7 Great Train Journeys in North America

Traveling by train across the United States and Canada provides a unique perspective on the geography of the continent. Rather than flying over the landscape, passengers watch the scenery change gradually from the comfort of a train car. This guide highlights a curated list of seven notable routes. The options range from multi-day transcontinental journeys to shorter daytime trips. You can ride the renowned California Zephyr through the Rockies or take the Denali Star across Alaska. Most long-distance services offer sleeping cars and dining facilities for overnight travel. Daytime routes provide comfortable coach seating and large windows to observe the passing valleys and rivers. Whether you want to cross the Canadian Shield or travel down the Pacific coast, these seven routes represent some of the best rail travel available in North America.

California Zephyr

The California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco, terminating in Emeryville. The trip takes about 51 to 52 hours end to end. This route is famous for its mountain scenery, crossing both the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada. Passengers can book a standard Coach ticket, which includes reclining seats and leg rests. For overnight comfort, Amtrak offers Superliner Roomettes, Superliner Bedrooms, Family Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms. Sleeping car passengers receive meals in the Dining car as part of their fare. All passengers have access to the Sightseer Lounge car. The large windows in the lounge car provide excellent views as the train climbs through the mountain passes. This journey requires two nights on board, making a sleeping accommodation a popular choice for travelers.

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight travels between Seattle and Los Angeles. The journey takes about 35 hours end to end. The route offers a diverse range of scenery, passing through the Cascades before reaching stretches along the Pacific coast. Passengers can travel in Coach, which features reclining seats and leg rests. Upgraded options include the Superliner Roomette, Superliner Bedroom, Family Bedroom, and Accessible Bedroom. The train includes a Dining car for meals and a Sightseer Lounge car. The lounge car is a great place to sit and watch the ocean views or the forested mountains. The trip involves one night on the train. Travelers often choose this route to see the coastal landscapes of Washington, Oregon, and California without having to drive.

Empire Builder

The Empire Builder connects Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. The train splits in Spokane, with sections continuing to either Seattle or Portland. The entire trip takes about 45 to 46 hours end to end. The highlight of the journey is the passage through Glacier National Park. Passengers can choose Coach class, which provides reclining seats and leg rests. For sleeping accommodations, the train offers the Superliner Roomette, Superliner Bedroom, Family Bedroom, and Accessible Bedroom. A Dining car serves meals during the trip, and a Sightseer Lounge car is available for all passengers. The lounge car is particularly popular when the train navigates the rugged terrain of Montana. This two-night journey is a classic way to cross the northern United States.

The Canadian

The Canadian is a transcontinental service operated by VIA Rail from Toronto to Vancouver. The journey takes about four days and four nights end to end. Passengers travel through the Canadian Shield, across the vast prairies, and over the Rockies. Economy class provides a reclining seat for the trip. Sleeper Plus class includes berths, cabins for one, and cabins for two. The top tier is Prestige class, which features larger cabins. Sleeper class fares include meals in the Dining car. The train features Dome cars and a Park car with an observation dome, offering expansive views of the changing landscapes. This route is one of the longest train journeys in North America. It provides a comprehensive tour of Canada from the Great Lakes to the Pacific coast.

Adirondack

The Adirondack is a daytime international train linking New York to Montreal. The trip takes about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours end to end, which includes the border inspection. The route travels north through the Hudson valley and runs closely along the shores of Lake Champlain. Passengers can book standard Coach seating. Business Class is also available when offered on the train. A Café car provides snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Because this is a daytime route, there are no sleeping cars or full dining cars. The scenery is highly regarded, especially when the leaves change color in the autumn. Travelers should always carry the correct travel documents for the border crossing into Canada.

Jasper to Prince Rupert

The VIA Rail service from Jasper to Prince Rupert takes two days in daylight. The train makes an overnight stop in Prince George, where passengers must book their own hotel. The route follows the Skeena River, providing excellent views of the mountains and forests of British Columbia. Standard seating is in Economy class. During the summer, Touring class is available. Touring class grants access to a dome or panorama car when offered, enhancing the sightseeing experience. Because the train only runs during the day, passengers do not miss any of the scenery while sleeping. This journey offers a quieter, more remote alternative to the major transcontinental routes. It connects the high peaks of the Rockies to the rugged Pacific coastline.

Alaska Railroad Denali Star

The Alaska Railroad Denali Star runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The journey takes about 12 hours end to end. Operating primarily in the summer, the route offers potential views of Denali on clear days. Passengers can travel in Adventure Class, which provides standard comfortable seating. The premium option is GoldStar Service. This class includes access to a glass dome car with an outdoor viewing platform, and meals are included in the ticket price. The outdoor platform is a major draw for photographers wanting clear shots of the Alaskan wilderness. The train crosses major rivers and passes through dense forests. This full-day trip is a practical and scenic way to travel between Alaska's two largest cities.