Traversing the tracks across the United States is a wonderful way to truly appreciate the boundless beauty of this magnificent land. With routes connecting just about every corner of the country, whenever you want to go, there’s likely a train that can take you there. However, it’s not just about the destination when riding the rails in America: there is often just as much to admire about the journey. Read on as we shine a light on some of the most extraordinary opportunities for train travel in America.
Guest Post by Naomi. Header image by shrpnss on Unsplash
Coast Starlight
Photo by Chor Tsang on Unsplash
A far-cry from the drab daily commute, this train ride offers awe-inspiring views at just about every point along the 35-hour journey. As you climb your way up the west coast from Los Angeles to Seattle, look out across the horizon over the Pacific Ocean, and savor the alpine vistas of the Cascade mountains when rolling through Northern California. As a top tip, if you’re traveling northwards, make sure to sit on the left side of the carriage to get the best ocean views.
There is also an observation car with floor-to-ceiling windows which reveal America’s colorful natural charm and untamed wilderness – seating in this part of the train operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Coast Starlight stops in lots of the west coast’s most popular tourist destinations, including Portland, Sacramento and Santa Barbara, giving you the chance to hop off and explore different regions along the way.
Empire Builder
Photo by Steve Adams on Unsplash
The Empire Builder is one of the most popular long-distance train rides in the country. The start point is Chicago and, while the route’s destination is the same as the Coast Starlight’s – Seattle – the journey couldn’t be any more different. Substitute ocean views for a taste of some of America’s most diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Rockies to the forests and rural farms of the Pacific Northwest.
The travel time is about 45 hours, but as you might expect, the list of stops reads like a who’s who of must-visit destinations in the Midwest: Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Dells and East Glacier Park should feature on your shortlist. There are daily journeys transporting passengers along the more than 2,200-mile route, but it’s always worth booking your tickets in advance if possible to make the most of the best prices and to avoid missing out on a seat.
The Vermonter
Photo by Stephen Mease on Unsplash
If you’re based on the east coast, consider taking a ride on the Vermonter. As the name suggests, Vermont (St. Albans) is the final destination, with trains departing daily from Washington D.C.. Natural beauty surrounds you along the route, which is arguably best enjoyed in the fall, when the kaleidoscopic flora comes into its own to truly embellish the landscapes.
Stops include some of the biggest cities on the east coast, including Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. Unlike the other two trains mentioned above, the Vermonter offers free Wi-Fi, so you can update your loved ones with snaps of the stunning scenery as you go. The travel time for the whole route is around 13 hours – for skiers and nature lovers, the Vermonter is impossible to ignore.
Closing Thoughts
I’ve done a portion of “The Vermonter” since that’s the state I was born and raised in. The Coast Starlight is also amazing, I did a portion of it before I even moved to California and it’s part of why I wanted to live here. Views you will enjoy while on the train, particularly in Orange County, are hard to beat. I highly recommend both itineraries. This guest post was a joy to publish since I LOVE traveling by train.
Please let me know what you think in the comments!
