National Park Train Routes: How to Reach America’s Best Parks by Rail
Visiting a national park may not require a long car trip or busy airport. In fact a number of great trips to U.S. national park train begin on a train. With wide windows, plenty of space in the seats, and wonderful scenery out the window, Amtrak turns the journey into part of the fun.
In this guide which is updated for 2026 we will look at which Amtrak routes take you to major U.S. national parks, what stations you should use for the closest park access, and how to plan your trip with Amtrak train tickets, schedules and connections. Also we will look at the best ways to do that.
Why Travel to National Parks by Train?
There are a few reasons for using the train for cross-national travel. Train rides save you the stress of traffic and parking. On a train, you also have much more legroom to stretch your legs, and you won’t have a frugal seat crammed in front of you. The train also provides you with a distant comfort that makes the trip much more pleasurable than a flight. Instead of missing the road, you get to see stunning scenery on your ride. The train also remains an easily eco-friendly travel option. For families, seniors, and solo travelers, train rides are overall much easier. With a little planning, many national parks can be accessed by rail.
Glacier National Park (Montana): The Easiest Park by Train
| Amtrak Route: Empire Builder | Stations: West Glacier & East Glacier Park |
When it comes to train accessible parks, Glacier National Park is the best there is. National parks, and train accessible national parks, are in a league of their own. The empire builder is one of the few trains in the United States that stops directly at the national park entrance.
You can see miles of plains, snow capped mountains, and deep forests as you ride the train through Montana, before you even have to get off and off the train.
| Best time to visit: June to September | Bonus: This is one of the most scenic Amtrak routes in the country. |
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): A Rail Classic
| Amtrak Route: Southwest Chief | Closest Station: Flagstaff, AZ |
The Southwest Chief takes travelers across a part of the southwestern US and delivers Flagstaff to the glorious deserts of the southwestern us. This train ride gives you a perfect view of the deserts. From there travelers can visit the South Rim via shuttle or train.
This route is mostly taken by novices to the national park. This route is taken by people the most.
| Best time to visit: April to October | Winter note: Always check Amtrak train status during snow |
Rocky Mountain National Park Train (Colorado): High-Altitude Beauty
| Amtrak Route: California Zephyr | Closest Station: Denver, CO |
The Zephyr is indeed a mountain view icon. Upon getting to Denver, it’s a straightforward journey to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, thanks to shuttles and rental cars.
The passed canyons, rivers, and alpine are a highlight of this celebrated Amtrak experience.
| Go: June – September | Bonus: Even in the early summer, expect snow-dusted peaks. |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Train (Tennessee/North Carolina)
| Amtrak Route: Crescent | Closest Stations: Charlotte, NC or Greenville, SC |
The Crescent train which also services the southeast U.S. is a great option to the Smokies. Upon arrival at destination train stations which are in cities like Gatlinburg or Cherokee.
This park is known for its rolling hills, misty mornings, and brilliant fall colors.
| Best time to visit: April–June and October | Popular season: Fall foliage draws large crowds. |
Olympic National Park Train (Washington): Forests, Mountains & Coast
| Amtrak Route: Coast Starlight | Closest Station: Seattle, WA |
Olympic National Park is renowned for its variety such as rain forests, mountains, and ocean views. The Coast Star light takes you to Seattle, where you get ferries and buses to the National Park.
This area combines a big city, small boats, and a large wilderness.
The best time to go is between June and September. Late fall and winter is rainy and you should avoid that time.
Planning Tips for National Park Train Trips
✔ Make Your Reservations Ahead of Time Summer and fall trips to the National Parks sell out quickly. Book Amtrak train tickets 2 to 3 months ahead of time.
✔ Verify Transit Connections Some bus and shuttle transfers are required to access certain parks, so ensure bus and shuttle schedules.
✔ Service Changes Right Before Your Trip Amtrak train service might be changed or canceled because of the weather and time of year, so be sure to check the status of the Amtrak train before you leave.
✔ Bring the Right Gear Make sure to bring enough layers, snacks, and essentials, especially if visiting national parks that are more remote.
How to Save Money on Amtrak Park Trips
- Amtrak Travel midweek: Tuesday-Thursday Travel
- Look for Seasonal Amtrak Deals & Discounts
- Use Amtrak Guest Rewards
- Book longer routes early to lock in lower fares to Save Money
If you need help Amtrak customer service can assist with route planning baggage questions.
Why Train Travel Fits National Park Train Adventures
National parks are for slowing down, appreciating the great outdoors, and in the journey you find your destination. Train travel does that in a fine way. Out of the stress of traffic or flight delays you step into a world of relaxation, watch the scenery change, and arrive at your place of stay well rested.
With good planning Amtrak routes will take you right by some of the most beautiful spots in the U.S. Also that is all.
Final Thoughts
Travel which you may do by train to national parks isn’t just possible, it is in fact very enjoyable, scenic, and in many cases far easier than you may think. As you head into Glacier National Park which is a straight train trip or you choose to combine train travel with shuttles for access to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, Amtrak has you covered. Plan ahead, book smart, and let the rails take you to the great natural wonders of America.
