Long-Distance Passenger Trains in North America
Experience the thrill and charm of long-distance rail travel on some of North America’s most iconic routes. From the rugged wilderness of Alaska to the towering peaks of the Rockies, the luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer, and the cross-country adventure of Amtrak, these trains offer travelers a way to see the continent that airplanes and cars simply cannot match.
Whether you’re chasing breathtaking scenery, historic railroads, legendary destinations, or the unique experience of mainline railroads in North America - long-distance trains provide a unique travel experience for families, railfans, and adventurers alike. Many routes feature heritage coaches, panoramic observation cars, full-service dining, and sleeper accommodations, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
From multi-day journeys across Canada’s vast forests and mountains on VIA Rail, to scenic excursions along the Pacific Coast or through the heart of the Rockies with Amtrak, and to luxury rail adventures with the Rocky Mountaineer, long-distance trains let you travel at a pace that encourages exploration, discovery, and connection to the land.
Whether you’re chasing breathtaking scenery, historic railroads, legendary destinations, or the unique experience of mainline railroads in North America - long-distance trains provide a unique travel experience for families, railfans, and adventurers alike. Many routes feature heritage coaches, panoramic observation cars, full-service dining, and sleeper accommodations, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
From multi-day journeys across Canada’s vast forests and mountains on VIA Rail, to scenic excursions along the Pacific Coast or through the heart of the Rockies with Amtrak, and to luxury rail adventures with the Rocky Mountaineer, long-distance trains let you travel at a pace that encourages exploration, discovery, and connection to the land.
Amtrak | United States
Amtrak operates a nationwide network of long-distance and regional trains, connecting major cities and scenic regions across the United States. Amtrak offers travelers a unique way to explore the country, with routes that feature historic landscapes, iconic landmarks, and comfortable train travel with modern and traditional amenities.
Long-Distance Amtrak Routes (West of the Mississippi):
These routes use Amtrak Superliner equipment, bi-level cars that include sleeping accommodations, full-service dining, and Sightseer Lounge cars with panoramic windows for maximum scenic enjoyment.
Long-Distance Amtrak Routes (East of the Mississippi):
These routes typically use single-level train sets and have more limited amenities, such as no full-service dining or observation cars. They still offer comfortable and scenic travel through America’s heartland, South, and East Coast.
Amtrak is ideal for travelers looking to experience cross-country adventure, regional scenic routes, or a relaxed, railfan-friendly way to see the United States. Many long-distance trains offer sleeping accommodations, meals, and panoramic observation options, making these journeys as much about the experience as the destination.
Website: amtrak.com
Long-Distance Amtrak Routes (West of the Mississippi):
These routes use Amtrak Superliner equipment, bi-level cars that include sleeping accommodations, full-service dining, and Sightseer Lounge cars with panoramic windows for maximum scenic enjoyment.
- California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco, passing through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. One of the most scenic cross-country trains.
- Coast Starlight – Los Angeles to Seattle, traveling along the Pacific Coast with spectacular ocean and mountain views.
- Southwest Chief – Los Angeles to Chicago, traversing the historic Raton Pass and the deserts of the Southwest.
- Sunset Limited – Los Angeles to New Orleans, a southern route through deserts, plains, and bayou country.
- Empire Builder – Chicago to Seattle/Portland, traveling past Glacier National Park and across northern prairies.
Long-Distance Amtrak Routes (East of the Mississippi):
These routes typically use single-level train sets and have more limited amenities, such as no full-service dining or observation cars. They still offer comfortable and scenic travel through America’s heartland, South, and East Coast.
- City of New Orleans – Chicago to New Orleans, following the Mississippi River and delta country.
- Crescent – New York City to New Orleans, through the Appalachian Mountains and southern states.
- Lake Shore Limited – Chicago to New York City along the southern shore of Lake Erie.
- Floridian – Chicago to Miami via Washington D.C., a classic north-south cross-country route.
- Cardinal – Chicago to New York City via the scenic New River Gorge.
- Silver Meteor – New York City to Miami along the Atlantic Coast.
Amtrak is ideal for travelers looking to experience cross-country adventure, regional scenic routes, or a relaxed, railfan-friendly way to see the United States. Many long-distance trains offer sleeping accommodations, meals, and panoramic observation options, making these journeys as much about the experience as the destination.
Website: amtrak.com
Amtrak's Wolverine arrives in Dearborn Michigan.
VIA Rail | Canada
VIA Rail operates a national network connecting Canada’s major cities, offering both regional corridor services and long-distance trains that showcase the country’s breathtaking landscapes, from dense forests and sparkling lakes to rugged mountains and open prairies. VIA Rail combines comfort, convenience, and classic rail travel, with options ranging from modern business-class seating to historic sleeper and dome cars on long-distance routes.
Long-Distance VIA Rail Routes:
VIA Rail is ideal for travelers who want to explore Canada at a relaxed pace, see landscapes inaccessible by car, and experience authentic train travel with historic and modern amenities.
Website: viarail.com
Long-Distance VIA Rail Routes:
- The Canadian – Toronto to Vancouver, a multi-day journey across the Rockies, Prairies, and boreal forests. This iconic route is renowned for its west-of-Edmonton scenery and the historic streamlined train set, which includes 1950s Budd-built coaches, dome cars, dining cars, and sleeping cars. Refurbished Prestige Class cars provide luxurious private accommodations and premium service.
- The Ocean – Montreal to Halifax, traveling through Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, offering scenic coastal vistas, forests, and charming maritime towns.
- Hudson Bay Route – Winnipeg to Churchill, crossing remote northern landscapes and providing a unique opportunity to experience Canada’s subarctic wilderness.
VIA Rail is ideal for travelers who want to explore Canada at a relaxed pace, see landscapes inaccessible by car, and experience authentic train travel with historic and modern amenities.
Website: viarail.com
Canadian National Freight Train passes the "Park Car - Observation Lounge" of the VIA Rail "Canadian" Passenger Train.
Alaska Railroad | Alaska, USA
The Alaska Railroad offers some of the most spectacular train journeys in North America, traveling through rugged wilderness and past towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and along winding rivers. Trains combine historic charm with modern comfort, featuring heritage coaches, dining cars, dome cars, and “Ultra Dome” first-class cars that provide panoramic views of Alaska’s iconic landscapes and wildlife.
Many visitors to Alaska use the railroad to travel the state, with baggage cars available for convenience. Of note, Seward, Alaska is where many Alaska cruises begin and end, making the Alaska Railroad a perfect connection for cruise travelers.
Alaska Railroad Routes:
The Alaska Railroad is ideal for travelers seeking an unforgettable combination of adventure, comfort, and breathtaking scenery, whether for a full-day excursion or a multi-day journey through Alaska’s wilderness.
Website: www.alaskarailroad.com/
Many visitors to Alaska use the railroad to travel the state, with baggage cars available for convenience. Of note, Seward, Alaska is where many Alaska cruises begin and end, making the Alaska Railroad a perfect connection for cruise travelers.
Alaska Railroad Routes:
- Denali Star – Anchorage to Fairbanks via Talkeetna and Denali National Park, offering incredible views of Alaska’s tallest peak, wildlife, and pristine wilderness.
- Coastal Classic – Anchorage to Seward along the scenic Turnagain Arm, passing glaciers, fjords, and coastal landscapes, including views of Spencer Glacier.
- Hurricane Turn – America’s last flag stop train, running from Talkeetna to Hurricane. The train picks up and drops off passengers at remote stops along the route, providing a true Alaskan adventure.
- Glacier Discovery Train – Anchorage to Whittier through a unique mountain tunnel shared with a one-lane road. Passengers can disembark in Whittier or continue for a scenic ride to Spencer Glacier.
The Alaska Railroad is ideal for travelers seeking an unforgettable combination of adventure, comfort, and breathtaking scenery, whether for a full-day excursion or a multi-day journey through Alaska’s wilderness.
Website: www.alaskarailroad.com/
Rocky Mountaineer | Canada & USA
For a luxury rail experience, the Rocky Mountaineer offers daytime-only scenic excursions through the Rocky Mountains, combining breathtaking landscapes with world-class service.
Guests travel in panoramic railcars, enjoy gourmet meals, and experience attentive onboard hospitality. Multi-day trips include overnight stops with hotel accommodations, making the journey as comfortable as it is memorable.
Rocky Mountaineer Routes in Canada:
Rocky Mountaineer Routes in the USA (rebranded as Canyon Spirit in 2026):
Website: www.rockymountaineer.com/
Guests travel in panoramic railcars, enjoy gourmet meals, and experience attentive onboard hospitality. Multi-day trips include overnight stops with hotel accommodations, making the journey as comfortable as it is memorable.
Rocky Mountaineer Routes in Canada:
- Vancouver to Banff/Kamloops – Cross the Canadian Rockies, passing through mountain passes, rivers, and valleys.
- Vancouver to Jasper – Scenic highlights include glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife along the way.
Rocky Mountaineer Routes in the USA (rebranded as Canyon Spirit in 2026):
- Denver to Moab – Travel through Colorado’s dramatic canyons, the Rocky Mountains and the iconic red rock country.
Website: www.rockymountaineer.com/
The Amtrak Silver Meteor arrives in Orlando Florida.
