Discover the best daytime Amtrak routes with scenic views and sightseeing opportunities, perfect for new riders, families, seniors, and solo travelers.
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
10 best small towns in America to visit by train
Passenger trains make it easy to explore America’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 you’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 Amtrak’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
5 best Amtrak routes for history lovers
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 … 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
10 train trips to take in 2025
It's time to start planning your next train adventure! We selected 10 of our favorite train trips and destinations, from Alaska to Florida and everything in between. The list also includes getaways that are unique to 2025. This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links … Continue reading 10 train trips to take in 2025
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
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
18 best Amtrak trips from Tampa
If you want to take a train trip from the Tampa Bay Area (including Clearwater and St. Petersburg), Bradenton, Sarasota and nearby cities, plan to depart from the Tampa Amtrak Station. There is one northbound and one southbound Silver Star train each day, which can take you as far south as Miami or north to … Continue reading 18 best Amtrak trips from Tampa
8 best stops on Amtrak’s Cascades route
One of Amtrak's shorter routes, the Cascades travels through Oregon, Washington State and part of Canada. Vancouver BC, Seattle and Portland are popular stops, and there are 18 stations in total. If you're interested in getting on and off the train to explore cities along the way, here are the eight best stops to consider. … Continue reading 8 best stops on Amtrak’s Cascades route
15 best Amtrak trips from Orlando
Orlando is great pace to start a train trip. You can choose from three different rail services: Brightline (high-speed service to South Florida), SunRail (regional service) and Amtrak, which can take you as far north as New York City. Trains on two long-distance Amtrak routes (Silver Meteor and Silver Star) stop at the downtown station … Continue reading 15 best Amtrak trips from Orlando
15 best Amtrak trips from Detroit
Ready to get out of Motor City and travel by rail instead of car? Multiple trains on Amtrak's Wolverine route travel to and from Detroit each day, making day trips and long-distance journeys possible. To start planning, here are the best Amtrak trips from Detroit with good departure and arrival times, including trips that involve … Continue reading 15 best Amtrak trips from Detroit
18 best Amtrak trips from San Francisco
Because of San Francisco's location on a peninsula, train travel to and from the city has always been limited. Passenger trains once departed from the Third and Townsend Depot near the Mission Bay neighborhood. However, if you want to travel across the state (or the country) today, you'll need to go to an Amtrak station … Continue reading 18 best Amtrak trips from San Francisco
US Train Travel Guide 