Park the Car and Take the Train: 6 Worthwhile Rail Journeys in North America
Most of us love the idea of hitting the open road, cranking up the tunes, and just driving.
But let’s be real: driving can get tiring, especially on those long, winding highways that stretch on for miles with nothing but trees and fields to keep you company.
Sometimes, you just want to sit back, relax, and let someone else take the wheel. Or, better yet, let the train conductor do the work!
So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country adventure, or just daydreaming about your next trip, here are some train journeys that will make you want to say, “I’m taking the train!”
1. The Rocky Mountaineer: Vancouver to Banff
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Canadian Rockies up close, then the Rocky Mountaineer is the train for you.
This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a luxury experience that takes you through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes you’ve ever seen.
Picture this: you’re sitting in a glass-domed coach, sipping on a cup of coffee (or maybe a glass of wine), while the train winds its way through towering mountains, along rushing rivers, and past emerald-green lakes.
You’ll see wildlife like bears and elk right from your seat, and the best part? You don’t have to worry about a thing. No maps, no traffic, no stress—just pure, unfiltered nature.
The journey takes you from the vibrant city of Vancouver, with its cool urban vibe, through the heart of the Rockies, to the charming town of Banff.
And let me tell you, Banff is like something out of a postcard, with its quaint streets, cozy cafés, and mountain views in every direction.
The whole trip feels like a dream, and it’s perfect for couples, families, or even a solo escape if you need some “me time.”
2. Amtrak’s California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco
Next up, we’re heading south to the good ol’ US of A, where the California Zephyr will take you on a cross-country adventure you won’t soon forget.
This train runs from Chicago all the way to San Francisco, covering more than 2,400 miles and passing through some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the country.
One minute, you’re cruising past the towering skyscrapers of Chicago, and the next, you’re in the rolling farmlands of Iowa. But the real showstopper comes when you hit Colorado.
As the train snakes its way through the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be treated to views that will make your heart skip a beat—think deep canyons, rugged cliffs, and snowy peaks.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll cross the Nevada desert and enter California, where the train winds through the Sierra Nevada mountains before finally arriving in the bustling, foggy city of San Francisco.
It’s like seeing America in fast-forward, and you get to do it all from the comfort of your seat (or sleeper cabin, if you’re feeling fancy).
3. The Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
Speaking of California, let’s talk about the Coast Starlight. This is one of Amtrak’s most popular routes, and for good reason.
It runs from Seattle down to Los Angeles, following the stunning Pacific coastline for much of the journey.
This train ride is all about the views. On one side, you’ve got the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing against the shore and surfers catching the perfect wave.
On the other side, you’ve got the rugged cliffs, dense forests, and, eventually, the rolling hills and vineyards of California’s wine country.
And let’s not forget the cities along the way! The Coast Starlight makes stops in Portland, Sacramento, and San Francisco, so you can hop off and explore if you’ve got the time.
But honestly, you might not want to leave the train, because the views are just that good.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a wine enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good sunset, the Coast Starlight has something for everyone.
Plus, with comfortable seating, a dining car, and even a sleeper car option, you’ll be traveling in style the whole way.
4. VIA Rail’s The Canadian: Toronto to Vancouver
Now, if you really want to see Canada in all its glory, there’s no better way to do it than by taking The Canadian.
This iconic train journey takes you from Toronto, Canada’s largest city, all the way to Vancouver on the west coast.
It’s a four-day journey that covers more than 2,700 miles, and it’s packed with incredible scenery.
You’ll start off in the hustle and bustle of Toronto, but soon you’ll be whisked away into the vast, open wilderness of Northern Ontario.
As you make your way west, you’ll pass through the Prairies, where the land stretches out as far as the eye can see.
And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll hit the Rockies, and the landscape will change dramatically.
The Canadian Rockies are truly something to behold, and seeing them from the train is an experience like no other.
You’ll wind your way through mountain passes, cross over rushing rivers, and pass by sparkling lakes, all while sitting in the comfort of your seat (or your cozy sleeper cabin, if you’ve opted for that).
And when you finally arrive in Vancouver, you’ll be stepping off the train into one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Surrounded by mountains and ocean, with a vibrant downtown and a laid-back vibe, Vancouver is the perfect place to end your journey (or start a new one!).
5. Amtrak’s Adirondack: New York City to Montreal
For those of you who love a good mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, the Adirondack is the train for you.
This Amtrak route runs from the hustle and bustle of New York City up to the charming city of Montreal in Canada, passing through the stunning Hudson Valley and the majestic Adirondack Mountains along the way.
The journey starts off with a bang as you leave the Big Apple behind and head north along the Hudson River.
You’ll pass by quaint towns, historic landmarks, and rolling hills covered in lush greenery. And when you hit the Adirondacks, the scenery just gets better.
Think towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and forests that seem to go on forever.
And then there’s Montreal. This city is like a little slice of Europe right here in North America. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and French flair, Montreal is the perfect place to end your journey.
Plus, the food is amazing, so be sure to treat yourself to some poutine or a Montreal-style bagel when you get there!
6. The Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles
Last but not least, we’ve got the Southwest Chief, another epic cross-country journey that takes you from the Windy City of Chicago to the sunny shores of Los Angeles.
This route is all about the American Southwest, with its vast deserts, red rock formations, and wide-open skies.
The Southwest Chief takes you through eight states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Along the way, you’ll pass through iconic landscapes like the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Painted Desert, and the red rocks of Sedona.
One of the highlights of this journey is the chance to see the Grand Canyon.
The train doesn’t go right to the canyon, but you can take a side trip from the town of Williams, Arizona, to see this natural wonder in all its glory. Trust me, it’s worth it.
And when you finally arrive in Los Angeles, you’ll be stepping off the train into the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
From the beaches of Santa Monica to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, there’s so much to see and do in LA. And after a journey like this, you’ll be ready to explore!
So, Why Train Travel?
So, why should you consider taking the train instead of driving or flying? Well, for starters, it’s a lot more relaxing.
There’s something about the rhythmic clickety-clack of the train on the tracks that just puts you at ease.
You can read a book, watch a movie, or just stare out the window and daydream.
Plus, train travel is more eco-friendly than driving or flying. Trains produce fewer greenhouse gases per passenger than cars or planes, so you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint.
And let’s not forget the views and the romance of it all. When you’re on the train, the journey is just as much a part of the experience as the destination.
You get to see parts of the country that you’d never see from a plane or a car, and there’s something magical about watching the landscape change as you travel.
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As always I’d love to hear from you – let me know in the comments below if you’ve taken any epic train journeys recently!
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The last picture on your post of the dinning car, what train is that on? Thanks!