Winter Train Trips for Snow Lovers
Do you enjoy the energy of the winter season? Then, taking Amtrak in the winter is the best way to travel. Take a ride on the train and enjoy the majestic winter postcard views with no need to drive on snowy winter roads. To help you enjoy the views even more, Amtrak winter train rides are even more transformed in the winter with snow.
The USA even has train routes designed specifically for snow lovers. To help you travel, find tips for the best travel times and travel routes with Amtrak train tickets.
1. California Zephyr Snowy Roark and Sierra Nevada
Route: Chicago → Denver → Salt Lake City → San Francisco
Why it’s magical in winter:
The California Zephyr transforms into a winter wonderland as it travels through:
- Snow-covered Rocky Mountains
- Frozen Colorado River canyons
- Sierra Nevada peaks buried in snow
Best Months: January – March
Pro Tip: In the Sightseer Lounge you’ll see out over the views.
Read more: Best Time to Buy Amtrak Tickets
2. Empire of Montana and Glacier Country.
Route: Chicago → Minneapolis → Montana → Washington
Why snow lovers love it:
This trail goes through Big Sky Country which has infinite snow fields, frozen lakes, and pine forests.
Highlights:
- Snowy plains
- Icy rivers
- Dramatic winter sunsets
Best Months: Winter
3. Coast Starlight – Cascades in the Winter Train.
Route: Los Angeles → Portland → Seattle
Winter scenery includes:
- Snowy Cascade Mountains
- Frosted forests
- Foggy winter mornings
Best Months: Jan – Feb.
Tip: Choose the northern routes for the best mountain views.
4. Adirondack – Snowy Lakes & Mountains
Route: New York → Upstate NY → Montreal (When Operational)
Why it’s special:
Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains look stunning under a layer of snow.
Due to changes in service weather conditions, please check the Amtrak schedule in the winter months.
Best Months: January – February
5. Southwest Chief – Snowy Desert Contrast
Route: Chicago → New Mexico → Arizona → California
Unique winter beauty:
Snow settled in the desert, and the red rocks and wide-open skies create dramatic, and one of a kind, winter scenery.
Best Months: December – February
6. Capitol Limited – Autumn in the Appalachians
Route: Chicago → Pittsburgh → Washington, DC
What you’ll see:
- Snowy Appalachian Mountains
- Forested valleys
- Rivers edged with ice
Best Months: January – February
Why in the winter months Amtrak is a wonderful option for you.
✔ Fewer Crowds
Winter travel has lower prices and less of a crowd.
✔ Better Prices
You will see that we have more Amtrak deals and lower prices for many routes.
✔ Cozy Travel Experience
Warm ambience, coffee service, and snowy views create a relaxing journey.
Saving Money on Winter Train Trip Tickets
- Buy tickets in advance, ideally 2-6 weeks before departure
- Mid-week travel on Tuesday to Thursday is preferable
- Look for promo codes and winter deals, as they frequently have deals during the winter.
- Use Rewards points if necessary
Winter is the best season out of the year to travel by Amtrak train tickets are always extremely affordable.
Amtrak Winter Travel Suggestions
- Bring warm clothes and layers as train stations are cold
- It’s always good to bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Download any needed entertainment to your device as a just in case as the train’s internet Wi-Fi can be poor
- Make sure to check the train status right before you leave
- Always give yourself more than enough time for any necessary connections to other trains
Conclusion
Those who enjoy winter scenery will cherish their wonderful travel experience with Amtrak in winter. This travel experience will show you multiple train routes with beautiful winter scenery in the United States. This trip will forgive winter driving and the stress. Search for deals online, and book early for an adventure.
