Most people just take the fastest and most convenient way to cross the United States - whizzing across by plane - in just 5 hours. Or they just drive across as fast as possible (in as little as two days for dedicated drivers) seeing nothing but Interstates in route. But in the good (sic) old days, the crossing was done slowly by train. While trains are no longer a popular mode of transport, they are still a stunning way to relax and travel across America at a leisurely pace.
If one is looking for a purely sightseeing train journey through the majestic Rockies, then consider the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer. Alternatively, if traveling in the autumn, then embark on a foliage train tour through New England and elsewhere. There are many train tour options all around the country.
Coast To Coast Train Journeys
Traveling by train enables one to see the very best of America from coast to coast. With these tours, one can travel along the legendary rail routes and see miles upon miles of breathtaking scenery.
There are many itineraries to choose from, these range from just a few days to over 2 weeks - with some as much as 21 days. There are many selections of routes, they range from including the largest cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., and remote and stunning destinations like the Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon.
One can live out the old days while enjoying the modern comforts and conveniences of modern life. Here are three of the journeys listed on Vacations By Rail.
17 Days: New York to San Francisco - With Many Sites In Between
This New York to San Francisco 17 day journey calls into many of America's most iconic landmarks along the way. See Manhattan, the White House, Chicago, the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hollywood, and finally San Francisco.
One will see how America changes as one crosses the states starting with the Atlantic Ocean, then the Appalachians, then the Great Plains, then the Rockies, and finally the Pacific Ocean. This journey begins with sightseeing in the Big Apple and then two days exploring the rich history and culture of Washington D.C. An overnight trip takes one to Chicago with another couple of days to explore the Windy City.
Then it's back on board with Amtrak's California Zephyr for another overnighter to the Grand Junction. Cut through the majestic Rocky Mountains discovering Colorado's mining tours along the way and journey onwards to Arizona. Pass through Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon and board the Grand Canyon Railway and travel to the national park.
Journey on to Sin City and then to Los Angeles, ride up the Pacific coastline to San Francisco and end the tour.
- Cost: From $5,395 Per Person
- Heritage Rail Journeys: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Grand Canyon Railway
- Cruise: Manhattan's Harbor
- Orientation Tours Of: Washington, DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
- Included: 2 Heritage rail journeys and 4 Amtrak journeys
- Accommodation: 2 Overnight Train Journeys In Two-Berth Roomette And Hotel Accommodation For 14 Nights
- Guides: Includes A Professional Tour Escort And Local Guides
14-Day: Emeral City To New York City
See the best of the northern United States with this journey. Start on the shores of Puget Sound, journey eastwards to the eye-watering Glacier National Park, and stay for 4 nights. After full exploring Glacier ride across the Northern Prairies to Chicago. After two nights in Chicago, skirt the Great Lakes overnight to the Big Apple, spend a few days here sightseeing around the magnificent city.- Cost: From $3,980 Per Person
- Highlights: Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer Buses, St. Mary's Lake boat cruise
- Sightsee: Seattle, Chicago, and New York
- Rail Travel: On Amtrak
- Accommodation: 3 Nights On Train, 10 Nights In Hotels (Including 2 nights At Glacier Park Lodge and 2 Nights In St. Mary's Lodge
6 Day: New York City To San Franciso Journey
If 17 days is too long and the price tag too steep, then consider a 6-day journey coast to coast. Begin by exploring New York City and then board Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited towards Chicago. These trains offer amazing floor-to-ceiling windows made for sightseeing. Board the California Zephyr at Chicago's historic Union Station and continue on to San Francisco.- Cost: From $1,675
- Train: Transportation aboard Amtrak
- Accommodation: 3 Nights On The Train, 2 Nights In Hotels