There’s something quite relaxing and appealing about train travel, the slow pace in contrast with a jam-packed highway, historic train stops instead of bustling airports, and the chance to simply sit back and enjoy the abundance of landscapes passing by. When it comes to picturesque train routes, America is home to some of the world's most beautiful train rides running across scenic landscapes and wonders.
The U.S. has a wide range of scenic Amtrak routes taking passengers through diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, historic monuments, and national parks along the way. However, out of all the things to know about riding Amtrak for the first time, perhaps the most pertinent is that not all routes are made equal in terms of scenery and experience.
From the Rocky Mountains to New England and the West Coast, these are some of the best and top-rated Amtrak routes to travel that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
10 Amtrak Lake Shore Limited: New York/Boston To Chicago
For a peaceful voyage along the Windy City, the Bean Town, and the Big Apple, Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited promises enchanting views of aquatic scenery hugging the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, the Hudson River, and the Finger Lakes region of New York.
This is one of the best Amtrak routes for scenery between these three top US cities; it takes off from the busy life of New York, offering magnificent views of the passing landscapes of Boston and Chicago dipped in sunsets. Reaching Albany, the Lake Shore Limited divides into a New York and Boston section.
The Boston section comprises a café car, while a dining car is included in the New York section.
- Route: New York/Boston to Chicago
Passengers with a same-day travel ticket in the first class or sleeping car accommodations have access to the station lounges, offering free food and drinks.
9 Amtrak Capitol Limited: Washington DC To Chicago
Taking its passengers across some of the most beautiful places in the US, the Capitol Limited thunders on the B&O line, with Potomac Valley, Harpers Ferry, and the Allegheny Mountains passing by through the windows.
Though the route is a short one, it’s one of the most scenic Amtrak routes offering a relatively quick yet thrilling travel experience through America’s renowned industrial cities and all their wonders.
The Capitol Limited stops at Rockville, Martinsburg, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Toledo, after finally reaching the Union Station at the Windy City.
- Route: Washington DC to Chicago
8 Amtrak Empire Builder: Chicago To Washington
Rolling across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho, the majestic Empire Builder drops its passengers off 46 hours later in Washington State. With a total of 40 stops, it’s one of the most breathtaking Amtrak routes.
Crossing Mississippi three times, there are plenty of chances to see the shell-white snow dusted on the little villages as countless plains, frozen lakes, forests, and rock mountains pass by after the train reaches Glacier National Park in Montana.
Passengers taking this route in summer may expect to see the crystal-clear lakes, gushing rivers, and the sun-dipped peaks of the Cascade Mountains.
- Route: Chicago to Washington
The Amtrak Empire Builder is considered one of the three most beautiful Amtrak routes, along with the California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight.
7 Amtrak Adirondack: New York To Montreal
For a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, board the Amtrak Adirondack, which is among the top Amtrak routes to the rescue for those in New York City in need of sublime scenery and rolling green views; it takes its passengers from the tall skyscrapers and into the state's vibrant greenery.
The route runs through the Lake Champlain Region, which is densely forested and rich in farmland, where passengers can depart and take one of the many trails leading to a mid-trip excursion through stunning landscapes.
Beautiful in both spring and summer, the route becomes even more gorgeous in winter, with the fall foliage covering every bit of the landscape. The journey takes only 10 hours, with the option of extending it to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the Washington DC route.
- Route: New York to Montreal
The Adirondack train travels through the Canadian border before reaching Montreal, so it’s important to have a passport before boarding.
6 Amtrak Sunset Limited: New Orleans To Los Angeles
One of Amtrak's oldest named trains dating back to 1894, the Sunset Limited has traveled the most scenic southern route in the US for many years, all the way from vibrant New Orleans to sunny Los Angeles.
Board the Sunset Limited for a voyage filled with nature and culture as it takes its passengers from New Orleans, California, Texas, and Arizona, rolling across the Bayou Country, Mexican borders, scenic deserts, and ashy mountains.
Passengers have the option to depart at one of the many spots on the route, including Alpine, Texas, to see Big Bend National Park or Tucson, Arizona, to experience the beauty of the Saguaro National Park.
- Route: New Orleans to Los Angeles
During the trip, the National Park Guides on board inform passengers about the morphing landscapes and the natural history and culture of the region while passing by.
5 Amtrak Vermonter: Washington DC To Vermont
Board the Vermonter to travel on one of America’s most scenic winter train rides (but it's also stunning throughout the rest of the year too). The journey on this route begins in Washington DC, and travels all the way through New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, after finally ending in northern Vermont.
After reaching Vermont, take a trip to ski resorts near the Canadian border with snow-capped mountains, tall alpines, and all the luxuries and views of some of the most popular and best ski resorts in the US.
This route will also have tourists exploring the lovely villages surrounding famous churches, hiking in the countryside for over 100 covered bridges, and climbing the Robert Frost Trail in Green Mountain National Forest.
- Route: Washington DC to Vermont
4 Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: San Luis Obispo To San Diego
There’s no place like the West Coast for scenic coastal views and perfect US summer destinations. Taking approximately six hours, the Pacific Surfliner connects San Luis Obispo and San Diego while stopping in Santa Barbara, Anaheim, and Los Angeles.
Pack some sunglasses and sunscreen before boarding the Pacific Surfliner, as the majority of the trip is along the shore, with picturesque vistas of the ocean passing by.
Even the stops on this route have something unique to offer, with San Luis Obispo’s vast wine region, Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Mountains, and Anaheim’s massive Disneyland included.
- Route: San Luis Obispo to San Diego
3 Amtrak Cascades: Oregon To Vancouver
Featuring stunning views of the Cascade Range, the Amtrak Cascades route runs across the Pacific Northwest between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s one of Amtrak's most scenic routes and the only one that operates with a European trainset along with a restaurant car, promising a relaxing and luxurious journey.
The scenic vistas on this 10-hour journey include everything from countless frothy waterfalls to the high summits of Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and Puget Sound.
Attractions found across this beautiful route include Downtown Vancouver, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Downtown Seattle, Great Hall at Union Station, and more.
- Route: Oregon to Vancouver
The route also offers four round trips between Seattle and Portland.
2 Amtrak Rocky Mountaineer: Denver To Utah
For those seeking to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park, the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer begins its journey in Denver and travels to Utah, taking its passengers through the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Relax in the wide seats while appreciating the changes in the landscapes passing by, from snow-dusted mountains to vast red canyons.
After reaching Moab, passengers have the chance to see the hundreds of sandstone arches of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park with their wide rock columns and historic Native American cave paintings.
- Route: Denver to Utah
The route takes 11 days, stopping at eight destinations.
1 Amtrak California Zephyr: Chicago To San Francisco
Among the things to know about Amtrak and its “California Zephyr” route is that, despite its name, the majority of this route is situated outside the golden state of California.
Starting in Chicago, the California Zephyr runs across San Francisco, passing through Nebraska's plains to Denver, all the way to Utah, Reno, and Sacramento before finally coming to a stop at San Francisco, where the beauty of the Bay Area awaits to be explored.
With some of the most diverse stops along the way, those who board the Zephyr can’t deny it is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the US. The entire route takes 51 hours and is a perfect option for a long leisurely ride across America's big states.
- Route: Chicago to San Francisco