15 Scenic Amtrak Journeys That Celebrate America’s Natural Beauty

Some train routes stay with you long after the trip ends. Amtrak lines stretch across cities and quiet towns, showing parts of the country that feel personal when seen by rail. These rides aren’t just transportation—they offer a different way to experience the land.

Empire Builder

Amtrak’s northernmost line traces parts of the historic Great Northern Railway. Travelers pass through North Dakota’s open plains, Montana’s Glacier National Park, and the Cascade Range. The route feels lush in summer but shifts to a dramatic snowy journey by winter.

California Zephyr

The California Zephyr rolls past Colorado River valleys, stretches of the Great Plains, and the towering Rockies, then threads through the Sierra Nevada into the Bay Area. Inspired by the original 1949 classic cross-country rail service, it delivers Amtrak’s most stunning ride, filled with mountains and unforgettable scenery.

Southwest Chief

Spanning 2,265 miles, the journey moves from open topography into high, dry plateaus with striking shifts in scenery. Originally part of the Santa Fe Super Chief legacy, it blends modern convenience with echoes of postwar rail elegance. The route is also especially known for its varied desert terrain.

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight links major cities along the Pacific while providing access to lesser-known gems. Along this iconic route, ocean views fade into wine country before giving way to endless evergreen forests. With superliner observation cars, passengers get wide panoramic views, which makes the line both functional and visually memorable.

Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited, first launched by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1894, subsequently joined Amtrak’s network and remains its oldest named service, which is still running today. The route offers dramatic contrasts, shifting from lush wetlands to arid deserts, and passes through several often-overlooked communities along the way.

City Of New Orleans

Riding the City of New Orleans means watching the South unfold right outside your window. You’ll see fields stretch wide and towns that carry the beat of blues and jazz in their bones. It’s not just a ride—it feels like a living soundtrack.

Cardinal

Running three times a week, it passes through remote Appalachian stretches, which include the New River Gorge and the Ohio River Valley. Its path reflects 19th-century rail ambitions and remains one of Amtrak’s most scenic and least urbanized long-distance services in the East.

Adirondack

The Adirondack offers a slow-moving ride along the Hudson before entering the forests of upstate New York. It began its international service in 1974 and has extended its services to Montreal, Canada, though it remains solely operated by Amtrak. Delays are common, but the scenery keeps drawing riders.

Crescent

Started in 1925 as Southern Railway’s Crescent Limited, the line defined luxury. Amtrak took over in 1979 while continuing to preserve its Southern charm. Riders now enjoy scenic forested routes, skylines, and river crossings while the route links business centers with remote Mid-Atlantic and Southern towns.

Maple Leaf

As the journey unfolds, city views and industrial zones gradually transition into open, natural terrain. This train also shares part of its track with the Empire Service before branching toward Canada. Although primarily operated by Amtrak, the route’s entry into Canada is seamlessly supported by VIA Rail.

Ethan Allen Express

After decades of planning, the route that once ended in Rutland finally extended to Burlington in 2022. For the first time in nearly 70 years, it now offers a rail link to Vermont’s largest city. So, riders can now enjoy views of wooded hills and quiet lakes that capture the spirit of western Vermont.

Downeaster

This line made its comeback in 2001, bringing trains back to Maine after decades. It’s popular for good reason—linking Boston’s charm, New Hampshire’s quick coastline, and Maine towns where old mills and salty air still shape the streets.

Acela

Acela is the smooth alternative to crowded airports and long delays that connect major Northeast cities with speed and comfort. Around Mystic and Old Saybrook, passengers glimpse details like coastal homes or tide-washed bridges, which serve as reminders of the Northeast’s maritime past unfolding quietly beyond the window.

San Joaquin

The San Joaquins roll through California’s farm country, where fields stretch wide and orchards pop up between irrigation canals. It’s a steady ride that connects inland towns to the Bay Area—something locals rely on, and visitors come to appreciate.

Capitol Corridor

Launched in 1991, this route links government hubs with nearby college towns and emerging tech centers. The scenery shifts along the way, with river crossings blending into stretches of open land, giving riders a steady glimpse of both city life and quieter countryside.