Traveling across the U.S. by railway offers a unique and scenic way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes – landscapes that may or may not be seen from an airplane. From the towering mountains to the vast plains and all the blue sky one can handle, trains offer a front-row seat to America’s natural beauty. Prepare for adventure with these five U.S. railway voyages!
Coast Starlight
Departing from Seattle’s historic King Street Station, the Coast Starlight offers a journey along the Pacific Coast. Ride past Puget Sound, explore Portland’s lush greenery, and pass through fields of farms and vineyards before ascending into the Cascade Mountains, draped in evergreen trees and cascading waterfalls. From the high-tech city of San Jose to the sprawling Santa Clara Valley and winding up through the Santa Margarita Mountains, this trip offers coastal views all the way to Los Angeles. The journey ends at Union Station, a Spanish Mission-style terminal. This 35-hour trip is best for those who enjoy birdwatching and mountain landscapes.
California Zephyr
At 2,424 miles, the California Zephyr is Amtrak’s longest route, weaving through the landscapes of Chicago’s bustling city streets to the splendor of the Rockies. Watch the prairies of Illinois give way to the woodlands of Iowa and cross the mighty Mississippi River. The train winds through Denver and the Rocky Mountains, picking up views of the Columbia River, the Great Salt Lake, and the rugged Sierras before descending to the coast. This 51-hour trip is a dream for lovers of architecture, history and mountain views.
Empire Builder
Following the route of Lewis and Clark, the Empire Builder takes you from Chicago across the Mississippi and into the heart of the Midwest. Head into North Dakota and make your way to Montana’s Glacier National Park, climbing the Marias Pass at 5,236 feet – the lowest rail summit in the Rockies. The journey splits at Spokane, offering two options: one to Portland, the other to Seattle, passing through the longest tunnel in the Western Hemisphere. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and bald eagles as you descend into the Cascades during this 46-hour escapade.
Sunset Limited
The Sunset Limited, the oldest continuously running train in the U.S., takes you on a journey through Southern landscapes, from New Orleans’ lively streets to the vast deserts of the West. Cross Louisiana’s bayous, historic towns in Texas, and the Wild West, all the way to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. After a quick stop in Palm Springs, the train finishes at Union Station in Los Angeles. Along this 48-hour trip, you’ll pass historic sites like the Alamo and experience sweeping views of the American Southwest.
Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief follows iconic Route 66, offering an unforgettable journey through the Mojave Desert and past the Grand Canyon. After a stop in Albuquerque, the train climbs through New Mexico’s red-rock canyons, past the colorful landscapes of the Southwest. As you cross the Raton Pass and make your way through Kansas City, enjoy scenic views of farmland and rivers before arriving in Chicago. This 40-hour route is perfect for lovers of dramatic landscapes and classic Americana.
Visit amtrak.com or ffestiniogtravel.com for more information. To find even more railway adventures, visit wanderlustmagazine.com.
