Four of Amtrak’s Most Scenic Routes
Four of Amtrak’s Most Scenic Routes
Get your camera ready for that Insta-worthy post as you relax in observation cars aboard one of Amtrak’s many celebrated scenic routes. Some of the most memorable train rides across the U.S. are just an Amtrak away.
1. Coast Starlight
A train adventure spanning from Washington to Southern California, the Coast Starlight is a daily route between Los Angeles and Seattle that passes through beautiful Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. This route offers one of the most scenic experiences when traveling by train through California. From the striking snow-clad summits of the Cascade Range to the expansive stretches of the Pacific Ocean coastline, the observation car offers a magnificent panorama.
Don't just take our word for it: follow the #coaststarlight tag on Instagram to see what photo-savvy explorers are saying (mood spoiler: pure bliss).
1. Coast Starlight
A train adventure spanning from Washington to Southern California, the Coast Starlight is a daily route between Los Angeles and Seattle that passes through beautiful Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. This route offers one of the most scenic experiences when traveling by train through California. From the striking snow-clad summits of the Cascade Range to the expansive stretches of the Pacific Ocean coastline, the observation car offers a magnificent panorama.
Don't just take our word for it: follow the #coaststarlight tag on Instagram to see what photo-savvy explorers are saying (mood spoiler: pure bliss).
2. California Zephyr
Step on the California Zephyr in Chicago and step off in sunny California. There’s no better way to see the Midwest than traveling through while capturing memories of Omaha, Denver and the Great Salt Lake along the ride. Experience the highs and lows of Nebraska’s Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. No coastline, no problem — on this route you’ll also witness Donner Lake nestled amidst the captivating scenery of the mountains.
What's better than a single blog writer's endorsement? How about tens of thousands of gorgeous endorsements on the #californiazephyr Instagram tag?
2. California Zephyr
Step on the California Zephyr in Chicago and step off in sunny California. There’s no better way to see the Midwest than traveling through while capturing memories of Omaha, Denver and the Great Salt Lake along the ride. Experience the highs and lows of Nebraska’s Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. No coastline, no problem — on this route you’ll also witness Donner Lake nestled amidst the captivating scenery of the mountains.
What's better than a single blog writer's endorsement? How about tens of thousands of gorgeous endorsements on the #californiazephyr Instagram tag?
3. Empire Builder
From the Windy City to Big Sky Country, behold the magnificent skylines and natural beauty of America on one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes: The Empire Builder. This legendary route offers views of natural wonders including the Mississippi River, Glacier National Park, the vast North Dakota Plains and wildlife throughout Montana. From Spokane, your options expand along two tracks, allowing you to either continue to the vibrant city of Seattle or venture down toward Portland where passengers can witness the majestic Mt. Hood.
This route's reputation for beautiful views is also no stranger to praise — as you can see from the #amtrakempirebuilder tag on Instagram.
3. Empire Builder
From the Windy City to Big Sky Country, behold the magnificent skylines and natural beauty of America on one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes: The Empire Builder. This legendary route offers views of natural wonders including the Mississippi River, Glacier National Park, the vast North Dakota Plains and wildlife throughout Montana. From Spokane, your options expand along two tracks, allowing you to either continue to the vibrant city of Seattle or venture down toward Portland where passengers can witness the majestic Mt. Hood.
This route's reputation for beautiful views is also no stranger to praise — as you can see from the #amtrakempirebuilder tag on Instagram.
4. Pacific Surfliner
All aboard the Pacific Surfliner — one of the best-loved train rides in California and an unmatched way to see LA. This scenic route hugs the Western Coastline with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling California hills with daily routes running between Santa Barbara, Irvine and San Clemente. Spend your time kicking back, enjoying the views and bypassing the traffic of the 405. This train stops at many beaches and renowned amusement parks for the perfect stress-free adventure.
Last but not least, the #pacificsurfliner tag on Instagram shows off the full array of seasons, weather, time of day and all of the inspiring views you'll see along this coastal gem of a route.
4. Pacific Surfliner
All aboard the Pacific Surfliner — one of the best-loved train rides in California and an unmatched way to see LA. This scenic route hugs the Western Coastline with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling California hills with daily routes running between Santa Barbara, Irvine and San Clemente. Spend your time kicking back, enjoying the views and bypassing the traffic of the 405. This train stops at many beaches and renowned amusement parks for the perfect stress-free adventure.
Last but not least, the #pacificsurfliner tag on Instagram shows off the full array of seasons, weather, time of day and all of the inspiring views you'll see along this coastal gem of a route.
If a picture tells a thousand words, then a video tells an exponential, incalculable amount — here's a solo traveler's Pacific Northwest adventure aboard the Coast Starlight with bonus Sightseer Lounge footage.
Show/Hide Transcript
Thanks for coming along on my trip from Seattle to Portland aboard Amtrak Coast Starlight train. The day started at Seattle's famous King Street Station. Check out the amazing twelve story clock tower. The station opened in 1906 and it's a really pretty building. Exploring these older stations is something you should definitely make time for. There are so many cool details. Just look at the beautiful polished granite walls and the ornamental plaster ceiling. The waiting area is very nice too, but since I only showed up 30 minutes early for the train, I didn't really need it. Ooh! Right on time. Let's go out to the platform. That's my train which will take me all the way to Portland. Red Caps are available for luggage assistance, but I didn't need any help, so I boarded right away. The conductor scanned my ticket and then I found my seat in coach. Coach on Amtrak is super comfortable. The seats are extra wide and there's so much room to lean back and put your feet up. There's a great big window, which is nice too. I took so many pictures and the view along this route is incredible. The Coast Starlight train is widely considered one of America's most beautiful train rides and this stretch definitely shows why. It's such a unique way to experience the Pacific Northwest. The pristine waterways and the vast pine forest. It's just breathtaking. I found it so relaxing, especially because I didn't have to worry about driving. Another thing I loved about the train was being able to move around. I enjoyed my time relaxing in the observation car. It is no extra charge to sit there and it is a fun place to hang out. There were tables where I ate some breakfast from the Cafe Car and I even got some reading done. My time aboard passed too quickly. Before I knew it, we arrived at Portland Union Station. Which happens to be another landmark building. I can't wait for my next trip and to explore more of the country by train. See you on board.
