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The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

From coastal routes to journeys through the mountains, these train rides spotlight all of America's most stunning scenery.

From redwood groves to sprawling desert landscapes to miles of picturesque countryside, America has no shortage of stunning scenery across its 50 states. One of the best ways to take in all the beauty is by hopping aboard a train. 

While a road trip through America is always a great choice to see the country's sights, we'd argue train travel is even better. Not only is riding  on a train a timeless experience with notes of romance and nostalgia, but there's no airport stress or need to be at attention behind the wheel. Instead,  you can sit back, relax and simply stare out the window as you take it all in. 

Below, you'll find the best and most scenic train rides across the country. On the West Coast, take in ocean views aboard the Coast Starlight (from Los Angeles to Seattle ) or the Surfliner, which hugs the California coast for miles. On the East Coast, the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you through the Mount Washington area in New Hampshire. Looking for something even more adventurous? Head to Alaska  to catch the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Whether you're looking for a multi-day adventure or a route that only lasts a few hours, these train rides won't disappoint.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best train rides in the USA

1.  rockies to the red rocks.

Denver, CO to Moab, UT

Trip length: Two days

The first U.S. offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the ' Rockies to the Red Rocks ' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA . The 2024 season runs from April 14 through October 9.

2.  Coast Starlight

Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA

Trip length: 36 hours

Traveling by train instead puts a spin on the classic left-coast road trip. The advantages? There are zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car,' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

3.  Pacific Surfliner

San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Trip length: 8-9 hours

If you're looking for a train ride with ocean views, you can't beat Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner , which travels along a 351-mile route, many of the trip is directly along the California coast. The route starts out in San Diego before meandering up through Anaheim, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and other stops before ending in San Luis Obispo in the central part of the state. 

4.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon, AZ

Trip length: 2 hours 15 minutes

Sure, you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway , you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

5.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, IL to Portland, OR

Trip length: 45–46 hours

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

6.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, AK to Fairbanks, AK

Trip length: 12 hours

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad ’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

7.  Skunk Train

Willits, CA

Trip length: 2 hours

Hopping aboard  Skunk Train  is like traveling back in time—this historic train has been traversing Mendocino County in California since 1885. Today, you can choose from a variety of routes and experiences. The most popular journey is Wolf Tree Turn. This 16-mile route will take you through old-growth redwood groves within Noyo River Canyon, over trestle bridges, and under tunnels, ending with a stop in Crowley, where you can take in the majesty of one of the oldest trees in the area, the Wolf Tree. Enjoy snacks and beverages (including alcoholic ones) before heading back toward Willits.

8.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson City, NC

Trip length: 3.5 hours

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has various routes, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers, take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

9.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton Woods, NH

Trip length: 3 hours

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288-foot peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

10.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley, CA

Trip length: 3 to 6 hours on average

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train comprises a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

11.  California Zephyr

Emeryville, CA to Reno, NV

Trip length: 6 hours 45 minutes

At more than 2,400 miles long, the  California Zephyr —stretching from San Francisco to Chicago—is Amtrak's longest route. While we don't recommend you do the route in its entirety (unless that floats your boat), we highly recommend the route stretching from the Bay Area (hop on in San Francisco or Emeryville) to the Lake Tahoe area (get off in Reno or Truckee). This scenic journey is an ideal way to get to Tahoe, beat the traffic, and take in dreamy views.  

12.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Trip length: 1.5 hours

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride aboard the Hawaiian Railway Society shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

13.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, CO to Silverton, CO

Trip length: 3.5 hours

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

14.  The Ethan Allen Express

New York City, NY to Burlington, VT

Trip length: 7 hours 35 minutes

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. On the Ethan Allen Express , you’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains, before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

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8 great rail journeys to take across the USA

Jan 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely sightseeing experience.© Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

The US has close to 3.8 million sq miles (10 million sq km) of sublime mountain ranges, parched desert, entire states engulfed in deep snow, you-gotta-go-see-it-to-believe-it cities, endless prairie land, six whole time zones and lakes so large you could lose whole countries down there. So while traveling around by plane might make sense from a convenience point of view – it’s not quite six hours to dart directly from New York to LA – there really is no better way to experience the sheer grandeur of the country than by taking one of these train vacations.

Considerably more relaxing than driving or flying, the best train rides in the US offer a leisurely, nostalgic sightseeing experience, often passing through pristine landscapes inaccessible by other means. The US is rich with amazing train journeys, but the routes listed below are the cream of the crop. From California to New England , here are eight epic US train trips our editors have selected, taken from Lonely Planet's Amazing Train Journeys .

1. The Sunset Limited

Route: New Orleans – San Antonio – Tucson – Phoenix – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1995 miles (3211 km); 2 days

Amtrak's Sunset Limited is the ultimate American railroad ride and one of its most famous train journeys: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a journey across the USA, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer.

Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana ’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston , across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, pardner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

2. The Coast Starlight

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles Distance and duration: 1377 miles (2216 km); 35 hours

Trace America’s “left coast” in all its varied splendor. The 35-hour (OK, it’s Amtrak, so maybe more) trip between Seattle and Los Angeles curves alongside crashing Pacific waves, cuts through America’s lushest agricultural land and passes below snowcapped mountains and towering redwoods. Of all the Amtrak routes, the Coast Starlight offers the most scenic variety in the fewest hours.

It’s also the only Amtrak service with a dedicated parlor car, open only to passengers who book sleepers. The parlor conjures old-time rail romance, with wood paneling and soft lighting, plus a special menu and wine-and-cheese tastings. Highlights of this train ride include dramatic sunrise perspectives on 14,179ft (4322m) Mt Shasta , and a gorgeous midday traverse of Oregon's Cascade Range.

3. Metro-North Hudson Line

Route: New York City – Poughkeepsie Distance and duration: 69 miles (111 km); 1½ hours

Depart from New York City ’s iconic beaux arts Grand Central Terminal , stopping to admire the ornate astronomical ceiling painting in the vaulted main concourse and to slurp up oysters and a martini at the famous Oyster Bar.

Then roll through Manhattan and the Bronx and into the glorious green Hudson River Valley. Hugging the eastern banks of the river, New York’s Metro-North's Hudson line travels deep into American history. The names of the stops along the way speak to the area’s origins: Native American (Ossining, Poughkeepsie); Dutch (Spuyten Duyvil, Yonkers, Cortlandt, Peekskill); English (Hastings-on-Hudson, Scarborough). It’s a land so famously beautiful an entire art movement – the Hudson River School – was once dedicated to capturing its glory. For the cost of a burger and a beer, this view can be yours for almost two hours.

4. The California Zephyr

Route: Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco Distance and duration: 2438 miles (3924km), 51 hours 20 minutes

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. This classic three-day journey travels nearly 2500 miles (4000km) across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from Chicago to San Francisco. The scenery is magnificent throughout – especially when seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge car – but if you can only do one section, opt for the riveting 185-mile (298km) stretch between Denver and Glenwood Springs, where the train travels through an often roadless wilderness of deep, narrow gorges near the Colorado River’s headwaters.

Near sunset, the train emerges into the majestic red rock desert of eastern Utah , then crosses overnight into the forbidding vastness of Nevada's sagebrush country, with salt flats and stark, arid mountains as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on day three reveals an entirely different desert: the blinding-white alkali flats and ghostly grey mountains near Winnemucca, Nevada. Just beyond the gambling-happy little city of Reno, the Zephyr climbs into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then enters California’s imposing granite high country beyond the photogenic frontier town of Truckee.

5. Amtrak Downeaster

Route: Boston – Portland – Brunswick Distance and duration: 145 miles (233 km); 3 hours 25 minutes

As car-free city breaks go, this train escape is hard to beat, chugging from the downtown main streets of urban Boston to Maine ’s rural greens in under four hours. That’s from the seventh most densely populated city in the US to the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, all in less time than it takes to cook an old-style Yankee plum pudding.

Even better, every stop on the Amtrak Downeaster features historic New England cities and towns, parks and seascapes, cottage arts and crafts, world-class shopping and stellar foods fashioned from farm-and-sea-fresh ingredients.

6. The New Mexico Rail Runner

Route: Albuquerque – Santa Fe Distance and duration: 97 miles (156 km); 90 minutes

One of America’s great unsung commuter railways, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a regional train that runs down the Rio Grande Valley , connecting the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, with its cultural and political capital, Santa Fe.

On the way it crosses the wide, high desert, giving views of arid mountains in all directions, and even passes through several of the state’s Native American tribal lands. A no-nonsense, clean and quick journey, its highlights are the sweeping views from the upper seats of the double-decker carriages. Taken as a day trip or a scenic but practical form of intra-state transport, the Rail Runner is a wonderful introduction to New Mexico ’s epic landscapes.

7. The Empire Builder

Route: Chicago – St Paul or Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland or Seattle Distance and duration: 2764 miles (4448 km); 46 hours

The Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle glides through Wisconsin 's woodlands, Minnesota's lake country and the North Dakota prairies en route to a western horizon swarming with snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks. From Browning , Montana, an unforgettable 60-mile run along the southern edge of Glacier National Park leads to the park entrance at West Glacier, where nature lovers will want to break their journey before continuing to Seattle.

8. The Vermonter

Route: Washington, DC – New York City– Springfield – Essex Junction ( Burlington ) – St Albans Distance and duration: 611 miles (983 km); 13 hours 45 minutes

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Washington, DC to St Albans, VT. This is the most scenic route east of the Mississippi, especially in its northern reaches, where it snakes for four hours through the bucolic green hills and photogenic villages of rural Vermont.

Starting from the nation's capital, Washington, DC, the train runs north through one of the USA's greatest metropolises, New York City, before bowling out through Connecticut , Massachusetts and New Hampshire en route to the bucolic Vermont countryside and St Albans.

This article was first published Dec 4, 2020 and updated Jan 29, 2024.

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Train & Rail Tours & Trips in North America

• Choose from 26 North America tours
• 800+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Train & Rail North America tour packages

Compiled by

Nina North America travel expert at TourRadar

Canadian Rockies by Train (Vancouver, BC to Calgary, AB) (2024)

Ontario & french canada with ocean train to halifax, canadian train odyssey, wonders of the maritimes & scenic cape breton with ocean train to montreal, canadian rockies by train, historic trains of the old west, eastern city lights: toronto to quebec city by rail, western canada by rail, dream route through the rocky mountains, via rail - the canadian (toronto-vancouver).

“All we had hoped for.” BETTY MCDONALD, traveled in July 2019

• Train & Rail
• Travel by train through the Canadian Rockies
• Ride across Athabasca Glacier or walk the Skywalk
• See Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks

“The tour was a very good experience.” Ann Dunleavy, traveled in April 2024

• Sightseeing
• Tour French-inspired Quebec City
• Cruise close to Niagara Falls
• Visit Peggy's Cove lighthouse

“The places on the itinerary were nice, and the accommodation was awesome.” Francis, traveled in September 2023

• Explore Toronto with a local guide
• Stroll through Victoria's Butchart Gardens
• Ride the Ice Explorer on Columbia Icefield

“Well organised and a very enjoyable experience.” Rhonda, traveled in August 2023

• Visit Sugar Moon Farm for a sugar camp treat
• Explore Peggy's Cove fishing village
• Enjoy a lobster supper in Charlottetown

“This was s bucket list trip. The scenery was beautiful.” Sandra Sarat, traveled in May 2022

• Cruise on Maligne Lake and spot wildlife
• Walk atop a glacier in the Columbia Icefield
• Explore Banff and Yoho National Park

“nice to have more free meals. nice to have transfers included.” William, traveled in September 2023

• Visit Bandelier's ancient Pueblo dwellings
• Meet and greet with a welcome drink in Denver
• Explore Santa Fe's rich art and history

• Stroll through Ottawa's downtown area
• Cruise near Niagara Falls on a boat tour
• Explore dynamic Toronto neighborhoods

“Everything was perfectly organized for our convenience. The hotels were very comfortable.” Stefania Langle, traveled in April 2024

• Relax in Banff's hot springs or hike trails
• Travel on the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver

• Christmas & New Year

More about North America

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• Trans-Siberian Express

Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

Trans-Siberian by Imperial Russia Train

Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Great Russia by Train

This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Trans-Sib - four cities

On this great Eurasian journey from West to East you will cover the entire route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting four major cities along the way: Russia's capital Moscow, Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk including incredible Lake Baikal, and finally Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, at the very edge of Russia.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Highlights on the Trans-Sib

This tour is a great choice for seeing the highlights of Russia, Mongolia and China. From Golden-Domed Moscow you will continue on to Irkutsk and visit beautiful Lake Baikal. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert. Finally, you will reach China and visit the magnificent Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Forbidden city.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Monday
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

• Route Vladivostok - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

5 stars - East to West

This tour covers the highlights of the Trans-Siberian Railway - including all 5 major cities along its route. You will admire cultural masterpieces in Beijing, learn about nomadic life in Mongolia, see amazing Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, learn about the fate of the Last Tsar in Yekaterinburg, and visit Russia's energetic capital Moscow.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Thursday.
• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Saturday
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office . Please browse our discount air tickets section to learn more.

Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

Click to learn more about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

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4 great scenic train rides across the US

Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There's no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.

During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that's worth the extra transit time.

Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.

Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.

Tips for cross-country train travel

While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.

Browse routes by region

A good first step to take when looking for a route that's right for you is to search Amtrak's "Browse by Region" menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.

Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.

Explore Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks , sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like "Fall Foliage" and "Multiple National Parks."

Amtrak's set of "Most Scenic Journeys" vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions . Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.

You can click on each option's details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that's left to do is book your rail vacation.

Consider famous routes

A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on "Famous Rail Routes." This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.

For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you've chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.

Weigh your accommodation options

Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you'll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak's long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.

The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak's seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you'll find in an airline's business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.

Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you'll enjoy access to a separate dining car.

Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.

4 scenic train trips to take in the US

Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you'll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.

California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago

Amtrak's California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.

The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver . You'll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.

This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you'll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.

One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago

The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train's viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana 's Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park , the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota's towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.

Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there's an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.

One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.

Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago

Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.

For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66 . However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won't find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.

The train's main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak's vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.

Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.

Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.

Crescent: New York City to New Orleans

See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans . Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington, D.C. , among other destinations.

Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.

Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.

Bottom line

Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.

The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak's many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak's website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.

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The Trans-Siberian Trip Packages

The Trans-Siberian journey is a unique destination for people with a flame in the heart and desire to discover new uncovered cultures, to see the best world's heritages, and feel life in full. The challenging travel provides comfortable accommodation onboard the train for at least two weeks. You also stay in local luxury hotels and unique accommodations during the journey, such as the real Mongolian ger camp. You see the beauty of Russia, dive into Mongolian nature, and immerse yourself in gorgeous China. Our experienced destination specialists have prepared the best itineraries and are ready to customize them according to your wishes and interests. Do you know when you would like to travel?

Things To Do & Places To See on the Trans-Siberian Travel

Don't miss out on any important sights & experiences on the Trans-Siberian Travel

Don't miss anything during your lifetime vacation. The Trans-Siberian railway goes through Russia, Mongolia, and China. There is so much to see! Get inspired with the best highlights for your future travel.

• The Kremlin in Moscow
• Red Square in Moscow
• Folk Show in Ulan-Bataar
• Night in Mongolian Ger Camp
• The Lake of Baikal
• Europe-Asia Monument
• The Great Wall of China
• The Summer Palace

The Trans-Siberian Travel Tips

Get ready for your journey with our professional suggestions and enjoy the trip with ease and comfort.

What to pack

Pack comfortable pair of shoes and waterproof jacket, since some tours require walking for quite some time or spending time outdoors.

How much to tip

Tipping usually is up to you. Nobody expects tips from you in China, but it's polite to leave around 10% of the bill in Mongolia and Russia.

Russian climate is challenging to predict, and the weather can be windy and rainy, even during summers. Please check the weather beforehand.

When to travel

The Trans-Siberian journey is a tour requiring planning in advance. The best seasons are Summer and Late Spring, as the weather is sunny with fewer rains.

Please check the currency exchange rate beforehand. In Russia is Russian Ruble, in Mongolia - tugrik (you can change money for local currency straight upon arrival), in China - yuan.

Leave space in your luggage for famous souvenirs from each country: matryoshka and caviar from Russia, carpets and woolen sweaters from Mongolia, silk and green tea from China.

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The Most Scenic Train Rides Across the US

This past June, I took a nine-hour train ride from Santa Barbara to San Francisco on board the Amtrak Coast Starlight, considered one of the country’s most scenic rail routes. The views proved so absorbing that I never actually made it to my assigned seat—sitting instead in the communal observation car for the entirety of the ride.

From the car’s glass-dome windows, California’s rugged coastline and golden hills revealed themselves to me. America’s West Coast fluctuated between the breathtaking and the dire—from endless ocean and cliff-top mansions to drought-ridden fields and cottages sinking between collapsed roofs. Peering out at the vast spectrum of life unfold before me, I enjoyed that slightly detached “from above” perspective rail travel affords you; through the journey, I observed both heartwarming humanity (lone fishermen and packs of surfers, a young girl wearing a pink tutu playing in a creek, an old man collecting driftwood at a campsite) as well as breathtaking nature (a flock of pelicans, meadows of yellow wildflowers, rolling sets of whitecap waves).

As the sun set on the second half of my journey, fellow passengers in the observation car formed an impromptu band complete with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Word slowly spread and travelers trickled in from other parts of the train to take turns singing songs from cultures around the world.

While it would've been more efficient to fly between the two Californian cities, the meditative romance of slow-paced train travel lends truth to the cliché that the journey is just as important as the destination. And in a country as diverse as this one, there’s truly no better way to witness its beauty—and complexity—than by train.

With over a dozen long distance Amtrak routes and even more private rail operators in states like Alaska and Hawaii, the challenge then becomes picking which train trips to take. Here, we’ve selected 13 of the most scenic train rides in the US that are worth booking for the views alone.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Amtrak Adirondack

While the Northeast is more known for its commuter trains than sightseeing, Amtrak’s Adirondack route is a lovely exception. Relaunched in spring 2023 following its closure during the pandemic, the route runs from New York City to Montreal . Departing from the new Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, the 10-hour train travels along the Hudson River up until Albany, then passes through Saratoga Springs and the dazzling Lake Champlain before arriving in Canada. Take this route in the fall during peak foliage season to watch New England’s changing autumnal colors glide by your window.

Tickets from $$62

Amtrak Empire Builder

Traveling along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, the Empire Builder is a true American West train adventure. The 46-hour train departs daily from Chicago and traverses through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana, before concluding in either Seattle or Portland . From views of the Mississippi River and North Dakota plains to the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park in Montana, this less-frequented route promises a rich variety of views without the crowds. Monisha Rajesh, author of Around the World in 80 Trains and Condé Nast Traveler contributor , suggests taking this route during peak summer or deep mid-winter.

Tickets from $56

Amtrak Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight departs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, a 35-hour journey that stops in some of the West Coast’s greatest cities, including Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. The southern half features long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline before veering inland to the golden valleys of the state’s agricultural heart, up to the magestic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade mountains . Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds—consider this train a sampler of America’s diverse natural landscape, all in one. For the best views, grab a seat in the first-come, first-serve observation lounge.

Tickets from $98

Grand Canyon Railway

Gaze upon the grandeur of one of the world’s natural wonders— Grand Canyon National Park aboard the Grand Canyon Railway . Departing from Williams, Arizona, 30-some miles west of Flagstaff, this train weaves past forests of ponderosa pine and parts of the Sonoran Desert into the heart of canyon country, where you’ll spend the day exploring before boarding a return trip—just in time for sunset .

Tickets from $70

Hawaiian Railway Society

While leaf-peeping rail expeditions tend to draw the most media attention, tropical climates with oceanside views can be at least equally as enjoyable. The Ewa Train, located 20-miles west of Honolulu , provides just such an experience along a two hour round-trip tour. The ride pairs history—live narration about Oahu's old sugar plantations and the ghost town of Gilbert—with breathtaking vistas from Kahe Point, and even includes a pit-stop for ice cream so you can beat the heat. 

Tickets from $18

The Rocky Mountaineer

The nearly all-glass cabins allow guests full view of the mountainous landscapes of Western Canada and the red rock wonders of Colorado and Southern Utah aboard this luxurious train. One itinerary takes passengers from Denver to Moab, Utah , where guests can take in the views in style with a cocktail in hand.

Tickets from $1,599

Amtrak California Zephyr

Though the California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco in a little more than 51 hours, it’s indisputably the western portion of the route—through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and northern California—that deserves your attention. Snake through the Rocky Mountains, past the photogenic canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, and enjoy an entire half-day trek through Sierra Nevada, complete with views of Donner Lake and the Truckee River.

Tickets from $141

Cass Scenic Railroad

Built in 1901 to transport lumber through the mountains of West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad helps to preserve the look and feel of America’s locomotive legacy. Pick from two available routes, including a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip jaunt up to Bald Knob—the highest summit of Back Allegheny Mountain at 4,842 feet.

Tickets from $81

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic

The largest and most wild state in America offers its own photo-worthy railroad adventure: The Coastal Classic, a four-hour excursion from Anchorage heads south around the Turnagain Arm waterway. The train route weaves into the backwoods of the Kenai Peninsula, through which attentive passengers will spot natural wonders like waterfalls and glaciers before arriving at the port city of Seward, on Resurrection Bay.

Tickets from $96

Amtrak Cascades

Spanning the Northwest from Portland to Vancouver, the Cascades parallels the titular mountain range during this eight-hour adventure. The route crosses the majestic Columbia River, provides views of Mount St. Helens, and hugs the shore of picturesque Puget Sound as it passes through Seattle .

Tickets from $72

Napa Valley Wine Train

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the natural beauty of northern Napa Valley’s agricultural corridor. Originally built by a local millionaire, California Gold Rush baron Samuel Brannan in 1865 to transport Napa visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga, the Napa Valley Wine Train today gives travelers a chance to sip local vintages from a luxurious railcar while passing vaunted vineyards on a three-hour round-trip journey.

Tickets vary based on package .

Amtrak Southwest Chief

From the rolling farmlands of Illinois, across the Mississippi River, to the red mesas of New Mexico, and into the Mojave Desert, the Southwest Chief traverses more than 2,000 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles . Travelers wary of a full 40-hour venture can take just a partial piece of the route, but don’t miss the most scenic stretch, which spans Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California, including the Ratón Pass—a National Historic Landmark along the Santa Fe Trail.

Tickets from $146

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Only available from May through October, the Cape Cod Excursion train provides passengers with a whirlwind sightseeing tour of the Cape’s natural attractions, including the charming Cape Cod Canal. The two hour round-trip ride immerses travelers in distinctive New England landscapes, through cranberry bogs and salt marshes, past sand dunes and woodlands. En route, guests can listen to on-board narration that points out important landmarks.

Tickets from $29.99

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Rail Tour Packages

Embarking on a train journey is always exciting, especially when scenic views are guaranteed! Choose from the list of carefully planned rail journeys in Russia and marvel at the spectacular surroundings while crossing authentic towns, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and other scenic sights along the way. The renowned Transsiberian train journey is an excellent choice for those who love train travel and seek unforgettable adventures. Stretching for almost one-third of the world, it takes you from Moscow to Vladivostok or even Mongolia! You can also extend your trip to Beijing or enjoy a train ride to St. Petersburg while exploring Russia.

Things To Do & Places To See on rail tours

Don't miss out on any important sights & experiences on rail tours

Enjoy one of the most unique travel experiences, rail tour, and see the most inspiring and stunning sights of your destination. Contact our destination specialists for a perfect rail journey itinerary.

• Witnessing the beauty of Lake Bakal
• Stepping foot in two continents at once
• Exceptional activities in Mongolia
• Bustling hubs on the Trans-Siberian
• Crossing awe-inspiring sceneries
• Authentic towns along the way

Rail Tours Travel Tips

Embark on the exciting rail tour and check out top-rated tips for your future adventure.

What to pack

Make sure to wear comfortable and warm clothing, especially on overnight or long-haul train rides.

Depending on the destination, meals might not be included. Pack some snacks and quick bites for such cases.

It is advisable to check the local currency of any country online and have some cash with you for small expenses.

When to travel

Please contact our destination specialist for more details about every season.

The weather in Russia can be unpredictable. Make sure to wear comfortable and warm clothing, especially on overnight or long-haul train rides.

It is advisable to have your tickets, ID, and other valuables on the carry-on baggage.

Linda and I enjoyed our Grand Deluxe Trans Siberian Tour

This is just a note to say how much Linda and I enjoyed our Grand Deluxe Trans Siberian Tour Rail adventure with Travel all Russia. We were especially glad to have seen the subways in Moscow which were not on the original agenda, but that our guide made sure we saw. Also, the opening ceremony at Naadaam in Mongolia was not in the schedule, but we were delighted to have a front row seat. It was an outstanding show.

Small Group Trans-Siberian Journey summer 2016

Our journey to Russia was a great one. All of the guides were wonderful and everything was so well organized.

There are just a few things I'd suggest. I think you need to warn future travelers about the Chinese train. There were not two lower berths as we were told and since neither of us was able to climb to the top bunk, we had to take turns sleeping! Also, the train was disgustingly dirty.

Other than that, the other accommodations were fine. As far as the food, there was much too much fish and borscht.

We were totally thrilled with our trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway

We were totally thrilled with our trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway!

The trains were clean, comfortable and always on time.

The hotels, though varied, were always welcoming and attractive. The restaurants, for the most part, served us well.

Our guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Once a guide could not join us because of a medical problem, and the next day another guide took us to two days' sites in one day.

Many thanks for arranging a most memorable Epic Trans-Siberian Adventure journey for us!

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This 4-hour Vintage Train Journey Through Virginia's Shenandoah Valley Is One of the Best Ways to See Fall Foliage

Changing maples and oaks make this train journey the perfect fall foliage excursion.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Fall in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is second to none. The valley runs alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park and has more than its fair share of deciduous trees, including oaks, birch, poplar, sumac, and maple. When the weather cools, leaf peepers make their way to the valley to watch as it is flooded with yellows, oranges, and reds. 

Dennis Govoni/Getty Images

Shenandoah Valley’s Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are popular ways to see the fall colors, but they’ve got nothing on the vintage steam train that escorts travelers on a four-hour tour of Virginia’s peak fall foliage .

The legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 , is a steam locomotive that’s deemed “the most powerful steam passenger locomotive ever built.” Riding on a steam train that was built in 1950 is exciting enough, but this fall the train will be transporting passengers through the Shenandoah Valley during its peak fall foliage season — early October through early November.

Christopher Pollock/Courtesy of Virginia Scenic Railway

The season’s roundtrip journeys aboard the 611, also known as the “Queen of Steam,” depart twice daily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Goshen, Virginia. The train then steams east, winding its way through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest , a 1.8 million acre expanse that’s home to over 40 species of trees, including colorful oaks, hickories, and maples.

From the dense, colorful forest, the 611 will chug past Augusta County’s idyllic working farms before reaching the historic city of Staunton, Virginia. In Staunton, the train will come to a short stop without disembarking before making the return trip back to Goshen.

The 611 locomotive pulls 11 passenger cars, which offer four classes of seating. The most basic option, Standard Coach, starts at $99 for a roundtrip ticket. There is also table seating, seats with additional legroom, and observation car seats at an additional cost. The highest-class option aboard the 611 allows travelers to book the special dome car, which has a view-enhancing glass ceiling. Rates for a dome area table are $249, roundtrip.

In addition, all travelers have access to the second level of the observation car, and there are concessions available for purchase. Those who book a higher-class fare are served a complimentary drink and snack during the journey.

The 611’s fall foliage trip kicks off on Friday, Oct. 6, and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Sunday, Nov. 5. There are two daily departure times, 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are available now at VirginiaScenicRailway.com . 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Closures to disrupt London Underground and Overground all weekend

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The London Underground will be hit by planned closures this weekend as engineering work is carried out.

From early Saturday to end of day Sunday a number of stations will be shut on both the Underground and Overground networks.

The District Line will be partly closed between Turnham Green to Richmond, while the Metropolitan Line will be close completely.

The Piccadilly Line will also see closures from South Harrow to Uxbridge, and the DLR will be partly shut at Bank and Tower Gateway to Poplar and West India Quay.

Those travelling on the Elizabeth Line on Sunday will see closures at Liverpool Street and Whitechapel to Shenfield, with trains not stopping at Acton Main Line, Hanwell and West Ealing.

• 14h ago What is happening on the M5?
• 14h ago Flooding hits Chiltern Railway trains at Banbury
• 16h ago Are you affected by the weather?

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Which London Overground stations will be closed this weekend?

Saturday 28 September – South Acton to Richmond.

Sunday 29 September – Barking to Barking Riverside, Sydenham to West Croydon, Romford to Upminster, South Tottenham to Barking until 12:30, Euston to Kilburn High Road until 12:00 and after 20:30, Camden Road to Stratford after 22:15.

Which London Underground stations will be closed this weekend?

District Line – Saturday 28 September to Sunday 29 September. Turnham Green to Richmond.

Metropolitan Line – Saturday 28 September to Sunday 29 September. No service on the entire line.

Piccadilly Line – Saturday 28 September to Sunday 29 September. South Harrow to Uxbridg,

DLR – Saturday 28 September to Sunday 29 September. Bank and Tower Gateway to Poplar and West India Quay

Elizabeth Line – Sunday 29 September. Liverpool Street and Whitechapel to Shenfield. Reduced service between West Drayton and Maidenhead and at Heathrow Terminal 4. Trains will not stop at Acton Main Line, Hanwell and West Ealing.

Delays hit Thameslink trains between London and Orpington

The Friday rush hour could be eventful due to the impact of flooding across the rail network.

Now a points failure is affecting Thameslink trains between London, Sevenoaks and Orpington.

Journeys could take half an hour longer than usual and passengers might have to use alternative routes.

Here is the affected route.

• Between Welwyn Garden City / Finsbury Park / London Blackfriars and Sevenoaks, and also between Luton / Kentish Town and Orpington

⚠️ There has been a points failure at Bromley South. ℹ️ We are having to operate with a reduced number of lines, so trains will be delayed or cancelled. Please see below for more information. — Thameslink (@TLRailUK) September 27, 2024

Tankers remove 8,000,000 litres of floodwater on A421

The A421 remains closed and no reopening time has been confirmed yet following flooding on Sunday which left the road flooded and cars trapped.

An army of tankers have been pumping water out of the flood pond which has revealed debris and abandoned vehicles.

By the end of last night, enough water had been removed to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools, National Highways said.

But that’s not the end of the efforts to clear the road – a further 60,000,000 litres of water still needs to be emptied out of the flooded spot.

💧 By the end of last night, we’d removed around eight million litres of water from the A421 which is more than you’d find in three Olympic-sized swimming pools. There’s lots more work to do and we’re predicting there’s around 60 million litres of water to clear. #WeatherReady pic.twitter.com/xgdml77e5x — National Highways (@NationalHways) September 27, 2024

When is the M25 slip road closed near ULEZ?

Drivers have been warned of upcoming weekend road closures on the M25 in Surrey near the ULEZ border.

The exit slip road at junction 10 will be closed over some weekends in October and November, meaning unassuming drivers might enter the Ultra Low Emission Zone if not following the diversion signs.

It will close over the weekend at 9pm from Fridays October 4 , October 18 and November 1 .

The junction – known as Wisley Interchange – normally connects the A3 and M25, and while both roads remain open, drivers cannot use the slip roads.

National Highways said: ‘While the Ultra Low Emission Zone across London will remain in force during these closures, the signed diversion routes have been designed to ensure that drivers would avoid any charges.’

Drivers should follow them or check on the TfL website ‘whether their vehicle would be subject to charges.’

Two out of the seven listed diversions take drivers onto the A243 past the Chessington World of Adventures which is inside the ULEZ.

Motorists are advised to plan their journey in advance.

Train delays after tree falls on railway

Flooding is not the only woe on the railways today – a tree blocked the railway in Suffolk, causing disruption to Greater Anglia passengers.

It has since been removed and the lines have reopened between Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, but the coast is not clear until service recovers back to normal.

And that might not be until 4pm.

The blockade means trains are queueing, so cancellations, delays of up to 20 minutes or revisions are still possible.

Greater Anglia tickets can be used on selected alternative trains.

ℹ️ #Elmswell – Alternative Travel Options; Greater Anglia tickets are being accepted on LNER services between London Kings Cross and Peterborough London Underground will be conveying Greater Anglia customers via reasonable routes Customers travelling between Ipswich and… — National Rail (@nationalrailenq) September 27, 2024

Northern line suspended in north London

The London Underground Northern line is suspended between Finchley Central and High Barnet due to a faulty train.

This is causing severe delays between Finchley Central and Camden Town.

The rest of the line has minor delays, the latest TfL travel status update shows.

Motorists warned not to drive through floodwater

Kate Marks, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: ‘Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.

‘We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

‘People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.’

Some trains out of King’s Cross still delayed after heavy flooding

Trains between Peterborough in the east Midlands and London King’s Cross are still delayed because of flooding.

Elsewhere, the Marston Vale line in Bedfordshire, which operates services between Bedford and Bletchley, is suspended until Monday because of standing water on the track.

All lines were blocked between Bicester North and Banbury in Oxfordshire, with disruption expected until 3pm.

Delays on M25 after crash in Surrey

Traffic has stopped on the M25 in Surrey after a smash at junction J10.

The crash happened on the clockwise carriageway at Wisley Interchange at about 1pm.

Traffic appears held in both directions on approach to the interchange as well as on the A3 due to an unrelated exit ramp closure after flooding.

M25 exit ramp closes after flooding

Heavy rain and flooding closed the exit ramp on the M25 in Surrey.

The closure of the ramp on A3 northbound to the M25 at junction J10 Wisley Interchange is causing congestion and delays on approach.

The exit ramp was also shut yesterday after becoming waterlogged before reopening until further downpour today.

Road floods at London Euston

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Pedestrians and drivers tried to navigate a huge puddle outside Euston Station in central London following heavy rain in London.

The drain appeared overwhelmed by the downpour on the A501 outside the station.

However, the road remains open as usual and traffic appears largely unaffected.

It comes after the Met Office issued a weather warning for heavy rain in England, which as submerged roads, railways and even a football stadium .

National Highways tells curious people to stay away from A421

The highways authority hit out at nosey people after the A421 flooding and closure for a fifth day has dominated headlines.

It asked members of the public to stay away from the area so that work can continue to reopen the carriageway.

Martin Fellows, the regional boss of National Highways, urged people to ‘stay away from the water’ after people had been seen swimming and canoeing at the site.

He told ITV News: ‘Please stay away from the water. We’ve had somebody trying to canoe down here and people swimming in it as well.

‘It is dangerous – it is dangerous to drive through, it is dangerous to access this water – please stay away and stay safe.’

We are working around the clock to tackle the significant rainfall on the A421. We understand people are curious but request that members of the public continue to support us by staying away from the area so our work to resolve the issue can continue to progress at pace. — National Highways (@NationalHways) September 27, 2024

No reopening date has been confirmed as work to clear the deluge continues.

What roads look like in Hitchin after flooding

One of the areas where some roads have been flooded is Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

Around 20 residents were evacuated after homes were flooded on Green Lane, the fire service said.

It comes after the Met Office issued weather warnings as further heavy rain is set to soak roads and railways and bring possible flash floods.

Railway blocked at Wimbledon

Some lines towards Surbiton, Kingston, have been blocked due to an investigation on the tracks.

This affects South Western Railway (SWR) services which could be delayed until about 2pm.

⚠️A problem currently under investigation is affecting the railway at Wimbledon. Trains may be cancelled, delayed or revised because of this problem. More information: https://t.co/imkvCCexC2 — SWR Help (@SW_Help) September 27, 2024

BMW driver is rescued on flooded road

One SUV driver was rescued after becoming trapped in flash floods in Hall Green, Birmingham.

Footage shows the car dangerously close to a nearby bridge as fast-flowing water reached above the bonnet.

The emergency services rescued one driver yesterday who was not injured.

Flooding on tracks in Surrey affects Southern trains

Southern passengers in Surrey have been warned of disruption after flooding blocked the railway between Caterham and Purley.

All lines are blocked after heavy flooding on the railway at Whyteleafe.

National Rail said disruption is expected until midday.

What is happening on the M5?

In case you missed it, part of the M5 near Bristol turned into a mini river after the downpours caused flash flooding in the early hours of the morning.

Three drivers were rescued from stranded vehicles, the fire service said.

The motorway was closed both ways, wreaking havoc on the rush hour commute.

Now the carriageway has reopened southbound between J14 Falfield and J15 to the M4.

But it’s not all clear yet for those heading north as that direction remains shut between J16 Almondsbury and J14 so that trapped cars and debris can be recovered and cleared.

Footage shows several vehicles trapped in the floodwater.

Flooding hits Chiltern Railway trains at Banbury

The railway line used by Chiltern Railway trains has been blocked again after heavy rain and further flooding between Banbury and Bicester North .

Trains could be cancelled, delayed by up to half an hour or the schedule revised, with disruption expected to last at least until 3pm today.

It comes after railways on the Chiltern Mail Line in the area were submerged in floodwater on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, buses replace Chiltern Railway trains between London Marylebone and Aylesbury until 3.35pm today due to emergency cable repairs.

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Fallen tree closes major rail route into Scotland

• Michael Holden
• Posted: 2 days ago
• Add a comment
• Last updated: 27th September, 2024 at 8:07 am

UPDATE 08:00: Avanti West Coast is advising passengers to check their journey this morning due to the multiple incidents yesterday. Delays are expected until around 9 am. Click here for the latest info.

UPDATE 06:15: All lines have now reopened and disruption has now ended.

UPDATE 23:10: We are ending the coverage of the delays for tonight and will update this page when more information is released for travel tomorrow.

The latest information from Network Rail Scotland is that they plan to have the line reopen tonight, but no confirmation of the line being reopened has been released yet.

UPDATE 21:15: Network Rail are on site fixing the issue. No time confirmed for reopening yet. Please continue to check National Rail for travel updates.

UPDATE 16:45: Latest advice from Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express is to delay travel until 27th September.

Avanti West Coast says that no further rail replacement buses are available from Preston, Carlisle or Glasgow Central

Avanti West Coast is advising passengers not to travel north of Preston due to a tree falling on the overhead wires.

The incident has taken place between Motherwell and Lockerbie which means that all lines are blocked.

Major disruption is due to continue until end of service today (26th September).

Avanti West Coast has ticket acceptance in place with LNER (between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh), TransPennine Express, ScotRail (between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh), CrossCountry (between Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh) and Northern (between Newcastle and Carlisle).

TransPennine Express has ticket acceptance with CrossCountry (Glasgow/Edinburgh – Leeds and then change to TPE services to Manchester), LNER (Edinburgh – York) and ScotRail (Glasgow – Edinburgh).

TPE also says that when the line reopens, passengers can use Avanti West Coast services between Glasgow / Edinburgh and Preston and then change to a Northern service to complete journeys.

The latest travel advice can be found on the National Rail website.

• TAGGED: Avanti West Coast , Lockerbie , Motherwell , TransPennine Express

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Flooding causes travel chaos with roads and schools shut – worst hit areas map

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for thursday and downpours may lead to further flooding and travel disruption.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued across parts of northern and eastern England on Thursday.

The downpour could lead to further transport disruption and there is a risk that communities could become cut off due to power cuts and flooding.

The highest rainfall totals are likely across the Pennines and North York Moors where 80-100mm could accumulate during the day, while others within the warning area could see 20-30mm quite widely, and in excess of 50mm in some locations, the Met Office said.

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Further rain is likely for parts of England and Wales on Thursday. If and where this falls on saturated ground, the sensitivity to potential impacts is increased.

“At present, the heaviest rain looks like falling across east-facing hills of northern England, although there is some uncertainty in the regional focus.”

It comes after flooding continued to cause travel chaos and school and road closures in parts of England, despite a respite from heavy rain on Tuesday.

Although the rainfall from Monday cleared away to leave a drier interlude for many, several schools around the country remained closed to students due to flooding caused by torrential rain at the weekend .

Hatherley Infant School, the Milestone School in Gloucestershire and Hockliffe Lower School in Bedfordshire were among those closed on Tuesday. Many other schools shut on Monday have reopened after site inspections confirmed it was safe to do so.

The area covered by the yellow weather warning is different to those areas worst affected by the recent flooding, Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said.

The Environment Agency had 23 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – in place across England on Tuesday afternoon. A total of 67 flood alerts, issued where flooding is possible, were also in place.

Rain clearing the far east, though further outbreaks of rain in parts of Scotland 🌧️ Otherwise plenty of dry and bright weather to start Tuesday with some coastal showers 🌦️ A chilly morning in the north in brisk winds and generally feeling cooler for all 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/xknhaN5uuz — Met Office (@metoffice) September 23, 2024

It warned motorists not to drive through flood water, highlighting that just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move a car.

Work to clear debris from trash screens, which are a key tool in flood prevention, was carried out by the Environment Agency to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall .

More than 100,000 litres of water was pumped out of AFC Wimbledon’s stadium after the grounds suffered “significant damage” when the nearby River Wandle broke its banks.

Clear-up well underway 🧹 Thanks to our volunteers and staff for clearing flood water in the tunnel and other areas at the stadium 🏟 #AFCW 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/tW8lpeTdeX — AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) September 24, 2024

National Highways said it expected the A421 in Bedfordshire to remain closed on Tuesday in both directions between A6 Bedford and M1 J13 near Marston Moretaine due to severe flooding, and that it “cannot provide a timeline for the road to reopen”. The closures and diversions are in place so drainage can take place.

The northbound A5 between the A421 in Bletchley and Great Holm at Milton Keynes was closed by rising water levels on Tuesday morning after one lane had been opened overnight.

Services between Bedford and Bletchley were suspended due to flooding. London Northwestern Railway said Network Rail engineers were working as fast as possible to make the route safe for trains to run and reopen the line for passengers.

No trains have been able to run in either direction on the Marston Vale line between Bedford and Bletchley since Monday. It is expected to be closed for around seven days until the rain water has subsided.

More on the MARSTON VALE LINE flooding: https://t.co/yiiTiFd69I 🎥: @networkrail pic.twitter.com/lBZCZGTqqu — London Northwestern Railway (@LNRailway) September 24, 2024

Trains between Banbury and Bicester North had to run at reduced speed on all lines as heavy rain has flooded the railway, Chiltern Railways said.

The National Grid said it had seen a week’s worth of power cuts across the weekend.

Parts of Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire had more than 100mm of rain on Monday, with Woburn in Bedfordshire recording 132mm, more than twice the amount of its September average rainfall amount, according to the Met Office.

Some residual rain is forecast to move southwards across parts of Scotland. Elsewhere, the drier spell will last until early Wednesday for most, before the next area of low pressure brings further rain later on Wednesday and into the latter part of the week, the Met Office said.

River levels should start to decrease to more manageable levels as more water seeps into the ground.

The shift to drier conditions in southern areas will also signal a slight dip in temperatures, with forecasters expecting them to drop below average on Friday across the UK.

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