Traveling by train is a unique way to see the United States. Unlike flying, train travel allows passengers to see the changing scenery along the way. America’s long-distance rail routes pass through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, including mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and coastlines. Many also feature sleeping accommodations, dining cars, and observation areas with panoramic windows. Some journeys take just over a day, while others last three or more days and cross multiple time zones. These eight train trips prove that getting to the destination can be half the fun.
California Zephyr — Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area
Approximate duration: 52 hours
The California Zephyr is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the United States. Traveling between Chicago and Emeryville, near San Francisco, the route covers roughly 2,400 miles and crosses seven states. Passengers can enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s canyons, and the Sierra Nevada. One of the most notable stretches follows the Colorado River through remote areas that are difficult to see from the highway. The train also features a Sightseer Lounge with large windows. The two-night trip has constantly changing landscapes and is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the American West without driving.
Empire Builder — Chicago to Seattle or Portland
Approximate duration: 46 hours
The Empire Builder takes passengers on a trip through the northern United States, traveling from Chicago to either Seattle or Portland. The route follows portions of the historic Lewis and Clark expedition and goes through the wide-open states of North Dakota and Montana. One of its biggest highlights is the journey along the southern edge of Glacier National Park, where passengers can spot rugged mountains and wilderness. Travelers continuing toward Portland get to see the spectacular Columbia River Gorge. The train’s observation lounge is the best place to fully appreciate the views. For those who love mountains, national parks, and remote areas, the Empire Builder is the go-to choice.
Coast Starlight — Los Angeles to Seattle
Approximate duration: 34–35 hours
The Coast Starlight is one of America’s most beautiful trips, connecting Los Angeles and Seattle along the West Coast. Passengers travel through California, Oregon, and Washington, through a variety of jaw-dropping scenes. Views of the Pacific coastline are especially impressive, particularly between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Farther north, near Sacramento and Portland, the scenery changes to forests, mountains, and the iconic terrain of the Pacific Northwest. The journey takes less than two full days and offers tons of spectacular views.
Southwest Chief — Chicago to Los Angeles
Approximate duration: 43 hours
The Southwest Chief journeys through the American Southwest, following a route between Chicago and Los Angeles. The train passes through eight states, including Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Along the way, passengers see a variety of different terrain, from open prairies to large red rock formations and desert mountains. The route also travels near several historic communities associated with the old Santa Fe Railway and America’s westward expansion. Stops in Albuquerque and Flagstaff give passengers opportunities to check out the region in more detail, although doing so means booking separate train segments. For travelers fascinated by the landscapes and history of the American Southwest, this is the train trip for you!
Sunset Limited — New Orleans to Los Angeles
Approximate duration: 46 hours
This rail was started by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1894, making it the oldest continuously running named passenger train in the country. The Sunset Limited travels between New Orleans and Los Angeles and is one of the best rail trips that includes a bit of the southern United States. The journey begins in Louisiana and continues through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Passengers watch the scenery gradually change from the lush landscapes of the Gulf Coast to the dry deserts and mountains of the Southwest. The route passes through cities like Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, and Tucson. The wide-open deserts, where distant mountain ranges rise into the sky, are gorgeous. Unlike many other long-distance Amtrak routes, the Sunset Limited operates only three days a week, so plan ahead!
Texas Eagle — Chicago to Los Angeles (with Sunset Limited)
Approximate duration: 65 hours
In conjunction with the Sunset Limited, the Texas Eagle offers an especially long adventure, going from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. The Texas Eagle passes through Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas before connecting with the Sunset Limited in San Antonio. Passengers experience a mix of Midwestern farmland, wooded hills, historic towns, and Texas landscapes. Major stops include St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. West of Texas, the train winds its way through the desert scenery of the Southwest before hitting Southern California. With nearly three days aboard, the full route is ideal for travelers who love the slower pace and nostalgic vibe of serious train travel.
Floridian — Chicago to Miami
Approximate duration: 47 hours
Introduced pretty recently in 2024, the Floridian combines two former Amtrak routes into one long-distance trip between Chicago and Miami, connecting the Midwest with sunny South Florida. Passengers travel through the Appalachian region, the nation’s capital, and several historic Southern cities. The route includes stops in Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Savannah, and Orlando, with plenty of opportunities to extend the journey. Unlike western train routes famous for deserts and mountains, the Floridian has wooded hills, rivers, charming Southern towns, and lush landscapes. Passengers also experience a noticeable change in scenery as the train makes its way toward Florida’s subtropical areas. It really shows off the changing landscapes of the eastern United States.
Crescent — New York City to New Orleans
Approximate duration: 30–32 hours
The Crescent connects two highly unique cities: New York City and New Orleans. Passengers experience a scenic journey through the eastern and southern United States. The train passes through major cities like Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, and Birmingham. Travelers see everything from urban cities to the wooded countryside of Virginia and the hills of the South. The route is particularly beautiful during autumn, when leaves are full of color. Unlike some other routes, which are heavily focused on wilderness, the Crescent offers a closer look at the towns, cities, and historic aspects of the American South. It’s a wonderful way to travel between two of America’s coolest cities.