10 train trips to take in 2026

Train travel in the United States is becoming increasingly popular, with Amtrak ridership up 5.1% in fiscal year 2025. Traveling by train offers a relaxing alternative to flying or driving, with unique scenery and options to visit historic sites, charming small towns, and culture-filled cities. For inspiration on how to hop on the trend, view … Continue reading 10 train trips to take in 2026

How to take Amtrak to the Winter Park Resort

The Winter Park Resort in Colorado is one of the easiest ski resorts to reach by train. There's a seasonal express train from Denver and year-round access via Amtrak's California Zephyr route from as far away as Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. The trains offer a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains and … Continue reading How to take Amtrak to the Winter Park Resort

10 best small towns in America to visit by train

Passenger trains make it easy to explore Americaโ€™s small towns. Many Amtrak stations are in walking distance of historic main streets filled with local shops, museums, and restaurants. Some also provide access to waterfronts, mountain scenery, and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether youโ€™re planning a weekend getaway, a budget-friendly trip, or a stop along … Continue reading 10 best small towns in America to visit by train

10 best stops on the Cardinal route to plan a trip around

Planning a trip on Amtrakโ€™s Cardinal? This scenic route between Chicago and New York City is filled with charming towns, mountain views, and historic cities. Whether you want outdoor adventure in the Appalachians, arts and culture in big cities, or relaxing small-town retreats, the Cardinal offers plenty of memorable places to explore. Below are the … Continue reading 10 best stops on the Cardinal route to plan a trip around

20 easiest city-to-city train trips in the US

Passenger trains provide a convenient, stress-free, and nostalgic way to travel between major U.S. cities. Business commutes, day trips and weekend getaways by rail are especially easy along the East Coast, West Coast, and in Florida, where frequent service and centrally located stations make city exploration easy. To see where you can go, view the … Continue reading 20 easiest city-to-city train trips in the US

10 best stops on the Crescent route

Even though the Crescent isn't the most scenic Amtrak route, it will take you places. Trains travel over 1,000 miles and stop in culture-packed cities and charming towns from New Orleans to New York City. If you're considering a trip on this route, here are our favorite places to visit along the way. Train schedules … Continue reading 10 best stops on the Crescent route

Southern US Train Routes

Multiple long-distance and regional trains travel in the Southern United States. Amtrak is the primary service provider, but there are also regional trains in Florida (Brightline, Tri-Rail, SunRail) and in Texas (Trinity Railway Express). New Orleans, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Charlotte, Memphis and many cities in Texas and Florida are places you can travel to and … Continue reading Southern US Train Routes

5 best Amtrak routes for history lovers

Railroads once powered Americaโ€™s expansion, linking towns and people long before highways and air travel. Today, history lovers can relive that bygone era aboard the nationโ€™s remaining passenger trains, many of which still follow historic routes through cities and towns steeped in heritage. These journeys offer more than transportation; theyโ€™re a chance to experience the … Continue reading 5 best Amtrak routes for history lovers

12 best Amtrak trips from Portland, Oregon

If you live in Portland or are visiting the city, it's easy to board a train for a day, weekend or long-distance trip. Trains on Amtrak's Cascades, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder routes stop at Union Station and travel to destinations in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, California, Montana and even the Midwest. To start planning … Continue reading 12 best Amtrak trips from Portland, Oregon

Montana lodge getaway on Amtrak

For a fun mountain vacation, take a train trip to reach LOGE Glacier in Montana (formerly the Isaak Walton Inn). The historic building was constructed in 1939 by the Great Northern Railroad and was recently renovated. Amenities include a sauna, trails (for hiking and skiing) and cross-country ski gear rentals for adults and kids. You … Continue reading Montana lodge getaway on Amtrak

Best direction of travel for Amtrakโ€™s scenic long-distance routes

If you're planning a long-distance train trip on Amtrak, selecting which route to ride is just the first step. You'll also need to decide if you'll ride roundtrip or in one direction only. If one direction, you'll need to decide in which direction of travel. Train schedules and sunset times might limit views of amazing … Continue reading Best direction of travel for Amtrakโ€™s scenic long-distance routes

5 best Amtrak trips on the West Coast

The West Coast of the United States is full of beautiful and diverse landscapes. There are deserts, agricultural valleys, mountains, rainforests and endless views of the Pacific Ocean. An Amtrak trip is a great way to see it all and there are multiple long-distance and regional trains to choose from. To start planning your next … Continue reading 5 best Amtrak trips on the West Coast

10 best Amtrak trips from Omaha

For an epic train trip from Omaha, board the California Zephyr for travel through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. One train in each direction of travel stops at the Omaha Amtrak Station each day, which is southeast of downtown. Ride the entire route westbound for amazing mountain scenery or visit cities large and small … Continue reading 10 best Amtrak trips from Omaha

15 best Amtrak trips from Cincinnati

If you're looking for a unique getaway from Cincinnati, you can board the Cardinal Amtrak route at Union Terminal to reach destinations across the country. Trains travel to Chicago where you can connect with a variety of scenic Amtrak routes, or you can visit cities, resorts and national parks in the eastern half of the … Continue reading 15 best Amtrak trips from Cincinnati

7 beautiful lakes you can easily reach on Amtrak

There's nothing like relaxing on or next to a lake during the summer months, and a train ride can take you there. There are many lakes across America to choose from, and we have picked out seven options for a beautiful getaway with boat rides, beaches, water sports and more. All lakes are within a … Continue reading 7 beautiful lakes you can easily reach on Amtrak

Top 10 most scenic Amtrak routes

If you're looking for a scenic Amtrak trip, you can choose from many different trains and landscapes across America. There are stunning journeys through mountains, deserts and valleys, plus travel along oceans, lakes and rivers. The most scenic Amtrak routes are somewhat subjective, as your preference for scenery plays a role in what will ultimately … Continue reading Top 10 most scenic Amtrak routes

Austin to San Antonio by train

If you're planning to travel to San Antonio from Austin, driving and flying aren't your only options. You can board the Texas Eagle Amtrak train in downtown Austin for the 3.5 hour ride (about two hours longer than driving). Here are other things you need to know when planning your trip. This website is reader … Continue reading Austin to San Antonio by train