Perfect Scenic Train Journeys Across The U.S. If You’re Traveling Solo
If there’s something that I strongly believe, that would be that train travel can’t be compared with anything! That kind of magic can’t be found on a plane or behind the wheel of a car.
It’s all about the ride itself. Can you guess which country offers the best rides? Yes, that would be the U.S.!
It’s an adventure, a retreat, and a front-row seat to some of the most stunning scenery in America. And I say all of this is best experienced if you’re traveling solo! Prepare to be mesmerized!
1. California Zephyr
If there’s one train ride you need to experience at least once, it’s the California Zephyr. It travels from Chicago to San Francisco. And then you’ll roll through the heart of the Rockies!
As the train winds through the mountains, there’s something almost meditative about it. The steady hum of the tracks, the slow-moving scenery. See it as the perfect escape from the noise of everyday life.
This journey is all about relaxing, reflecting, and letting the world pass by at its own pace.
2. Coast Starlight
Have you ever dreamed about the train ride that can provide you with the ocean stretching endlessly beside you, well search no more! The Coast Starlight is the one.
Imagine watching the sun dip into the Pacific, turning the water golden and fiery, while you sip a glass of wine and let the world slow down for a while.
Riding solo? This is the perfect trip to unplug and recharge. There’s something about the rhythmic sway of the train, the salty ocean air, and the endless horizon that makes you feel like you’re in on some incredible secret.
3. Empire Builder
I think everyone needs to experience crossing the vast American frontier, at least once in their life. Empire Builder is your chance!
This Chicago-to-Pacific Northwest route is a love letter to the great outdoors, rolling through endless plains, mountain ranges, and some of the most untamed landscapes in the country.
Out here, the skies feel bigger, the scenery stretches for miles, and every window view is a reminder that America still has plenty of wild left to explore. You might just step off the train feeling like you’ve tapped into a part of America’s soul that most travelers never get to see.
4. Crescent
Traveling from New York City to New Orleans, this route captures the essence of the American South.
You’ll taste the flavors of Southern hospitality, with each city offering a unique mix of history and modernity.
As a solo traveler, the Crescent provides a window into the soul of the South. The easy pace allows you to savor each moment, with ample opportunities to meet fellow passengers or simply enjoy the solitude.
5. Sunset Limited
Do you want to see how the desert comes alive? I’m talking about watching a sunset blaze across the desert from a train window.
Let me tell you, it’s not something you want to miss!
The Sunset Limited, running from New Orleans to Los Angeles, slices straight through the heart of the American Southwest, turning barren landscapes into something straight out of a dream. Go and see what freedom on rails feels like!
6. Southwest Chief
Linking Chicago to Los Angeles, this route offers a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the U.S. Picture red rock formations and canyons, with a clear blue sky as the backdrop.
The Southwest Chief is a celebration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Each stop along the way tells a story of resilience and history.
This journey is an opportunity to connect with the land and its people. It sounds like a perfect solo adventure!
7. Adirondack
If there’s one train ride that feels like stepping into a postcard, it’s the Adirondack. Running from New York City to Montreal, this route delivers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Northeast, especially in the fall.
That being said, I don’t want you to get the wrong picture. Every season on the Adirondack brings its own magic. Winter turns the landscape into a snowy wonderland, spring brings greenery, and summer lets you soak in glittering lakes and mountain vistas that feel almost untouched.
It feels right to say that this journey is a dream. It makes you pause and reflect!
8. Amtrak Cascades
This route connects Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland, offering breathtaking views of the region’s natural wonders. I’m talking about dramatic cliffs, forests, and the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The Amtrak Cascades is a journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the Northwest. It offers comfort and style, with ample opportunities for exploration.
For solo travelers, this journey is an invitation to experience the essence of the Pacific. I’m sure you don’t want to miss this!
9. Vermonter
Get ready to embrace winter’s charm on the Vermonter! This route showcases the enchanting winter landscapes of New England.
It’s such a unique experience! As you’re admiring beautiful mountains covered with snow, the fresh air is filling your lungs.
So, if you’re looking for an amazing solo experience that combines train, winter joys and adventure; this is it!
10. Cardinal
If you’ve ever dreamed of winding through misty mountains, hills, and secret river valleys, the Cardinal is your kind of train ride.
It runs from New York to Chicago and dives deep into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, giving you a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking scenery on the East Coast.
One minute, you’re gliding past rushing rivers and forests, the next, you’re looking out at cliffside views that seem to stretch on forever.
It is your ultimate invitation to slow down!
11. Texas Eagle
This route offers a taste of Texas’s vast landscapes and culture. Imagine wide open skies and endless horizons, with the spirit of adventure in the air.
The Texas Eagle is a journey of discovery! Each stop offers a new perspective on the Lone Star State.
I never thought that it was possible to capture the essence of Texas, but somehow, the Texas Eagle does it!
12. Silver Meteor
The Silver Meteor is a journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the East Coast.
Each stop is a gateway to new experiences and memories.
The train’s soothing motion and scenic views create a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration. It’s a journey that promises both peace and excitement.