Explore Amtrak routes by state, region, scenery, and amenities, from long-distance trains to regional, day-time only routes. Already have a route in mind? View route guides at the bottom of the page for overviews, popular stops, and travel tips.
Routes by State
Routes by Region
Scenic Routes
- 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
- Scenic Amtrak routes on the East Coast
- Scenic Amtrak routes on the West Coast
Routes by Amenity
- Long-distance Amtrak routes
- Amtrak routes with sleeper cars
- Amtrak routes with observation cars
- Amtrak routes with family bedrooms
- Amtrak routes with traditional dining
Best Routes by Season
Weather and daylight change the experience on certain Amtrak routes. These seasonal guides highlight the routes worth riding at specific times of year.
Amtrak Route Guides
Explore scenery highlights, route facts, stations, and travel tips.
| Route | Region |
|---|---|
| Acela | Northeast / Mid-Atlantic |
| Adirondack | New York / Canada |
| Auto Train | East Coast |
| Berkshire Flyer | New York / New England |
| Blue Water | Midwest |
| Borealis | Midwest |
| California Zephyr | Midwest / West |
| Capitol Corridor | California |
| Cardinal | Midwest / Northeast |
| Carolinian | Mid-Atlantic / Southeast |
| Cascades | Pacific Northwest |
| City of New Orleans | Midwest / South |
| Coast Starlight | West Coast |
| Crescent | East Coast / Southeast |
| Downeaster | New England |
| Empire Builder | Midwest / Northwest |
| Empire Service | New York State |
| Ethan Allen Express | Northeast |
| Gold Runner | California |
| Hartford Line | New England |
| Heartland Flyer | Midwest / South |
| Hiawatha | Midwest |
| Illini / Saluki | Illinois |
| Illinois Zephyr / Carl Sandburg | Illinois |
| Keystone Service | Mid-Atlantic |
| Lake Shore Limited | Midwest / Northeast |
| Lincoln Service | Midwest |
| Maple Leaf | New York / Canada |
| Mardi Gras | Gulf Coast |
| Missouri River Runner | Midwest |
| Northeast Regional | New England / Mid-Atlantic |
| Pacific Surfliner | California |
| Palmetto | East Coast / Southeast |
| Pennsylvanian | Mid-Atlantic |
| Pere Marquette | Midwest |
| Piedmont | North Carolina |
| Silver Meteor | East Coast / Southeast |
| Southwest Chief | Midwest / Southwest |
| Sunset Limited | South / Southwest |
| Texas Eagle | Midwest / South / Southwest |
| Vermonter | New England / Mid-Atlantic |
| Wolverine | Midwest |
FAQ
What are the most popular Amtrak routes in the U.S.?
Acela and the Northeast Regional are popular commuter trains on the East Coast that connect major cities from Boston to Norfolk. On the West Coast, the Pacific Surliner is a popular route in Southern California with amazing ocean views. The long-distance routes with the most ridership are the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Floridian and the Lake Shore Limited.
Which Amtrak route is the most scenic?
The California Zephyr is widely considered the most scenic Amtrak route, offering Rocky Mountain, Sierra Nevada and Colorado River views. The Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Adirondack are also popular for their landscapes. And for those who love deserts, the Southwest Chief is a scenic option.
What is the longest Amtrak route?
The longest route is the Texas Eagle when combined with the Sunset Limited, traveling over 2,700 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.
What is the shortest Amtrak route?
The Hartford Line is the shortest Amtrak route. It travels 62 miles between Springfield, MA and New Haven, CT.
What are the best Amtrak routes for overnight travel?
One of the best routes for overnight travel is the Coast Starlight, which has beautiful scenery and requires just one night on the train. Viewliner trains also tend to have less movement because they are only one level tall (vs the two-level Superliner trains). Otherwise, it depends on the scenery you want to see. View Amtrak routes with sleeper cars to learn more.
Which Amtrak routes go cross-country?
You can’t travel coast to coast on a single Amtrak train. The trip requires riding at least two routes, with a train change in Chicago or New Orleans. See 8 cross-country Amtrak trips for recommended itineraries.
For a long trip without changing trains, book a trip on the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle, or Sunset Limited.
Which Amtrak routes go to national parks?
View the list of national parks that are easiest to reach on Amtrak. Several routes provide access, including:
- Empire Builder → Glacier National Park
- Southwest Chief → Grand Canyon (via Flagstaff)
- California Zephyr → Rocky Mountain National Park (via Denver)
- Coast Starlight → Mt. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Crater Lake
How can I find Amtrak routes near me?
View the list of Amtrak routes by state.
Which Amtrak routes run overnight through certain states?
Many long-distance trains run during late-night or early-morning hours through Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina and Ohio. View the states with the worst Amtrak arrival times to learn more.
Do major U.S. cities without Amtrak service have nearby alternative stations?
Amtrak buses (thruway) provide service to additional destinations. Search for cities on the Amtrak.com homepage in the “from” or “to” box to view your options.
Are there high-speed Amtrak routes?
The Acela is Amtrak’s only high-speed service, operating between Boston and Washington, D.C. at speeds up to 150 mph.
What is the cheapest Amtrak route?
There are cheap tickets on all Amtrak routes if you book coach seats and travel a shorter over longer distance.
Can you take Amtrak to Canada?
Yes. The Maple Leaf (New York–Toronto), Adirondack (New York–Montreal) and Cascades (Seattle–Vancouver) travel into Canada.
US Train Travel Guide 
