5 Epic Amtrak Journeys in North America

Are you tired of flying? Sick of delays? Over people kicking the back of your seat?

Then check out Amtrak’s epic North American train journeys. Watch the grandest of views pass by as you sit in luxury, admiring the landscapes that surround you.

We’ve rounded up five of the most unforgettable Amtrak train getaways. All aboard!

Amtrak’s Empire Builder

The Empire Builder is a journey for those that love both adventure and history. This train traverses the Northwestern United States, including through a seven-mile tunnel carved into the Cascade Mountains and along the Columbia River Gorge.

Stops include majestic Glacier National Park, which offers over one million acres of natural beauty, two mountain ranges and, you guessed it, glaciers. Parts of this route trace the very same path that explorers Lewis and Clark made during their expedition through the Rockies and Continental Divide.

Amtrak’s California Zephyr

Heading from Chicago to Denver then into California, the California Zephyr gives riders the chance to take in some of America’s most stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, the red rocks of Utah and the Sierra Nevadas.

The final destination? The one and only, “City by the Bay”, San Francisco. Highlights of this journey include the opportunity to hike through both Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite, making it an ideal journey for nature-buffs.

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief

The Southwest Chief route crosses both the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, (the two largest in North America), as well as eight states including New Mexico, Arizona and California, with stops in over 30 cities.

If you’re a fan of rugged, mountainous desert terrain, then this is your train.

Get ready for stops at the iconic Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world, and culturally rich cities, such as Santa Fe where guests are encouraged to explore its history, cuisine and art.

WATCH: Go From Beaches to Mountains Aboard Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight

If you’ve never experienced the scenic views of the Pacific Coast, then you’re missing out.

Coast Starlight traverses the cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway, making stops at the West Coast’s most famed cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland.

From the lush redwoods of Muir Woods to the crashing waves of the coast, you get the best views of both land and sea on this train. Guests can choose from a number of off-train excursions including sightseeing tours that take you through San Francisco with stops at the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and more.

VIA Rail’s The Canadian

As vast of a country as it is, Canada is best explored by train. The Canadian runs between Vancouver and Toronto, affording passengers views of expansive lakes, snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies, prairie fields and more.

The Classic Canada coast-to-coast rail journey is ideal for the passenger looking to explore all of Canada.

From the charming seaside town of Halifax and historic Montreal to the bustling city of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and Vancouver, the “Hollywood of the North”, you’ll be seeing it all in comfort and style.

Your next adventure by train awaits! Check out all of the exciting destinations you can visit via Amtrak Vacations by clicking here.