3 Train Journeys You Need to Take in 2023
Now’s the time to start vacation planning for 2023 with these trending rail journeys! From the great national parks to the best cities in the U.S., make the journey just as exciting as the destination by taking the train, roundtrip from your hometown, or any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across the country.
1. Visit a National Park... or Three!
The Great American National Parks beckon! From the wondrous valleys of the Grand Canyon to the snow-capped mountains of Glacier National Park, the national parks truly offer something for everyone. And getting there by train is convenient, relaxing and fun! Consider the following popular journeys when planning your national park vacation: Glacier National Park Express This 10-day trip aboard the Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago to Glacier National Park and on to Seattle is one you won't want to miss! Your tour kicks off in the Windy City, where you'll enjoy an architecture sightseeing cruise of the Chicago Harbor. Next up is Glacier National Park! Savor its breathtaking beauty and fresh mountain air while touring its most stunning spots, including the gorgeous Two Medicine Valley. Then it's on to Seattle, where more fun awaits. Explore the Emerald City with a multi-day hop-on / hop-off tour that covers all the city's hot spots, including the Space Needle and Puget Sound. Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon Three of the nation's greatest national parks await you on this rail journey across America! Take in the great expanse of the American West as you travel across the Great Plains and through the Rocky Mountains aboard Amtrak. Stop to explore all the sites and wonders of sprawling Yellowstone National Park. Continue to Yosemite where your tour takes in all the stony peaks, beautiful open meadows, and pine forests that make up this national treasure. The Grand Canyon will leave you in awe of its astonishing natural beauty. Grand Canyon Getaway Explore all the beauty the Grand Canyon has to offer on this fabulous 4-day getaway. Your scenic expedition begins in Williams, Arizona, where you will get the opportunity to surround yourself with nature in an outdoor lover's paradise. Then, you'll climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway and venture where cars can't - into one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, to explore its majestic South Rim. This journey allows you to discover all the beauty of the canyon and the surrounding region. For more information on all Amtrak Vacations' National Parks Rail Vacations, click here.
2. Take a City Getaway
How many of America's great cities have you visited? Any you want to revisit? It's easy to get there by train, with most stations located right in the heart of the city center, close to accommodations and major attractions. Take a single city getaway over a long weekend, or group several cities into a longer trip across a particular region of the country. The options are endless! Whet your appetite with these three popular getaways: Washington, DC Ultimate Getaway Capture all of the excitement, history, and adventure in our nation's capital on this Washington, DC Ultimate Getaway! From the countless monuments and sights along the Washington Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue to the many popular museums around the city, there’s something special for everyone when visiting Washington DC. Spend the day exploring the city, and at night tour the monuments as they are lit up to show their full glory. You will truly get a full experience during your trip to Washington DC! Seattle Ultimate Getaway There is no better way to experience the “Emerald City"! Take in all the most popular sights and attractions with your included hop-on, hop-off city tour. Savor the local flavors at Pike Place Market or spend some time strolling the waterfront. Your Seattle Ultimate Getaway also includes a Seattle CityPASS®, which grants you admission to the iconic Space Needle, where you can view the entire city while 520 feet above the ground for stunning views of Mt. Rainier, the lights of downtown Seattle, and Elliott Bay, and several other popular attractions. Charleston and Savannah Enjoy two wonderful Southern cities on this 6-day journey! Immerse yourself in Southern history as you make your way around both Charleston and Savannah. With a sightseeing tour in Charleston that will bring you to such iconic places as Rainbow Row and the Battery; and a hop-on, hop-off tour in Savannah that will bring you to the Andrew Low House and the popular River Street, you will receive a comprehensive experience of both cities. You will also enjoy a tour of a river-side plantation in Charleston as well as a sightseeing cruise of Savannah's harbor. A wonderful journey through America's south will be a trip you will never forget. For more information on all Amtrak Vacations Rail Getaways, click here.
3. Tour the U.S., Bucket List Style
Take the time to appreciate the true spirit of America and travel along legendary Amtrak train routes to visit some of the country’s most popular destinations. From the Midwestern Plains to the great Rocky Mountains, the train can take you there, and offer the unprecedented views you can't get from any other mode of transportation along the way. Make 2022 the year to take an unforgettable cross-country rail journey! Northern Rail Experience Venture from the breathtaking great plains of the Midwest to the serene waters of the Pacific Coast on this scenic rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco, with a stop in Seattle. Enjoy the landscape as you travel along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Explore Seattle on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Discover the sights of San Francisco. Spend some quality time in two majestic parts of Northern California: Muir Woods and Sausalito. And, then you'll head back to the “Windy City” onboard one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. Grand Rail Experience Starting in Chicago, the Grand Rail Experience is tailor-made for anyone who wants to get the full cross-country Amtrak® experience. Connecting Amtrak's top train routes across the top of the country, the Pacific Coast, Amtrak's southern route known as the Sunset Limited, and up through our Nation's Capital; this around-the-country journey is sure to please any train-buff or adventurous sight-seer. Western Rail Experience Climb aboard Amtrak® for a scenic roundtrip journey of the west! Travel south through the heartland of the country as you head towards sunny California! Upon arrival, you will experience the “City of Angels” on a sightseeing tour of the city that will take you to such iconic spots as the Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Sign. Then journey north along the glistening California coast to San Francisco. While in San Francisco you will travel all around the city to visit Pier 39, Union Square, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Then enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour of the shoreline city of Sausalito as well as the iconic redwood trees of Muir Woods. After your time in San Francisco, you will head on to Seattle where a sightseeing tour of the city will take you to the Seattle waterfront and the Space Needle. Then enjoy a leisurely ride back to Chicago traveling across the top of the country back east. A wonderful western rail experience awaits! For more information on Amtrak Vacations' Rail Experiences, click here.
