5 best Amtrak routes for history lovers

Posted on by Travel Guide
Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Railroads once powered America’s expansion, linking towns and people long before highways and air travel. Today, history lovers can relive that bygone era aboard the nation’s remaining passenger trains, many of which still follow historic routes through cities and towns steeped in heritage. These journeys offer more than transportation; they’re a chance to experience the golden age of rail travel and see history unfold right outside your window.

To start planning, here are five of the best Amtrak routes for history lovers.

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Northeast Regional

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
Photo by Phil Roeder/Flickr.com (Liberty Bell in Philadelphia)

The Northeast Regional is one of Amtrak’s most historic and heavily traveled routes, tracing tracks that have carried passengers since the 1830s. Once a part of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New Haven Railroad, this route connects some of America’s oldest and most historically significant cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.). Frequent service makes it easy to hop off and on the train to visit historic landmarks that shaped the nation.

Historic attractions on the route

Travel tips

  • You’ll need to book a series of one-way tickets if you plan to hop off and on the train.
  • You can easily reach the Northeast Regional from several airports if needed. Consider flying in and out of different airports if you plan to ride the train in one direction.
  • Multiple long-distance trains stop at some of the same stations as the Northeast Regional. Visit Amtrak.com to view route options based on your starting location.
  • Guided tours are a great way to maximize your time in cities along the route, including these top-rated history experiences:

Southwest Chief

Southwest Chief in Laguna, New Mexico
Photo by Jerry Huddleston

For fans of Native American history or the Old West, the Southwest Chief offers a journey through America’s legendary landscapes. Traveling along portions of the historic Santa Fe Trail and Route 66, this route runs on tracks originally built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Its predecessor, the famous Super Chief, once carried celebrities between Los Angeles and Chicago beginning in 1937.

Historic attractions on the route

Travel tips

Sunset Limited

Mission San Jose in San Antonio
Photo by Wally Gobetz/Flickr.com (Mission San Jose in San Antonio)

The Sunset Limited holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously named passenger train in America. Its origins trace back to the late 1800s, when the Southern Pacific Railroad launched service between New Orleans and Los Angeles. When Amtrak assumed control of the nation’s passenger rail system in 1971, it preserved the train’s name, keeping a living link to the golden era of American rail travel.

Historic attractions on the route

Travel tips

  • It’s a long route (almost 2,000 miles between Louisiana and California), but you don’t have to ride the entire length. One option is to travel between New Orleans and San Antonio for sightseeing in both cities (travel time is about 15 hours).
  • Tuscon is a great place to rent a car so you can visit Saguaro National Park.
  • We love Palm Springs, but the train arrival times aren’t ideal. If you’re worried about transportation after midnight, you can select the Palm Springs Spa Resort Casino Station as your final destination when booking your tickets, which includes a bus transfer to downtown Palm Springs. Hotels closest to the bus stop (in easy walking distance) are Andreas Hotel & Spa, Hilton Palm Springs and Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.

Cardinal

Downtown Staunton, Virginia
Photo by Kipp Teague via Creative Commons (Staunton, VA)

The Cardinal Amtrak route runs between Chicago and New York City three times a week, offering one of the most scenic train rides in the eastern United States. Travelers can enjoy stunning views of the New River Gorge and visit historic destinations along the way, including Staunton, Virginia, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant downtown. Keep in mind that the Cardinal’s limited schedule means you’ll need to plan ahead. If you stop to explore, the next train won’t arrive for a couple of days.

Historic attractions along the route

Travel tips

  • Eastbound travel from cities including Chicago and Indianapolis is recommended for the most daylight in the New River Gorge.
  • If you’re combining air travel with your train trip, the most convenient airports are in Chicago, Indianapolis, Charleston (WV), Washington, D.C. (DCA), Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Newark.

Capitol Limited/Floridian

Harpers Ferry West Virginia
Photo by Payton Chung (Harpers Ferry)

The first railroad in the United States was the Baltimore & Ohio, which was chartered in 1827 by Baltimore merchants. Tracks were built in the 1800s through the Appalachian Mountains and were later used by the railroad’s luxury Capitol Limited train. Sadly, it was discontinued in 1971, but Amtrak revived the route ten years later.

We recommend boarding the Capitol Limited (temporarily the Floridian) in Washington D.C. and traveling to Harpers Ferry. The town played a key role in the Civil War and is near the Appalachian Trail. You can stay a night or longer and return to D.C. or continue west. Chicago is the end-of-the-line station and is full of stunning architecture and history.

Historic attractions along the route

More Information

Top photo by jpellgen/Flickr.com via Creative Commons (Independence Hall)