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 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Scenic Train, located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a freight and heritage railroad

The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

It’s all about the journey on the best train rides in the USA, featuring mind-blowingly scenic routes

Scott Snowden

Of course, a road trip through America is one of the best ways to see the magnificent views on offer across the country, but from time to time it's just nice to take a break from being behind the wheel. Instead, how about taking one of the best train rides in the USA? Gently saunter across the country, leaving you free to contemplate life, ponder the meaning of existence or just spend a few hours thinking about nothing and staring out of the window.

Riding on a train can be a romantic, nostalgic, and best of all leisurely way to see the country. Even a commuter train between major cities can be a step up from a drive, but these scenic train rides are more than that. Geared towards long-haul trips from coast to coast, or specifically designed for enjoying the scenery, these train routes will let you take in all the glorious views.

Looking for a west coast adventure? Take the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle . Heading to Alaska ? Catch all the highlights on the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The Grand Canyon Railway and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you from quaint towns to national parks . There are even some shorter jaunts, like the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or the Hawaiian Railway that will give you a small taste of scenic train travel.

So hop aboard, enjoy the views, and take as many pics as you want without having to keep your hands on the wheel.

RECOMMENDED: The best camping in the USA

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Best train rides in the USA

Rockies to the Red Rocks

1.  Rockies to the Red Rocks

Denver, co to moab, ut.

The first US offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the new 'Rockies to the Red Rocks' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. The 2023 season will kick off in August and will run through October.

Discover the  best things to do in Denver

Coast Starlight

2.  Coast Starlight

Los angeles, ca to seattle, wa.

Put a spin on the classic left-coast road trip by traveling by train instead. The advantages? Zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo-ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Discover the best things to do in Seattle  

The Grand Canyon Railway

3.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, az to the grand canyon, az.

Sure you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives, and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

Discover the best things to do in Arizona

The Empire Builder

4.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, il to portland, or.

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds, so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

Discover the best things to do in Portland 

The Alaska Denali Star

5.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, ak to fairbanks, ak.

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

Discover the best things to do in Alaska 

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

6.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson city, nc.

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. Various routes originate here, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

Discover the best things to do in North Carolina 

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

7.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton woods, nh.

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288ft peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views—of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

Discover the best thing to do in New Hampshire

The Napa Valley Wine Train

8.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa valley, ca.

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant is made up of a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

Discover the best  things to do in Napa

The Hawaiian Railway Society

9.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

Discover the best things to do in Oahu

Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

10.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, co to silverton, co.

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

Discover the best things to do in Colorado

The Ethan Allen Express

11.  The Ethan Allen Express

New york city, ny to burlington, vt.

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. You’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

Discover the best things to do in Vermont

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The Most Scenic Train Rides Across the US

By Hannah Towey and Tyler Moss

The Most Scenic Train Rides Across the US

This past June, I took a nine-hour train ride from Santa Barbara to San Francisco on board the Amtrak Coast Starlight, considered one of the country’s most scenic rail routes. The views proved so absorbing that I never actually made it to my assigned seat—sitting instead in the communal observation car for the entirety of the ride.

From the car’s glass-dome windows, California’s rugged coastline and golden hills revealed themselves to me. America’s West Coast fluctuated between the breathtaking and the dire—from endless ocean and cliff-top mansions to drought-ridden fields and cottages sinking between collapsed roofs. Peering out at the vast spectrum of life unfold before me, I enjoyed that slightly detached “from above” perspective rail travel affords you; through the journey, I observed both heartwarming humanity (lone fishermen and packs of surfers, a young girl wearing a pink tutu playing in a creek, an old man collecting driftwood at a campsite) as well as breathtaking nature (a flock of pelicans, meadows of yellow wildflowers, rolling sets of whitecap waves).

As the sun set on the second half of my journey, fellow passengers in the observation car formed an impromptu band complete with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Word slowly spread and travelers trickled in from other parts of the train to take turns singing songs from cultures around the world.

While it would've been more efficient to fly between the two Californian cities, the meditative romance of slow-paced train travel lends truth to the cliché that the journey is just as important as the destination. And in a country as diverse as this one, there’s truly no better way to witness its beauty—and complexity—than by train.

With over a dozen long distance Amtrak routes and even more private rail operators in states like Alaska and Hawaii, the challenge then becomes picking which train trips to take. Here, we’ve selected 13 of the most scenic train rides in the US that are worth booking for the views alone.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

While the Northeast is more known for its commuter trains than sightseeing Amtraks Adirondack route is a lovely...

Amtrak Adirondack

While the Northeast is more known for its commuter trains than sightseeing, Amtrak’s Adirondack route is a lovely exception. Relaunched in spring 2023 following its closure during the pandemic, the route runs from New York City to Montreal . Departing from the new Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, the 10-hour train travels along the Hudson River up until Albany, then passes through Saratoga Springs and the dazzling Lake Champlain before arriving in Canada. Take this route in the fall during peak foliage season to watch New England’s changing autumnal colors glide by your window.

Tickets from $$62

Image may contain Plant Tree Water Fir Abies Nature Outdoors Lake and Land

Amtrak Empire Builder

Traveling along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, the Empire Builder is a true American West train adventure. The 46-hour train departs daily from Chicago and traverses through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana, before concluding in either Seattle or Portland . From views of the Mississippi River and North Dakota plains to the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park in Montana, this less-frequented route promises a rich variety of views without the crowds. Monisha Rajesh, author of Around the World in 80 Trains and Condé Nast Traveler contributor , suggests taking this route during peak summer or deep mid-winter.

Tickets from $56

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Scenery Land Ocean Sea Water Landscape Road Shoreline Coast and Freeway

Amtrak Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight departs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, a 35-hour journey that stops in some of the West Coast’s greatest cities, including Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. The southern half features long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline before veering inland to the golden valleys of the state’s agricultural heart, up to the magestic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade mountains . Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds—consider this train a sampler of America’s diverse natural landscape, all in one. For the best views, grab a seat in the first-come, first-serve observation lounge.

Tickets from $98

This image may contain Tree Plant Fir Abies Conifer Transportation Train Track Rail Railway Nature and Outdoors

Grand Canyon Railway

Gaze upon the grandeur of one of the world’s natural wonders— Grand Canyon National Park aboard the Grand Canyon Railway . Departing from Williams, Arizona, 30-some miles west of Flagstaff, this train weaves past forests of ponderosa pine and parts of the Sonoran Desert into the heart of canyon country, where you’ll spend the day exploring before boarding a return trip—just in time for sunset .

Tickets from $70

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Hawaiian Railway Society

While leaf-peeping rail expeditions tend to draw the most media attention, tropical climates with oceanside views can be at least equally as enjoyable. The Ewa Train, located 20-miles west of Honolulu , provides just such an experience along a two hour round-trip tour. The ride pairs history—live narration about Oahu's old sugar plantations and the ghost town of Gilbert—with breathtaking vistas from Kahe Point, and even includes a pit-stop for ice cream so you can beat the heat. 

Tickets from $18

Rocky Mountaineer train. mountains

The Rocky Mountaineer

The nearly all-glass cabins allow guests full view of the mountainous landscapes of Western Canada and the red rock wonders of Colorado and Southern Utah aboard this luxurious train. One itinerary takes passengers from Denver to Moab, Utah , where guests can take in the views in style with a cocktail in hand.

Tickets from $1,599

Image may contain Transportation Train Track Railway Rail Vehicle Train and Locomotive

Amtrak California Zephyr

Though the California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco in a little more than 51 hours, it’s indisputably the western portion of the route—through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and northern California—that deserves your attention. Snake through the Rocky Mountains, past the photogenic canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, and enjoy an entire half-day trek through Sierra Nevada, complete with views of Donner Lake and the Truckee River.

Tickets from $141

Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Train Locomotive Motor Machine Engine Steam Engine Train Track and Railway

Cass Scenic Railroad

Built in 1901 to transport lumber through the mountains of West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad helps to preserve the look and feel of America’s locomotive legacy. Pick from two available routes, including a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip jaunt up to Bald Knob—the highest summit of Back Allegheny Mountain at 4,842 feet.

Tickets from $81

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic Train

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic

The largest and most wild state in America offers its own photo-worthy railroad adventure: The Coastal Classic, a four-hour excursion from Anchorage heads south around the Turnagain Arm waterway. The train route weaves into the backwoods of the Kenai Peninsula, through which attentive passengers will spot natural wonders like waterfalls and glaciers before arriving at the port city of Seward, on Resurrection Bay.

Tickets from $96

Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Train Road Tarmac Asphalt Freeway and Highway

Amtrak Cascades

Spanning the Northwest from Portland to Vancouver, the Cascades parallels the titular mountain range during this eight-hour adventure. The route crosses the majestic Columbia River, provides views of Mount St. Helens, and hugs the shore of picturesque Puget Sound as it passes through Seattle .

Tickets from $72

You dont have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the natural beauty of northern Napa Valleys agricultural corridor....

Napa Valley Wine Train

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the natural beauty of northern Napa Valley’s agricultural corridor. Originally built by a local millionaire, California Gold Rush baron Samuel Brannan in 1865 to transport Napa visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga, the Napa Valley Wine Train today gives travelers a chance to sip local vintages from a luxurious railcar while passing vaunted vineyards on a three-hour round-trip journey.

Tickets vary based on package .

Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Train Train Track Railway Rail and Shipping Container

Amtrak Southwest Chief

From the rolling farmlands of Illinois, across the Mississippi River, to the red mesas of New Mexico, and into the Mojave Desert, the Southwest Chief traverses more than 2,000 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles . Travelers wary of a full 40-hour venture can take just a partial piece of the route, but don’t miss the most scenic stretch, which spans Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California, including the Ratón Pass—a National Historic Landmark along the Santa Fe Trail.

Tickets from $146

Image may contain Building Architecture Bridge Arch Bridge Arched and Arch

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Only available from May through October, the Cape Cod Excursion train provides passengers with a whirlwind sightseeing tour of the Cape’s natural attractions, including the charming Cape Cod Canal. The two hour round-trip ride immerses travelers in distinctive New England landscapes, through cranberry bogs and salt marshes, past sand dunes and woodlands. En route, guests can listen to on-board narration that points out important landmarks.

Tickets from $29.99

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4 great scenic train rides across the US

Bill Fink

Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There's no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.

During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that's worth the extra transit time.

Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.

Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.

Tips for cross-country train travel

travel train rides

While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.

Browse routes by region

travel train rides

A good first step to take when looking for a route that's right for you is to search Amtrak's "Browse by Region" menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.

Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.

Explore Amtrak Vacations

travel train rides

Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks , sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like "Fall Foliage" and "Multiple National Parks."

Amtrak's set of "Most Scenic Journeys" vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions . Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.

You can click on each option's details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that's left to do is book your rail vacation.

Consider famous routes

travel train rides

A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on "Famous Rail Routes." This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.

For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you've chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.

Weigh your accommodation options

Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you'll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak's long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.

The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak's seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you'll find in an airline's business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.

Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you'll enjoy access to a separate dining car.

Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.

4 scenic train trips to take in the US

Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you'll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.

California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago

travel train rides

Amtrak's California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.

The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver . You'll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.

This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you'll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.

One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago

travel train rides

The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train's viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana 's Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park , the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota's towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.

Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there's an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.

One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.

Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago

travel train rides

Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.

For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66 . However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won't find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.

The train's main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak's vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.

Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.

Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.

Crescent: New York City to New Orleans

travel train rides

See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans . Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington, D.C. , among other destinations.

Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.

Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.

Bottom line

Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.

The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak's many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak's website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.

  • Smart Living

So You Want to Get Into Train Travel: A Beginner's Guide to Rail Vacations

Published on 3/20/2024 at 6:05 PM

travel train rides

It's often said that it's not the destination, it's the journey that matters, and perhaps there's no better example of that than train travel. In an era of hyper-productivity , we often find ourselves scurrying from one must-see landmark to another, ignoring all the in-betweens. But with the rise in slow travel, taking vacations by train is starting to emerge as one of the most popular ways to see the world .

In recent years, train journeys have even become a trendy way to travel for the ultimate jet setters: celebrities. "All I want to do is live on a train," Margot Robbie told Vogue in 2023, admitting she often spends her free time browsing train sites around the world to plan her next great rail journey. "You literally wake up and you open the window and it looks like 'The Sound of Music.'"

Robbie has already taken the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and British Pullman , both part of the luxurious Belmond Trains, as well as the Seven Stars , which goes across the Japanese island of Kyushu. And she's not the only one: Victoria and David Beckham took a family trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express the summer of 2022, and Maria Sharapova shared views from her stunning 2021 ride on the Royal Scotsman, also a Belmond Train.

"When you travel by train, your vacation gets off to a magical and immediate start that you can't get by air or road," Trainline travel expert Hollie Conway tells PS. "Not only do you set off in one city and arrive somewhere magical with no effort, you get to experience the beauty of the surroundings along the way uninterrupted."

Conway also finds it to be far more reliable, especially in Europe, and far more sustainable, as trains produce up to 75 percent less carbon emissions than by car or plane, per findings published in %0Ahttps://www.travelweekly.com/Strategic-Content/Austria-travel-by-train" target="_blank">Travel Weekly .

With train travel, there are all sorts of price points and ways to turn the journey into the experience. Here's what to know before planning your first great rail vacation.

What's a Good Train Trip For a First-Timer?

With so many itineraries out there, the choices can be overwhelming, but it's best to go with your instincts. Fora advisor Thomas Spears says the Belmond's Royal Scotsman or Golden Eagle are both solid introductions to train travel, since they entail a "short journey through fantastic scenery, with a local-inspired luxury." Spears likens it to staying in a "five-star hotel that changes cities each morning when you wake up."

Nature lovers may also enjoy Rocky Mountaineer , Spears recommends, which journeys through "some of the most beautiful and untouched nature." The rail booking company Vacations By Rail says that train is one of its most popular, best known for its trips between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, though they also have one between Denver and Moab. "It is a luxury train experience with glass-domed ceilings in the train cars, so it is easy to soak in all of the views on the leisurely, daylight-only route," a rep for the company says.

If you're looking to tiptoe into overnight trail travel — on a budget — Fora advisor Chloe Kletsa points to the Madrid to Lisbon trip. "It is just one overnight so you can test the waters and see if a longer journey would suit you," she says, suggesting a single or double occupancy cabin. "When sleeping on a train for the first time, it takes a bit of getting used to, lying down feels different to sitting on a seat. You may not sleep that well that first night as you get used to the movement and the noise."

But if budget is not an issue, Kletsa recommends going for the gold standard on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express route from London to Venice, which she calls "a must" since it's also a "short one-night journey which gives you a taste of what a true luxury train experience can be."

What Are Some Other Popular Train Trips?

When we asked experts to name some of their other favorite and trending train journeys, the list hopscotched around the world. Dan Reisig of Railbookers says one of his favorites is through Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre , saying it's "an unbelievable combination of history and natural beauty."

Conway is also a fan of Italy, but from Rome to the Amalfi Coast via Naples . "The landscape is very special, and you even have the ability to hop off the train to visit the archaeological site of Pompeii and walk up Vesuvius on the way," she says.

Kletsa has her eyes set on the Belmond Andean Explorer , saying "I believe the landscapes you ride past, plus the level of luxury and comfort that these trains provide, will make it a true once-in-a-lifetime experience." But she says the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express connecting Paris and Istanbul is a popular pick, as is the new Paris to Portofino launch.

Also fun: the Nordland Railway between Trondheim and Bodo , which Kletsa calls a "gorgeous, scenic 10-hour ride that resembles the Polar Express during the winter months, and in the summer the sun never sets so one can enjoy a full 10 hours of sightseeing from their seats."

Spears adds that Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia "seems to be gaining in popularity" while countries like Laos and Vietnam are starting their "mid-tier luxury trains." He's also seen an "uptick" in requests about the Maharajas' Express in India.

What's It Like on Board a Train?

Like cruises, hotels, and planes, there are varying accommodation levels for every kind of traveler.

"Your first long-haul trip will not disappoint."

"Trust me when I say, your first long-haul trip will not disappoint," Conway says. For European trips, there's a good deal of comfort and hospitality, from easy check-in to the dedicated space for relaxation, and even the food and drinks, which Conway says is "100 percent better than airline food." But above all, she says it's the scenic views along the way that make every step of the journey an experience.

For those traveling in an overnight sleeper train, the cabins can range from shared rooms with bunk-like beds to spacious suites similar to hotel rooms. Across the board, expect everything to be smaller and "leverage clever design to provide the same functions and amenities," Spears says. He also points out that some cabins will be converted between day and night to accommodate sitting-up and then laying down for bed.

The main difference compared to air travel is that you're not confined to your seat. "You can get up, walk around, get something to eat or drink (or bring your own!), and the train journey will become one of the most memorable parts of your entire vacation," Reisig says.

Spears compares it to a cruise ship, with many of the more high-end journeys having activities on board and stops with excursions. But he notes that dining options can be limited — after all, train kitchens are naturally smaller than those on a ship — so plan ahead, especially if you have dietary restrictions. "There's nothing worse than boarding a seven-day train trip and finding that you don't like or can't eat the meals," he says.

What Are Train Travel Prices Like?

In general, train travel is "very competitively priced and oftentimes can cost the same or less than air," Reisig says.

Kletsa adds that trips like those on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are "comparable to a transatlantic business ticket for one night, or first class for longer journeys." The one-night trip from London to Venice on that Belmond train starts at around $4,941, while a one-nighter on the Rocky Mountaineer starts at $1,720, as of press time. Budget options are also available, which will help shave costs off of hotels and air.

Booking ahead can sometimes make a difference, like the Eurostar can be expensive if not booked well ahead of time. For instance a last-minute fare between London and Paris is now $290 but can start as low as $52. European sleeper trains generally have the same pricing, no matter when you book.

"For luxury trails, the initial ticket price might seem slightly higher, but the experience is one you'll never forget, especially for those who take a dream vacation," Conway says. "Budget trains often hit popular destinations and major cities, making them a convenient choice for those seeking cost-effective travel."

What Are Some Mistakes First-Time Train Travelers Make?

While trains don't have the same tight space restrictions as planes, the Vacations by Rail team still advises first-timers to not overpack . "Each train is different, but some have limited space for luggage so avoid packing any non-essential items," the company's spokesperson says. Also, make sure you can handle your own suitcases on and off the train, unless you've booked an escorted trip with baggage handling.

Cultural cues may also be different depending on where you're going. For example, in some European countries, passengers don't usually talk on their phones on board. Conway adds, "People love taking their pets on the train so don't be surprised if you spot a dog, cat or even a bird."

But most of all, use the time intentionally. Vacations By Rail suggests studying up on your next destination, journaling about the last one, or even just napping: "After all, what better way to prepare for the thrills to come than being well-rested?"

How Do I Book a Train Trip?

The booking process will be different depending on the train operators and specifics of the journey. If your trip involves segments on a local train, it can be challenging to navigate booking sites in other languages. But trains do sell out, so it's important to book early.

First timers may benefit from using a company like Trainline , a platform that helps you search, compare, and buy tickets all across Europe; Vacations By Rail , which offers rail vacation packages worldwide; or Railbookers , an independent train vacation booking company that customizes everything to your needs and budgets.

"Travelers who want to experience the best that trains have to offer on a vacation but insist on doing all of the planning themselves often regret it," Reisig says. "Every train system has its own set of booking rules, on-sale dates, and oftentimes even languages. It quickly can become overwhelming — especially if something changes or goes wrong."

Turning to experts can alleviate the concern over details getting lost in translation, and Railbookers says its consultants can help you figure out everything from the best itineraries for your needs to the most strategic seats in the train for the views, as well as what to do in every destination. And if there are snags, they're just a call away.

Who Should Go on a Train Trip?

Train trips are a great choice for a wide range of travelers.

Kletsa says that for solo travelers, it's a way to experience multiple destinations on a trip. "You will have the chance to meet other passengers, make connections, and build friendships — and who knows, maybe even romance can be in the air," she says. "We've all watched 'Before Sunrise' after all!"

Another group that's starting to hop on board? "I'm seeing more and more millennials asking about train travel as an alternative to cruising," Spears says. "It's more eco-friendly, often has more premium stops, and can provide a similar 'moving hotel' experience."

But rail journeys truly can be one of the most enchanting ways to experience the world. "Train travel is the perfect way to experience any destination . . . because it allows you to immerse yourself in your surroundings and fully appreciate the destination," Reisig says. "Whether it's the comfort of a sleeper car on an overnight train, to enjoying the cuisine and camaraderie in the dining car, train travel has something for everyone."

Travel and pop culture journalist Rachel Chang is a magazine editor (Us Weekly senior editor, J-14 editor in chief, CosmoGIRL! entertainment editor) turned freelance writer. She's a regular contributor to Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and has written for POPSUGAR, New York Times for Kids, Wall Street Journal, Lonely Planet, and United's Hemispheres, among others.

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This Is The Most Scenic Train Journey In Your State

Posted: December 28, 2023 | Last updated: December 28, 2023

<p>America grew rich with the foundation of the railroad, and today its railways are still among the best ways for travelers to traverse the home of the brave. From heritage lines pulled by vintage steam engines to highlights of the expansive Amtrak network, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful train journey in each US state.</p>  <p>Though some (we see you Wyoming) are faring well without scenic rail rides, we’ve found something for rail buffs to love in every part of the US. </p>  <p><strong>Click through this gallery to discover your state’s most scenic train journey…</strong></p>

The right track

America grew rich with the foundation of the railroad, and today its railways are still among the best ways for travelers to traverse the home of the brave. From heritage lines pulled by vintage steam engines to highlights of the expansive Amtrak network, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful train journey in each US state.

Though some (we see you Wyoming) are faring well without scenic rail rides, we’ve found something that rail buffs will love in every part of the the country.

Click or scroll through this gallery to discover your state’s most scenic train journey…

<p>Stationed in Calera, just south of Birmingham in central Alabama, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum hosts rail excursions on a first-generation diesel-electric locomotive. Riding the Calera and Shelby Railroad, which operates on a former slip of the 1891 L&N Alabama Railroad, you’ll pass through the atmospheric forests of Shelby County on a 75-minute journey.</p>  <p>Seats are available in an enclosed coach or an open-air carriage – if you really want to immerse yourself in the scenery. Trips run twice on Saturdays between March and September.</p>

Alabama: Calera and Shelby Railroad

Stationed in Calera, just south of Birmingham in central Alabama, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum hosts rail excursions on a first-generation diesel-electric locomotive. Riding the Calera and Shelby Railroad, which operates on a former slip of the 1891 L&N Alabama Railroad, you’ll pass through the atmospheric forests of Shelby County on a 75-minute journey.

Seats are available in an enclosed coach or an open-air carriage – if you really want to immerse yourself in the scenery. Trips run twice on Saturdays between March and September.

<p>The Denali Star is the flagship service of the Alaskan Railroad. Typically operating between May and September, the journey swings from Anchorage – a city that owes its very existence to the Alaskan Railroad – to Fairbanks through the dramatic heart of Denali National Park. In its entirety the expedition lasts an epic 12 hours, traveling through Southcentral and Interior Alaska with views of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, on a clear day.</p>  <p>The train’s Adventure Class offers large picture windows, while GoldStar Service gets you glass-domed ceilings and access to an outdoor viewing deck.</p>

Alaska: Denali Star

The Denali Star is the flagship service of the Alaskan Railroad. Typically operating between May and September, the journey swings from Anchorage – a city that owes its very existence to the Alaskan Railroad – to Fairbanks through the dramatic heart of Denali National Park. In its entirety the expedition lasts an epic 12 hours, traveling through Southcentral and Interior Alaska with views of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, on a clear day.

The train’s Adventure Class offers large picture windows, while GoldStar Service gets you glass-domed ceilings and access to an outdoor viewing deck.

<p>There’s more than one spectacular canyon in Arizona, and you can ride a vintage train right down the spine of this one. Verde Canyon Railroad was built in 1912 to serve the area’s copper mines and has been transporting sightseers year-round since 1990.</p>  <p>Chasing the meanders of the Verde River, this four-hour round-trip takes passengers past Mars-red rock amphitheaters, historic ranch towns, kiwi-colored cacti, and the ancient ruins of Native American civilizations. Watch for bald eagles overhead as you chug along through the wilderness.</p>

Arizona: Verde Canyon Railroad

There’s more than one spectacular canyon in Arizona, and you can ride a vintage train right down the spine of this one. Verde Canyon Railroad was built in 1912 to serve the area’s copper mines and has been transporting sightseers year-round since 1990.

Chasing the meanders of the Verde River, this four-hour round-trip takes passengers past Mars-red rock amphitheaters, historic ranch towns, kiwi-colored cacti, and the ancient ruins of Native American civilizations. Watch for bald eagles overhead as you chug along through the wilderness.

<p>Operated by the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, this all-day round-trip from Springdale, deep in the Ozark Mountains, to the city of Van Buren and back racks up 134 miles of track. The trip includes three hours of free time to explore the historic district of downtown Van Buren, which converges around Main Street and its gingerbread-like architecture.</p>  <p>Silver Feather passengers will ride in the train’s panoramic glass-domed dining room in one direction and ride downstairs in the other, offering two different perspectives of the same journey.</p>

Arkansas: Springdale to Van Buren

Operated by the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, this all-day round-trip from Springdale, deep in the Ozark Mountains, to the city of Van Buren and back racks up 134 miles of track. The trip includes three hours of free time to explore the historic district of downtown Van Buren, which converges around Main Street and its gingerbread-like architecture.

Silver Feather passengers will ride in the train’s panoramic glass-domed dining room in one direction and ride downstairs in the other, offering two different perspectives of the same journey.

<p>Skirting the Golden State’s gleaming Pacific coastline, the Pacific Surfliner train runs between the sun-drenched cities of San Luis Obispo and San Diego, calling in at Santa Barbara and Los Angeles along the way. For just under nine hours, passengers journey through the warmth of SoCal, passing the narrow Simi Valley towards the Santa Susana Mountains.</p>  <p>Gliding through oceanside towns and past strips of yellow sand, watch surfers in the near-distance as salt spray spatters the windows.</p>

California: Pacific Surfliner

Skirting the Golden State’s gleaming Pacific coastline, the Pacific Surfliner train runs between the sun-drenched cities of San Luis Obispo and San Diego, calling in at Santa Barbara and Los Angeles along the way. For just under nine hours, passengers journey through the warmth of SoCal, passing the narrow Simi Valley towards the Santa Susana Mountains.

Gliding through oceanside towns and past strips of yellow sand, watch surfers in the near-distance as salt spray spatters the windows.

<p>A National Historic Landmark, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has occupied a 45-mile stretch of the original Denver and Rio Grande Railway since 1882. Its signature route between Durango’s heritage railway depot and the historic mining town of Silverton opens May through October each year, climbing into the Rocky Mountains alongside the Animas River and looking out onto the brooding San Juan National Forest.</p>  <p>The journey takes three and a half hours each way and includes almost two hours to explore Silverton.</p>

Colorado: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

A National Historic Landmark, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has occupied a 45-mile stretch of the original Denver and Rio Grande Railway since 1882. Its signature route between Durango’s heritage railway depot and the historic mining town of Silverton opens May through October each year, climbing into the Rocky Mountains alongside the Animas River and looking out onto the brooding San Juan National Forest.

The journey takes three and a half hours each way and includes almost two hours to explore Silverton.

<p>The Amtrak Hartford Line connects leafy New Haven (home to Ivy League juggernaut Yale University) to the city of Springfield in western Massachusetts via Connecticut’s capital, Hartford. Taking just under an hour and a half in its entirety, the journey is the perfect introduction to the state’s pretty cities and to the bucolic beauty of New England, much-loved by American author Mark Twain.</p>  <p>On the leg between Windsor and Windsor Locks, you’ll roll over the Farmington River Railroad Bridge (pictured), which has stood for over 150 years.</p>

Connecticut: Amtrak Hartford Line

The Amtrak Hartford Line connects leafy New Haven (home to Ivy League juggernaut Yale University) to the city of Springfield in western Massachusetts via Connecticut’s capital, Hartford. Taking just under an hour and a half in its entirety, the journey is the perfect introduction to the state’s pretty cities and to the bucolic beauty of New England, much-loved by American author Mark Twain.

On the leg between Windsor and Windsor Locks, you’ll roll over the Farmington River Railroad Bridge (pictured), which has stood for over 150 years.

<p>The Wilmington and Western Railroad opened in 1872 as a way of transporting goods between the mills of Red Clay Creek and the port of Wilmington. Now it offers passengers the chance to soak up some of the most arresting vistas in the tri-state area, while still paying homage to Delaware’s industrial legacy.</p>  <p>The 10-mile route winds through old milling communities, small canyons, and wooded groves, with the option to de-train at Mount Cuba for a picnic lunch.</p>

Delaware: Wilmington and Western Railroad

The Wilmington and Western Railroad opened in 1872 as a way of transporting goods between the mills of Red Clay Creek and the port of Wilmington. Now it offers passengers the chance to soak up some of the most arresting vistas in the tri-state area, while still paying homage to Delaware’s industrial legacy.

The 10-mile route winds through old milling communities, small canyons, and wooded groves, with the option to de-train at Mount Cuba for a picnic lunch.

<p>After being out of service for four long years, the Walt Disney World Railroad reopened to passengers in December 2022 with a revamped track and a new conductor. Found within the world-famous tourist attraction’s Magic Kingdom, the nostalgic railroad's fleet of four restored vintage narrow-gauge steam engines leads Disney fans on a leisurely 20-minute ride around the park.</p>  <p>Walt Disney himself was a lifelong rail buff – he loved trains so much that he built a miniature railway in his backyard.</p>

Florida: Walt Disney World Railroad

After being out of service for four long years, the Walt Disney World Railroad reopened to passengers in December 2022 with a revamped track and a new conductor. Found within the world-famous tourist attraction’s Magic Kingdom, the nostalgic railroad's fleet of four restored vintage narrow-gauge steam engines leads Disney fans on a leisurely 20-minute ride around the park.

Walt Disney himself was a lifelong rail buff – he loved trains so much that he built a miniature railway in his backyard.

<p>Tracing the Toccoa River in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway coasts along on tracks first laid towards the end of the 19th century. Starting from the downtown depot of the eponymous town of Blue Ridge, this peaceful round-trip journey sweeps through the greens and browns of the Georgian countryside before pausing in the sister towns of McCaysville in Georgia and Copperhill, just over the border in Tennessee.</p>  <p>You can choose to ride in a climate-controlled vintage rail car or an open-air carriage.</p>

Georgia: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Tracing the Toccoa River in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway coasts along on tracks first laid towards the end of the 19th century. Starting from the downtown depot of the eponymous town of Blue Ridge, this peaceful round-trip journey sweeps through the greens and browns of the Georgian countryside before pausing in the sister towns of McCaysville in Georgia and Copperhill, just over the border in Tennessee.

You can choose to ride in a climate-controlled vintage rail car or an open-air carriage.

<p>On Hawaii’s oldest island, you can learn about the original sugar cane and taro crops that have sustained native Hawaiians since ancient times in a really unique way. The Kauai Plantation Railway tours the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation, where more than 50 varieties of fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and other plants grow in fragrant orchards, fields, and groves.</p>  <p>The narrated 40-minute journey aboard mahogany-hewn carriages also features a stop to feed the working farm’s animal residents, including pigs, goats, and donkeys.</p>

Hawaii: Kauai Plantation Railway

On Hawaii’s oldest island, you can learn about the original sugar cane and taro crops that have sustained native Hawaiians since ancient times in a really unique way. The Kauai Plantation Railway tours the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation, where more than 50 varieties of fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and other plants grow in fragrant orchards, fields, and groves.

The narrated 40-minute journey aboard mahogany-hewn carriages also features a stop to feed the working farm’s animal residents, including pigs, goats, and donkeys.

<p>Idaho is full of stunning landscapes, but sadly has little to offer those wishing to enjoy them from the tracks. The Gem State’s sole tourist train route, the Thunder Mountain Line, had to close down in 2016, while its lone Amtrak station at Sandpoint is served by the Empire Builder service but only in the dead of night.</p>  <p>However, Silverwood Theme Park, in the panhandle of northern Idaho, does have its own steam train – Engine No 7. It circles the park and ventures into the Silverwood forest, also participating in immersive theater shows.</p>

Idaho: Silverwood Theme Park

Idaho is full of stunning landscapes, but sadly has little to offer those wishing to enjoy them from the tracks. The Gem State’s sole tourist train route, the Thunder Mountain Line, had to close down in 2016, while its lone Amtrak station at Sandpoint is served by the Empire Builder service but only in the dead of night.

However, Silverwood Theme Park, in the panhandle of northern Idaho, does have its own steam train – Engine No 7. It circles the park and ventures into the Silverwood forest, also participating in immersive theater shows.

<p>Spanning 2,424 miles and over 50 hours from Chicago to San Francisco, the California Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s longest routes. The leg through Illinois begins as the train pulls away from the Windy City’s Union Station in the middle of the afternoon and makes its way into Chicago's suburbia.</p>  <p>From the sightseer lounge, Amtrak’s observation car, catch views of pastoral Illinois that will remind you why its nickname is the Prairie State, with grasslands and farms melting into wetlands and trees the closer you get to Iowa.</p>

Illinois: California Zephyr

Spanning 2,424 miles and over 50 hours from Chicago to San Francisco, the California Zephyr is one of Amtrak’s longest routes. The leg through Illinois begins as the train pulls away from the Windy City’s Union Station in the middle of the afternoon and makes its way into Chicago's suburbia.

From the sightseer lounge, Amtrak’s observation car, catch views of pastoral Illinois that will remind you why its nickname is the Prairie State, with grasslands and farms melting into wetlands and trees the closer you get to Iowa.

<p>The French Lick Scenic Railway was founded with the desire to replicate the golden age of train travel when trains were the primary vehicle for long-distance travel across America. In addition to hosting a program of themed rail adventures aimed at young families, French Lick runs a scenic ride through parts of the Hoosier National Forest (pictured).</p>  <p>The journey lasts an hour and 45 minutes, departing from a 1907 train depot and twisting through the hills and forests of southern Indiana, passing through the state’s second-longest railroad tunnel in the process.</p>

Indiana: French Lick Scenic Railway

The French Lick Scenic Railway was founded with the desire to replicate the golden age of train travel when trains were the primary vehicle for long-distance travel across America. In addition to hosting a program of themed rail adventures aimed at young families, French Lick runs a scenic ride through parts of the Hoosier National Forest (pictured).

The journey lasts an hour and 45 minutes, departing from a 1907 train depot and twisting through the hills and forests of southern Indiana, passing through the state’s second-longest railroad tunnel in the process.

<p>Since the 1920s, Iowa has lost more than 50% of its rail mileage, which had boomed around the turn of the century. The state retains several heritage stations and railroads that now serve as tourist attractions, and one of these is the Boone and Scenic Railroad.</p>  <p>Its classic Fraser Train facilitates excursions from May to October, starting in Boone and traveling to the old coal-mining settlement of Fraser through the Des Moines River Valley. A literal high point of the journey is crossing the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge (pictured).</p>

Iowa: Boone and Scenic Railroad

Since the 1920s, Iowa has lost more than 50% of its rail mileage, which had boomed around the turn of the century. The state retains several heritage stations and railroads that now serve as tourist attractions, and one of these is the Boone and Scenic Railroad.

Its classic Fraser Train facilitates excursions from May to October, starting in Boone and traveling to the old coal-mining settlement of Fraser through the Des Moines River Valley. A literal high point of the journey is crossing the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge (pictured).

<p>The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad was established in 1993 as a tribute to the Sunflower State’s railroad history. Running on heritage tracks initially laid in 1886, the volunteer-led line's regular excursions through the Smoky Hill River Valley feature vintage carriages and open-air viewing cars, where you can sit and watch the sights of old agricultural Kansas rock by.</p>  <p>The service departs from the listed Rock Island Depot (pictured) in historic Abilene – take the dinner train for a truly magical experience.</p>

Kansas: Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad

The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad was established in 1993 as a tribute to the Sunflower State’s railroad history. Running on heritage tracks initially laid in 1886, the volunteer-led line's regular excursions through the Smoky Hill River Valley feature vintage carriages and open-air viewing cars, where you can sit and watch the sights of old agricultural Kansas rock by.

The service departs from the listed Rock Island Depot (pictured) in historic Abilene – take the dinner train for a truly magical experience.

<p>The Big South Fork Scenic Railway often finds itself high up lists of America's most delightful rail journeys, especially during leaf-peeping season. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, this round-trip adventure clanks along accompanied by views of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area.</p>  <p>This trip culminates in a two-hour layover at the Barthell Coal Camp where passengers can learn about life during the early 1900s in the southernmost Appalachians.</p>

Kentucky: Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway often finds itself high up lists of America's most delightful rail journeys, especially during leaf-peeping season. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, this round-trip adventure clanks along accompanied by views of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area.

This trip culminates in a two-hour layover at the Barthell Coal Camp where passengers can learn about life during the early 1900s in the southernmost Appalachians.

<p>Departing three times a week, the Sunset Limited connects the Big Easy to LA and is the oldest named train in Amtrak's fleet (it turns 130 in 2024). After leaving New Orleans the train remains in Louisiana for around five hours, calling at four stations in the state on a journey that jangles past balcony-trimmed small towns, ethereal bayous, and seas of sugarcane before dipping into dusty Texas.</p>

Louisiana: Sunset Limited

Departing three times a week, the Sunset Limited connects the Big Easy to LA and is the oldest named train in Amtrak's fleet (it turns 130 in 2024). After leaving New Orleans the train remains in Louisiana for around five hours, calling at four stations in the state on a journey that jangles past balcony-trimmed small towns, ethereal bayous, and seas of sugarcane before dipping into dusty Texas.

<p>Named after the Down East region of maritime Maine, the Amtrak Downeaster links the Pine Tree State to New Hampshire and Massachusetts, from Brunswick to Boston. The route through Maine takes up around half the just over three-hour journey, hugging the rugged coast and taking in stops like Wells – with its seven miles of soft beaches – and Portland, where lobster rolls await.</p>  <p>The terminus town of Brunswick has plenty going for it too, with a year-round farmers’ market and nature-rich bike trails to hit. Five round-trips operate each day.</p>

Maine: Downeaster

Named after the Down East region of maritime Maine, the Amtrak Downeaster links the Pine Tree State to New Hampshire and Massachusetts, from Brunswick to Boston. The route through Maine takes up around half the just over three-hour journey, hugging the rugged coast and taking in stops like Wells – with its seven miles of soft beaches – and Portland, where lobster rolls await.

The terminus town of Brunswick has plenty going for it too, with a year-round farmers’ market and nature-rich bike trails to hit. Five round-trips operate each day.

<p>Cruising through the Allegheny Mountains between Cumberland and Frostburg, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad navigates creeks, canyons, streams, bridges, and tunnels on its four-and-a-half-hour round-trip. The historic diesel and steam locomotives climb up the mountainside and traverse thick forest before reaching the charming town of Frostburg, where passengers can hop off and explore.</p>  <p>Willis Mountain, Haystack Mountain, Cash Valley, and Helmstetter Farm are among the most interesting sights along the way. The route operates year-round.</p>

Maryland: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Cruising through the Allegheny Mountains between Cumberland and Frostburg, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad navigates creeks, canyons, streams, bridges, and tunnels on its four-and-a-half-hour round-trip. The historic diesel and steam locomotives climb up the mountainside and traverse thick forest before reaching the charming town of Frostburg, where passengers can hop off and explore.

Willis Mountain, Haystack Mountain, Cash Valley, and Helmstetter Farm are among the most interesting sights along the way. The route operates year-round.

<p>Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers excursions that are not only stunningly scenic but educational too. As the train threads through salt marshes, sand dunes, woodlands, and cranberry bogs, passengers are treated to narrated tales of fruit harvests, canal history, and the cape's coastal ecology.</p>  <p>The classic circular two-hour trip starts from Hyannis and makes its way through idyllic villages like Sandwich (the oldest on the cape) before crossing the landmark Buzzards Bay vertical lift bridge.</p>

Massachusetts: Cape Cod Central Railroad

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers excursions that are not only stunningly scenic but educational too. As the train threads through salt marshes, sand dunes, woodlands, and cranberry bogs, passengers are treated to narrated tales of fruit harvests, canal history, and the cape's coastal ecology.

The classic circular two-hour trip starts from Hyannis and makes its way through idyllic villages like Sandwich (the oldest on the cape) before crossing the landmark Buzzards Bay vertical lift bridge.

<p>Amtrak's Blue Water service laces together several Michigan stops between Port Huron and Chicago. It bends around the southern shore of Lake Michigan before heading into the Great Lake State's interior, terminating on Lake Huron's shores.</p>  <p>The westbound Blue Water service makes for a pleasant morning on the tracks, while the eastbound train leaves Chicago in the late afternoon, promising some serious sunset action if you travel when the evenings are longer.</p>

Michigan: Blue Water

Amtrak's Blue Water service laces together several Michigan stops between Port Huron and Chicago. It bends around the southern shore of Lake Michigan before heading into the Great Lake State's interior, terminating on Lake Huron's shores.

The westbound Blue Water service makes for a pleasant morning on the tracks, while the eastbound train leaves Chicago in the late afternoon, promising some serious sunset action if you travel when the evenings are longer.

<p>Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Railroad traverses the westernmost spur of Lake Superior's shoreline. Operating on a 28-mile strip from Duluth to Two Harbors, known as the Lakefront Line, these trains roll along tracks first laid more than 100 years ago, which once contributed to the North Star State's iron ore industry.</p>  <p>The railroad hosts various excursions – treat yourself to a first-class ticket on the Duluth Zephyr, where the major perk is the chance to ride in the Dome Car, its curved windows optimized for sightseeing.</p>

Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Railroad

Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Railroad traverses the westernmost spur of Lake Superior's shoreline. Operating on a 28-mile strip from Duluth to Two Harbors, known as the Lakefront Line, these trains roll along tracks first laid more than 100 years ago, which once contributed to the North Star State's iron ore industry.

The railroad hosts various excursions – treat yourself to a first-class ticket on the Duluth Zephyr, where the major perk is the chance to ride in the Dome Car, its curved windows optimized for sightseeing.

<p>Traveling 900 miles and through several decades of America's musical heritage, the City of New Orleans train is one of Amtrak's greatest hits, linking some of the country’s finest cities. The journey between Chicago and New Orleans will strike a particular chord with blues lovers – one of the best stops is Mississippi state capital Jackson (pictured), nicknamed 'the city with soul.'</p>  <p>The southbound service spends more than four hours rattling through Mississippi on a daylight run, flanked by snowy-white cotton fields.</p>

Mississippi: City of New Orleans

Traveling 900 miles and through several decades of America's musical heritage, the City of New Orleans train is one of Amtrak's greatest hits, linking some of the country’s finest cities. The journey between Chicago and New Orleans will strike a particular chord with blues lovers – one of the best stops is Mississippi state capital Jackson (pictured), nicknamed 'the city with soul.'

The southbound service spends more than four hours rattling through Mississippi on a daylight run, flanked by snowy-white cotton fields.

<p>With daily departures, the Missouri River Runner crosses the Show-Me State from Kansas City to St Louis in less than six hours. Partially trailing the Missouri River, the longest river in the United States, the train's highlights include the scenic bluffs of Jefferson City, which give way to conservation areas where eagles can be spotted overhead from the comfort of your seat.</p>  <p>As the gap between the train and St Louis closes, lush stands of green foliage herald your approach to the gateway of the west.</p>

Missouri: Missouri River Runner

With daily departures, the Missouri River Runner crosses the Show-Me State from Kansas City to St Louis in less than six hours. Partially trailing the Missouri River, the longest river in the United States, the train's highlights include the scenic bluffs of Jefferson City, which give way to conservation areas where eagles can be spotted overhead from the comfort of your seat.

As the gap between the train and St Louis closes, lush stands of green foliage herald your approach to the gateway of the west.

<p>Tracking through still-wild tracts of land once explored on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Amtrak's formidable Empire Builder train covers more than 40 stations in eight states from Illinois to Washington over the course of 46 hours. Perhaps the most majestic part of the route is the Montana leg, which skates through natural wonders like the Kootenai River Valley (pictured) and Glacier National Park.</p>  <p>Around 12 hours of the Empire Builder’s journey is dedicated to the Treasure State, so you can safely take a nap without fear of missing out.</p>

Montana: Empire Builder

Tracking through still-wild tracts of land once explored on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Amtrak's formidable Empire Builder train covers more than 40 stations in eight states from Illinois to Washington over the course of 46 hours. Perhaps the most majestic part of the route is the Montana leg, which skates through natural wonders like the Kootenai River Valley (pictured) and Glacier National Park.

Around 12 hours of the Empire Builder’s journey is dedicated to the Treasure State, so you can safely take a nap without fear of missing out.

<p>Since the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad ceased operations in 2012, Nebraska now has no standard-gauge scenic train routes to ride. The California Zephyr, Amtrak's most visually impressive journey, passes through at night regardless of your direction of travel, making rail adventures in the Cornhusker State hard to come by.</p>  <p>There is, however, a small steam-powered train offering short trips around Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, which carries passengers in its open-air cars from March to November every year.</p>

Nebraska: Omaha Zoo Railroad

Since the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad ceased operations in 2012, Nebraska now has no standard-gauge scenic train routes to ride. The California Zephyr, Amtrak's most visually impressive journey, passes through at night regardless of your direction of travel, making rail adventures in the Cornhusker State hard to come by.

There is, however, a small steam-powered train offering short trips around Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, which carries passengers in its open-air cars from March to November every year.

<p>The so-called 'Queen of the Short Lines,' the Virginia and Truckee Railroad whisks passengers back in time on some of the oldest locomotives in the state. The line has been a fixture of Virginia City since 1869; today, century-old steam engines and heritage diesel trains still depart from the original depot.</p>  <p>Passengers can expect to see some of the most famous Comstock mines and ruins en route to Gold Hill, while listening to the conductor’s stories of the region’s legendary silver rush. Wild horses and raptors call these ranges home, so keep your eyes peeled.</p>

Nevada: Virginia and Truckee Railroad

The so-called 'Queen of the Short Lines,' the Virginia and Truckee Railroad whisks passengers back in time on some of the oldest locomotives in the state. The line has been a fixture of Virginia City since 1869; today, century-old steam engines and heritage diesel trains still depart from the original depot.

Passengers can expect to see some of the most famous Comstock mines and ruins en route to Gold Hill, while listening to the conductor’s stories of the region’s legendary silver rush. Wild horses and raptors call these ranges home, so keep your eyes peeled.

<p>The world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, this little locomotive journeys to the peak of the highest mountain in the northeastern United States. Rising above Bretton Woods and New Hampshire's White Mountains, the National Historic Engineering Landmark operates three-hour round-trips daily from May to October.</p>  <p>If you’re lucky enough to dodge the mountain's notorious weather (it can snow on Mount Washington even in summer), the 360-degree views from the summit can extend all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.</p>

New Hampshire: Mount Washington Cog Railway

The world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, this little locomotive journeys to the peak of the highest mountain in the northeastern United States. Rising above Bretton Woods and New Hampshire's White Mountains, the National Historic Engineering Landmark operates three-hour round-trips daily from May to October.

If you’re lucky enough to dodge the mountain's notorious weather (it can snow on Mount Washington even in summer), the 360-degree views from the summit can extend all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

<p>An excursion from Whippany Railway Museum starts with a woman dressed all in white welcoming you onto restored vintage carriages. She is a representation of Phoebe Snow, a fictional character who appeared in adverts for the Lackawanna Railroad at the beginning of the 20th century.</p>  <p>Over the course of 45 minutes, you'll follow the route of the historic Whippanong Trail, over a high steel bridge and past all that remains of Lake Passaic, an ex-glacial lake where swamp-dwelling wildlife now roams. Trips run on select spring, summer, and fall days.</p>

New Jersey: Whippany Railway Museum Excursions

An excursion from Whippany Railway Museum starts with a woman dressed all in white welcoming you onto restored vintage carriages. She is a representation of Phoebe Snow, a fictional character who appeared in adverts for the Lackawanna Railroad at the beginning of the 20th century.

Over the course of 45 minutes, you'll follow the route of the historic Whippanong Trail, over a high steel bridge and past all that remains of Lake Passaic, an ex-glacial lake where swamp-dwelling wildlife now roams. Trips run on select spring, summer, and fall days.

<p>Passengers on New Mexico’s Sky Railway are walking in the footsteps of Hollywood icons Judy Garland and Clark Gable by riding the heritage line. For over 140 years, these tracks have swept travelers across the amber and olive-green landscapes between Santa Fe and Lamy.</p>  <p>There are a few different ways to enjoy the round-trip journey – the Stargazer experience unlocks the mysteries of the night sky above the Galisteo Basin, while the Sunset Serenade sets the coming of dusk to a soundtrack of live music.</p>

New Mexico: Sky Railway

Passengers on New Mexico’s Sky Railway are walking in the footsteps of Hollywood icons Judy Garland and Clark Gable by riding the heritage line. For over 140 years, these tracks have swept travelers across the amber and olive-green landscapes between Santa Fe and Lamy.

There are a few different ways to enjoy the round-trip journey – the Stargazer experience unlocks the mysteries of the night sky above the Galisteo Basin, while the Sunset Serenade sets the coming of dusk to a soundtrack of live music.

<p>After a three-year hiatus, Amtrak’s much-loved Adirondack service returned to the rails in the spring of 2023. In 10 hours, the route connects New York City to Montreal in Canada, but for the vast majority of the journey upstate New York takes center stage.</p>  <p>The train rolls out of NYC’s Moynihan Train Hall and into the winelands of the Hudson River Valley, passing through serene Saratoga Springs and the Adirondack Mountains. It’s not hard to see why it's often ranked as one of the world’s top scenic train rides, especially when the fall colors catch fire.</p>

New York: The Adirondack

After a three-year hiatus, Amtrak’s much-loved Adirondack service returned to the rails in the spring of 2023. In 10 hours, the route connects New York City to Montreal in Canada, but for the vast majority of the journey upstate New York takes center stage.

The train rolls out of NYC’s Moynihan Train Hall and into the winelands of the Hudson River Valley, passing through serene Saratoga Springs and the Adirondack Mountains. It’s not hard to see why it's often ranked as one of the world’s top scenic train rides, especially when the fall colors catch fire.

<p>Spanning 53 miles (85km) of track, some of which dates back to the late 19th century, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs round trips from Bryson City that traverse secluded patches of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are hard to reach in other ways. The line’s most scenic excursion transports passengers across the rusting trellis bridge over Fontana Lake and into the heart of the Nantahala Gorge.</p>  <p>Book a ticket in the open-air gondola for uninterrupted views.</p>

North Carolina: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Spanning 53 miles (85km) of track, some of which dates back to the late 19th century, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs round trips from Bryson City that traverse secluded patches of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are hard to reach in other ways. The line’s most scenic excursion transports passengers across the rusting trellis bridge over Fontana Lake and into the heart of the Nantahala Gorge.

Book a ticket in the open-air gondola for uninterrupted views.

<p>As one of the most sparsely populated and rural states in America, North Dakota doesn’t have too much to contribute when it comes to scenic train journeys. Amtrak’s Empire Builder does pass through, but only one company operates tourist train excursions – and those are currently on pause.</p>  <p>The Fort Lincoln Trolley has historically run from Mandan to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (pictured), ferrying passengers in a replica streetcar. But in mid-2023, the owners of the trolley announced their retirement, and it’s not yet known if successors have been found.</p>

North Dakota: Fort Lincoln Trolley

As one of the most sparsely populated and rural states in America, North Dakota doesn’t have too much to contribute when it comes to scenic train journeys. Amtrak’s Empire Builder does pass through, but only one company operates tourist train excursions – and those are currently on pause.

The Fort Lincoln Trolley has historically run from Mandan to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (pictured), ferrying passengers in a replica streetcar. But in mid-2023, the owners of the trolley announced their retirement, and it’s not yet known if successors have been found.

<p>The Cuyahoga River nourishes dense forests, billowing hills and vast farmlands, and you can see them all in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There's no better way to tour this green haven than a heritage train carriage, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad hosts rail excursions into the park ranging from immersive murder mysteries to boozy cruises.</p>  <p>Keep it traditional with the two-hour National Park Scenic Excursion, operating between January and April (yes, even in the snow). A seat in Upper Dome class promises sublime panoramic views.</p>

Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The Cuyahoga River nourishes dense forests, billowing hills and vast farmlands, and you can see them all in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There's no better way to tour this green haven than a heritage train carriage, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad hosts rail excursions into the park ranging from immersive murder mysteries to boozy cruises.

Keep it traditional with the two-hour National Park Scenic Excursion, operating between January and April (yes, even in the snow). A seat in Upper Dome class promises sublime panoramic views.

<p>It might not be the longest journey on Amtrak’s route map, but the daily Heartland Flyer from Fort Worth in Texas to Oklahoma City isn’t short on impact. For most of its just-over-four-hour dash, the train slips through the Sooner State’s cities and countryside, running the gauntlet of 'Tornado Alley' and passing through lands rich with Native American history.</p>  <p>Summer is the best time of year to take the northbound service, which offers superb sunsets. Ardmore (pictured) is one of five Oklahoma stations on the line.</p>

Oklahoma: Heartland Flyer

It might not be the longest journey on Amtrak’s route map, but the daily Heartland Flyer from Fort Worth in Texas to Oklahoma City isn’t short on impact. For most of its just-over-four-hour dash, the train slips through the Sooner State’s cities and countryside, running the gauntlet of 'Tornado Alley' and passing through lands rich with Native American history.

Summer is the best time of year to take the northbound service, which offers superb sunsets. Ardmore (pictured) is one of five Oklahoma stations on the line.

<p>The snow-capped peak, the fluffy tree blossom, the romance of train travel – it could barely be a more inviting scene. Riding the Mount Hood Railroad is a bucket-list experience, starring Oregon's highest point (an active volcano) and the striking valleys of the Columbia River Gorge.</p>  <p>Trips are laid on throughout the year, including special excursions for Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, swinging through woodlands, vineyards, and orchards with Mount Hood and Mount Adams looming above. Hold onto your hat as the train navigates one of only five switchbacks remaining in the US.</p>

Oregon: Mount Hood Railroad

The snow-capped peak, the fluffy tree blossom, the romance of train travel – it could barely be a more inviting scene. Riding the Mount Hood Railroad is a bucket-list experience, starring Oregon's highest point (an active volcano) and the striking valleys of the Columbia River Gorge.

Trips are laid on throughout the year, including special excursions for Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, swinging through woodlands, vineyards, and orchards with Mount Hood and Mount Adams looming above. Hold onto your hat as the train navigates one of only five switchbacks remaining in the US.

<p>This tourist train operates out of the historic town of Jim Thorpe, which has been called the Switzerland of America in its time. As its name might suggest, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is swaddled by towering cliffs, mountains, and abundant wildlife on its forested run to Old Penn Haven.</p>  <p>Featuring passenger cars that have been in service since as early as 1917, the train offers open-air, vista-dome, and standard coach seating on its narrated 70-minute round-trip journeys.</p>

Pennsylvania: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

This tourist train operates out of the historic town of Jim Thorpe, which has been called the Switzerland of America in its time. As its name might suggest, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is swaddled by towering cliffs, mountains, and abundant wildlife on its forested run to Old Penn Haven.

Featuring passenger cars that have been in service since as early as 1917, the train offers open-air, vista-dome, and standard coach seating on its narrated 70-minute round-trip journeys.

<p>Rhode Island might be known as the Ocean State, but you can leave your boat in the dock for this scenic voyage. The Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad is a fantastic way to explore America's smallest state overland, though the water is never too far away.</p>  <p>Tracing the contours of Narragansett Bay, passengers can opt to ride the rails the unconventional way – on pedal-powered Rail Explorers (pictured) – or aboard the Grand Bellevue, an opulent dinner train guaranteed to only leave you hungry for another trip.</p>

Rhode Island: Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad

Rhode Island might be known as the Ocean State, but you can leave your boat in the dock for this scenic voyage. The Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad is a fantastic way to explore America's smallest state overland, though the water is never too far away.

Tracing the contours of Narragansett Bay, passengers can opt to ride the rails the unconventional way – on pedal-powered Rail Explorers (pictured) – or aboard the Grand Bellevue, an opulent dinner train guaranteed to only leave you hungry for another trip.

<p>Amtrak’s Palmetto train out of NYC is the cropped variant of the Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes that continue south to Florida through Savannah, Georgia. These only slip through South Carolina in the wee hours, while the Palmetto catches the state famed for its sabal palm trees at much more sociable times.</p>  <p>Passengers can watch as it sails through Charleston (pictured) and Florence, the closest rail station to Myrtle Beach. You’ll rattle through urban sprawls and country parks, past lakes and quaint communities, all without moving a muscle.</p>

South Carolina: Palmetto

Amtrak’s Palmetto train out of NYC is the cropped variant of the Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes that continue south to Florida through Savannah, Georgia. These only slip through South Carolina in the wee hours, while the Palmetto catches the state famed for its sabal palm trees at much more sociable times.

Passengers can watch as it sails through Charleston (pictured) and Florence, the closest rail station to Myrtle Beach. You’ll rattle through urban sprawls and country parks, past lakes and quaint communities, all without moving a muscle.

<p>The Mount Rushmore State’s only major excursion line, the Black Hills Central Railroad operates on restored, vintage rolling stock. These historic tracks are credited with the emergence of modern South Dakota, having carried settlers and town planners over the plains and into the mountains, for better or worse.</p>  <p>Now they carry the 1880 Train, which provides passengers with a stunning introduction to the dramatic landscapes of these ancient hills. Journeys last for a little over two hours.</p>

South Dakota: Black Hills Central Railroad

The Mount Rushmore State’s only major excursion line, the Black Hills Central Railroad operates on restored, vintage rolling stock. These historic tracks are credited with the emergence of modern South Dakota, having carried settlers and town planners over the plains and into the mountains, for better or worse.

Now they carry the 1880 Train, which provides passengers with a stunning introduction to the dramatic landscapes of these ancient hills. Journeys last for a little over two hours.

<p>There are a few different excursions on the Tennessee Valley Railroad to choose from, but we love the 50-mile round-trip on the Hiwassee Loop. Here, the line’s tracks tie themselves in knots as they crisscross each other on the train’s journey up the mountain near Farner.</p>  <p>Unlike many heritage rail excursions, there’s no layover on this route, so you can enjoy five hours of unbroken, nostalgic travel.</p>

Tennessee: Tennessee Valley Railroad

There are a few different excursions on the Tennessee Valley Railroad to choose from, but we love the 50-mile round-trip on the Hiwassee Loop. Here, the line’s tracks tie themselves in knots as they crisscross each other on the train’s journey up the mountain near Farner.

Unlike many heritage rail excursions, there’s no layover on this route, so you can enjoy five hours of unbroken, nostalgic travel.

<p>From end to end, the longest iteration of Amtrak's Texas Eagle route takes a whopping 65 hours to complete, making it America's longest rail journey. The daily service runs just from Chicago to San Antonio, but three times a week it continues on to Los Angeles.</p>  <p>You'll likely snooze through much of Arizona, but the Texas leg is definitely worth staying awake for, as around half the train's journey takes place in the Lone Star State. Expect pine woods, seemingly endless fields, cosmopolitan cities, pretty small towns, and peaceful rivers on your passage.</p>

Texas: Texas Eagle

From end to end, the longest iteration of Amtrak's Texas Eagle route takes a whopping 65 hours to complete, making it America's longest rail journey. The daily service runs just from Chicago to San Antonio, but three times a week it continues on to Los Angeles.

You'll likely snooze through much of Arizona, but the Texas leg is definitely worth staying awake for, as around half the train's journey takes place in the Lone Star State. Expect pine woods, seemingly endless fields, cosmopolitan cities, pretty small towns, and peaceful rivers on your passage.

<p>You get two states for the price of one on the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route, a dramatic two-day journey between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado that includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. While most of the run coasts through Colorado, Utah’s rust-red scenery is impossible to overlook.</p>  <p>After crossing the state line, you’ll see the shadow of Mount Peale rise above the valley, often sprinkled with snow up to early summer, contrasting with the warm scarlet sandstone of Moab and Arches National Park.</p>

Utah: Rocky Mountaineer

You get two states for the price of one on the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route, a dramatic two-day journey between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado that includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. While most of the run coasts through Colorado, Utah’s rust-red scenery is impossible to overlook.

After crossing the state line, you’ll see the shadow of Mount Peale rise above the valley, often sprinkled with snow up to early summer, contrasting with the warm scarlet sandstone of Moab and Arches National Park.

<p>From June through October, the Champlain Valley Dinner Train serves up an indulgent three-course meal with a side order of Green Mountain State splendor. From the window of your 1930s dining car – Vermont’s fastest-moving restaurant – gaze out on the undulating landscapes of green, purple and gold while feasting on delicious dishes that evolve with the seasons.</p>  <p>The decadent journey operates on weekends, departing from and returning to Burlington on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, where mountains meet Vermont’s most populous metropolis.</p>

Vermont: Champlain Valley Dinner Train

From June through October, the Champlain Valley Dinner Train serves up an indulgent three-course meal with a side order of Green Mountain State splendor. From the window of your 1930s dining car – Vermont’s fastest-moving restaurant – gaze out on the undulating landscapes of green, purple and gold while feasting on delicious dishes that evolve with the seasons.

The decadent journey operates on weekends, departing from and returning to Burlington on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, where mountains meet Vermont’s most populous metropolis.

<p>Amtrak’s Northeast Regional is not just a fast and convenient commuter service – it’s also one of the best ways to explore the celebrated state that gave America four of its first five presidents. There are various daily routes of the Northeast Regional that serve Virginia, connecting state capital Richmond to the coastal city of Newport News and Alexandria, the latter of which stands on the western bank of the Potomac River.</p>  <p>You can also use the train to visit Fredericksburg, as well as the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.</p>

Virginia: Northeast Regional

Amtrak’s Northeast Regional is not just a fast and convenient commuter service – it’s also one of the best ways to explore the celebrated state that gave America four of its first five presidents. There are various daily routes of the Northeast Regional that serve Virginia, connecting state capital Richmond to the coastal city of Newport News and Alexandria, the latter of which stands on the western bank of the Potomac River.

You can also use the train to visit Fredericksburg, as well as the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

<p>While the Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Los Angeles might get all the fanfare for being one of North America’s greatest train journeys, it’s actually the Amtrak Cascades service that gives you the best span of Washington State. The Washington leg of this route extends from Vancouver in the south (not to be confused with the Canadian city where the train also happens to terminate) to Bellingham in the north, following the shores of Puget Sound out of Seattle (pictured) and into the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.</p>

Washington: Amtrak Cascades

While the Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Los Angeles might get all the fanfare for being one of North America’s greatest train journeys, it’s actually the Amtrak Cascades service that gives you the best span of Washington State. The Washington leg of this route extends from Vancouver in the south (not to be confused with the Canadian city where the train also happens to terminate) to Bellingham in the north, following the shores of Puget Sound out of Seattle (pictured) and into the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.

<p>Located in West Virginia's Pocahontas County, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is unusual among America's roster of state parks, as it was created to preserve and promote a heritage train line. Founded to serve the old lumber company town of Cass, the 11-mile railroad now conveys passengers out of the Greenbrier Valley and up into the mountains on a characterful steam locomotive.</p>

West Virginia: Cass Scenic Railroad

Located in West Virginia's Pocahontas County, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is unusual among America's roster of state parks, as it was created to preserve and promote a heritage train line. Founded to serve the old lumber company town of Cass, the 11-mile railroad now conveys passengers out of the Greenbrier Valley and up into the mountains on a characterful steam locomotive.

<p>Managed by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, the Osceola and St Croix Valley Railway operates seasonal tourist rail journeys through the scenic St Croix River Valley on a vintage locomotive. The route sweeps through gorgeous landscapes marked by waterfalls and blonde sandstone bluffs on a 90-minute round-trip that toes the Minnesota border.</p>  <p>Fall is a particularly wonderful time of year to ride this train; the riverside foliage turns orange and ocher, while birds and animals scramble among the fallen leaves.</p>

Wisconsin: Osceola and St Croix Valley Railway

Managed by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, the Osceola and St Croix Valley Railway operates seasonal tourist rail journeys through the scenic St Croix River Valley on a vintage locomotive. The route sweeps through gorgeous landscapes marked by waterfalls and blonde sandstone bluffs on a 90-minute round-trip that toes the Minnesota border.

Fall is a particularly wonderful time of year to ride this train; the riverside foliage turns orange and ocher, while birds and animals scramble among the fallen leaves.

<p>With not a single Amtrak service or tourist train ride to speak of, it seems the iron horse is no match for a real one in the Cowboy State. But trains haven’t always been absent from Wyoming, and attractions like the Union Pacific Roundhouse and the Cheyenne Depot Museum document some of the state’s rail heritage.</p>  <p>And if you’re still keen to experience a scenic journey here, riding the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain is the next best thing.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/219207/the-most-eccentric-attraction-in-every-us-state">Now take a look at America's most eccentric attractions</a></strong></p>

Wyoming: Jackson Hole Aerial Tram

With not a single Amtrak service or tourist train ride to speak of, it seems the iron horse is no match for a real one in the Cowboy State. But trains haven’t always been absent from Wyoming, and attractions like the Union Pacific Roundhouse and the Cheyenne Depot Museum document some of the state’s rail heritage.

And if you’re still keen to experience a scenic journey here, riding the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain is the next best thing.

Now take a look at America's most eccentric attractions

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Riding this train through California’s snowy mountains rules right now

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Crossing up and over the fabled Donner Pass in the northern Sierra Nevada and descending to Lake Tahoe is one of those essential rites of passage for Californians.

But forget doing it in a car. Now is the time to hop on board Amtrak’s long-distance California Zephyr and see the amazing snowpack from the comfort of the train’s observation car. A series of storms in the last few weeks have left California’s mountains with a lovely cloak of fresh powder.

The Zephyr goes all the way to Chicago over two days, but don’t be intimidated. I’m here to evangelize for this essential intra-California trip. I made the last-minute trip to Truckee from the East Bay after my wife and I realized we couldn’t all fit in her mom’s FJ Cruiser — our baby’s extensive gear and mom’s two dogs essentially claimed my seat. Taking two cars seemed like a waste.

No worries, for $62 I grabbed a coach seat on the next day’s train for the five-ish hour ride to Tahoe.

Map shows the route of Amtrak's California Zephyr from Emeryville through Truckee, north of Lake Tahoe.

The train departs daily from Emeryville in the East Bay at 9:10 a.m. though the next stop a few minutes later in Richmond has the added benefit of an adjoining BART station for the true transit sickos among us.

I dropped my bag at my assigned seat and made my way to the observation car with a couple snacks and coffee in hand. There are great views of the San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait but the real star of the show is the Sierra Nevada and you will have to wait for that.

Scenes from a ride on Amtrak's long-distance California Zephyr train trip through the northern Sierra Nevada.

Now is an important time to emphasize that the key to enjoying any Amtrak trip is cultivating a strong mental detachment from timeliness. The train will be late. Maybe a little, maybe a lot. Develop a discipline to forget all that. Leave behind whatever clock normally dominates you.

Kill time any way you can. Pack a nice meal, zone out with music, bring Uno if you are traveling with pals or want to make new friends.

Scenes from a ride on Amtrak's long-distance California Zephyr train trip through the northern Sierra Nevada.

But the best way to pass the time is the dining car. The staff opened up for lunch after we left Sacramento and I was quickly making small talk with three strangers about menu strategies. The cheeseburger with chips was solid as ever but the buttercake from Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties in Delaware was new and it was mind-blowing. If you stay on the train long enough for dinner, the Amtrak Steak has never let me down.

As we ate, the Sierra Foothills started to appear out the window as we made our way up the mountains along a ridge. You can peer down into the amazing intricate forested canyons carved by the North Fork American River and its tributaries.

A 34 hour train ride from L.A. to Seattle on Amtrak's Coast Starlight

Travel & Experiences

34 hours on America’s most scenic train. Is it as dreamy as it sounds?

Perhaps you’ve come across this popular train on TikTok, where people rave about its gorgeous observation cars. Here’s what the ride in coach is really like.

Dec. 1, 2022

Now it was time to grab a seat at an observation car table and wait for the approaching snow. Somewhere between the historic gold rush towns of Auburn and Colfax you can start to see the bright, almost blinding white peaks of the Sierra jutting out from above the tree line as the train climbs. After these weeks of storms you start to understand why John Muir described this range as “so luminous, it seems to be not clothed with light, but wholly composed of it, like the wall of some celestial city.”

Scenes from a ride on Amtrak's long-distance California Zephyr train trip through the northern Sierra Nevada.

Slowly the scenery transforms as the snow cover spreads and deepens. Soon enough the train passed through two different ski resorts and vacationers greeted us by unleashing a barrage of snowballs on the observation car. The train goes through a few tunnels and amazing views of snow-covered ridges greet riders on the other side.

Donner Lake’s clear waters appear next below the train, you will want to have a seat on the left side of the train for this. The lake is down the hill and you can see the snow capped-hills reflected back.

Amtrack's California Zephyr: Emeryville to Truckee

Departure time: Every morning at 9:10 a.m. Ride length: 5 hours (but expect delays) Best side to sit on: Sit on the right then hop to the left to see Donner Lake Most scenic stretch: Colfax to Truckee Learn more: Amtrack’s California Zephyr

Downtown Truckee followed not that long after, a great place to stroll around and grab coffee. Public transportation can take you to the various ski resorts but I was lucky enough to grab a ride from a family friend already in town. The train isn’t for everyone but it’s a great way to take in the grandeur of California.

I always end up striking conversations with fellow passengers. Amtrak has a special way of attracting interesting oddballs from all over the country. Unlike air travel, most people are content with taking the scenic route at a deliberate pace. This ride I passed the time chatting with a teacher from Omaha and a fellow train enthusiast from Japan. He said Japan’s trains are definitely faster, but for the scenery, nothing beats America.

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Assistant editor Javier Panzar oversees California audience engagement for the Los Angeles Times’ California section. He previously worked as a digital editor on the News Desk. Before that, he was a reporter covering state and regional politics as well as breaking news in California. Panzar started at The Times as an intern and then a MetPro fellow in 2014. He was born and raised in Oakland. His reporting has appeared in the Boston Globe, the Seattle Times, the Orange County Register and UC Berkeley’s independent student newspaper, the Daily Californian.

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  • Bus and Train Travel

13 Virtual Train Rides From Around the World That You Can Experience Right Now (Video)

Need a change of scenery?

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

travel train rides

Watching people, clouds, and birds pass your window is only entertaining for so long. After a while, a change to your limited, self-quarantined reality may be necessary. And while you can virtually visit museums and even national parks from your couch, they’ve got nothing on a brisk train ride through the Swiss countryside or journey around the Arctic Circle .

Virtual train rides offer viewers the chance to zone out and calm the mind, while seeing new landscapes, some of which many people will never experience in real life, quarantine or not. Plus, you don’t have to worry about train fare or if the onboard amenities are up to par — just pour yourself a hot cup of tea (or a cocktail to fit the destination ) and hop aboard.

1. The Flåm Railway, Norway

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, this 12-mile route takes you from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, deep ravines, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude farms, all while watching the weather shift from sun to rain.

2. Geibi Line to Fukuen Line, Japan

You can get a taste of the Japanese countryside as you travel virtually from Hiroshima Station to Fuchū Station on the Geibi Line turned Fukuen Line. The route passes through the mountainous area of the Chūgoku region, so expect to see stunning bridges and long, dark tunnels cutting through mountains.

3. Bernina Railway, Switzerland to Italy

The trip starts in St. Moritz, Switzerland on a perfectly sunny day and ends in Tirano, Italy via the high-mountain Bernina Pass. Sit back with an Italian-style caffè and watch as the train cuts through picturesque villages and rumbles alongside dizzying cliffs and sparkling blue waters. Along the way, you’ll break a few records — albeit virtually: It is the highest railway alpine crossing in Europe and the highest adhesion railway on the continent. Not bad for a fully virtual experience .

4. Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado, United States

If you’ve ever dreamed of making it to the top of Colorado’s Pikes Peak , which sits 14,115 feet above sea level, here’s your chance. Hop aboard North America’s highest train and join this fast-motion virtual tour . The trip starts at the station in Manitou Springs and climbs the well-known peak in a matter of minutes, allowing the viewer to sit back and enjoy the dizzying ride.

5. Belgrade–Bar Railway, Montenegro

You’ll start your journey in the town of Bar, near the Adriatic Sea, before passing through the line’s longest tunnel (20,246 feet) and over the highest railway bridge in Europe. After zipping through the country’s impressive mountainous region , end the virtual trip in the town of Bijelo Polje — 102 tunnels and 96 bridges later.

6. North Wales Coast Line, England to Wales

Travel along the beautiful Wales coast aboard a British Rail Class 175, a type of diesel passenger train used in the United Kingdom. The virtual excursion kicks off in the city of Chester, England and quickly travels over the border into Wales, passing through lush countryside before hitting the coast and continuing west.

7. Nordland Line, Norway

The adventure starts on the Trondheim Fjord in Trondheim and only seems to get snowier as you head farther north. Eventually, you virtually pass into the Arctic Circle before ending in the municipality of Fauske. If cold and snow don’t sound appealing, you can experience the trip in one of the other three seasons here .

8. Ferrocarril Central Andino, Peru

Often considered to be one of the world’s most scenic railroads, the Ferrocarril Central Andino links the Pacific port of Callao and the capital city of Lima with Huancayo and Cerro de Pasco. This four-part virtual journey begins in Chosica and ends near the Galera railway station in the Andes. In part one , you’ll traverse the massive Puente Carrión bridge; part two climbs from Matucana to San Mateo, one of the most scenic parts of the line; part three takes travelers over the Puente Infiernillo bridge, which passes through a tight canyon with high rock walls on either side; and finally, part four lets you travel virtually through one of the world’s highest railroad tunnels.

9. 7 Express Line, New York, United States

If you find yourself strangely missing the familiar sounds of your commute, this cab-view video of the New York City subway will scratch the itch. The 7 Express Line (Flushing Express) travels from Queens to Manhattan , providing outside and underground views along the way. And if you’re into trains, keep in mind that this footage was shot on one of the line’s R62A trains, which have since been returned to the 6 train.

10. Sarajevo–Ploče Railway, Bosnia and Herzegovina

You can explore the Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina by train, thanks to this virtual cab-view video . Starting in Čapljina, you’ll dip into Croatia quickly before crossing the border back into Bosnia and Herzegovina and ending your trip in the country’s capital, Sarajevo. A good portion of the journey follows the Neretva River and passes through tight, mountainous terrain and over the Bradina Pass.

11. South Western Railway, England

You’ll start your virtual journey on the London Underground at London Waterloo station and then head west, eventually dropping south toward Southampton and ending at Southampton Central station. Along the way, you’ll see the London skyline before moving into the vibrant, green countryside.

12. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado, United States

This historic line takes travelers from one mountain town to another, traveling over a high-alpine mountain pass to get there. This three-part tour offers guests a virtual ride on the three-foot-wide narrow-gauge heritage railroad as it traverses over 45 miles between Durango and Silverton. During part one , enjoy the breathtaking journey along a narrow ledge cut into a sheer cliff face far above the Animas River; in part two , the train chugs high up into the Colorado mountains; and in part three , it heads down the mountain pass into the Wild West town of Silverton.

13. Wengernalp Railway, Switzerland

Enjoy a perfectly clear driver’s-eye view of the stunning route from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg. You’ll virtually cross pretty Swiss villages and tree-covered slopes as you climb up into the mountains, eventually passing views of snow-covered mountains and deep valleys.

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Moscow to Elektrostal by train

Travel from Moscow (Russia) to Elektrostal (Russia) by train (52km): schedule and information to the train connection. Compare fares and buy your ticket.

To travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train, read the following information. You can find the timetable and ticket prices online via our booking links.

Your travel route could be like that.

1 Moscow (Russia) - Elektrostal (Russia)

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1a Travelling from Moscow (Russia) to Elektrostal (Russia)

To travel in Russia by train, buy your ticket online via one of the given booking links. There you find exact schedules and ticket prices. The price depends on the type of train and the time you travel and can vary a lot. For most trains you can chose your seat if you book online. And it is the easiest way if you do not speak the Russian language. Good to know: in Russia you will find very interesting long-distance trains, travelling overnight. They usually offer: 1st class sleeper with 2-berth compartments, 2nd class Kupé with 4-berth compartments and 3rd class Platskartny with open-plan dormitory cars.

From one metropolis to another in four hours

From russia with snow, an overnight journey in the russian grand express, travel in less than four hours between the two russian metropolises, with the rzd night trains, travel in style with russian railways, need a cheap place to sleep we recommend booking.com, find a cheap flight compare prices on kiwi.com.

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Do you have questions about the connection between Moscow and Elektrostal? Does something not work as it should? Just ask in our forum and get competent answers from our rail travel experts.

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A ride across passages of history - Moscow Metro rolls on

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Click on the map to enlarge it

Lying at a depth of 5 (Pechatniki station) to 80 metres (Park Pobedy station), the history of the last eight decades unfold before your eyes, carved out of marble and granite and built in iron and glass – revealing the tastes, ideas, dreams, hopes and disappointments of the previous generations and contemporaries. The Moscow Metro dates back to 1931, when its construction first began, although engineers Pyotr Balinsky and Evgeny Knorre submitted their first designs to the Moscow City Duma as far back as 1902. “His speeches carried a strong temptation: like a true demon, he would promise to cast Moscow down to the bottom of the sea and raise it above the clouds”, a journalist for the Russkoye Slovo newspaper commented on Balinsky’s idea. Yet the Duma, made up of rich people, did not bite the bait: after all, they all lived in the centre of the city and never rode overcrowded trams.

After five failed proposals before the Duma, the Moscow Metro finally threw open its doors on May 15, 1935, 18 years after the revolution, and carried the first passengers on its moving staircases, escalators, and the padded seats of its new wagons (unlike the wooden seats in trams). The first metro line – from Sokolniki to Dvorets Sovetov (now known as Kropotkinskaya) -- was 11 km long and had 13 stations. Now, the Moscow Metro has a track of over 300 km with 12 lines and 182 stations. The city’s development outline for 2020 envisages that, by then, another 120 km will have been added to the existing routes.

For the first 20 years of its history, the Moscow Metro was named after Lazar Kaganovich, the “iron commissar” and Stalin’s right hand man, who was in-charge of construction of the first stage of the metro (incidentally, he personally blew up the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in December 1931 as a part of the Proletarian Capital project). In 1955, however, the Metro was renamed after Vladimir Lenin. Although Russia has long since changed its political track, you can still find the images of the former leader at over 10 stations, including, for instance, busts of Lenin at Belorusskaya and Komsomolskaya stations, impressive mosaics at Baumanskaya and Kievskaya stations, a tile panel in the passage between the Borovitskaya and Biblioteka Imeni Lenina stations. By a bitter irony of fate, Lenin’s full-face and side-face images decorate the Tsaritsyno (translated as the Tsarina’s Estate) station (dubbed Lenino up until 1990) – images of the very person who ordered the shooting of the royal family. You will not, however, find any images of Stalin in Moscow’s underground. A symbol of Russia's victory, he was omnipresent in the late 1940s. After his death in 1953 and the denunciation of Stalin’s personality cult, his images were gradually withdrawn from the Moscow Metro.

“Architecture developed along the same lines, both above and below the surface. Anything that emerged above ground had a reflection underground. It is equally true that vice versa never occurred: good architecture underground but bad architecture above the ground,” says Nikolay Shumakov, chief architect of the Moscow Metro. The first metro stations, up until the mid-1950s, were conceived and built as luxurious “palaces for the people”, great architecture for a great state. Art historians insist that the richly-decorated underground was a deliberate ideological move to eulogise the young Soviet country. Stations built between 1937 and 1955 are characteristic of the first architectural period. Everything completed at this time is worthy of special attention. For instance, look at the ceiling at Mayakovskaya and Novokuznetskaya stations to see mosaic panels based on designs by artist Alexander Deineka – 24-Hour Soviet Sky and Heroic Labour of the Soviet People on the Home Front. The mosaics were assembled by famous mosaic artist Vladimir Frolov, author of the mosaic icons in St. Petersburg’s Church of the Saviour on Blood. The Ploshchad Revolutsii station was decorated with 76 bronze sculptures of workers, soldiers, farmers, students and other Soviet people. You can even find a frontier guard with a dog and rub its nose for good luck. You may also note that all the figures (except pioneers) are either sitting or bent, which engendered the sad joke – “Any Soviet man is either in jail or on his knees.”

 Elements of decoration in Moscow's metro.   Photos by Alexandr Ganyushin

1955 heralded the end of the good times for Russian architecture – both underground and above ground – after the Communist Party issued a decree "On elimination of extravagance in design and construction.” Dull stations, without any stucco work, mosaics, original columns or other “unjustified” elements, were built under the slogan “Kilometres at the expense of architecture”. Things were the same above the ground, where entire cities were built of commonplace five-storey apartment blocks, all looking the same, nicknamed ‘Khrushchevkas’ after the then leader, Nikita Khrushchev. To get a sense of this period’s architecture, see the few stations built in the 1960s-1980s like Tverskaya, Kitay-Gorod and Kolomenskaya. In 2002, with the reconstruction of the Vorobyovy Gory station, the development of the Moscow Metro entered a third stage, which could be defined as ‘renaissance’. The platform of the station offers a splendid view of the Moskva River, the Luzhniki Olympic Complex and the Academy of Sciences building. Architectural canons of the 1930s-1940s were once again in use in the design of underground stations. By the same token, artists once again become involved in decorating the stations. As such, the Sretensky Bulvar station boasts silhouettes of Pushkin, Gogol, and Timiryazev and Moscow sights; the Dostoevskaya station is decorated with black-and-white panels featuring the main characters from Dostoyevsky’s novels The Idiot, Demons, Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and the Maryina Roshcha station flaunts its pastoral mosaic landscapes. In 2004, Russia's first monorail transport system was launched into service – an elevated track (running 6 to 12 metres above the ground) in the northern part of Moscow, linking the All-Russian Exhibition Centre and the Timiryazevskaya metro station. The evolution of the Moscow Metro goes on. It’s still a work in progress, with ambitious plans to move the Moscow Metro even closer to passengers over the next ten years, not just by adding an extra 120 km to its total track. “We want to strip the stations of everything we can,” says Nikolai Shumakov. “We are trying to show the passengers their very framework, what the metro is made of. Cast iron and concrete are beautiful.”

Joy ride: Read Gogol, Dante or savour art

travel train rides

The Aquarelle Train.   Source: Reuters/Vostock-Photo

With any luck, you can ride in a retro train, a moving art gallery or a library. The trains are actually a part of the general traffic (i.e., they do not run to any special schedule) and are used on certain lines. The Reading Moscow Train , an ordinary train on the face of it, features extracts from literary works for adults and children. Each wagon has its own selection, from children’s fairy tales to Gogol. Circle Line. The Poetry in Metro Train carries an exposition, updated this year, dedicated to Italian poets Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarch, Giacomo Leopardi, etc. All the poems are featured in two languages, Russian and Italian. Filevskaya Line. The Sokolniki Retro Train looks exactly like the first Moscow Metro train, both inside and out. Painted brown, it has padded seats, typical wall decorations and retro lamps. Sokolnicheskaya Line. The Aquarelle Train looks like a cabinet painted with flowers and fruit on the outside. Inside, it is an art gallery featuring art reproductions from the Vyatka Apollinary and Viktor Vasnetsov Art Museum. Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line.

Revolution Square station (built in 1938) is close to the Red Square area. There are 72 sculptures in the station, depicting the people of the Soviet Union, including soldiers, farmers, athletes, writers, industrial workers and school children.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Scam posts misuse Kuala Lumpur transit pass image to promote nonexistent 'free rides' card

Rail service authorities in malaysia's capital do not sell a "12-month free travel card" for less than 10 ringgit ($2.12), contrary to multiple false posts on facebook that purportedly sell the "kl travelpass" at the lower price. the price of the genuine transit pass -- which offers a single or return trip on the express train to the city's airport and unlimited two day rail rides -- starts at 80 ringgit..

"Only 3 days left! Get 12 months free travel for RM9.95! The world has never seen such promotions before!" read the caption of a post on Facebook on March 1, 2024.

The post, which has been shared more than 20 times, includes an image of a purported KL TravelPass card that states it grants "12-month free subway rides" in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, and a receipt with the price of 9.95 ringgit.

It also includes an "apply now" button that links to an unrelated online shopping page, which has since been taken down.

Similar false posts promoting the cheap transport cards for Kuala Lumpur were also shared more than three dozen times across Facebook here , here , here and here .

Comments on the posts appear to have been curated to make the offer seem legitimate.

A user whose profile says  he is based in Britain said: "We called Kuala Lumpur Metro and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd today. They confirmed that this promotion is indeed launched online with the support of the government. So, don't hesitate."

Another user, who also claims to be based in the United Kingdom, commented with a photo of the purported transit card and wrote: "My wife already has one, thankfully she kept the link, so we applied for a second one. It should arrive in a few days. Meanwhile, here's a photo of my wife's card."

But checks of the official channels of Kuala Lumpur rail service authorities found no such offer.

No such promotion

Keyword searches on Google found a leaflet about the " KL TravelPass " released by the KLIA Ekspres -- the express train service that runs between the Malaysian capital's city centre to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) -- on its official website ( archived link ).

The leaflet features a similar transit card printed with imagery of Malaysian fruits, but does not include the "12 month free subway rides" text.

The genuine KL TravelPass offers two days of unlimited rail rides around the Klang Valley, along with either a single trip or return trip to KLIA, priced at 80 ringgit or 125 ringgit respectively.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the travel card shown in the false post (left) and the genuine KL TravelPass (right):

The image shared in the false post has also been doctored.

A reverse image search on Google found the photo featuring commuters waiting on a train platform was published in a Russian blog post about Kuala Lumpur's subway and monorail system on May 1, 2012 ( archived link ).

Below is a screenshot comparison of the image in the false post (left) and the photo featured on the blog post (right):

Other false posts use photos previously published in local news reports, such as  temporary Light Rail Transit (LRT) line disruptions , changes of LRT services and an LRT project (archived links here , here and here ).

KLIA Ekspres issued a statement on its official Facebook page on March 4, 2024, urging customers to purchase the KL TravelPass at KLIA Ekspress counters, its app, website or the travel booking platform Klook ( archived link ).

"It has come to our attention that there are offerings of 'Metro' cards featuring ERL's KL TravelPass at significantly reduced prices. We strongly advise our valued customers to exercise caution, as we are not affiliated with these sellers in any way," the statement read.

Further keyword searches found RapidKL, one of the city's public transport operators, offers one-day and three-day unlimited ride passes at 35 ringgit for Malaysians or 45 ringgit for non-Malaysians ( archived link ).

It also offers a " MY50 Unlimited Travel Pass " that costs 50 ringgit for unlimited rides in Kuala Lumpur for 30 consecutive days ( archived link ).

AFP has previously debunked a similar scam offering "free subway rides" in the Philippines, with similar posts online linking users to pages that asks for credit card details and consent to make recurring charges of 26 euros (28 dollars) every two weeks.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

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5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

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Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

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Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

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Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

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8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya metro station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

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10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

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January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

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December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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