Summary
- From urban-inspired getaways to snow-capped mountains, Amtrak offers scenic trips for all kinds of vacations, taking travelers to bucket-list towns.
- Amtrak routes are adaptable, whether for short 8-hour trips or multi-day adventures, offering peaceful journeys through stunning landscapes across North America.
- Whether solo, on a family vacation, or on a romantic getaway, traveling on Amtrak provides a relaxing and easy way to explore the US.
Whether seeking an urban-inspired getaway or an escape through snow-capped mountains, Amtrak offers scenic trips for all kinds of vacations and will take travelers to an array of bucket-list towns. Whilst cross-country road trips can be a fun and flexible way of exploring the US, traveling with Amtrak allows for a much more relaxing journey, whether you are traveling solo, on a family vacation, or enjoying a romantic getaway.
From short 8-hour trips to multi-day adventures, these Amtrak routes are adaptable and can be easily accessed from most major cities. They are undoubtedly the easiest and most peaceful way to soak up the stunning beaches, breathtaking mountains, serene deserts, and lively cities North America has to offer, no matter the season.
Amtrak
and
Amtrak Guide
have been referred to in this list as reliable sources covering Amtrak routes.
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7 Pacific Surfliner
This 6-hour trip between San Luis Obispo and San Diego is a peaceful, short journey for surfers and beach lovers
The Pacific Surfliner ventures 351 miles along the California coastline through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Travelers can even bring their surfboards and bikes onboard.
Wine tasting hot spots along the way include San Luis Obispo and Ventura, whilst Solana Beach and San Clemente boast beautiful beaches. Alternatively, stop at Anaheim for an array of renowned attractions and easy access to Disneyland, which is just a 15-minute drive from the Amtrak station.
6 Adirondack
This peaceful 10-hour train from Montreal to New York is the perfect romantic getaway
Traversing New York’s rivers and lakes, the Adirondack offers views of spectacular scenery and landscapes. This 10-hour journey is ideal for a short break and passes through several romantic stops that are great for couples. According to visitor reviews, it is America’s most scenic Amtrak route.
Popular destinations near the stations on this route include the wine country of the Hudson Valley, Lake Champlain, Lake George, and Saratoga Springs.
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5 Vermonter
This 13-hour, 45-minute trip between Washington, DC, and St Albans, Vermont, makes a great ski trip
No matter the season, the Vermonter is a great route for nature enthusiasts and those keen to try adventure sports. In the winter, skiers can make the most of the longest ski season in the East at Vermont’s infamous resorts, Killington, Mount Snow, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, and Stratton. Alternatively, in Fall, the changing foliage frames Vermont’s hiking trails in a bright blend of colors. This route takes riders through the great cities of New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore to the quaint towns nestled among Vermont’s mountains.
For those eager to explore small towns and access the mountains, Waterbury, Brattleboro and Montpelier are popular stops, whilst for city lovers, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore are essential.
4 Coast Starlight
Enjoy serene beach views on this 35-hour trip between Seattle and Los Angeles
One of the most scenic trails in the US, this coastal route offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains. With beaches, wineries and hiking trails dotted along the route, Coast Starlight is the perfect trip for a relaxing vacation.
Popular stops include Tacoma and Mount Rainier, Portland, and Santa Barbara. Coast Starlight is a beautiful trip no matter the season, but if you are looking to relax on the beach and catch a glimpse of Mount Shasta, summer is the ideal time to travel.
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3 Southwest Chief
Catch breathtaking desert sunsets on this 40-hour journey from Chicago to Los Angeles
The Southwest Chief takes travelers on an adventure through the American West. This route goes through 8 states and takes riders through mountains, deserts, ranches, and canyons. It is no surprise so many storytellers have taken inspiration from the alluring scenery and rich history of this area.
Top attractions visitors can stop at include the Sandia Peak tramway in Albuquerque, the Grand Canyon, and the infamous Route 66 Museum in Kingman. Travelers visiting in October can also enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
If you get off the train and stay overnight somewhere, you will need to book each leg of your Amtrak trip separately.
2 Empire Builder
Marvel at city skylines and mountain peaks on this 46-hour route between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest
Offering a blend of dazzling cityscapes and majestic wilderness, the Empire Builder is an exciting and varied route perfect for an urban-inspired trip punctuated with natural beauty. It follows sections of the Lewis and Clark trail and takes travelers through Chicago and Minneapolis, past the Mississippi, and into the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Glacier National Park, where visitors should definitely spend a day.
Popular stops include the Wisconsin Dells, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Whitefish, and East Glacier Park. Travelers can choose to finish their journey in either Seattle or Portland.
In order to catch the most scenery, summer is the ideal time to ride the Empire Builder.
1 California Zephyr
Explore all or part of this 51-hour route from Chicago to San Francisco for a fun-filled family vacation
Rolling through the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas, the California Zephyr is a stunning ride that can be easily shortened to cater to children of all ages. Families visiting in the winter can stop at Winter Park to try snowboarding, sledding, and tubing, whilst, in the summer, Glenwood Springs makes a great stop, with activities to cater to all ages, from hot springs and a spa to rafting and a theme park. For those searching for a cultural trip, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Sacramento are packed with museums and history to delve into.
For a shorter ride, travelers can still catch the mountain views by starting in Denver and heading West. Alternatively, families can travel from Northern California to Winter Park, spending just one night on the train.