15 Affordable Train Routes In America That Double As Memorable Tours

You don’t always need a passport or plane ticket to experience jaw-dropping views. Across the U.S., these 15 train routes offer more than just transportation. They deliver full-blown travel experiences. Winding through mountains, hugging coastlines, and cutting through historic towns, each route coming up next is a chance to sightsee, without the hassle of airports or road trips.

California Zephyr (Starting At $141)

California Zephyr spans from Chicago to San Francisco, offering a sweeping look at America’s most diverse terrains. This cross-country tour takes travelers through Colorado’s rugged cliffs, Utah’s red rock, and Nevada’s desert basins, with observation cars offering breathtaking views.

Empire Builder (Starting At $150)

This is a rail experience rich with mountain vistas and minimal urban sprawl. Passengers enjoy wide-open scenery, winding rivers, and the feel of true northern wilderness. Crossing between Chicago and Seattle, you’ll get rare views of Glacier National Park and untouched terrain.

Coast Starlight (Starting At $98 With Advanced Purchase)

On the Seattle to Los Angeles rail tour, lounge cars offer breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning natural scenery that unfolds along the way. The route passes through notable landmarks like the Salinas Valley and scenic oceanfront curves.

Pacific Surfliner (Starting At $37 Each Way)

Pacific Surfliner delivers ocean views and quick access to beach towns as it runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. You won’t be able to stop yourself from taking snaps of the surfers and golden-hour coastlines.

Southwest Chief (Starting At $183)

A ride from Chicago to L.A. reveals deserts, canyons, and high plateaus. You’ll pass through historic towns like Flagstaff and Albuquerque on this iconic route through the American Southwest. Riders enjoy stunning terrain and glimpses of old frontier rail culture.

Cardinal Route (Starting At $32)

The Cardinal Route is great for anyone who wants to admire mountain scenery without leaving the East. The route, connecting New York and Chicago, offers a scenic journey through valleys and serene Ohio River views, with charming stops in smaller towns like Charleston and Staunton.

Lake Shore Limited (Starting At $15)

Running from Boston and New York to Chicago, this route follows the Hudson River and crosses through upstate New York. It’s best if you want to hop on a historic route with waterfront views and big-city stops at both ends of the journey.

Crescent Line (Starting At $52)

The Crescent Line links New York to New Orleans with stops in Atlanta, Birmingham, and other iconic Southern cities. It will take you to a fascinating mix of quaint towns and glittering metropolitan skylines, offering a richly cultural and diverse journey through the American Southeast.

Capitol Limited (Starting At $31)

With an observation lounge and sleeper cars, it’s perfect for scenic sightseeing. Connecting Washington, D.C., to Chicago, this overnight ride crosses mountain passes, river valleys, and historic rail bridges. The route captures the terrain diversity between the East Coast and the Midwest heartland.

Sunset Limited (Starting At $142)

The Sunset Limited passes through San Antonio and Tucson, offering a long-haul journey of immersive cultural experiences and a panoramic view of the Southern U.S. terrains. Operating from New Orleans to Los Angeles, this ride spans deserts and distant mountain ranges you’ll definitely love.

Adirondack Route (Starting At $24)

Traveling from New York City to Montreal, this route parades stunning natural beauty, following the Hudson River and cutting through the Adirondack Mountains, especially during peak fall foliage season. Riders enjoy vineyard views and river towns, making it a favorite for photographers and nature seekers alike.

Pennsylvanian (Starting At $56)

Between New York and Pittsburgh, this is one of the few direct, train-based ways to explore Pennsylvania’s mountainous spine. With views of tunnels, viaducts, forests, and rail towns, it’s always a memorable regional journey packed into a single scenic day.

Pere Marquette (Starting At $6)

Running between Grand Rapids and Chicago, this short-haul line passes Michigan’s farmland and forest-lined tracks. People often use it for weekend escapes or day trips. The Pere Marquette is an underrated Midwestern ride worth taking, especially when time is limited.

Missouri River Runner (Starting At $60)

Following the Missouri River between Kansas City and St. Louis, the Missouri River Runner travels through bluffs, floodplains, and historical sites. It’s best for families and leisure riders who want a beautiful experience without needing to venture far from urban hubs.

Hiawatha Service (Starting At $19)

It’s a quick line between Milwaukee and Chicago that delivers more than just convenience. In under two hours, you’ll pass Lake Michigan shorelines, industrial skylines, and glimpses of local communities. The Hiawatha Service is perfect for city-to-city sightseeing when you have less time, but the view still matters.