6 Magnificent Train Tours In The US You “MUST-SEE”

Have you considered a train tour for your next getaway?

For almost 200 years, railroads have transported passengers and freight all across our country, changing from a practical form of transportation to the pinnacle of luxury for the wealthy by the beginning of the 20th century.

But nowadays, train tours are the perfect getaways for people who believe the journey is more important than the destination. Traveling by train might seem like an old-fashioned way of getting from point A to point B, but millions of people ride the rail each year.

Most people probably choose to take a train tour because of the more casual atmosphere, less environmental impact, overall comfort, and, most importantly, the scenery that might not be viewable from any other type of transportation.

Now, if you ask us, the best time to travel this way is spring or fall. Here are 6 of the best train travel experiences in the US.

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Train Tour: Pacific Northwest

This train tour through the Pacific Northwest links 18 cities along the I-5. The distance you’ll be traveling is 467 miles of breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, the Columbia River, and some magnificent evergreen forests.

Your travels begin in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and end in Eugene, Oregon. You’ll be passing Seattle and Tacoma in Washington and Portland and Salem in Oregon.

If you plan on boarding in Canada, make sure you arrive an hour ahead of time to allow for security checks. Another thing to consider is the travel requirements for crossing the border. The trip will be about 10 hours and 25 minutes.

Train Tour: Rocky Mountaineer

As of 2021, the Canadian railway company Rocky Mountaineer debuted its first ever route into the US. The Rockies to Red Rocks, which is a two-day journey between Denver and Moab, also includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

The glass-domed cars provide passengers with extraordinary views of the rivers, mountains, canyons, and hoodoos along the voyage. Travelers get to enjoy multi-course meals, either in their private seats or the train tour’s dining room, depending on the tickets purchased.

And for those who want to book the higher class of service, SilverLeaf Plus, there’s also a lounge area on the train with a bar and a deluxe outdoor observation deck.

Train Tour: Smoky Mountains

Suppose you decide o take this train tour through Tennessee and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. In that case, you’ll be stopping in some of the most historically important and vibrant cities and exploring the stunning scenery.

Starting off in Nashville, the train travels to Chattanooga and Pigeon Forge before infiltrating the wilderness in steam locomotives.

The tours available are the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain, the Summerville Steam Special of the Tennessee Valley Railroad, and the Tuckasegee Steam Train of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

After going through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the trains end their journey in Asheville, North Carolina. The beautiful city offers many opportunities to explore Neoclassical structures and Gothic architecture, including the historic Biltmore Estate.

Train Tour: Southern California

This train tour is simply perfect for those looking to relish in the sunshine! The Pacific Surfliner course goes along the coastline, giving you 350 miles of incredible ocean views and endless amounts of sandy beaches in 8 and a half hours.

From San Luis Obispo to San Diego, you’ll also pass through Santa Barbara and LA. It’s almost the same route as the Pacific Coast Highway, just from a different vantage point.

And the best part? These trains have designated racks for bikes and surfboards to accommodate those who wish to get off at any coastal stops!

Train Tour: Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is already a “must-See” destination on many people’s bucket lists. So why not arrive there in style? Instead of sitting in endless lines of traffic to get into the national park, you can take the Grand Canyon Railway tour for a laid-back adventure.

The train tour leaves from the Williams Depot in Williams, Arizona, about 60 miles south of the canyon. And it then travels for two-and-a-half hours through the mesmerizing desert to reach Grand Canyon Village, next to the South Rim.

If you want a more extravagant experience, make sure to book the Luxury Dome class of service or the Luxury Parlor. These adults-only cars have private bars and open-air platforms so you can enjoy the breathtaking views.

Train Tour: Mount Washington Cog

Beginning at the Marshfield Base Station in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, AKA “The Cog,” ascends approximately 3,500ft up to the highest summit in the region.

As you can probably guess, this is the most abrupt railway track in our country and the second steepest in the world. So if you have a fear of heights, this train tour might not necessarily be for you.

A one-hour break at the summit provides you with breathtaking views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Canada, as well as the Atlantic Ocean from the Mount Washington Observatory. So make sure to pack your camera for this one.

You can also browse the museum and gift shops. And you can even send yourself or loved ones a postcard from their very own post office! Even though there’s only one way up and down, you get to choose between riding on a biodiesel or a steam locomotive.

So are you ready for a train tour? Leave us a comment in the section below, and share your thoughts with us!

And if you’re looking for some more unique ideas on where to go next, we also recommend reading about 5 US Places All Alien and UFO Fans Should Visit