The 7 Best Train Trips in the USA for Lakes, Deserts, & Wine Country

Train journeys can be a great way to relax, soak up some scenic views and enjoy a calm ride to your destination. Check out some of the best train trips in the USA.

One of the best ways to see the country is to travel by train. It’s a much more sustainable option than a cross-country road trip, and no one has to deal with the stress of driving. If you’re looking for places to go this year, check out the best train trips in the USA and discover all the country has to offer. 

1. Maple Leaf Train

The Maple Leaf Train is a beautiful Amtrak route that goes up and down the upper East Coast. The train starts in NYC at Penn Station and goes all the way to Toronto, Canada. Some of the highlights of this trip include the Hudson River Valley, New York wine country, and the beautiful Finger Lakes region. The train crosses into Canada through Niagara Falls, another great spot for a pit stop. This route is a one of the best train trips in the US for New Yorkers, allowing them to see other parts of the state and even travel internationally. 

• NYC – Albany – Niagara Falls – Toronto 
• 12 hours and 30 minutes
• Daily departure 
• Learn more here

2. Napa Valley Wine Train

Hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train to explore the world-renowned wine country. This cute, vintage train takes visitors through scenic vineyards and picturesque landscapes, following thirty-six miles round-trip from downtown Napa to the quaint town of St. Helena. There are several different ways to enjoy this train, including wine tastings, meal packages, and even features for wedding parties.

• Downtown Napa – St. Helena 
• 3 hours
• Daily departures
• Learn more here

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

The Metro-North Hudson Line is an affordable way to explore upstate New York. Get on at the iconic Grand Central Station and enjoy views of NYC, the lush Hudson River Valley and NY suburbs. Hop on and off to explore along the way. This journey is one of the best train trips in the US for self-directed travel with its multiple stops.

• NYC – Hudson River Valley – Poughkeepsie 
• 1 hour 54 minutes
• Daily departures 
• Learn more here

4. New Mexico Rail Runner

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe. This is an everyday commuter train for many, but the Rail Runner offers beautiful views of the desert and mountains along the Rio Grande Valley. Tickets start at just two dollars and are available on board. Hop on at either end for a day trip into the city, and to soak up some beautiful landscapes along the way, as seen in Better Call Saul. Keep in mind that the train passes through some Native American lands, of which the inhabitants have requested respect from train passengers in refraining from taking pictures.

• Albuquerque – Santa Fe 
• 1 hour and 30 minutes 
• Daily departures 
• Learn more here

5. The Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer offers only one US route, the Rockies to the Red Rocks. This steam engine train covers an expansive area of Utah and Colorado, traveling through canyons, desert, mountains and impressive rock formations. This route is available from April to November. As a two-day journey, it’s one of the best train trips in the US for multi-day travel.

• Moab – Glenwood Springs – Denver
• 2 days
• Biweekly departures
• Learn more here

6. Grand Canyon Railway

Visit this wonder of the world by rail. Take the train into the Grand Canyon National Park to save on gas and enjoy the sixty-four miles of beautiful landscape riding in. Trains along this heritage railway depart from Williams, Arizona each morning, and offer return trips from the canyon in the afternoon, giving visitors about three hours to explore the canyon. You can also stay overnight at the park.

• Williams, AZ – Grand Canyon
• 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Daily departures 
• Learn more here

7. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

This railroad hosts multiple trips throughout the Great Smoky Mountains region. Hop on a steam-powered train, take a diesel locomotive, or opt for a special excursion, like the “Polar Express” experience.

• Round-trip from Bryson City, North Carolina
• Variable times
• Daily departures 
• Learn more here

Read more:

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• Staycation Ideas: 6 Ways to Enjoy a Relaxing Vacation at Home

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Tags: environment Green Living Guide