You Can Get to These 6 Beautiful National Parks Via Amtrak Trains
A national park trip usually starts with a car packed to the ceiling or a long drive across multiple states. But for travelers who prefer watching landscapes roll by from a window seat, Amtrak has a different way in. Several U.S. national parks are close enough to passenger rail lines that the train can handle most of the journey, with the final leg covered by official shuttles, partner railways, ferries, or short ground transfers.
Each park has a documented, workable path from an Amtrak station to the park itself.
Glacier National Park
Image via Getty Images/J. Healy
Glacier National Park is the closest thing in the United States to stepping off a train and into a national park. Amtrak’s Empire Builder line stops at both West Glacier and East Glacier Park, with stations positioned specifically for park access. West Glacier is minutes from the park boundary, while East Glacier Park places travelers directly in a small village with lodging, tour operators, and transport services tied to the park’s eastern side.
The route from Chicago or the Pacific Northwest crosses open plains, river valleys, and Montana’s Big Sky Country before arriving at one of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. Once inside the park, highlights include Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Summer departures sell out early, so advance reservations matter.
Yosemite National Park
Image via Getty Images/EDWARD BARNETT Photography
Yosemite works well by train because the final connection is formalized. Travelers ride Amtrak’s San Joaquins line to Merced, then transfer directly to the YARTS bus system, which continues into Yosemite Valley. Train and bus schedules are designed to align.
Inside the park, Yosemite’s free shuttle network connects trailheads, viewpoints, and lodging areas. Iconic sights like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome are all accessible without a car. Seasonal schedules apply, especially in winter, so checking service frequency before booking is essential.
Grand Canyon National Park
Image via Getty Images/Joecho-16
The Grand Canyon remains one of the most iconic train-accessible parks in the country. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief runs between Chicago and Los Angeles and connects with the historic Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona. From there, a dedicated rail line delivers travelers directly to the South Rim.
This route eliminates the need for a rental car entirely. Once inside the park, shuttle buses and paved rim paths make it easy to reach major viewpoints, visitor centers, and trailheads. Matching overnight plans to the fixed train and railway schedules is key, but the overall route remains one of the smoothest rail-to-park journeys available.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park proves that a national park can be immersive even when it’s not remote. Located between Cleveland and Akron, the park is accessible via Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited, which connects Chicago and New York. From Cleveland, regional buses and short transfers reach trailheads, waterfalls, and canal paths.
The park’s mix of forests, rolling hills, and river corridors is surprisingly secluded given its urban setting. Brandywine Falls and the Towpath Trail are popular entry points. While the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates primarily as a visitor experience, Amtrak and local transit provide the practical backbone for car-free access.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Image via Canva/Jhong Rhang
New River Gorge has unusual rail access. Amtrak’s Cardinal route serves communities within the park region itself, including Prince, Hinton, and the historic town of Thurmond. Some stops operate on limited schedules, so planning your travel around service days is crucial.
Once off the train, visitors find themselves close to river access points, hiking areas, and preserved rail towns. The park is known for its dramatic bridge, whitewater rafting, and Appalachian scenery. Since local transportation is limited, focusing on one base area per visit keeps logistics manageable.
Channel Islands National Park
Reaching Channel Islands National Park involves both rail and sea, but the route remains fully defined. Amtrak trains serve the Ventura area, where travelers continue by local transit or a short taxi ride to Ventura Harbor. From there, official ferries provide the only access to the islands.
The mainland visitor center is located at the harbor, where permits, briefings, and gear checks are conducted before boarding. Most visits are day trips, and services on the islands are limited, so travelers need to bring food, water, and layers. Building in extra time around ferry schedules helps account for rail delays.