By Reagan Johnson
Before highways crisscrossed the country and air travel crowded the skies, the train was America’s first ticket to discovery. It connected small towns to big cities, carried families westward in search of a new life, and helped build the nation one mile of track at a time. While the golden age of rail may be behind us, train travel still holds a special place in the American imagination.
Today’s scenic rail routes offer more than just a way to get from place to place—they also offer a journey through landscapes rich in history, beauty and frontier spirit. Whether rolling past red rock canyons, climbing the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, or pulling into a national park, these rides are steeped in the same wonder that fueled America’s westward dreams. To experience the magic for yourself, here are five of the best train trips you can take across the U.S.
California Zephyr
Winding through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the American West, the California Zephyr offers travelers a front-row seat to the country’s rugged beauty. With glass-dome views and a leisurely pace, it’s the kind of trip that invites quiet reflection alongside wide-eyed discovery.
- Route: Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Distance: Approximately 2,438 miles
- Duration: ~52 hours
- Highlights: Traverses the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, offering views of the Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon, and Donner Pass
- Accommodations: Coach and sleeper cars, dining car, café, and observation lounge
- Booking: Amtrak – California Zephyr
Southwest Chief
This legendary route traces the path of pioneers, outlaws, and rail workers who built the backbone of the West. From quiet plains to red rock canyons, the Southwest Chief carries passengers through timeless landscapes and past echoes of classic Western lore.
- Route: Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA
- Distance: Approximately 2,265 miles
- Duration: ~43 hours
- Highlights: Passes through the Painted Desert, Red Cliffs of Sedona, and historic towns like Dodge City
- Accommodations: Coach and sleeper cars, dining car, café, and observation lounge
- Booking: Amtrak – Southwest Chief
Coast Starlight
Blending coastal elegance with Old West charm, the Coast Starlight is one of the most picturesque rail journeys available in the U.S. With soaring mountain ranges, seaside cliffs, and vibrant cities dotted along the way, this trip is perfect for travelers who want it all—from natural beauty to cultural landmarks.
- Route: Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA
- Distance: Approximately 1,377 miles
- Duration: ~35 hours
- Highlights: Scenic Pacific coastline, Cascade Range, and cities like Portland and San Francisco
- Accommodations: Coach and sleeper cars, dining car, café, and observation lounge
- Booking: Amtrak – Coast Starlight
Grand Canyon Railway
Short and scenic, this historic route offers an authentic taste of frontier travel. Departing from a charming small town and rolling through Arizona’s high desert, the Grand Canyon Railway brings travelers straight to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, with vintage flair and plenty of charm packed into its relatively short duration.
- Route: Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park
- Distance: 65 miles
- Duration: ~2 hours and 15 minutes
- Highlights: Historic steam and diesel locomotives, views of the Coconino Plateau, and arrival at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
- Accommodations: Various classes, including Pullman, Coach, First Class, Observation Dome, and Luxury Parlor
- Booking: Grand Canyon Railway
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This is one of those bucket-list trips where the train itself is the destination. Pulled by vintage steam locomotives through remote canyons and towering peaks, the Durango & Silverton offers a powerful, immersive glimpse into the wild beating heart of Colorado.
- Route: Durango, CO to Silverton, CO
- Distance: 45 miles
- Duration: ~3.5 hours (one way)
- Highlights: Historic steam-powered trains, Animas River Gorge, and San Juan Mountains
- Accommodations: Open-air gondolas, standard coaches, and deluxe parlor cars
- Booking: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The West Wasn’t Won in a Hurry
In a world that moves at breakneck speed, train travel reminds us to slow down and take in the view. These five routes carry the spirit of American railroading, offering a front-row seat to the stories, landmarks, and landscapes that helped shape the nation. From Amtrak's long-haul legends to lovingly restored heritage railroads, each journey is a chance to reconnect...with the past, with the land, and with the people we meet along the way.
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About the Author
Reagan Johnson has spent more than 20 years in television, publishing, and marketing, with the last four as a contributing writer, content strategist, and editor for INSP. Her travel writing has appeared in Forbes Travel Guide, Smithsonian Magazine, MSNBC Travel, Jetsetter, ISLANDS, and Weddings Unveiled, along with custom content for clients including Oil Nut Bay and Brand USA. She has served as travel editor-at-large and digital content fact-checker for Smithsonian Magazine’s native travel features. Reagan also manages a boutique marketing agency specializing in travel, hospitality, and tourism brands, blending editorial expertise with strategic insight to create engaging, audience-focused content.
