By Fathima Rukaiya,
Planes and cars might be the go-to for travel, but how often do we truly take the time to slow down and enjoy the ride? Scenic train journeys are rare in our fast-paced lives, yet they offer one of the most beautiful and nostalgic ways to experience America.
If you’re craving that kind of experience, we’ve put together 7 unforgettable Amtrak routes that promise views as breathtaking as the destinations themselves.
1. Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles)
Approximately 35 hours (Seattle to Los Angeles leaves at 9:50 am and arrives at 9 pm the following day).
One-way coach fare: around $98–$117
$450 to $539 for a private room ($539 First Class)
Attractions include the Bay Area, the Cascade and Sierra mountains, and the Pacific shoreline. Enjoy views of the ocean, snowcapped peaks, and the occasional glass of wine in the sightseer lounge, as well as lounge cars, an observation deck, and an onboard cafe.
2. California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville/SF Bay)
Duration: about 52 hours each way
Coach fare starts at about $100 (for example, Chicago to Denver); expect to pay several hundred dollars to Emeryville.
Premium rates for roomettes to bedrooms
Rated #1 by many and dubbed “America’s most scenic train” by Amtrak
With glass-domed lounge views, travel through the Colorado River valleys, the Rockies, the Sierra Nevada, and the Utah deserts.
3. Empire Builder (from Chicago to Portland or Seattle)
End-to-end duration: around 46 hours.
Average one-way coach fare: $150 – $250 Chicago to Seattle
A roomette or bedroom can cost up to $200 or more (private rooms are about $198 on average).
Highlights include the beauty of Glacier National Park, the Columbia Gorge, the North Dakota plains, and the grandeur of the Cascade.
4. Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles)
Duration: about 43 hours
Coach fare: around $100 (exact rate depends on the route).
Accommodation for sleepers: bedrooms and roomettes.
Expect to see the red rocks of Sedona, the Painted Desert, nostalgia for Route 66, and the scenery of New Mexico.
5. Cardinal (via Virginia, WV, from New York City to Chicago)
Frequency: every three weeks
End-to-end duration: around 26 hours
Coach fare ranges from about $100 to $200
Roomettes/Bedrooms: Available
Attractions include Shenandoah Valley, New River Gorge National Park, and the foothills of the Blue Ridge.
6. Pacific Surfliner (San Diego to San Luis Obispo)
Time: approximately nine hours (351 miles)
Coach tickets range from about $36 to $100 (including LA to Santa Barbara from about $27 – 31).
Upgrades to business class are available.
Highlights: Beautiful views of the coast, regular service, ideal for day or weekend trips
7. Crescent (Washington, DC to New Orleans)
Time: around 30 hours (1,377 miles)
Coach fare: around $150 to $300; complete vacation packages include roomettes.
Bedrooms or roomettes are available
Attractions include Charlottesville, Atlanta, Birmingham, the foothills of the Blue Ridge, and Southern charm.
These seven Amtrak routes deliver cultural richness, and unforgettable travel moments. With fares from under $100 to around $300 (for coach, mid‑2025), you can choose epic multi-day journeys or shorter, soul-stirring stops. Ready to reserve a sleeper cabin or simply grab that next cheap coach ticket? The best scenic route of your lifetime awaits.
