The Ultimate List Train travel has been romanticized for centuries, and the United States offers some of the most luxurious ways to experience its sights and scenery. Whether you’re looking to explore each region’s distinctive offerings in style or indulge in decadent fine dining among the ever-changing landscapes, a luxury train journey is a great way to experience the United States in all its glory.
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the top luxury train journeys in the United States you can take to explore the country in style.
The American Orient Express
The American Orient Express, also known as the GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, was a luxury train operating in the United States from 2002 to 2008. It ran eleven- to 23-day itineraries offering passengers breathtaking views of some of the country’s most beautiful spots, plus premium accommodations, gourmet meals and superior service. Although the American Orient Express no longer runs these trips, its influence on the train travel landscape in the U.S. is undeniable.
Wine and Leisure Tours
This luxurious train tour combines the best of both worlds – leisure and wine! On these tours, you can explore some of the most renowned wineries in the United States as you travel through landscapes of awe-inspiring beauty. Wine and Leisure Tours offer scenic routes, five-star meals and luxury accommodations, including sleeping cars with private bedrooms and bathrooms.
Coast Starlight Trip
Operated by Amtrak, the Coast Starlight is one of the longest passenger services in the United States. The breathtaking journey runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, and you’ll have the chance to see some of the West Coast’s most beautiful landscapes along the way. Complete with private sleeping compartments, delicious meals and experienced attendants, your trip will feel like a pleasant vacation.
Mountains to Sea
On this luxurious voyage, you will experience the beauty and grandeur of America’s lakes, rivers and mountains. You’ll travel from Seattle to Chicago as you have the chance to explore a variety of stunning sights, from the majestic North Cascades and the stunning views of Lake Chelan to the plains of Montana. Onboard meals are plated in fine dining room settings, while sleeping cars feature comfortable beds with amenities like bathrobes, slippers and complimentary small bottles of toiletries.
Great Western Express
Choose the Great Western Express for breathtaking views of the American West! On this trip, you’ll travel across the Wild West, from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, Zion National Park and the famous Million dollar Highway before ending in the Golden State. The train is equipped with private cabins and deluxe lounges for you to relax in, plus plentiful onboard dining and lodging options.
Texas Eagle
Experience the Wild West with the Texas Eagle luxury train journey! On this trip, you’ll travel from Chicago to San Antonio and have a chance to explore the beauty of the Southwestern United States. Relax in the deluxe lounges, have a meal onboard and sleep in private cabins with comfortable beds as you make your way through Texas.
InterAmerican Express
The InterAmerican Express offers a trip to be remembered! On this grand tour, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the country’s most beautiful regions, from the Pacific Northwest to the American West. You’ll spend the days in luxury lounges, enjoy private accommodations, delicious gourmet meals and attentive service.
Royal Canadian Pacific
Choose the Royal Canadian Pacific for a luxurious train journey through one of the world’s most beautiful countries. The tour, which runs through the Canadian Rockies, features private sleeping cars, two dining cars and two observation cars, plus access to exclusive wildlife tours and area excursions. Relax in the comfort of your sleeping car and enjoy all the luxuries the tour has to offer, including deluxe meals and 24-hour service.
Aspen Alps Express
Experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains with the Aspen Alps Express. This distinctive journey will have you seeing breathtaking views of the mountains in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, plus access to exclusive ski resorts and area excursions. During the day, relax in the comfortable dining car, have meals onboard and sleep in deluxe sleeping cars with fresh bedding and private showers.
Naughtyin26
This upscale yet affordable train experience meanders through Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine, giving you the chance to explore New England in style. You’ll be served the best local cuisine and wines paired with stunning views of the East Coast. Naughtyin26 will also take you on exclusive excursions, plus provide access to a variety of activities and entertainment.
The GrandLuxe Express
The GrandLuxe Express, also known as the American Orient Express, is a unique and luxurious train journey. This trip runs throughout the country, and you’ll have access to exclusive on-route excursions and activities, plus meals and accommodations of five-star caliber. And with its stunning views of the countryside, this one is sure to be a memorable adventure.
Cascades
The Cascades train journey travels from Vancouver to Seattle, and you’ll have the chance to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Onboard this luxury train, you can relax in the observation car, have delicious meals and sleep in the comfortable sleeping cars. You’ll be able to explore the best of the area’s natural beauty along the way.
Cape May Seashore Lines
This luxurious train journey along the Jersey Coast is the perfect way to explore the small towns and beaches of New Jersey’s Cape May County. On the three-hour round-trip route, you’ll ride in an old-fashioned classic Pullman car while enjoying family-style dining and entertainment. And you’ll never miss a minute of the scenery, as each compartment is equipped with a large window perfect for viewing the East Coast.
Adirondack
This Amtrak service runs from New York City to Montreal, giving passengers the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful sights the East Coast has to offer. On the train, you can experience the luxury of the first class service, with meals in the dining cars, reclining seats and luxurious sleeping cars.
Luxury train travel in the United States is exciting and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to explore the Pacific Northwest or the wilds of the Wild West, you can expect to experience breathtaking scenery, exceptional service and five-star dining. These are just some of the luxurious train journeys you can take in the United States – now it’s up to you to choose your favorite and let the adventure begin!