6 Best Scenic Train Rides in North America: The Ultimate Bucket List

There are plenty of ways to cross North America, but most of them involve staring at a highway, watching airport departure boards, or trying to sleep in a hotel that looks exactly like the last one. A scenic train journey offers something different. You get mountains rolling past the window, rivers cutting through inaccessible canyons, forests stretching toward the horizon, and enough uninterrupted time to actually enjoy where you are.

That said, not every famous train journey deserves the same level of enthusiasm. Some routes deliver extraordinary scenery but demand patience. Others charge premium prices for an experience that is difficult to justify unless you genuinely appreciate luxury rail travel. And a few are worth taking simply because the landscape outside the window is more impressive than anything you could arrange behind the wheel.

These six scenic train rides in North America stand out for different reasons. I’ve judged them on the landscapes they reveal, the character of the journey, the practical realities of traveling by rail, and whether the experience offers something you cannot easily reproduce on a road trip.

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1. California Zephyr: The Best Long-Distance Train Journey in the United States

Route: Chicago, Illinois, to Emeryville, California

Travel time: Approximately 51 hours, depending on operating conditions

Best for: Mountain scenery, dramatic canyons, and classic American rail travel

The California Zephyr is the journey I would recommend first to anyone who wants to understand why long-distance train travel still has such a devoted following. It crosses an enormous variety of landscapes, moving from the comparatively understated Midwest into the red-rock country of Utah, the towering Colorado Rockies, and the mountain scenery of the Sierra Nevada.

The real show begins around the Colorado Rockies. Between Denver and Glenwood Springs, the railway follows the Colorado River through narrow canyons, with steep rock walls rising beside the tracks and water flashing past the windows. This is the kind of scenery that makes driving seem like an unnecessary distraction. On certain stretches, the railway offers perspectives that are difficult or impossible to appreciate from an ordinary road.

The transition into Utah is equally rewarding. Red sandstone formations replace alpine slopes, and the landscape takes on a harsher, almost otherworldly appearance. Later, the train climbs into the Sierra Nevada before continuing toward the San Francisco Bay Area.

Amtrak’s Sightseer Lounge is particularly valuable on this route. Large windows make it easier to appreciate the scenery without twisting around in your seat, although popular viewing positions can become crowded during spectacular sections of the journey.

My verdict: This is the strongest all-round choice for travelers who want a genuinely epic North American rail adventure. It offers variety rather than relying on one spectacular mountain or coastline. The downside is the length. More than two days aboard a train is not everyone’s idea of a holiday, and delays can make the schedule less predictable than the timetable suggests.

Practical tip: If the Colorado canyons are your priority, research the westbound schedule and the position of your accommodation carefully. Window orientation can influence your views, but the exact experience depends on the train’s operating arrangements. A roomette is worth considering for overnight comfort, while coach remains a reasonable option for travelers prioritizing scenery over privacy.

2. Rocky Mountaineer: Luxury Rail Travel Through the Canadian Rockies

Route: Vancouver, British Columbia, to Banff or Lake Louise, Alberta, on the First Passage to the West itinerary

Travel time: Two daytime rail-travel days, with an overnight hotel stay

Best for: Luxury, mountain landscapes, and travelers who prefer comfort over roughing it

The Rocky Mountaineer understands something that many transport operators overlook: the journey itself should be the main event. Instead of traveling through the night, passengers experience the scenery during daylight and spend the night in a hotel. That arrangement makes this a very different proposition from an ordinary long-distance train.

The First Passage to the West route follows historic railway corridors through British Columbia and into the Canadian Rockies. Expect deep river valleys, forested slopes, dramatic rock formations, and mountain scenery that becomes increasingly impressive as the journey progresses.

One of the most appealing features is the chance to see landscapes that change considerably throughout the trip. The route is not simply a procession of postcard-perfect peaks. It moves through river country, wooded valleys, and rugged mountain terrain, giving the experience a sense of progression rather than repetition.

GoldLeaf Service is the premium option, with bi-level glass-dome coaches, elevated viewing areas, and more elaborate onboard dining. The outdoor viewing platform is especially attractive to photographers who want something better than a reflection-filled picture taken through glass.

The food and hospitality are part of the appeal, too. Meals typically emphasize regional ingredients, and the service is designed to make the journey feel like a luxury holiday rather than a transfer between destinations.

However, there is a catch: the Rocky Mountaineer is expensive. You are paying for the scenery, the service, the accommodation arrangements, and the overall experience. Travelers who simply want to reach Banff efficiently may find the price difficult to defend.

My verdict: Choose this journey if comfort matters as much as the landscape and your travel budget can accommodate a premium experience. It is not the most economical way to see the Canadian Rockies, but it is one of the most polished ways to experience them by rail.

Practical tip: Compare service levels before booking rather than assuming every ticket includes the same dining, seating, and viewing facilities. If you are traveling during the main summer season, plan well ahead.

3. Coast Starlight: California Beaches Meet Pacific Northwest Forests

Route: Los Angeles, California, to Seattle, Washington

Travel time: Approximately 35 hours, subject to delays

Best for: Coastal views, varied landscapes, and relaxed West Coast travel

The Coast Starlight is a strong argument for exploring the American West without renting a car. Its appeal comes from the way it connects very different environments in one long journey, from the California coast to the forests and mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

The coastal sections are the obvious attraction. Around parts of the California coastline, the railway passes close to the Pacific, revealing beaches, ocean cliffs, and waves breaking against the shore. The views can be superb, although the exact amount of ocean scenery depends on the section of track and the direction of travel.

Further north, the landscape changes. The route passes through agricultural areas and the Salinas Valley before heading toward northern California and Oregon. The mountain scenery around Mount Shasta can be particularly memorable, while the northern stretches introduce dense forests and the cooler, greener character of Washington.

This variety is what makes the Coast Starlight more interesting than a train that spends its entire journey showing you essentially the same landscape. You can watch the scenery change from coastal California to volcanic mountain country and thick woodland without dealing with traffic or navigating unfamiliar roads.

The onboard experience, however, is not quite as luxurious as the name might suggest. This is an Amtrak long-distance service, not a dedicated luxury sightseeing train. Delays are possible, and the comfort of your journey depends partly on your accommodation choice and expectations.

My verdict: The Coast Starlight is an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine cities, coastline, and wilderness in one trip. I would not book it solely for guaranteed ocean views throughout the entire journey, but as a broader West Coast adventure, it makes a compelling case for rail travel.

Practical tip: Check the seasonal timetable and daylight hours when choosing your departure. If coastal scenery is your priority, you want those stretches to coincide with daylight rather than relying on luck.

4. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: The Most Atmospheric Historic Train Ride

Route: Durango to Silverton, Colorado

Travel time: Approximately 3.5 hours each way, depending on the service

Best for: Steam locomotives, autumn colors, and rugged Colorado scenery

Some train journeys are about efficiency. This one is about atmosphere.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been operating since 1882, originally serving the mining industry in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Today, its historic steam locomotives and vintage-style passenger cars provide a wonderfully old-fashioned way to explore a dramatic stretch of mountain wilderness.

The railway follows the Animas River through steep canyons and forested terrain, with portions of the route clinging to slopes high above the water. The narrow-gauge track gives the journey a distinct character, and the sound of the locomotive adds something that modern electric or diesel services simply cannot replicate.

Unlike the California Zephyr, which delivers its scenery as part of a much longer journey, this railroad is a dedicated excursion. You travel into the mountains, enjoy the landscape, and reach Silverton, a historic mining town surrounded by alpine scenery.

Autumn is particularly attractive. Aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold, creating a striking contrast with evergreen forests and rugged rock faces. Summer offers its own rewards, with green valleys and mountain air, while shoulder-season conditions can affect schedules and operating arrangements.

There are compromises. The journey takes several hours each way, so the round trip requires a substantial portion of the day. Steam trains also produce smoke and soot, something worth considering if you are sensitive to either. Open-air cars offer a more immersive experience but are exposed to changing weather.

My verdict: This is one of the best scenic train rides in Colorado for travelers who care about history as much as scenery. It feels like an attraction with genuine character rather than a generic sightseeing service. For the most memorable experience, I would prioritize a suitable season and a seat or car that allows unobstructed views.

Practical tip: Book ahead during the autumn foliage period. Before purchasing tickets, check which locomotive, car type, and excursion schedule will operate on your chosen date.

5. Empire Builder: Big Skies, Glacier Country, and the American Northwest

Route: Chicago, Illinois, to Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon

Travel time: Approximately 46 hours, depending on the destination and operating conditions

Best for: Wide-open landscapes, American history, and Glacier National Park country

If the California Zephyr is about dramatic mountain corridors and changing terrain, the Empire Builder is about scale. This long-distance route crosses the northern United States, passing through agricultural plains, river landscapes, and the enormous skies of Montana before reaching the Pacific Northwest.

The early stages include the Mississippi River region and the broad agricultural landscapes of the northern Midwest. These stretches are less immediately spectacular than Colorado’s canyons, but they have their own appeal. The scenery communicates the sheer size of the continent in a way that a short flight never could.

Montana is where the journey becomes especially rewarding. The train passes near Glacier National Park, with views of mountain terrain, valleys, and rivers. The precise scenery depends on the section and daylight, so passengers should not expect every famous Glacier landmark to appear directly outside the window.

The railway’s historic connections to westward expansion add another layer to the experience. Old stations and communities along the route reflect the importance of railroads in connecting remote regions with major cities.

At Spokane, the service divides for the Seattle and Portland destinations. The Seattle section continues west toward the Cascade Range, while the Portland section follows a route through the Columbia River Gorge region. Both options offer attractive scenery, although the experience differs depending on which destination you choose.

The Empire Builder’s weakness is the same one shared by many American long-distance trains: timekeeping can be unpredictable. Freight traffic and other operational factors can affect arrival times, so tight onward connections are a poor idea.

My verdict: This is the route for travelers who enjoy watching an entire region unfold slowly rather than demanding spectacular views every ten minutes. It rewards patience, especially around Montana, and offers a distinctive perspective on the American interior.

Practical tip: Summer is an attractive period for mountain views and longer daylight hours. Check current onboard programs before traveling rather than assuming ranger-led commentary will be available on every departure.

6. Alaska Railroad Denali Star: Wild Landscapes and a Chance to See Denali

Route: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Travel time: Approximately 12 hours

Best for: Remote wilderness, wildlife, and big mountain scenery

Alaska feels different from the rest of North America, and the Denali Star captures that sense of distance particularly well. The route travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks through forests, river valleys, and vast stretches of wilderness, offering a view of the state that is difficult to reproduce on a conventional city-to-city trip.

The landscape is the main attraction. Spruce and birch forests dominate many sections, while rivers, wetlands, and distant mountains create a sense of space that becomes increasingly striking as the train travels inland. Wildlife sightings are possible, although no responsible traveler should treat them as guaranteed entertainment.

The biggest prize is Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. On clear days, the mountain can appear spectacularly above the surrounding landscape. Weather and cloud cover, however, determine whether you actually get that famous view. Anyone promising a guaranteed Denali panorama is selling you optimism rather than certainty.

The route also crosses notable engineering structures, including the bridge at Hurricane Gulch, where the railway spans a deep valley. The surrounding landscape makes this section especially memorable for travelers who appreciate both scenery and railway infrastructure.

Alaska Railroad offers different classes of service, including GoldStar Service on applicable departures. The premium experience features dome-car viewing and an outdoor platform, along with additional dining benefits. It is an attractive upgrade for travelers who want an elevated view and more inclusive onboard service.

My verdict: The Denali Star is arguably the most distinctive option on this list for travelers seeking a wilderness experience. Its scenery feels less domesticated than the landscapes around many major American rail corridors. Still, Alaska is enormous, and a single train ride offers only a glimpse of what the state has to offer.

Practical tip: Summer is the principal season for the Denali Star service, so check the operating calendar before building your itinerary around it. If seeing Denali is essential, allow extra time in Alaska rather than treating the train ride as your only opportunity.

How the Six Scenic Train Rides Compare

Travel times are approximate and can vary with schedules, service patterns, and delays. Luxury services and seasonal excursions may operate on different calendars.

How to Plan a Scenic Train Trip Without Ruining the Experience

A great route can still become a frustrating holiday if you book carelessly. North American rail travel rewards preparation, especially when your main objective is scenery rather than simply reaching a destination.

Book the Right Seat or Accommodation

On a short excursion, a standard seat may be perfectly adequate. On an overnight Amtrak journey, however, a private sleeping accommodation can make a substantial difference to comfort and privacy.

Do not assume every sleeper ticket automatically includes exactly the same facilities across every service. Dining arrangements, showers, and onboard amenities vary, so verify the details for your particular route and departure.

Think About Daylight Before Booking

This is one of the most overlooked details in scenic rail travel. A route may be famous for its mountains, but if the most impressive section passes outside your window after dark, you will miss much of the point.

Summer often offers longer viewing hours, while autumn can bring spectacular foliage on routes such as Durango & Silverton. Each season has its own advantages, and weather can dramatically change what you see.

Leave Room for Delays

Long-distance trains can run late, particularly on routes that share tracks with freight services. Avoid booking a flight, an important tour, or a nonrefundable hotel transfer immediately after your scheduled arrival.

I would rather spend an extra night in a destination than turn an otherwise enjoyable train journey into a race against the clock.

Decide Whether Luxury Is Actually Worth the Money

The Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service appeal to travelers who want premium viewing and dining. The California Zephyr and Empire Builder offer a different proposition: longer journeys where the landscape is the primary attraction.

Neither approach is automatically better. If you want polished hospitality and dedicated sightseeing, paying more can make sense. If you would rather spend your budget exploring destinations at either end of the railway, a standard Amtrak ticket may be the smarter choice.

Which Scenic Train Ride Should You Choose?

For the best overall long-distance adventure, I would start with the California Zephyr. The variety of landscapes is difficult to beat, and the Colorado River canyon section alone makes a strong case for traveling by rail.

For luxury, the Rocky Mountaineer is the obvious choice, provided you are comfortable with the price. For coastal scenery, the Coast Starlight combines the Pacific shoreline with the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. History lovers should put Durango & Silverton near the top of their list, while the Empire Builder is ideal for anyone who enjoys enormous skies and the feeling of crossing a continent.

The Denali Star is my pick for travelers who want something wilder and more remote. Its scenery is distinctive, and the possibility of seeing Denali adds genuine excitement, even if the weather refuses to cooperate.

The important question is not which train has the most impressive marketing photographs. It is what kind of journey you actually enjoy. Some travelers want luxury dining and panoramic glass roofs; others are perfectly happy with a comfortable seat, a camera, and a long stretch of beautiful landscape.

Choose the route that matches your expectations, allow enough time to enjoy it, and resist the temptation to cram too many destinations into the same trip. The best scenic train rides in North America are not experiences to rush through. Their greatest luxury is giving you permission to slow down.