Amtrak’s long-distance train routes: Scenic highlights and top destinations

Amtrak’s long-distance routes offer a scenic and unforgettable way to explore the United States. Stretching for hundreds or even thousands of miles, these trains hug coastlines and pass through big cities, small towns, mountains, deserts, river valleys, bayous, and even California wine country.

To help you decide which route to ride, explore the full list of Amtrak long-distance routes below. Highlights provide a quick overview of major destinations and top sights, while details on why each route is worth riding make it easy to choose and plan the perfect trip based on your interests.

It’s important to note that Amtrak does not offer a single train that travels all the way across the United States. East‑to‑west routes either terminate in Chicago or New Orleans, requiring a transfer to continue the journey. For those seeking a true coast-to-coast rail adventure, explore these 8 cross-country trip itineraries.

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Auto Train

The Auto Train travels non-stop between Virginia (near Washington D.C.) and Florida (near Orlando) daily, allowing passengers to bring a car onboard for an additional fee. It’s a convenient option for a vacation road trip without the stress of driving long distances.

Route highlights

States: Virginia, Florida
Major stops: Lorton, VA, Sanford, FL

Why ride

Reach Florida and Virginia vacation destinations without dealing with traffic.
Easy drive to Orlando, Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Shenandoah National Park from the train stations.

Auto Train Guide

California Zephyr

One of Amtrak’s most scenic routes, the California Zephyr travels between Chicago and Northern California, crossing the Continental Divide and passing through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. There are stunning views of the Colorado River and Ruby Canyon, plus opportunities to exit the train for skiing, hiking, gambling, and soaking in hot spring pools.

Route highlights

States: Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California
Major stops: Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento
Landmarks & sights: Moffat Tunnel, Colorado River, Rocky Mountains, Ruby Canyon, Sierra Nevada, Donner Lake

Why ride

Two days of majestic mountain scenery
Rocky Mountain National Park guided day trips from Denver
Ski resorts near the Winter Park, Salt Lake City and Reno stations
Natural hot spring pools in Glenwood Springs
Early pioneer history at Donner Memorial State Park
Lake Tahoe excursion (via rental car in Reno)
California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento
Iconic attractions in Chicago and San Francisco

California Zephyr Route Guide

Cardinal

Cardinal trains travel between Chicago and New York City via the mountains of West Virginia and valleys in Virginia. It’s one of the most scenic Amtrak trips in the eastern United States.

Route Highlights

States: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York
Major stops: Chicago, Indianapolis, Charleston WV, Washington D.C., New York City
Landmarks & sights: Appalachian Mountains, New River Gorge, Shenandoah Valley

Why Ride

Fall foliage in the New River Gorge
Scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains
Luxury stays at the 1778 Greenbrier Resort
New River Gorge National Park access via rental car in Charleston
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in Staunton
Visit Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Purdue University by rail

Cardinal Route Guide

City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans is a foodie and culture route that connects Chicago with New Orleans. Trains stop at cities full of music, museums and a variety of cuisines, from Creole and Cajun to barbecue and deep-dish pizza.

Route Highlights

States: Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana
Major stops: Chicago, Memphis, Jackson, New Orleans
Landmarks & sights: National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Blues Hall of Fame, National WWII Museum, French Quarter

Why Ride

Escape Chicago winters
Visit iconic food and music cities
Explore the US Civil Rights Trail in Jackson
Experience nightlife and blues music on Beale Street
Attend Mardi Gras and other festivals in New Orleans
Transfer to other Amtrak routes in Chicago and New Orleans

City of New Orleans Guide

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight route is full of stunning and diverse scenery from California to Washington State. Shorter than other overnight routes, it’s a great option if you have limited time or want to explore national parks, beautiful beaches and the Pacific Northwest.

Route Highlights

States: California, Oregon, Washington
Major stops: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Portland, Seattle
Landmarks & sights: Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests

Why Ride

Amazing ocean and mountain scenery
Columbia River Gorge tours from Portland
Guided tours to national parks from Seattle
Crater Lake National Park near Klamath Falls
Oakland to San Francisco ferry
Wine tastings and wineries in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles

Coast Starlight Guide

Crescent

The Crescent is an Amtrak route with a lot of variety in scenery and culture. Trains travel between New York City and New Orleans, providing opportunities to explore iconic East Coast cities and Southern destinations.

Route Highlights

States: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
Major stops: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Orleans
Landmarks & sights: Lake Pontchartrain, bayous, pine forests, mountain foothills

Why Ride

Visit New Orleans and Atlanta without driving or flying
Explore HGTV’s “Hometown” in Laurel, Mississippi
Travel to and from colleges including the University of Virginia and the University of Alabama
Experience the longest train bridge in the United States (over Lake Pontchartrain)

Crescent Route Guide

Empire Builder

Experience the Upper Midwest, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest with a trip on the Empire Builder. This scenic route is perfect for visiting Glacier National Park and viewing rugged landscapes in Montana, Oregon and Washington State.

Route Highlights

States: Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon
Major stops: Chicago, Milwaukee/St. Paul, Whitefish, Seattle, Portland
Landmarks & sights: Columbia River Gorge, Puget Sound, Montana Rocky Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Mississippi River

Why Ride

Dramatic mountain scenery
Beautiful snow landscapes in the winter
Multiple stations near Glacier National Park
Free shuttle to ski resorts in Whitefish
Bavarian village in Leavenworth
“Empire Builder” mansion in St. Paul
Family fun and rock formations in the Wisconsin Dells
Hours of Mississippi River views on eastbound trains
Spectacular views in the Columbia River Gorge

Empire Builder Route Guide

Floridian

The Floridian is a temporary long-distance Amtrak route that combines the Silver Star and Capitol Limited lines. Trains travel between Chicago and Miami with many stops at cities and historic areas along the way.

Route Highlights

States: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
Major stops: Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami
Landmarks & sights: National Mall and Smithsonian Museums, Appalachian Mountains, Florida beach destinations

Why Ride

Travel between the Midwest and Florida without changing trains
Travel from Florida to visit attractions in Washington D.C.
Civil War history and Appalachian Trail access in Harpers Ferry
Culture, entertainment, sports and nature attractions in Pittsburgh

Floridian Route Guide

Lakeshore Limited

As the name suggests, the Lake Shore Limited travels near the Great Lakes and connects the East Coast with the Midwest. The most scenic segment is between Albany and New York City, where trains travel through the Hudson River Valley. Otherwise, the route is mainly a way to get from city to city without a car.

Route Highlights

States: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts
Major stops: Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Boston, New York City
Landmarks & sights: Eric Canal (difficult to see), Hudson River, rolling hills in Massachusetts

Why Ride

Niagara Falls State Park (via the Buffalo-Depew stop and rideshare)
Notre Dame campus and football games in South Bend
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Combine with another route for coast to coast train travel
Fall foliage in Massachusetts and Hudson River Valley

Lake Shore Limited Guide

Palmetto

The Palmetto is one of Amtrak’s underrated routes, connecting two very different parts of the United States. Trains travel between New York City and Savannah, with busy city culture at one end and relaxed Southern charm at the other. If you prefer to not spend the night on a train, you’re in luck as the Palmetto is a daytime route, making it that much more convenient for travel between the North and South.

Route Highlights

States: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
Major stops: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Richmond, Charleston, Savannah
Landmarks & sights: Big cities in the Northeast, BWI Airport, rivers and other bodies of water in Maryland and Virginia

Why Ride

Escape Northeast winters
Experience spring flowers and festivals in the South
Stroll historic squares and River Street in Savannah
Visit Fort Sumter and go on a food tour in Charleston
Explore the American Civil War Museum and elaborate gardens in Richmond
Rent a car via Turo in Florence, South Carolina to reach Myrtle Beach (1.5-hour drive)

Palmetto Route Guide

Silver Meteor

One of three Florida trains, the Silver Meteor travels between New York City and Miami daily. It uses the same tracks as the Palmetto route (see above), but continues into Florida. You can use it to travel between some cities in Florida or to reach Florida for a theme park or beach vacation.

Route Highlights

States: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
Major stops: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami
Landmarks & sights: Big cities in the Northeast, rivers and other bodies of water in Maryland and Virginia, Florida palm trees and countryside

Why Ride

Travel to and from Florida without a car
Experience railroad history (the route has been around since 1939, following a similar path as the train featured in the iconic opening of the White Christmas movie).

Silver Meteor Route Guide

Southwest Chief

Experience the dramatic landscapes of America’s Southwest aboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. This train route travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, offering views of the New Mexico desert and mountains in Colorado. Plus, you’ll experience the history of westward expansion as the route follows segments of Route 66 and the Santa Fe Trail.

Route Highlights

States: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois
Major stops: Los Angeles, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Kansas City, Chicago
Landmarks & sights: Raton Pass in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico desert

Why Ride

Discover Chicago’s iconic architecture and world-class attractions
Check out Old West history in Dodge City
Visit museums and eat barbecue in Kansas City
Experience the Balloon Fiesta and Native American culture in Albuquerque
Go on a guided day trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and other natural wonders

Southwest Chief Guide

Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited is America’s oldest named train still in operation. Experience this history on the trip between New Orleans and Los Angeles, or choose a shorter segment for focused sightseeing in New Orleans and the American Southwest. You can also use this train to reach sunny Palm Springs.

Route Highlights

States: Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California
Major stops: New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tuscon, Los Angeles
Landmarks & sights: Bayous, high desert, distant mountain ranges

Why Ride

Visit the Alamo and Riverwalk in San Antonio
Reach Palm Springs without driving or flying
Explore Saguaro National Park with a rental car in Tuscon
Ride the oldest named train in the United States still in operation
Experience the French Quarter, Mardi Gras and the National World War II museum in New Orleans

Sunset Limited Guide

Texas Eagle

The Texas Eagle is the longest Amtrak route when combined with the Sunset Limited, providing service between Chicago and Los Angeles. There are many stations in Texas and an oddly high number of presidential landmarks and attractions along the way. This route is best for shorter trips vs riding the entire length.

Route Highlights

States: Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona and California
Major stops: Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Los Angeles
Landmarks & sights: Mississippi River, Ozark Mountains, high desert