Discover America’s Most Scenic Train Journeys
If you’re seeking travel that combines comfort, relaxation and jaw-dropping scenery, then boarding one of the most scenic train journeys in the U.S. is a perfect choice. Whether you’re travelling coast-to-coast, through mountain passes or along the coastline, train travel invites you to sit back, unwind and simply enjoy the view through large windows or from observation cars. Here are four standout routes offered by Amtrak that deliver unforgettable vistas.
Top Most Scenic Train Journeys — At a Glance
| Route | Start → End | Key Highlights | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Starlight | Seattle ↔ Los Angeles (via Portland, Bay Area, Sacramento) | Pacific coastline views, Cascade Range snow-clad peaks, Santa Barbara, San Francisco Bay Area | A classic west-coast adventure: ocean and mountains combined for maximum impact. |
| California Zephyr | Chicago → California | Great Plains of Nebraska, Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Donner Lake, Great Salt Lake | From heartland to high mountains — this route spans the full range of American terrain. |
| Empire Builder | Chicago → (Seattle or Portland) | Mississippi River, North Dakota plains, wildlife in Montana, Glacier National Park region | A legendary route into “Big Sky” country — nature in wide-open spaces. |
| Pacific Surfliner | Southern California coast (Santa Barbara ↔ San Diego via Irvine, San Clemente) | Ocean-side views, hills of California, beach access, bypassing traffic | Ideal for a relaxed coastal ride with frequent services and stunning seaside scenes. |
Most memorable train rides across the U.S
1. Coast Starlight
This iconic route connects Seattle in the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles in Southern California, passing through Portland, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Santa Barbara.
- Scenery: You’ll witness snow-topped summits of the Cascade Range and sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
- Experience: The observation car features wide-angle windows and comfortable seats, making it perfect for sightseeing.
- Tip: For the best light, try sitting on the west-side observation car when travelling north → south, or the east-side when travelling south → north. (Sunset over the ocean is particularly dramatic.)
Read also – Train Journeys With Amtrak
2. California Zephyr
Starting in Chicago and crossing to California, this route delivers a remarkable cross-section of U.S. geography.
- Scenery: You’ll move from the sprawling Great Plains through Nebraska, rise into the dramatic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and eventually reach mountain-lake scenes like Donner Lake.
- Experience: The change in terrain is almost cinematic — flat golden plains give way to deep cuts and alpine peaks.
- Tip: Bring a camera with a zoom lens — mountain passes and river cuts make for outstanding photos, especially around sunrise or sunset.
3. Empire Builder
From Chicago heading northwest to either Seattle or Portland, this route takes you into some of America’s most open and wild landscapes.
- Scenery: You’ll cross the Mississippi River region, traverse North Dakota’s plains, and enter Montana’s rugged terrain with abundant wildlife and proximity to the famous Glacier National Park.
- Experience: Vastness becomes the theme — the sky feels expansive, and the terrain invites reflection and calm.
- Tip: Choose daylight travel portions where you can stay awake for the big-view moments; night travel in remote zones means you’ll miss some vistas.
4. Pacific Surfliner
This is a more regional route along Southern California’s coast — frequent, relaxed, and wonderfully scenic.
- Scenery: The track hugs the coastline, offering ocean views, beach access, and gentle rolling hills of California.
- Experience: Ideal for day trips, relaxed agendas, or combining beach time with train travel.
- Tip: If you’re based in California (or planning a West Coast trip), this route is a great “scenic but easy” choice.
Why Scenic Rail Travel?
- Comfort meets adventure: Rather than driving and watching the road, you can sit back while the scenery comes to you.
- Perspective shift: Train travel offers a unique vantage point — large windows, elevated views, and routes that cross dramatic terrain.
- Stress-free sightseeing: No traffic jams, no navigational stress. Some of these routes (like the Surfliner) let you bypass typical road congestion.
- Photography & relaxation: Whether you’re a photographer or simply seeking a serene experience, these train rides combine both.
Planning Tips for Maximum Enjoyment
- Select the right seat – Observation cars or seats facing outward can offer enhanced vistas.
- Time your travel – Daylight portions are best; sunrise/sunset offer golden light.
- Pack smart – Bring binoculars, a decent camera, and an extra layer (it can get cool in the mountains or by the coast).
- Check route direction – Some views are better on one side of the train depending on travel direction.
- Enjoy the journey – Don’t just focus on the destination; these rides are the experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever longed for a travel experience that melds comfort with awe-inspiring scenery, then one of these four routes is your ticket. Whether it’s the ocean-hugging coastlines of the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner, or the mountain and plains sweep of the California Zephyr and Empire Builder, the journey itself becomes the highlight.
