There are many ways to see the world while on vacation. While many opt for cars or planes to get them to their destination, trains incorporate sights and the journey into one unforgettable trip. Filled with spacious sleeper cars, top-tier dining, and stunning views, train rides are a fun way to spend your retirement without breaking the bank. Check out these six best train rides in USA for retirees below, and explore America in a new and exciting way.
6. Grand Rail Experience
Sixth on our list of best train rides in USA is the Grand Rail Experience. The 14-day cross-country trip takes travelers to several prominent American cities, including Washington, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. While on the trip, attendees will get six nights of hotel accommodations, seven nights on an Amtrak sleeper train, sightseeing tours, and lots of views. Other featured excursions on the trip include the Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
5. Grand Canyon Railway
Visit one of the most well-known national parks with our fifth selection of best train rides in USA, the Grand Canyon Railway. Take a trip back in time to 1901 as the Grand Canyon Railway recreates the trip to the canyon by rail that occurred over a century ago. Over 65 miles, the train will take you through the otherworldly desert terrain before stopping at the Grand Canyon Depot, near the canyon’s South Rim. Visitors will certainly feel transported back to the old west on this shorter but incredible journey.
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4. Napa Valley Wine Train
Wine connoisseurs may want to explore the Napa Valley Wine Train, ranking fourth on our best train rides in USA list. Featuring century-old railcars, the 36-mile journey follows a 150-year-old rail corridor that used to transport guests to a spa resort in Calistoga. Nowadays, the train winds across the California landscape from Napa to St. Helena and back, making stops at the region’s most famous wineries. Plus, if you’re looking for prime cuisine, four onboard kitchens will keep you satiated for the whole trip.
3. Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic
Jumping into the top three best train rides in USA is Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic. Departing from Anchorage, the train follows the Turnagain Arm before turning back into the wilderness and ending in Seward. The train ride offers many sights, from the steep Chugach Range mountains to endless wildlife like beluga whales, sheep, bears, and moose. The Coastal Classic usually runs from mid-May through mid-September, providing a comfortable way to enjoy the Last Frontier.
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2. Amtrak Auto Train
Second on our list of best train rides in USA goes back to the East Coast. The Amtrak Auto Train is the perfect way to enjoy a train ride while still having access to your vehicle. The train transports your car (or other recreational vehicles) with you as it goes from Washington, D.C., to Sanford, Florida. This allows you and your loved one to have a vacation while heading to your destination, complete with a range of seating options, views, and delicious meals.
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1. America’s National Parks with Rocky Mountaineer
Last but not least on our list of best train rides in USA is America’s National Parks trip with Rocky Mountaineer. Spread over eleven days, the trip hits eight destinations through the canyons and mountains. These include the Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy views of mountains, geysers, wildlife, rock columns, Native American cave paintings, and more, all in one trip. In addition, the trip covers ten nights of hotel stays and three meals.
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