Most Beautiful Sunset & Sunrise Amtrak Views
Amtrak Sunset & Sunrise Views
There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise or sunset with a train window as your viewing frame, and Amtrak rides have some of the best views to choose from. From the Pacific Coast and serene farmland to towering mountains and the golden hour glow, train rides have something to be treasured. It’s been nearly a decade since the top Amtrak sunset & sunrise views have been highlighted, and there’s no better opportunity to showcase the views than Amtrak’s 2025-sponsored photography guide. Whether you love nature, are a professional photographer, or simply are looking to take a scenic route on a train, the guide is perfect for you.
1. Sunset Views on the Pacific Surfliner (CA)
Route: San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles
Best Time: Sunset over the Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Surfliner is known for its coastal rail route. At sunset the sky lights up in pinks and golds as the sun sets beyond the breakers. Go to the west side of the train for the perfect view.
Why it’s special:
- Sea cliffs
- Long stretches of bright blue ocean
- Palm trees outlined in golden light
2. Sunrise over the Coast Starlight (Oregon and Washington)
Route: Portland heads to Seattle
Best Time: Morning departure
The Coast Starlight has you waking to a dreamy sunrise which is a sight as you pass by pine forests, rivers, and fog blanketed mountains. At dawn break over Puget Sound the views are to die for.
Best seats:
- Sightseer Lounge
- Upper-level windows
3. Sunset over the California Zephyr (Rocky Mountains)
Route: Denver to Glenwood Springs.
Best Time: Afternoon early evening.
The California Zephyr is one of the most scenic Amtrak routes in America. At sunset the Rocky Mountains set the cliffs on fire in orange and the rivers become lines of shiny silver.
Don’t miss:
- Gore Canyon
- Glenwood Canyon
- High mountain peaks glowing at dusk
4. Sunrise on the Crescent (Blue Ridge Mountains)
Route: Charlotte – Lynchburg
Best Time: Sunrise on the mountain range
The Crescent offers peaceful sunrise views as morning light spreads across the hills of North Carolina and Virginia. Misty valleys which create great layers of shadow and light – a photographer’s dream.
Perfect for:
- Nature lovers
- Fall foliage travelers
- Quiet, scenic mornings
5. Sunset on the Empire Builder (Montana Big Sky Country)
Route: Whitefish → Glacier National Park → Shelby
Best Time: Summer sunsets
Montana receives some of the most beautiful sunsets due to the sky’s vastness. The Empire Builder goes through flowing rivers, golden fields, and majestic mountains.
Why travelers love it:
- Big skies
- Fiery red and purple sunsets
- Snow-capped peaks glowing at dusk
6. Sunrise on the Southwest Chief (New Mexico Desert)
Route: Albuquerque → Las Vegas, NM
Best Time: Early morning
Watch the sun rise over the desert, casting long shadows across red rocks and mesas. The desert landscape turns soft pink and orange as daylight spreads.
Best for:
- Passionate desert lovers
- Roadtrip-style scenery
- Unique morning colors
7. Sunset on the Downeaster (Maine Coast)
Route: Portland → Wells → Dover
Best Time: Summer sunset
No other train can match the Downeaster’s views. You get to see the Maine coastline marshes, rivers, beaches, and lighthouses, warmed by the sunset.
Recommendation: June to August works best.
8. Sunrise on the Adirondack (Lake Champlain)
Route: Albany → Plattsburgh → Montréal (seasonal)
Best Time: Sunrise Would highly recommend looking out the window at Sunrise on Lake Champlain.
Fog over the mountains and calm water creates stunning views as the sun rises. It is a chore to pick the best sunrise view over Lake Champlain.
Must-see:
- Lake reflections
- Misty mountains
- Calm morning atmosphere
Golden-Hour Travel Tips for Amtrak Riders
✔ Select the right side of the train
- Sunset: West-facing seats
- Sunrise: East-facing seats
✔ Book early
Popular scenic train trips fill up quickly, so always book your Amtrak train tickets early.
✔ Use the Sightseer Lounge
Many long-distance routes feature panoramic viewing windows.
✔ Check Amtrak routes before booking
Some sections only provide one sunrise or sunset view for parts of the year.
Conclusion
Amtrak offers some of the most breath-taking golden-hour scenery. Whether you prefer quiet morning coasts or dramatic sunsets in the mountains, these Amtrak routes offer unforgettable views. Pack your camera, book your Amtrak train tickets in advance, and experience the beauty of America through the train window.
