Train travel in North America presents a striking contrast to the densely populated and well-developed rail networks of Europe and Asia. Because of that, people often assume that train travel in North America isn’t possible, but that isn’t true at all. On this vast continent, cars and airplanes dominate as the primary means of transportation, yet trains continue to play an important, albeit often underestimated, role. From busy urban corridors to scenic long-distance routes through untouched landscapes, train travel in North America offers both practical and touristic opportunities.

A network of extremes

The North American rail system varies greatly by region. In some urban areas, such as the Northeast Corridor in the U.S. and certain major Canadian cities, train services are relatively frequent and compete with other forms of transportation. However, outside these regions, rail services are often sparse, with long travel times and infrequent departures, making them less viable for commuters and daily travel.

Despite these limitations, there is growing interest in faster and more efficient rail transport. Projects such as the planned high-speed rail line between San Francisco and Los Angeles and the “Maya Train” in Mexico highlight renewed investment in train travel in North America.

For many travelers, train travel in North America is less about practical transport and more about the experience. Iconic routes such as The Canadian in Canada and the Copper Canyon Railway in Mexico offer breathtaking scenery and a nostalgic travel experience. However, long-distance trains often struggle with outdated infrastructure and extended travel times, making them less suitable for daily transportation.

Travel along over the continent, from Alaska to Mexico, with these stories from fellow bloggers. They will tell you about the impressive train trips they took in North America, that deserve a spot on your bucketlist.

US: Alaska railroad

Recommended by Sarah from Sarah seeks adventure

The Alaska Railroad offers some of the most beautiful views along its route, and it’s a great way to travel between different areas of Alaska. We planned a trip where we flew into Fairbanks, spent a few days exploring this area, then took the Alaska Railroad down to Anchorage, and flew home from there.

This route took about twelve hours, so we allocated an entire day for travel, but the time honestly flew by. Between books we brought, enjoying meals in the diner car, and gawking at the views we passed, we almost wished we had even more time on board.

The highlight was passing by Denali. We visited in winter, so it was quite snowy and foggy, and we didn’t get a perfect view of Denali, but on a clear day, it would have been spectacular.

The entire Alaska Railroad runs from Anchorage to Seward, but you can choose specific routes based on where you want to go. You can even opt for a pre-planned, multi-day adventure package on the Alaska Railroad.

Personally, I always recommend visiting Alaska in winter because I love the snow and the activities that come with it (snowmobiling, skiing, etc.), but this train route runs all year, so you can visit in summer if that’s your preference!

Canada: Rocky Mountaineer

Recommended by Julie from Toronto 2 Anywhere

Taking the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer Train was an experience I’ll never forget. If you enjoy train journeys, a trip on board the Rocky Mountaineer is highly recommended. This two-day luxury train ride through some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes was an unforgettable adventure.

While the Rocky Mountaineer offers different train routes, we took the Journey Through the Clouds route, a two-day trip from Vancouver to Jasper with an overnight stay in Kamloops. The overnight hotel stay ensures that passengers maximize their time on board the train, maximizing two full days of incredible, scenic views!

This particular route took us through British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, past Hell’s Gate, and along the North Thompson River. The panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, including Mount Robson, were breathtaking.

What sets this train journey apart is the luxury service. We travelled in fully domed windows on the upper level of the train for spectacular views. Meals were served in a dining car with chef-prepared meals. Even while eating, we continued to enjoy the breathtaking Canadian Rockies from our seats.

My favourite viewing spot from the train was the outdoor viewing platform. I spent a lot of time here with my camera, enjoying the unobstructed views with other passionate photographers on this trip.

By the end of this Canadian train journey, I had developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of Western Canada. It was a journey that truly lived up to its reputation, and I’m already dreaming of a return trip. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Canada in style, this train ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth considering!

US: Seattle to Leavenworth

Recommended by Angie from We’re not in Kansas anymore

Amtrak offers a direct route between Seattle and Leavenworth Washington, an over-the-top adorable little Bavarian village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Leavenworth is especially magical in winter when the entire town glitters with Christmas lights and rooftops are heavily laden with snow. Popular winter activities are a visit to the Leavenworth Reindeer farm or taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride or snowmobile ride through the mountains.

As the train zips you through the scenic Cascades you’ll experience snowcapped peaks and never-ending pine trees covered in snow. Of course, Leavenworth is equally scenic in summer where popular activities include hiking and getting out on the river that flows lazily through town. Whether you visit in winter or summer, you’ll find oodles of Bavarian charm year-round! Think pretzels, schnitzel, nutcrackers, Black Forest Cake, German Beer, mural-studded buildings and more!

The train ride itself takes approximately 3.5 hours one-way. If you’ve never experienced Amtrak, you may be pleasantly surprised by the amount of room you’ll have in the train cars! I flew into Seattle immediately before my train departed. It was so nice to leave the cramped plane behind for plenty of personal space and reclining seats complete with footrests! There is a snack car on the train, but options are very limited. Although Amtrak tickets can be pricey, the cost of a one-way ticket from Seattle to Leavenworth is around $25!

US: Pikes peak

Recommended by Stephanie from Just Book The Flight

The Pikes Peak cog railway has been in operation since 1891! It is the highest cog railway in the world, climbing nine miles to the top of Pikes Peak.

The trip takes 3.5 hours round trip from Manitou Springs (the depot). It takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the top (and return). You will have 40 minutes at the top of the summit. Manitou Springs is 1 hour and 11 minutes from Denver.

Buy tickets in advance because they do sell out.

Pikes Peak is at 14,115 feet (4302 m) altitude, so you should stay hydrated, but may still feel signs of altitude sickness. The altitude did not bother us, but maybe we were too distracted by the cold.

We did not plan for the temperature difference that we felt on the climb, but also at the summit. Be sure to check the weather at Pikes Peak, which will be about 30 degrees cooler than at the depot where you depart. On our trip, the summit was 36 degrees with a 27 degree windchill. We were dressed for temperatures in the 60s. As soon as we reached the top, I bought a souvenir sweatshirt for me and a stocking cap for my daughter.

When you reach the summit, take in the breathtaking views from inside or outside the visitor’s center. Make sure to get some of their world-famous donuts, which are made for the altitude.

US: Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Recommended by Christy from North Carolina Traveler

Let me tell you about an unforgettable 4-hour train ride I took from Bryson City, NC, to Nantahala Gorge. I opted for the Carolina Shine Experience, which is just one of the many ticket options available, and let me tell you, it was a blast!

Our car was filled with folks celebrating anniversaries, a couple of newlyweds, and even a birthday. The atmosphere was festive, especially when we sampled local moonshine and belted out a few celebratory tunes.

The scenery along the way was nothing short of spectacular! We passed by crystal blue lakes, an old Civil War home and three caves where the Cherokee once hid during the Trail of Tears.

The train offers a range of seating options, from First Class, where you can indulge in a meal and drinks, to an Open Air Gondola with unobstructed views. With the Carolina Shine Experience, we had live entertainment that made the trip even more memorable.

Our hour-long stop at the Gorge was just enough time to stretch our legs, grab a drink, walk along the river, view some small waterfalls or challenge someone to a quick game of corn hole.

There isn’t enough time to participate in a water excursion on this layover, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can pair the train ride with a whitewater rafting trip with their Raft & Rail ticket option.

This train ride was the perfect mix of relaxation and fun—definitely a bucket-list experience!

US: Napa valley wine train

Recommended by GG from Goya Galeotta

One of the most memorable train journeys my husband and I have ever taken was aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

This 36-mile round-trip through California’s wine country was an experience we’ll never forget. From the moment we stepped onto the beautifully restored 1915 Pullman railcar, we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, setting the tone for a day of pure indulgence.

We opted for the Dome Vista lunch, which I’d thoroughly recommend for a special occasion. Seated in the glass-domed observation car, we had stunning panoramic views of Napa Valley. The vineyards seemed to stretch endlessly, with the sun casting a warm, golden glow over the rolling hills. It felt like we were in a moving postcard!

The dining experience was exceptional, with each course matched perfectly with a local wine that really brought out the flavours, making the meal just as much about the wine as it was about the food.

Halfway through our meal, we decided to explore the train and found ourselves at the open-air platform at the back. Standing there with the wind in our faces, we took in the most epic backdrop of Napa’s vineyards stretching for miles. It was the perfect spot for photos, capturing the magic of the day.

The trip lasted about three and a half hours, with no stops, letting us fully soak in the luxurious experience from start to finish.

I know the Napa Valley Wine Train isn’t the cheapest option, but if you’re looking to celebrate something special, it’s worth every penny. The amazing food, great wine, and breathtaking views made this a trip we’ll treasure for years.

PS. You don’t have to go for the full Dome Vista experience either! There are other carriages with more budget-friendly options that offer fantastic views too. Take a look at the picture below to see what I mean!

Mexico: El Chepe

Recommended by Tanya from Can Travel Will Travel

Riding the El Chepe train through Mexico’s Copper Canyon (Chihuahua – Creel – Divisadero/ Posada Barrancas – Posada Barrancas – El Fuerte – Los Mochis) was an unforgettable experience. The main appeal to us was that the train passes through a series of six copper-green colour canyons. The diversity of landscapes at each stop made the trip feel like a new adventure at every turn.

Leaving Chihuahua, the scenery quickly transformed. Creel stood out for its quiet mountain-town vibe and stunning natural formations and a lake nearby which we hiked to. But Divisadero was the real highlight. The train stopped long enough so we could get out and take in panoramic views of the Copper Canyon. Standing at the edge, gazing into the canyon’s vastness, was easily one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

The route between Divisadero and El Fuerte was equally impressive, with steep canyon walls and green valleys unfolding outside the window. Each twist and turn revealed something new, until finally we left the mountains behind as the land became almost flat on the approach to El Fuerte and Los Mochis.

If you’re looking for a train journey that combines stunning landscapes with culture, the El Chepe ride through Copper Canyon is an experience you shouldn’t miss.