There’s something undeniably romantic about traveling through Europe by train. Picture yourself sipping Champagne as the Swiss Alps roll by, winding through storybook villages in the French countryside or watching the sun set over the Italian Riviera, all without having to navigate a rental car or deal with airport security.
But what if we told you that some of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys don’t require a passport, an overnight flight or even leaving the country?
While Europe’s legendary luxury trains tend to get all the glory, the United States has a few scenic routes of its own that are giving their international counterparts a run for their money. We’re talking glass-domed railcars, dramatic mountain passes, gourmet meals and views so jaw-dropping you’ll forget all about your phone.
And whether you’re looking to splurge on a bucket-list adventure or simply trade the interstate for something a little more scenic, there’s a train trip for every type of traveler.
We asked travel experts to share the domestic rail journeys they believe rival Europe’s most celebrated routes, plus their insider tips for booking the best seats, choosing the right season and making the most of the experience.
Here are three worth getting on board for.
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1. Canyon Spirit: Denver, Colorado, to Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling aboard one of Europe’s ultra-luxurious Belmond trains, but can’t quite justify the transatlantic flight (or the eye-watering price tag), Canyon Spirit might be your ticket.
Formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route, this luxury rail experience takes passengers through some of the American West’s most spectacular scenery, from the soaring Rocky Mountains to Utah’s otherworldly red-rock landscapes.
According to Nadia Bess, owner of luxury travel agency Besst Travels, it’s about as close as you can get to a European luxury rail vacation without crossing the Atlantic.
“It is the most luxurious experience you can get on a U.S. train,” she says.
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The experience is designed around the views, with oversized windows, hosted service, regional dining and plenty of opportunities to raise a glass while the scenery steals the show.
Unlike traditional sleeper trains, Canyon Spirit travels exclusively during daylight hours, meaning you won’t miss a minute of those spectacular vistas while catching some shut-eye. Instead, passengers spend their nights in hotels along the route, including Glenwood Springs and, on the extended journey, Moab.
And frankly, Bess considers that a major selling point.
“You don’t sleep on the train, so you get to stay at hotels after traveling by train each day, which makes the journey honestly better because who actually sleeps well on a train?” she says.
For travelers looking to go all out, Bess recommends upgrading to Premier Class, which includes access to a lounge car, expanded bar selections, enhanced dining with wine pairings and additional outdoor viewing space.
Chip Wilson, a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor and owner of MCW Travel, agrees that Canyon Spirit is the closest thing to a Belmond-style rail journey in the U.S.
He recommends extending the adventure with a few days in Moab, where Arches and Canyonlands National Parks offer plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the train.
As for when to go, spring and fall are particularly appealing, according to Bess, who recommends the Rockies to the Red Rocks: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer itinerary for travelers hoping to avoid peak summer crowds.
Insider tip: Book earlier than you think you need to. Bess suggests planning as much as one to two years ahead for popular dates and checking with a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor about additional benefits or promotions. Just keep in mind that Premier Class availability and inclusions vary by departure and package.
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2. California Zephyr: Denver, Colorado, to the San Francisco Bay Area, California
Who needs the Swiss Alps when you’ve got the Rocky Mountains?
For travelers who want spectacular alpine scenery without splurging on a luxury rail package, Wilson recommends Amtrak’s California Zephyr, one of the country’s most celebrated long-distance train routes.
“This is the closest thing we have to the Alps by rail,” he says.
While the full California Zephyr travels between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, Wilson particularly recommends the westbound stretch from Denver to California.
And it’s easy to see why:
@rileejsmith Replying to @NC What 52 hours aboard the famous California Zephyr train looks like! 🚂⏱️ Could you ever do a long train trip like this?! Check out my full travel vlog from my Amtrak trip from San Francisco > Chicago posted on my page! 💵 Cost: $815 total for my train ticket + private roomette cabin, which included 3x meals a day 📅 Travel dates: Aug. 10-12 🎥 More info in my FAQ video! #amtrak #californiazephyr #californiazephyrtrain #traintravel #travelgram | what it’s like to ride the california zephyr train
♬ Chasing Midnight – ROLE MODEL
Departing Denver in the morning, the train climbs into the Rockies, winds through dramatic mountain passes and follows the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon. The following day brings another impressive change of scenery as passengers cross the Sierra Nevada on their way toward California.
Think snowcapped peaks, winding rivers, pine-covered mountains and sweeping valleys, all enjoyed from the comfort of your seat.
One of the biggest perks is the train’s Sightseer Lounge, where expansive windows offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time watching the scenery unfold.
Unlike Canyon Spirit, the California Zephyr is an overnight train, so travelers can choose between coach seating and private sleeping accommodations.
Wilson recommends booking a private sleeper room for added comfort. Meals in the dining car are included with sleeper accommodations, making the journey feel a little more like an old-fashioned rail adventure.
And while it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of a dedicated luxury train, that’s part of its appeal.
“It’s also the best value of the group,” Wilson says.
For the most spectacular scenery, he recommends May or September, with late September being especially lovely when Colorado’s aspens begin turning gold.
Insider tip: Book sleeper accommodations as far in advance as possible. Wilson notes that Amtrak’s sleeper fares generally increase as lower-priced inventory sells out, so waiting until the last minute could cost you. And if you’re dreaming of something truly extravagant, he points to Halloway, which arranges private railcar experiences on select Amtrak routes, including the California Zephyr.
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3. Ethan Allen Express: New York City to Burlington, Vermont
Not every European-worthy rail journey involves towering mountain peaks or a luxury dining car. Sometimes, all it takes is a leisurely ride past charming villages, rolling countryside and a river view that could give Germany’s Rhine Valley a run for its money.
Enter Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express.
Connecting New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall with Burlington, Vermont, this daily service winds through the Hudson Valley before continuing north into the Green Mountain State.
And according to Liz Arnold, a retreat leader with Run Wild Retreats, it’s an underrated way to experience some of the Northeast’s most beautiful scenery.
Arnold compares the Hudson Valley portion of the journey to Europe’s celebrated riverside rail routes, particularly Germany’s Rhine Valley line.
For much of the early journey, the train follows the Hudson River, passing historic towns, wooded hillsides and dramatic stretches of shoreline.
As the route continues north, the scenery shifts from the Hudson Valley to upstate New York and eventually Vermont, where rolling farmland, mountain views and quintessential New England charm take center stage.
The train makes stops in destinations including Poughkeepsie, Saratoga Springs, Rutland and Middlebury before arriving in Burlington, a lively lakeside city known for its walkable downtown, independent shops and restaurants.
Unlike a luxury rail vacation, the Ethan Allen Express is more about the journey than extravagant onboard amenities. There’s a café car for snacks and drinks, and travelers can upgrade to Business Class for a more comfortable ride.
But that’s precisely what makes it appealing for a spontaneous getaway, especially for East Coast travelers who want to escape the city without dealing with a car.
For Arnold, whose work centers on mindful travel and outdoor experiences, train journeys offer something that’s increasingly hard to come by: the opportunity to slow down.
Rather than racing from one attraction to the next, passengers can settle in, enjoy the scenery and let someone else handle the transportation.
Insider tip: Fall is an especially appealing time to experience Vermont’s changing leaves, but travelers should be mindful of the timetable. The northbound train currently departs New York in the afternoon, meaning some of the Vermont portion may take place after sunset, particularly later in the season. Consider traveling southbound for more daylight scenery.
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Two More Scenic Train Routes Worth Knowing About
Still haven’t had your fill of scenic rail adventures? There are two more domestic journeys worth adding to your bucket list.
For a true wilderness escape, Wilson recommends the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star, which runs seasonally between Anchorage and Fairbanks, with stops including Talkeetna and Denali National Park. His advice? Splurge on GoldStar Service for its glass-domed railcars and outdoor viewing deck, and plan at least two nights near Denali rather than attempting a quick turnaround.
Meanwhile, Arnold suggests Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service for travelers who prefer coastal scenery to mountain vistas. Connecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the twice-daily service offers a laid-back alternative to driving between charming Southern destinations.
It may not come with Champagne service or a private sleeper suite, but there’s something to be said for watching the Gulf Coast roll by without having to keep your eyes on the road.
After all, sometimes the best part of a vacation isn’t where you’re going. It’s how you get there.
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