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Sojourner looks out the window of a train.
As a frequent Amtrak rider, I've found some of the most beautiful train routes in North America.

Sojourner White

  • Over the past five years, I've taken more than 20 Amtrak routes across North America.
  • During my trips, I've fallen in love with the gorgeous landscapes I've seen out the window.
  • Some of my favorite scenic routes include the Amtrak Adirondack, Coast Starlight, and Builder.

I never imagined I'd become a die-hard train traveler. But when I found myself stretched out in a roomette, glass of wine in hand as the Rocky Mountains came into view, everything changed.

Since taking my first long-distance train ride in 2021, I've now been on more than 20 Amtrak routes. As a frequent rider, I've seen everything from calming beaches to snowcapped mountains out the window — each view more spectacular than the last.

Still, there are a few itineraries that stand out for their scenic beauty.

The Amtrak Adirondack route was especially gorgeous in the fall.
The view out a train window of a river surrounded by fall foliage and mountains.

Sojourner White

I waited years to take the 12-hour Amtrak Adirondack from New York City to Montreal, and the incredible views were definitely worth the wait.

Although this route ends in Canada, I think the most scenic parts are in Upstate New York — especially if you go to see the fall foliage in October, as I did.

To start the ride, I recommend sitting on the left side of the train for a better view of the Hudson River and the Palisades. This is especially gorgeous as the leaves change color and the sun hits the top of the steep cliffs and trees.

Then, after a fresh-air stop in Albany, I recommend switching to the right side of the train for incredible views of the Lake Champlain Region.

I passed through so many diverse landscapes on the Amtrak California Zephyr.
The view out a train window of a small river text to a tree-covered mountain, and a paved road with cars.

Sojourner White

The California Zephyr was my first long-distance train ride, which glided from Chicago to Emeryville, California, over nearly 53 hours.

Admittedly, the first day of the ride wasn't too scenic, though I got to catch a glimpse of some cows grazing in the Midwest.

However, the second day is when the magic started. Riding through the Rockies along the Colorado River — and watching the train curve around the mountains — was a sight to see. Even passing through the desert landscapes was beautiful.

The next day, as we rode through the forests of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it felt like I was sitting high above the trees.

The Amtrak Coast Starlight provided a peaceful and scenic ride.
The view out a train window of a beach with palm trees and RVs.

Sojourner White

For travelers who love calming ocean views, I recommend riding the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, which takes about 34 hours.

I thought the first day of the trip was the most scenic, and I spent a lot of time riding in the observation car as we made our way along the Pacific Coast Highway.

While traveling between LA and San Luis Obispo, I saw people playing in the sand and waving hello as we passed by. There was a true sense of calm that fell over me during this portion of the trip, as I looked out at the ocean, RVs, and palm trees.

Once we left the coast, we were treated to views of green, rolling hills and palm trees.

I was amazed by the views on the Amtrak Empire Builder route.
The view out a train window of a cloud-covered mountain and river.

Sojourner White

I took the over 45-hour Empire Builder route solo from Milwaukee to Portland, and seeing the views change from the mountains of Glacier National Park to the forests of the Pacific Northwest was stunning.

I was particularly awestruck by the sight of the foggy sunset on top of the mountains. The clouds made it look a little spooky, but it was incredible.

My eyes were glued to the panoramic windows as we passed by the East Glacier Park stop, which offered views of the snowcapped mountains. It's important to note, though, that this is a seasonal stop only open from mid-spring until mid-fall.

I like to observe nature without being in it all the time, so enjoying the views from the observation car with a good book felt perfect.

Riding the Amtrak Cascades route felt like taking a scenic day trip.
The sunset over a body of water, with mountains in the distance.

Sojourner White

I loved the Cascades ride from Portland to Vancouver because the eight-hour journey felt like a scenic day trip.

Some of my favorite views began in Seattle as we approached coastal trails and beaches. It was incredible to look down and see how close the tracks get to Puget Sound's coastline.

It was on this ride that I experienced one of the best train sunsets I've ever seen. As I gazed out at the pink and orange skies above the rocky beach, I felt so calm and content.

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I've taken over 20 Amtrak routes around the US and Canada. These 5 offered the …