For holidaygoers with 8 to 9 hours at their disposal, the Pacific Surfliner is perfect. The journey commences in San Diego before meandering up through Anaheim, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and other stops and concluding in San Luis Obispo, the busy central part of California. Amtrak’s trips have reasonable prices and offer travelers immersive and memorable experiences. For these reasons and many more, the Pacific Surfliner ranks among the country’s famous scenic train routes.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
At a brisk 3.5 hours, this is among the shorter train trips. Still, travelers get to enjoy picturesque landscapes. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad passes through Bryson City, North Carolina, covering local gems like a soda fountain, famous breweries, and barbecue joints. Bryson City is at its most beautiful during the foliage season, so travelers generally prefer taking this journey just as summer concludes and the fall season begins. Some visual highlights of this scenic train ride for tourists include the beautiful and forested Nantahala River and the Fontana Lake.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Like Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park is a staple destination for travelers and tourists from across the globe. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers travelers a perfect way to closely experience this national park and its many aesthetic highlights while moving at a brisk speed. Passengers can choose from various ride options, including swanky evening jazz-themed journeys and seasonal Halloween-inspired trips. It is among the most beautiful train routes for adventure and wildlife lovers.