As the United States commemorates 200 years since the inception of its national railroad system in 2027, international and domestic travelers are discovering a unique way to experience the country. Rather than relying on traditional highway road trips or regional flights, train travel offers a scenic, relaxed perspective on America’s vast landscapes, historic cities, and regional cultures.
Promoted by national tourism development agencies and official transportation departments, the rail bicentennial highlights both classic long-distance routes and modern passenger trains. Understanding how to plan a rail-focused vacation ensures a smooth journey across America’s iconic mountain ranges, coastal corridors, and historic transit hubs.
Iconic Long-Distance Routes Across the American Landscape
Long-distance passenger rail service across the United States connects major metropolitan centers while traversing some of the nation’s most breathtaking geography. Official transportation guidelines recommend booking long-distance journeys well in advance, particularly when reserving private sleeper accommodations for overnight travel.
Transcontinental and Western Mountain Routes
The California Zephyr: Operated by the national passenger rail corporation, this route runs between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. Passengers experience sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, passing through dramatic canyonlands and high-altitude passes.
The Coast Starlight: Linking Seattle and Los Angeles, this coastal route travels through the Pacific Northwest and California, offering views of the Cascade Range, lush agricultural valleys, and Pacific oceanfront stretches.
The Empire Builder: Traveling between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, this northern line stops at Glacier National Park, traversing vast plains and mountain wildernesses that showcase the immense scale of the American West.
The Southwest and Historic Highway Corridors
For travelers wanting to experience the spirit of historic travel routes, passenger trains run parallel to major portions of the historic Route 66 corridor. Departing Chicago on routes such as the Southwest Chief, travelers journey through Midwestern plains into the Southwestern desert. Highlights along this route include cultural stops in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, which serves as a primary transit gateway to Grand Canyon National Park, before terminating in Los Angeles.
Next-Generation Passenger Trains and Expanded Regional Service
The modern evolution of American passenger rail includes state-of-the-art trainsets and revived regional routes, expanding transit access for international tourists. Federal and state transit departments continue to invest in passenger infrastructure to enhance passenger comfort and environmental efficiency.
Pacific Northwest Regional Service
In the Pacific Northwest, updated passenger equipment is being introduced along the regional corridor connecting Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. Modern trainsets feature panoramic windows, enhanced digital connectivity, and expanded food service, making it seamless for visitors to tour regional wine countries, coastal zones, and urban centers without renting a vehicle.
Gulf Coast Rail Connectivity
New regional passenger rail connections are also restoring historical transit corridors in the American South. Service connecting New Orleans, Louisiana, with Mobile, Alabama, offers travelers an accessible way to explore Gulf Coast communities. Visitors can combine visits to world-renowned cultural destinations with rail trips through smaller coastal towns, historic sites, and regional culinary hubs.
Historic Heritage Railways and Preserved Railroad Landmarks
Beyond modern interstate transit, smaller heritage railways and preserved historic stations allow visitors to step back into living history. Operated in partnership with state parks departments, historical societies, and local tourism boards, these excursions highlight regional heritage.
Mountain and Narrow-Gauge Excursions
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Located in southwestern Colorado, this historic steam railway carries passengers through the San Juan National Forest along tracks originally built for 19th-century mining communities.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Crossing the border between Colorado and New Mexico, this high-mountain steam train offers scenic day trips through remote alpine landscapes.
Cass Scenic Railroad: Situated in West Virginia, this mountain railway takes visitors deep into the Appalachian wilderness using authentic steam locomotives.
Railway Museums and Adaptive Station Hotels
Major metropolitan rail terminals have been restored as destination landmarks featuring shopping, dining, and boutique accommodations. Baltimore, Maryland—home to the nation’s foundational commercial railroad history—features dedicated rail museums housing historic locomotives and interactive educational exhibits.
In cities like Denver, Kansas City, and Cincinnati, historic Art Deco and Beaux-Arts train terminals host cultural exhibits, community events, and preserved architecture. Furthermore, unique lodging options—including restored historic train cars converted into boutique hotel suites—allow travelers to sleep in authentic railway heritage across states like Tennessee, Utah, Minnesota, and New Mexico.
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