Long-distance Amtrak trains often get the spotlight, but shorter routes also offer scenic views, from oceans and rivers to foothills and mountains. Because no overnight travel onboard a train is involved, these routes are ideal for first-time riders, seniors, solo travelers, and families looking for an easy trip.
In this guide, you’ll find the best daytime Amtrak routes for both scenery and sightseeing across the United States, along with places to visit and things to do that can make the journey even more memorable.
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Pacific Surfliner
Travel along California’s stunning coastline aboard the Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. This route offers amazing ocean views, plus opportunities to visit beautiful beaches, historic missions, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and the Channel Islands National Park (via Ventura).
Places to visit
San Diego, Oceanside, San Juan Capistrano, Los Angeles, Ventura, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo
Things to do
- San Diego whale watching cruises
- Channel Islands boat trip (Ventura)
- Paso Robles wine tours (San Luis Obispo)
- California Avocado Festival (Carpinteria)
- Santa Barbara food tours and events
- Sunset Market and surfing experience (Oceanside)
- Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Celebrity Home tour (Los Angeles)
- Mission San Juan Capistrano and the Return of the Swallows Celebration
Capitol Corridor
For views of the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada foothills, book a trip on the Capitol Corridor. Trains travel between the Bay Area and Auburn, California with big-city stops Sacramento, Oakland, and San Jose. With multiple train departures per day, this route is great for a short excursion, including to visit the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento and watch a film at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley.
Places to visit
San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, Davis, Martinez
Things to do
- Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)
- Redwood Regional Park (Oakland)
- California State Fair (Sacramento)
- Old Sacramento walking & food tour
- John Muir National Historic Site (Martinez)
- Berkeley waterfront, events, and dining
- Levi’s Stadium events (Santa Clara – Great America)
Cascades
In the Pacific Northwest, the Cascades route connects Vancouver B.C. with cities in Oregon and Washington (passport needed to cross the border). There are peaceful views of Puget Sound and other bodies of water, plus mountain scenery on clear days. Visit Portland for cherry blossoms and gardens. Stop in Seattle for stunning views from the Space Needle. There’s even a ferry to Alaska within walking distance of the Bellingham Amtrak station.
Places to visit
Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Edmonds, Bellingham, Vancouver BC
Things to do
- Mt. Ranier National Park tours (Seattle)
- Columbia River Gorge day trip (Portland)
- Point Defiance Park (Tacoma)
- Saturday Market and riverfront bike trail (Eugene)
- Stanley Park and whale watching (Vancouver B.C.)
- North Cascades National Park (via rental car in Bellingham)
Vermonter
The Vermonter travels through New England towns with charming views of rivers and the Green Mountains. With service between Washington D.C. and St. Albans, Vermont, there are many places to board a train for a weekend getaway. Unique attractions to visit include the Ben & Jerry Factory (via shuttle service in Waterbury), Mark Twain House & Museum (Hartford), and the Dr. Suess Museum (Springfield, MA).
Places to visit
Burlington, Brattleboro, White River Junction, Waterbury, Hartford, New Haven
Things to do
- Yale University museums (New Haven)
- Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (Hartford)
- Wantastiquet Monadnock Trail (Brattleboro)
- Theater shows and art galleries (White River Junction)
- Burlington Waterfront Park (views, bike path, festivals)
Adirondack
The Adirondack is one of the most scenic Amtrak routes on the East Coast. Trains travel through the Hudson River Valley and follow the shores of Lake Champlain on the journey between New York City and Montreal. With a rental car, you can visit stunning lakes in the Adirondack Mountains or ride the entire route to explore two major cities and have easy access to airports.
Places to visit
New York City, Hudson, Albany, Lake George (via Fort Edward stop), Saratoga Springs, Montreal
Things to do
- NYC highlights bus tour
- Saratoga Spa State Park
- Old Port and food tours (Montreal)
- World War II destroyer tour (Albany)
- Farm-to-table restaurants and shopping (Hudson)
Ethan Allen Express
The Ethan Allen Express is a New York-Vermont train with service between New York City and Burlington. It’s a great route for New England views and outdoor fun. One of the highlights is the Killington Resort near the Rutland stop, a top destination for skiing and summer activities.
Places to visit
Burlington, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Albany, Hudson, New York City
Things to do
- Church Street Marketplace (Burlington)
- Killington Resort activities (Rutland)
- Saratoga Springs horse races
- Hudson River cruises (Albany)
- Historic Hudson walking tour
Maple Leaf
Maple Leaf trains travel between New York City and Toronto through the beautiful Hudson River Valley. You can visit Niagara Falls along the way, with stops on both the New York and Canada sides. For stunning fall foliage, travel in October. Or travel in winter to check out the Distillery Winter Village in Toronto and the many Christmas activities in NYC.
Places to visit
New York City, Albany, Niagara Falls (New York and Canada), Toronto
Things to do
- New York City skyline cruise
- New York State Capitol (Albany)
- Buffalo chicken wings tour (Buffalo)
- CN Tower and food tours (Toronto)
- Cave of the Winds & Maid of the Mist (Niagara Falls, US)
Downeaster
Multiple trains on the Downeaster route travel through New England daily, with stops in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Plan a trip in the summer to visit Old Orchard Beach or anytime of year to check out Boston’s historic sites, Portland’s charming Old Port District, and the flagship L.L. Bean store in Freeport.
Places to Visit
Boston, Wells, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Freeport, Brunswick
Things to do
- Portland lighthouse tour
- Freeport outlet shopping
- Brunswick oyster farm kayak trip
- Palace Playland (Old Orchard Beach)
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (Wells)
- Revolutionary story walking tour and whale watching (Boston)
Pennsylvanian
Trains on the Pennsylvanian route travel through the scenic Appalachian foothills and on the famous Horseshoe Curve during the trip between Pittsburgh and New York City. It’s a wonderful route for fall foliage, or use it to reach Amish Country, the oldest farmers market in the U.S. (Lancaster), and the National Civil War Museum (Harrisburg).
Places to visit
New York City, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh
Things to do
- Amish immersion tour (Lancaster)
- Best of Pittsburgh walking tour
- 19th century cable car ride (Pittsburgh)
- Johnstown Flood Museum (Johnstown)
- Hersheypark (via rideshare in Harrisburg)
- Revolution and Founders tour (Philadelphia)
Missouri River Runner
Enjoy long stretches of river views, wooded bluffs, farmland, and small towns on Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner. Trains travel between St. Louis and Kansas City with historic and charming stops along the way. It’s a great route for families or anyone looking for an easy train trip, including to visit the National World War I Museum or the St. Louis Arch.
Places to Visit
Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Jefferson City, Hermann, St. Louis
Things to do
- Oktoberfest in Hermann
- BBQ and brewery tour (St. Louis)
- Museums and prison tours (Jefferson City)
- Old-fashioned downtown experience (Lee’s Summit)
- Union Station activities, jazz shows, and sport events (Kansas City)
- Harry S. Truman Historic Site and Presidential Library and Museum (Independence)
More Information
- Amtrak routes with sleeper cars
- 25 hidden-gem Amtrak destinations
- 20 easiest city-to-city train trips in the US
- 10 best small towns in America to visit by train
Top photo by Silvereye/Flickr.com, Pacific Surfliner (CC BY 2.0)
US Train Travel Guide 