The Romance of Riding the Rails

The “friendly skies” are often anything but. Navigating through a maze of stanchions at airport security; being nickled-and-dimed on baggage and extra fees; and squeezing into tight seats? Why must we suffer so to get to our destination? And car travel has its own hassles—namely traffic! Perhaps that’s why more people are discovering the magic of train travel. Whether you choose a budget-friendly day trip or a 20-day trip of a lifetime, the journey is part of the experience.  

All aboard to see the USA

SOUTHWEST CHIEF

Retired educator Carol Schnaiter and her husband, Jeff, endured their fair share of road trips and knew the drawbacks of flying, so when it came to visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time, the Illinois natives opted for the A-Train; in this case, the Amtrak Train.

Their ultimate vacation goal was hiking at the iconic national park, but traveling on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief meant they also got to see a vast swathe of the Midwest and Southwest, including Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The trip is long—some 43 hours and 2,000 or so miles from Chicago to Los Angeles—but the good news is that sleep is included!

While many economize and slumber in coach, the Schnaiters sprang for a private bedroom that included bathroom facilities on the westbound portion of their trip. Another option is booking a roomette—a cozy space with a shared bathroom.

“We didn’t have to worry about where we were going to eat [those who opt for a bedroom or a roomette have dining room privileges], and we weren’t tired and desperate to find a hotel room after a day of driving. Our luggage was secure, and we were fully engaged in seeing our beautiful country,” Schnaiter says.

While the Southwest Chief continued westward, the Schnaiters disembarked in Williams, Ariz., and boarded a motorcoach that took them to America’s beloved national park.

AMTRAK’S FAB FOUR

Many of Amtrak’s scenic train routes have observation cars and dining rooms—and come complete with dreamy, nostalgic names. Here are four standouts:

COAST STARLIGHT

This scenic journey from Los Angeles to Seattle winds through the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade mountains and along vast stretches of the Pacific Coast. Plus, the train stops in popular destinations like San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Calif., and Portland, Ore.

CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR

This magnificent trip, which starts in Chicago and ends in San Francisco, snakes through vast Midwestern prairies and the majestic Colorado Rockies, and then glides by the shimmering Great Salt Lake,  in Utah.

EMPIRE BUILDER

From the hustle and bustle of Chicago to the big skies of Montana to the Pacific Northwest, this legendary route showcases some of the finest natural wonders in the U.S., including the mighty Mississippi River, breathtaking Glacier National Park, and the sweeping North Dakota plains.

PACIFIC SURFLINER

Ditch LA’s congested 405 Highway and hop on board this rail ride instead. Feel like taking a dip in the ocean or riding a roller coaster at an iconic amusement park? This trip can satisfy the itch.

Dollars and cents

Fares for these routes vary greatly, depending on availability, time of booking, and other factors, but one-seat in coach might cost as little as $150, while a bedroom could set you back $1,500. A short jaunt on the Pacific Surfliner may end up being less than a full tank of gas—about $35!

Oh, Canada!

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Pam Fuelling, a retired educator in Washington state, and her husband, Wayne, are big fans of riding the rails. In both 2011 and 2024, they embarked on a journey with Rocky Mountaineer—a luxury train company offering routes through the Canadian Rockies and the American West.

While the price tag is steep, the Fuellings felt that first-class amenities made the trip worth every penny. Think plush, heated seats; glass-dome windows that reveal breathtaking views; locally inspired gourmet meals; and outdoor viewing areas where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air. The company also offers stays in comfortable hotels in the heart of destination cities.

“I think seniors in particular would appreciate the comfort and would also benefit from this wonderful learning experience,” Fuelling says. “You get to hear about points of interest, history, and local wildlife from the attendants.”

Another added benefit: Passengers never have to lug baggage from the train to a hotel. It’s all included.

THE CANADIAN

For former Kansas educator John Hope, trains have been a lifelong passion. Last year, he embarked on a 20-day, dream-come-true trip on The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail.

His journey began in charming Halifax, Nova Scotia, and ended in vibrant Vancouver, with unforgettable stops in between.

“It was everything I hoped for and more. Going across the expanse of Canada was like traveling through five separate countries—from beautiful, peaceful prairies to the majestic Rockies,” Hope recalls.

“And the amenities on and off the train—gourmet meals, complete with white tablecloths and silverware, and historic hotels—were 
also top-notch.”

He notes that the trip was comfortable for seniors and solo travelers. Hope had lost his wife two years prior. And though he was traveling alone, he never felt lonely.

“That’s the beauty of train travel, folks tend to be very friendly,” he notes.  “Though there’s plenty of time to be alone, it also can be quite social. You eat with others, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie when you get off … for excursions.”  

Dollars and cents

Trips on the Rocky Mountaineer range from two-day Canadian rail journeys (from Vancouver to Jasper), from about $1,700, to a 15-day circle, featuring the “Best of the Rockies,” for about $10K.

Fares for VIA Rail trips vary widely, from about $500 to $12,000 and everything in between. Pricing depends on the route, selected accommodations, and excursions, among other factors.

A 20-day, coast-to-coast adventure through Canada, like Hope’s, may include stays in Montreal, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, and more. This ultimate train trip has an equally impressive price tag, running about $12,000 per person.

More budget-friendly options include The Canadian’s four-day journey from Vancouver to Toronto, which shows off the country’s rich geographical diversity as well local wildlife.

And VIA Rail’s two-day, two-night route from Winnipeg to Churchill is considered one of the best adventure routes, as the train eventually treks through Canada’s tundra. There’s even a chance of seeing polar bears and beluga whales.