Best Train Journeys in America for Retirees Who Hate Flying
Planes are fast, but not everyone enjoys the cramped seats or jostling through security lines. For retirees who prefer a smooth, scenic ride without needing to leave the ground, America’s railways offer an easier way to travel. These train routes are practical and give travelers a front-row seat to landscapes they’d otherwise miss. Here are 10 trips where the journey really is part of the vacation.
Empire Builder Through Big Sky Country
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Running between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, the Empire Builder stretches across wide plains, Glacier National Park, and the Cascade Range. This route is popular for good reason: it spans a vast stretch of the northern U.S. and passes through long, sparsely populated landscapes that are far removed from everyday life.
Coast Starlight Along the Pacific
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The Coast Starlight glides between Los Angeles and Seattle, hugging the coastline in parts and cutting through mountain passes in others. The observation car fills up fast, especially around Oregon’s lush interior and California’s shoreline. Onboard perks include a complimentary tasting (for sleeper car passengers) and a dining car that offers a menu that skips airline food entirely.
Adirondack’s Autumn Colors
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New York City to Montreal doesn’t sound relaxing, unless it’s by train. The Adirondack route takes its time, following the Hudson River and passing through mountain valleys and quiet towns. Fall is peak season, when the trees turn red and gold, and the café car doubles as a rolling leaf-peeping lounge.
California Zephyr Through the Rockies
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For a cross-country option that’s heavy on scenery, the California Zephyr connects Chicago to San Francisco and slices straight through the Rockies. The stretch from Denver to Salt Lake City is often considered the best, with rivers, tunnels, and snowy peaks making frequent appearances. It’s one of Amtrak’s most photogenic rides.
Cardinal Through Appalachia
Credit: Trains Magazine
This east-west route connects New York to Chicago by way of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The Cardinal only runs three times a week, so seats are limited, but the payoff is fewer crowds. The route includes the New River Gorge and the Blue Ridge Mountains—without needing to hike either.
Cascades Between Cities and Shorelines
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Running between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Amtrak Cascades’ tilting cars enable smoother curves along the Puget Sound, and the entire ride strikes a balance between city access and waterfront views. For travelers who like short trips with big payoffs, this is one of the easiest options to plan around.
Southwest Chief Into the Desert
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The Southwest Chief rolls between Chicago and Los Angeles, but it’s the terrain in New Mexico and Arizona that surprises people most. Sandstone mesas and dry riverbeds fill the windows during daylight hours. There’s no need to keep your eyes on the road—just sit back and enjoy the change in scenery as it happens.
Vermonter Through New England
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With service from Washington, D.C. to northern Vermont, the Vermonter passes through Connecticut and Massachusetts. It’s a daytime train, so passengers don’t miss the changing landscapes, especially during the fall. Stops include Hartford and Brattleboro, but many travelers ride it end to end just to enjoy the scenery as it passes by.
Texas Eagle Across the Heartland
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The Texas Eagle travels between Chicago and San Antonio, with connections that continue west to Los Angeles. It covers a wide range of landscapes, including farmland, forests, river valleys, and deserts.
Pacific Surfliner With Ocean Views
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Running between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, the Pacific Surfliner stops in cities like Irvine and Santa Barbara, but the main draw is how close the train comes to the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the few places in the country where you can spot dolphins without leaving your seat.