6 Great US Train Adventures Worth Slowing Down For
From steam-powered nostalgia to dramatic coastlines and desert crossings, train travel turns the journey into the destination
Train travel is trendy again—and for good reason. In an era of time constraints and packed itineraries, this classically slow mode of transportation encourages us to pause, unwind, and savor the moment. Trains evoke the charm of yesteryear, memories of a simpler life, and the comfort of a gentler pace. Once a vital force connecting America and fueling its political and economic growth, trains are now making a nostalgic comeback.
From restored steam engines to vintage railcars and theatrical Western-themed rides, these six train journeys offer some of the most memorable ways to experience the rails.
Maryland: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Mountain steam adventures and themed excursions through Allegany County
Travel back in time aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, a heritage line with roots dating back to 1852 and still delighting passengers with year-round departures. Travelers can choose from a variety of themed excursions, each offering its own flavor of nostalgia and scenery.
The Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train delights with sophisticated seasonal menus (chocolate creme brûlée, anyone?), while the Polar Express makes you feel like a kid again, dropping you right into the iconic movie. Meanwhile, the Murder Mystery adventure will keep you guessing to unravel the intrigue right up to the end of the ride.
Many trips are powered by vintage locomotives, including the fully restored steam engine 1309—once the mightiest of its kind, built to haul heavy coal loads throughout Kentucky and West Virginia. Retired in 1956 and brought roaring back to life in 2020, this majestic engine now takes travelers on a “steamy” adventure through the Allegheny Mountains, across an iron truss bridge, and through the 914-foot Brush Tunnel.
Virginia: Virginia Scenic Railway
Spectacular mountain vistas and tunnel thrills
Marvel at Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains from the window of the Blue Ridge Flyer, a sleek red-and-silver train that combines modern conveniences with old-fashioned charms. As you chug along, you learn the region’s history via onboard narration. The three-hour roundtrip journey includes passing through the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel, nearly a mile long and chiseled through the solid rock hundreds of feet beneath the mountain summit.
You can also board the Alleghany Special which glides through the working farms and fields of the legendary Shenandoah Valley, heading toward the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
Both routes start and end in historic Staunton, a beautiful small city renowned for its preservation ethos and for having one of America’s most beautiful main streets.
California: Pacific Surfliner
Coastal panoramas, vineyards, and Disneyland detours
Renowned for its scenic ocean vistas, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner operates multiple daily round trips between San Diego and Los Angeles as well as between Santa Barbara and San Diego, stopping in charming seaside towns such as Carpinteria, San Juan Capistrano, and Ventura—just to name a few.
Food and wine connoisseurs will want to ride all the way to San Luis Obispo, known for award-winning wineries and farm-to-table cuisine. And, yes, you can ride Amtrak to Disneyland. Just get off the Pacific Surfliner at the Anaheim Station, and hop on a free shuttle bus to the Happiest Place on Earth for a day of fun. Bonus: AAA members can save with discounted theme park tickets to Disneyland.
Arizona: Grand Canyon Railway
Wild West theatrics paired with Southwestern scenics
Step aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway, a beloved Arizona tradition since 1901, and journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World in unforgettable style. Departing daily from the charming town of Williams, this vintage train offers more than just transportation; it’s a time-travel adventure into the romantic Wild West, a bygone era of cowboy chivalry and valor.
Relax in restored rail cars as the scenery transforms before your eyes—from wide-open high desert to sweeping prairie to towering pine forests. Along the way, tap your boots to live Western music, encounter costumed characters, and brace yourself for a playful, old-fashioned train robbery (don’t worry, it’s all in good fun).
Choose from a variety of travel packages to suit your style, and consider extending your stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for a full frontier experience.
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois: The Borealis
A new route connecting the Midwest by rail
Who says trains are a thing of the past? In 2024, Amtrak launched the Borealis, a scenic new route connecting Chicago to the Twin Cities by way of Wisconsin. The journey winds through bucolic hills and farmlands of the Midwest, offering sweeping views of the region’s quiet beauty.
With modern cars, wide, reclining seats, and generous legroom, the Borealis quickly became a favorite, welcoming more than 100,000 passengers in its first six months.
California: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Steam locomotive nostalgia in the Sierra
Just 10 minutes from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad takes passengers back in time aboard one of two historic steam trains. The route winds through the Sierra National Forest along tracks once used by loggers during California’s lumber boom.
Pick your experience: Ride the Logger Steam Train to learn how lumberjacks felled trees here before Yosemite became a national park, or book a themed evening excursion—such as the Moonlight Special, the Moonlight Melodrama, or the Yosemite Jazz Train—each blending live entertainment with the magic of the forest at night. In the fall, hop aboard for a spooky Halloween train ride through the woods.
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Whether you’re seeking the charm of train travel and slow journeys or feeling nostalgic for old Americana, a train journey could be your next travel adventure. Lean on the expertise of a AAA Travel Advisor (it’s free) to help you identify great rail journeys—and then hop aboard for spectacular scenery, adventure, entertainment, history, and a journey back in time.