A drive across the U.S. is a tried and true vacation that plenty of people have on their bucket list. But if you’d prefer to see the country without having to focus on the road or renting an RV, train travel might be something you’re interested in. Perhaps, the best part of train travel is getting to sightsee without worrying about directions or stopping for food and gas. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to destinations or itineraries.
You can purchase train travel vacations that cover the cost of accommodations, excursions, and even some meals. A search online will quickly show you the many itineraries to book for your next vacation.
Tomas Kulaja / ShutterstockHere are some of the best train routes for views, food, and monuments across the United States.
New England
Cost: From $2,795 per person¹
Explore New England in the fall on this picturesque train tour. It’s a nine-day trip that takes you to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. You can admire the everchanging fall foliage as you travel on the country’s east coast in autumn.
This itinerary includes plenty to see and do for history buffs and photographers alike. It starts in Cape Cod, then takes you to Martha’s Vineyard for an island life excursion. You will also travel through the White Mountains, then to a ride 6,228 feet aboard the world’s first mountain-climbing cog train in Mount Washington, New Hampshire.
Explore small town charm in Salem on day seven, then get a taste for what prestigious academics are like on a visit to Harvard University. You’ll finish the tour in Boston after seeing the best of what these east coast cities have to offer.
National Parks
Cost: From $4,620 per person²
Get up close and personal with some of America’s greatest national parks on this two week trip. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore nature by getting to know more about the country’s diverse topography, wildlife, and history.
Some of the parks you can visit on this journey include:
- Glacier National Park;
- Yellowstone National Park;
- Grand Teton National Park;
- National Oregon/California Trail Center;
- Arches National Park;
- Canyonlands National Park, and;
- Dead Horse Point State Park.
The first park you’ll explore is Glacier National Park in Montana and the last will be Dead Horse Point State Park all the way in Utah. Some of the excursions you can expect are guided tours, a lake boat cruise, and lots of sightseeing.
Alaska
Cost: From $3,995 per person³
The ultimate great outdoors adventure takes place in the state of Alaska. This nine-day trip takes you on an escorted tour of Alaska, starting in Fairbanks and ending in Anchorage. Some highlights you can expect on this journey include stunning fjords, massive mountains, and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Engage with wildlife at Trail Breaker Kennel, where you’ll be given an educational presentation about Alaska and even get to meet some sled dogs. The next day, you will visit Denali National Park to learn some natural and cultural history.
On the last day, travelers will go on a five hours cruise and sightsee some beautiful places in the Prince William Sound. Find out what else is offered on this excursion with a search online.
Coast to Coast
Cost: From $6,595 per person⁴
Why see part of the U.S. when you can go across the entire country instead? This 19-day excursion will take you all the way from New York City to San Francisco. You’ll get to see the best of what the country has to offer in between in a relaxing and efficient way.
After visiting New York and Washtington, DC, you’ll get to explore the midwest before eventually making your way to Chicago. Some places you can expect to visit and see through the windows include:
- Harpers Ferry;
- The Allegheny Mountains;
- Pittsburgh;
- Cleveland, and;
- Indiana.
As you continue traveling west, there will be some monumental pit stops. There’s the Rocky Mountain National Park in Denver, Grand Canyon, Sin City, Hollywood Boulevard, and lots more. This itinerary gives you an opportunity to visit so many must-see places on one journey.
Explore More Travel Routes Online
There is no shortage of diverse, historic, and iconic places to visit in the U.S. From oceanfront getaways to nature-filled parks to small towns, you can see what this country has to offer via train travel.
Search online now to discover the many travel itineraries you can take part in. Find out which cities the train stops at, what day trips you can expect, and what activities you will engage in. Many of them book up quickly, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.
