There is something special about taking a scenic train voyage through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. From the Grand Canyon Railway to Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic, these are the best train trips in the United States.
Grand Canyon Railway
One of the best ways to see the vastness of the Grand Canyon is via train. Opened in 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway still operates with restored rail cars and features musical entertainment and cowboy antics. The 65-mile journey departs from Williams Depot and arrives at Grand Canyon Depot, located near the South Rim. Along your voyage, you will see ever-changing landscapes including the high desert, prairie, and pine and guests with seats in the observational dome car are treated to 360-degree views with its glass-top. Browse National Park tours 2021.
Napa Valley Wine Train
The luxurious Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the best train voyages in the country, especially for wine aficionados and foodies. Utilizing glamorously restored vintage rails cars including a 1917 Pullman Dining Car and a 1952 Vista Dome Car, the voyage takes guests on a 36-mile round-trip journey from Napa to St. Helena. There are different tour packages available including the full-day Legacy Tour which includes tours of local wineries in the region as well as a gourmet, locally-sourced 4- course meal. The Napa Valley Wine Train also features a Murder Mystery-themed train voyage where guests try to solve the crime of who killed one of the passengers, all while traversing the beautiful California landscape.
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The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains on this scenic railway journey. There are two different courses, the 44-mile Nantahala Gorge Excursion and the 32-mile Tuckasegee River Excursion. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has a first-class luxury dining car and an open-air gondola for breathtaking views. Different tour packages include a fall foliage viewing voyage, a wine and dining package, and a Peanuts-themed Easter train ride through the mountain range.
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Pacific Surfliner
Covering over 350 miles along Southern California’s coastline, the Pacific Surfliner is one of the best train trips in the U.S. The route connects locales like San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean along the way. The Pacific Surfliner is operated by Amtrak and features an onboard cafe as well as special racks to store your surfboard and other gear.
Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic
Departing from Anchorage and ending in Seward, Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic is one of the best ways to explore Alaska’s picturesque wilderness. The 4-hour scenic train voyage travels through famous landscapes including the Turnagain Arm, Kenai Mountains, and Resurrection Bay, with possible wildlife sightings along the way could including beluga whales, bear, bald eagles, and moose. Daily service is available from mid-May through mid-September and a variety of tours are available in Seward.
