Some journeys are just as memorable as the places they lead to. Train travel offers a slower, more immersive way to experience a destination, replacing busy airports and crowded highways with scenic landscapes, comfortable seating, and the simple pleasure of watching the world unfold outside your window.
Whether you’re planning a city break, a family vacation, or an unforgettable national park adventure, traveling by rail allows you to enjoy the journey while arriving in some of North America’s most fascinating destinations. From vibrant cities like Chicago and Seattle to iconic landscapes such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, many incredible places can be reached by combining Amtrak with local transportation.
This guide brings together our best destination resources to help you decide where to go next. Browse the ideas below, compare destinations, and follow the links to detailed travel guides that explain exactly how to reach each place by train.
America’s Best Train Destinations
Whether you’re looking for world-famous cities, scenic coastlines, desert adventures, or relaxing beach escapes, these destinations make excellent starting points for a rail vacation.
Chicago
Chicago is one of America’s great rail cities and the starting point for several legendary Amtrak routes. Visit Millennium Park, stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, admire world-class architecture, or explore renowned museums before continuing your rail adventure.
Read our complete guide to visiting Chicago by Amtrak →
Seattle
Surrounded by mountains and water, Seattle combines outdoor adventure with vibrant neighborhoods, excellent seafood, coffee culture, and spectacular views of Puget Sound. It’s also the northern gateway to the scenic Coast Starlight and Empire Builder.
Plan your trip to Seattle by Amtrak →
Portland
Portland is famous for its parks, food scene, craft breweries, bookstores, and easy access to waterfalls, forests, and the Columbia River Gorge. It’s an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and creative atmosphere.
Explore our Portland travel guide →
Los Angeles
Hollywood landmarks, beautiful beaches, world-class museums, and year-round sunshine make Los Angeles one of California’s most exciting destinations. Multiple Amtrak routes arrive directly at Union Station, making it an excellent rail destination.
Discover how to visit Los Angeles by Amtrak →
Atlanta
Atlanta blends Civil Rights history, outstanding museums, excellent food, and Southern hospitality. It’s a rewarding destination for history lovers, families, and anyone exploring the southeastern United States.
Read the complete Atlanta travel guide →
Arizona
Arizona offers dramatic desert landscapes, historic Route 66 towns, red rock scenery, and easy access to several iconic national parks. It’s one of the best destinations for travelers seeking unforgettable scenery.
Florida
From sunny beaches and theme parks to tropical islands and vibrant cities, Florida has something for every traveler. Amtrak provides convenient access to many of the state’s most popular destinations.
Plan your Florida rail vacation →
Las Vegas
Although Amtrak doesn’t serve Las Vegas directly, it’s surprisingly easy to combine train travel with a short road transfer. The city also makes an excellent base for exploring nearby national parks.
Learn how to reach Las Vegas by Amtrak →
National Parks & Nature by Train
Some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes can be reached by combining scenic rail travel with a short drive, shuttle, or historic railway. While Amtrak doesn’t enter every national park directly, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, taking you through mountains, forests, deserts, and river valleys before you even arrive.
If you’re looking for unforgettable scenery, these destinations deserve a place on your travel list.
Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park is famous for Old Faithful, colorful geothermal pools, wildlife, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery. Although you’ll need to continue by road after leaving the train, combining Yellowstone with a scenic Amtrak journey makes for an unforgettable vacation.
Grand Canyon
Few destinations are as iconic as the Grand Canyon. Whether you arrive via Flagstaff or continue aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, visiting this natural wonder by train adds another memorable chapter to your journey.
Death Valley
One of the most extraordinary landscapes in North America, Death Valley offers towering sand dunes, colorful badlands, salt flats, and endless desert scenery. It’s an excellent addition to a California or Southwest rail itinerary.
Learn how to visit Death Valley by train →
Sequoia National Park
Home to the world’s largest trees, Sequoia National Park is one of California’s greatest natural treasures. Giant forests, scenic mountain roads, and peaceful hiking trails make it a rewarding destination for visitors of all ages.
Explore Sequoia National Park by train →
Family-Friendly Train Destinations
Train travel can make family vacations less stressful and far more enjoyable. Instead of navigating traffic or spending hours at airports, families can relax together while enjoying the scenery and spacious onboard seating.
Some of our favorite family-friendly destinations include:
- Disneyland — perfect for families with children of all ages.
- Florida — beaches, wildlife, space exploration, and world-famous theme parks.
- Chicago — museums, river cruises, parks, and family attractions.
- Seattle — aquariums, ferry rides, markets, and outdoor adventures.
Which Destination Is Right for You?
| If you enjoy… | Consider visiting… |
|---|---|
| Big cities | Chicago or Los Angeles |
| Mountain scenery | Seattle |
| National parks | Yellowstone |
| Giant forests | Sequoia National Park |
| Desert landscapes | Arizona or Death Valley |
| Beaches | Florida |
| Theme parks | Disneyland |
| Classic American road-trip scenery | Las Vegas |
Planning Your Journey
Choosing the right destination is only the beginning. Planning ahead will help you enjoy a smoother, more relaxing rail vacation.
- Book Amtrak tickets as early as possible for the best fares.
- Research seasonal weather before choosing your destination.
- Check whether you’ll need a rental car, shuttle, or local transportation after arriving.
- Pack light enough to move comfortably between trains and stations.
- If you’re traveling long distances, consider upgrading to a Roomette for additional comfort.
If you’re new to rail travel, our Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Travel in the USA explains everything you need to know before booking your first journey, including route planning, onboard accommodation, luggage, dining, and travel tips.
Looking Beyond the USA
Some of the world’s greatest rail adventures extend far beyond North America. Over the coming months, we’ll be expanding this guide with destination hubs covering Europe’s legendary rail networks, Australia’s iconic cross-country trains, Asia’s remarkable high-speed rail systems, and unforgettable journeys across South America.
As Travel Blog Ideas grows, we’ll continue adding destination guides covering Europe’s scenic railways, Australia’s legendary cross-country trains, Asia’s iconic rail journeys, and unforgettable destinations around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Exploring by Train
Every great rail journey begins with choosing the right destination. Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant cities, breathtaking national parks, family adventures, or unforgettable landscapes, traveling by train offers a unique way to experience the journey as well as the destination. Explore the guides throughout this page, discover new places, and start planning your next adventure by rail.