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24 of the world’s most incredible train journeys

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

As you cross the continental US aboard the California Zephyr, you’ll see prairies, deserts, mountains and canyons galore © Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

From cutting through the countryside to connecting a country’s great cities, the world’s best railway journeys offer entirely new perspectives on a destination.

Train travel always delivers plenty of magic. Sometimes it’s in the cars, as you meet fellow travelers, or as you eat and sleep with the sound of wheels rolling on the steel rails beneath you. Sometimes it’s outside, in the landscape the train traverses – offering an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Our upcoming book,  Amazing Train Journeys ,  rounds up the world’s greatest railway rides. Pulled from its pages, these 24 train journeys are truly first-class.

1. The Reunification Express, Vietnam

Start:  Ho Chi Minh City End:  Hanoi Departs: Daily Distance:  1072 miles (1726km) Duration:  Two days

This is one of Southeast Asia ’s best-loved railways – and one of the  most epic overnight train journeys in the world . There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam ’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines.

2. The California Zephyr, USA

Start:  Chicago End:   San Francisco Departs: Daily Distance:  2438 miles (3924km) Duration:   52hrs 40mins

For soaking up the scenic grandeur of the North American continent, nothing compares with Amtrak ’s California Zephyr , one of the US’ best train journeys . This classic three-day ride travels across prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on its way from the Midwest to the West Coast.

3. The Lake Titicaca Train, Peru

Start:  Puno End:  Cuzco Departs: Three times a week Distance:  241 miles (388km) Duration:  10 hours

Traversing the Altiplano, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the bustling heart of the ancient Incan empire, the railway from Puno to Cuzco cuts a ponderous but picturesque path through the snow-dusted peaks and voluptuous valleys of the Andes, across the epic Peruvian plains , passing hardy bowler-hatted llama farmers and traveling through remote towns and villages.

4. The Beijing-to-Lhasa Express, China

Start:   Beijing End:   Lhasa Departs: Daily Distance:  2330 miles (3750km) Duration:  40 hours

From the futuristic architecture and imperial wonders of Beijing, the Z21 train transports its passengers from the neon lights of urban China  across the Tibetan plateau , where it glides past grazing yaks, fluttering prayer flags, snow-capped mountains and boundless blue skies. At your destination, magenta-robed monks await. 

5. The TranzAlpine, New Zealand

Start:   Christchurch End:  Greymouth Departs: Daily Distance:   139 miles (223km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

Under five hours, this journey is surely one the world’s finest and most scenic one-day train rides. Commence the TranzAlpine experience in Christchurch, before speeding along the Canterbury Plains and climbing quickly through the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, then descend through a thrilling tunnel to emerge among the lakes, streams and rainforests of the South Island ’s West Coast. 

6. The Bergensbanen, Norway

Start:  Oslo End:   Bergen Departs: Four times a day Distance:  308 miles (496km) Duration:   6hrs 30mins

This astonishing train is one of Europe’s best railway rides  – and one of the least well known outside of Norway . It covers the spectrum of the Nordic country’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides and traversing barren icescapes.

7. Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia

Start:  Dar es Salaam End:  Kapiri Mposhi Departs: Twice a week Distance:  1160 miles (1860km) Duration:   46 hours

Few trains in the world offer the chance – and we should point out that it’s a chance rather than a guarantee – of spotting big game from your seat. The Tazara ( Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority) does just that. The highlight, though, is the chance to spend two days watching everyday life out of the window, and enjoying the clamor and chaos when the train pulls to a halt – scheduled or unscheduled.

8. The Sunset Limited, USA 

Start:   New Orleans End: Los Angeles Departs: Three times per week  Distance: 1995 miles (3211km)  Duration:  Two days

The ultimate American railroad ride: east to west, coast to coast, clean through from the bars of New Orleans to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. If you’ve always dreamed of crossing the States, but don’t much relish the prospect of two weeks spent cooped up in an automobile, then a ride on the Sunset Limited is the answer. Sit back and let America’s landscapes buzz by: from Louisiana’s bayous, past the high-rises of Houston, across the deserts of Texas and Arizona , over the Californian hills all the way to LA’s golden beaches. Saddle up, partner: it’s gonna be quite a ride.

9. The Caledonian Sleeper, UK

Start:  London (Euston) End:   Fort William Departs: Daily Distance:  509 miles (819km) Duration:  13hrs 30mins

Segueing from the sooty suburbs and crowded concrete-lined cul-de-sacs of central London to the crisp air and soaring vistas of the Scottish Highlands via one overnight train journey epitomizes the romance of rail travel. Enjoy the buffet-car banter, be lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rails, then wake up to bedside views of towering granite peaks. 

10. Mombasa to Nairobi, Kenya

Start: Mombasa Ends:  Nairobi Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (579km) Duration:  5hrs 10mins

The Nairobi–Mombasa railway route is among Africa’s most legendary: it even helped foster the modern concept of safari. The rickety old railway has undergone a rebuild in recent years with smart new stations and a new track laid across the Kenyan savannah . What hasn’t changed is the spellbinding journey, with trains departing from Mombasa and passing in the shadow of Kilimanjaro to the cusp of the Great Rift Valley.

11. Tangier to Marrakesh, Morocco

Start:   Tangier End:  Marrakesh Departs: Daily Distance:  360 miles (580km) Duration:  5hrs 15mins

Nothing can fully prepare you for the magnificence Morocco ’s most evocative city – from the clamor and spectacle of the central square, Djemaa El Fna , to the primary colors of the Jardin Majorelle ; and from the peaceful madrassa of Medersa Ben Youssef to the mad profusion of alleyways. There’s no doubting that a railway journey down the spine of this North African nation is a profoundly uplifting experience.

12. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Start:   Vancouver End:   Banff Departs: Twice a week Distance:  594 miles (957km) Duration:  37 hours

Clattering across the wild Rocky Mountains along a pioneering 19th-century railroad, this train journey is all at once a geological field trip, sightseeing adventure and wildlife safari. It promises cinematic views of Canada ’s quintessential mountain landscapes, plus a bevy of engineering marvels, from dizzying bridges to logic-defying tunnels. And with luck, you might even spy a bald eagle, moose or grizzly bear. 

13. Alexandria to Aswan, Egypt

Start:   Alexandria End:  Aswan Departs: Daily Distance:  670 miles (1100km) Duration:  16 hours

A ride from Alexandria to Aswan means you will travel the length of Egypt 's rail network – and also undertake an odyssey in the company of the great Nile River , with chances to disembark and explore the relics of empires along its banks . Do keep in mind that, for all their plus points, Egyptian trains are not always known for punctuality. 

14. The Serra Verde Express, Brazil

Start:   Curitiba End:  Morretes,  Paraná Departs: Daily Distance:  42 miles (68km) Duration:  3hrs 30mins

One of Brazil ’s most spectacular train journeys, the Serra Verde Express starts in the architecturally bold city of Curitiba and winds its way through dramatic mountain passes covered with tropical rainforest before it drops you in Morretes in the lush state of Paraná. The half-day trip takes in canyons, jagged mountain peaks and verdant lowlands, and the slow-going locomotive allows plenty of opportunities to photograph the cinematic backdrop while traversing some 30 bridges and chugging through 14 tunnels. Aside from the captivating scenery, the journey provides a fascinating glimpse into the past as it trundles through tiny stations dating back to the late 1800s.

15. The Darjeeling Toy Train, India

Start:   New Jalpaiguri End:   Darjeeling Departs: Daily Distance:  55 miles (88.5km) Duration:  7–8 hours

India ’s narrow-gauge steam railways are the stuff of legend, and the bottle-blue Darjeeling Toy Train is the nation’s lead engine. The ride from the Bengal plains to Darjeeling travels past emerald-green tea plantations and precariously balanced, tin-roofed townships, while clouds tumble down the looming massif of Mt Khangchendzonga. Steam engines are now only used for a small section of the route, yet this iconic mountain journey still serves up a sizable slice of history.

16. The Hokkaidō Shinkansen, Japan

Start:  Tokyo End:  Hakodate Departs: Daily Distance:  512 miles (824km) Duration:  4 hours

The Hokkaidō Shinkansen , one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains , takes you from Tokyo to Hakodate, the southern port of Hokkaidō . Along the way, it zooms past picturesque scenes of rural Japan , through mountains and under the sea. The route is only part of it, though: riding the shinkansen – with its food trolleys and staff who bow upon entering and exiting the train car – is a classic Japanese experience.

17. Colombo to Badulla, Sri Lanka

Start:  Colombo End:  Badulla Departs: Daily Distance:  181 miles (292km) Duration:  9–10 hours

One of many unforgettable things about Sri Lanka is the variety and intensity of the color green throughout the year . And for train aficionados, there is no better way to appreciate the country’s full, verdant spectrum than an all-day rail journey from Colombo’s urban gardens at sea level to tea plantations in the Hill Country , via brain-spinning sensory doses of jungle and forest, paddy field and palm tree, mountain and valley, national parks…and human habitation, too. Expect to move slowly – and enjoy one of the most scenic train trips in the world.

18. Bangkok to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

Start:   Bangkok End:  Singapore Departs: Weekly Distance:  1200 miles (1900km) Duration: Three days

A railway journey from Bangkok to Singapore spans three countries, three capital cities, and – without disembarking once – can be completed in under three days. But to go so fast would be to miss the point of this artery along the Malay Peninsula – a line suited to capricious roaming. You always have the option to hop off – to see tropical islands, to scale the cool heights of tea plantations, and to linger in a trio of metropolises that are each entirely different.

19. The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Start:  St Moritz End:  Zermatt Departs: Daily (in season) Distance:  180 miles (290km) Duration:  8 hours

Switzerland is a nation of rail fanatics . And if the Swiss could pick one definitive ride, the honor would surely go to the Glacier Express . This eight-hour journey from ritzy St Moritz to Matterhorn-topped Zermatt unzips the lovely Alpine terrain in the country’s south, corkscrewing up to wind-battered mountain passes, teetering across 291 bridges and rumbling through 91 tunnels. It intentionally moves at a snail’s pace so you take in those out-of-this-world views of meadows, forest, falls and mountains – all through panoramic windows. 

20. The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Start:   Chur End:  Tirano Departs: Daily Distance:  96 miles (156km) Duration:  4hrs 30mins

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland’s Bernina Express – but seeing is believing. Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy , this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. The line has even made UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites – and with good reason.

21. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, England, France, Switzerland and Italy

Start:  London End:  Venice Departs: One to six times per month Distance:  1300 miles (2090km) Duration:  Two days

The promise of traveling from London to Venice cocooned in luxury while sitting in twinkly dining cars with fine china and silver cutlery is surely one that endures in the hearts of all rail enthusiasts. While the Orient Express’ various other 20th-century routes are sadly long gone, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a tantalizing sample of the original on a trip that is surely the best journey back in time ever. But this route gained a new rival in 2023 with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita service  – and, in 2025, a new service on the original route is scheduled to hit the rails .

22. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Start:  Nova Gorica End:   Jesenice Departs:  Daily Distance:  55 miles (89km) Duration:  Two hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. The Bohinj Railway connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights from Nova Gorica, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River , passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and on past world-famous Lake Bled to Jesenice.

23. The Ghan, Australia

Start:   Adelaide End:  Darwin Departs: Twice a week Distance:   1851 miles (2979km) Duration:  54 hours

Cutting vertically across the Outback heart of Australia , straight through the desolate deserts of the Red Centre, the Ghan is one of the southern hemisphere’s most unforgettable train journeys. This cross-country train service has provided a vital link between Australia’s north and south coasts, traveling north across the country from well-to-do, orderly Adelaide to the tropical, croc-filled creeks of Darwin. Luxurious and legendary, it’s Australia’s elegant version of the Orient Express.

24. Cannes to Menton, France

Start:   Cannes End:  Menton Departs: Daily Distance:  34 miles (55km) Duration:  1hr 20mins

It’s the stuff that travel dreams are made of: a slow train skirting the French Mediterranean coast, through towns whose very names resonate with glamour – Cannes, Antibes , Monaco . On one side of the tracks lies that sparkling sea; on the other, dramatic cliffs interspersed with the gorgeous coastal towns of the French Riviera . You can make a long day of this short trip, hopping on and off to explore a street market, linger at an outdoor terrace, take a breath of history and get a taste of luxury.

This article was first published Aug 5, 2019 and updated Jan 2, 2024.

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Travel America In Style With These 22 Incredible Train Journeys

Posted: May 28, 2024 | Last updated: May 28, 2024

Exploring America's railroads

The US is prime road-trip country but, to get the best views and the most relaxing experience, you really can't beat a trip on one of America's railroads.

Read on as we round up our favorite journeys from across the land, taking in everything from epic cross-country escapes to short-run heritage routes in beautiful natural surroundings. 

Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks

A new Rocky Mountaineer route takes passengers on an exciting two-day journey between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Rockies to the Red Rocks was launched in August 2021 and all packages include meals onboard as well as accommodation in Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver. 

California Zephyr: Chicago, Illinois to San Francisco, California

Whichever way you travel – Chicago to San Francisco or vice-versa – the 2,438-mile (3,924km), 51-hour cross-country journey on the California Zephyr is a breathtaking experience. From the impossibly majestic mountain ranges of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada to the vast expanse of the Utah desert, the route offers stunning scenery from start to finish.

There's a variety of accommodation on the train, from coach class seats to superliner bedroom suites, and travelers in private rooms have access to flexible dining that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a wide selection of drinks. A ride in the observation car, called Sightseer Lounge, is an unmissable experience, especially when passing through the rocky Colorado scenery.

Pacific Surfliner: San Diego to San Luis Obispo, California

The Pacific Surfliner skirts 350 miles along California’s Pacific Coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Skimming the gleaming coastline and the Pacific Coast Highway, the Surfliner passes the narrow Simi Valley towards the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills. Leaving Los Angeles, the train then runs parallel with the Old Pacific Highway before re-joining the Californian waves and various coastal towns and nudging into San Diego.

The full journey takes just over eight hours. Normally, the route offers 13 daily round-trip services between San Diego and Los Angeles, five to Santa Barbara and two to San Luis Obispo, so travelers can be flexible with their itinerary. Schedules have recently changed and the service is also impacted by track closures so do check for updates before booking.

Cape Cod Central Railroad: Hyannis to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

A heritage railway dating back to the mid-1800s, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers scenic excursions, swanky dining journeys and special events from May to October. The standard circular two-hour trip starts from Hyannis, known as the Capital of the Cape. It winds its way through the quaint villages of West Barnstable and Sandwich (the oldest on the Cape), along the Cape Cod Canal and across the landmark Buzzards Bay vertical lift bridge.

On the way, travelers see sand dunes, salt marshes and cranberry bogs and hear fascinating commentary about Cape Cod Canal and other points of interest. Tickets are available on the company's website.

Cardinal: New York City, New York to Chicago, Illinois

Cardinal, Amtrak’s thrice-weekly service, takes travelers overnight from New York City to Chicago, calling in at Washington DC, Charlottesville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Three other routes connect these busy cities, but the Cardinal is easily the most scenic of them all. The views get especially arresting across the Shenandoah Valley, over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny range, before winding through West Virginia’s gorgeous New River Gorge.

Heading westward, the train rolls along the banks of the Ohio River to the skyline of Cincinnati. From there, the journey continues via Indianapolis, before wending its way up to Chicago in time for breakfast. There's a wide range of accommodation and dining options available – check the Amtrak website for current information on service times and amenities offered.

Grand Canyon Railway: Williams to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

The trip on the Grand Canyon Railway begins in Williams, a small town 30 miles west of Flagstaff. Meandering its way through ponderosa pine forests and open prairie, the train terminates in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, before heading back to Williams. The train departs at 9.30am daily.

Those who pick the Dome car will have access to a private bar service with incredible views on the side. Opt for the luxury Parlor and you'll be able to step out onto the open-air rear platform and see the changing landscape from a different perspective. Passengers can keep their eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, mountain lions, mule deer, bald eagles and horned owls too.

Strasburg Rail Road, Pennsylvania

America’s oldest operating railroad, the Strasburg Rail Road first puffed off the buffers in 1832. Today it takes its passengers on a whistle-stop tour through Pennsylvanian Amish country. Touring the farmlands of Lancaster County, tended by the Amish, the regular excursion is a short but sweet 4.5 mile journey each way.

Four steam locomotives still pull original rolling stock on the 45-minute round trip to and from Paradise, and an audio commentary dispenses nuggets of knowledge on the nation’s oldest continuously operating short line railway. There are typically numerous special outings, such as the Wine & Cheese ride, themed dinner trains and unique friends and family experiences, like escape rooms, trivia nights and even a cabaret. Keen trainspotters can also look out for the Amtrak trains racing past on a parallel line.

Southwest Chief: Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California

The Southwest Chief train beats a 40-hour-journey through the American West, escorting travelers from the shore of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean. It passes through eight states and calls in at Kansas City, Albuquerque and Flagstaff along the way. The epic journey is often billed as Amtrak's most scenic and crosses the Mississippi, sweeping past wheat fields, pueblos, peaks and deserts.

The train, departing three times a week, carves its way through canyon passages so narrow you could almost touch the walls as you pass. The Chief also follows the weathered wagon path of the old Santa Fe Trail – an experience impossible to recreate on the road. Passengers might have to hustle for a spot in the Observation Car to soak up the best views, but it's well worth it. 

Coast Starlight: Los Angeles, California to Seattle, Washington

The Coast Starlight is a wonderful 35-hour journey, linking some of the West Coast’s finest cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland and Seattle. Soon after leaving LA’s sprawl behind, the Starlight treats travelers to some of the most glittering Californian views on the Pacific Coast. After that, there’s the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests and fertile valleys to enjoy.

The train departs daily (check the Amtrak site for details) and is grouped among the most spectacular train routes in America. As with all long-distance Amtrak trains, there's a wide range of accommodation available, as well as the Sightseer Lounge to soak in those sparkling views of the Pacific shoreline.

Tennessee Valley Railroad, Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Railroad is a rolling museum of vintage trains, offering a variety of trips that show what traveling was like during the Golden Age of Rail. Excursions include a 50-mile half-day round trip to the Hiwassee Loop from Etowah, as well as a six-hour tour of the historic Civil War town Chickamauga, Georgia, via the former Central of Georgia Railroad.

The Copperhill Special ride heads south, winding up in the twin towns of Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia by lunchtime, before returning in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Summerville Steam Special follows a historic nine-hour route from Grand Junction depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia and back. Trains run on select dates from April to November. 

Cass Scenic Railroad, West Virginia

The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a charming lumber heritage railroad in the mountains of West Virginia's Pocahontas County. The 11-mile each way route takes in gorgeous country views and the historic company town of Cass. Steam locomotives whisk passengers to the summit of Bald Knob, the highest point on Back Allegheny Mountain, on a 4.5-hour round trip. Passengers ride on open-sided log cars and a traditional "King of the Road hobo lunch" (meat and potatoes cooked in foil) is served on board after passing Old Spruce junction.

There's a 30-minute layover at Bald Knob, 4,842 feet (1,476m) above sea level. One of West Virginia's highest mountains, it's the perfect spot to enjoy fine views across two states. Back in Cass, a company town founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, passengers can soak up the atmosphere and imagine it in its logging heyday.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado

The coal-fired locomotives are originals from the 1880s and the route follows in the tracks of countless miners, cowboys and gunslingers from the Old West. There are four classes to choose from during the summer season from May through to October. Check the company's website for the latest information.

Adirondack: New York City, New York to Montréal, Canada

The train leaves daily from NYC's Penn Station and the morning departure is perfect for taking in the views as you head north – fall is the best time to travel to witness the colorful trees lining the tracks in all their splendor. Check the Amtrak site for the latest updates. 

Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire

The Mount Washington Cog Railway, the first of its kind in the world, runs scenic rides to the summit of Mount Washington. Located in stunning Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains, this National Historic Engineering Landmark is certainly a fun way to discover rural New England. Passengers ride in brightly colored vintage cars from 1869 and three-hour round trips depart daily from May to October.

Thick forest gives way to rough terrain as the train chugs along the roughly 3.5-mile track, at a 37% gradient at certain points. At the summit, travelers have an hour to walk around the Sherman Adams Visitor Center and visit its Cog Railway Museum. Weather permitting, the 360-degree views embrace five states, Canada and the Atlantic.

Crescent: New York City, New York to New Orleans, Louisiana

Amtrak’s Crescent train ties together two great and vastly different cities: New York and New Orleans. The 30-hour journey kicks off from New York City’s Penn Station, rattling its way down through some of the most populous cities of the northeast corridor in an afternoon, including Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. On the second day the views get more scenic: travelers pass through forests of dogwood trees into the Deep South via Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama before arriving in the Big Easy in the late evening.

Departing three times a week, the journey is at its best in summer, when passengers in the Lounge Car are normally joined by guides from the National Park Service, who are able to share plenty of interesting facts about the points of interest along the way. Check the Amtrak website for the latest updates. 

Redwood Forest Steam Train, California

California’s Roaring Camp Railroads offers two contrasting heritage services, both of which are great fun. Their Redwood Forest Steam Train experience offers the chance to ride on a narrow-gauge steam train over trestle bridges and through towering redwoods. The train is pulled by one of the original 1890s narrow-gauge steam locomotives that were used to haul the giant redwood logs out of the mountains, and are among the oldest and most authentically preserved in America.

The train travels from Felton in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the summit of Bear Mountain for 75 breathtaking minutes. Conveniently, conductors are on hand to narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest. Adults can typically book an Engineer For The Day experience and ride in the cab to assist in the locomotive's running, while little ones will love a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, North Carolina

All the GSMR's excursions leave from Bryson City and there's a choice between steam or diesel locomotive journeys. As well as the standard scenic excursions, there are also special events for kids such as PEANUTS Easter Beagle Express and PEANUTS The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. The summer season runs between March and November, while the steam train journeys run from June to December – check the GSMR website for the latest information.

White Pass & Yukon Route, Alaska

The snow-dusted mountains, pink and yellow wildflowers and rambling hills along the White Pass and Yukon Route appear almost Alpine – but they're actually a snapshot of Alaska's wilderness. The railroad has its roots in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, when it was constructed to help gold prospectors get out of Skagway and into Canada. Today, the 110-mile stretch can be traveled in vintage cars via two excursions. On the journey, passengers take in a panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges and waterfalls.

The two-and-a-half-hour Summit Excursion retraces the original route to the White Pass Summit, 3,000 feet above sea level. It's scheduled to run between April and October and tickets are already available to book. The eight-hour Bennett Scenic Journey between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Yukon in Canada travels along the same route taken by gold prospectors.

Empire Builder: Chicago, Illinois to Portland or Seattle, Washington

The Empire Builder is yet another of Amtrak’s epic cross-country routes covering vast swathes of the USA and incredibly varied terrain. There’s a historic dimension to the journey too, since the train follows portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Departing from Chicago, travelers glide past the Mississippi River before hitting the illuminated night skyline of Minneapolis and St Paul.

The 46-hour journey takes travelers through the North Dakota plains and through Glacier National Park towards Spokane on day three. From there the route forks: there's a Portland option, heading down through the Columbia River Gorge past sublime views of Mount Hood and Beacon Rock, or a journey to Seattle via Leavenworth, dubbed The Bavarian Village. Trains depart daily – visit the Amtrak website for the latest information.

Denali Star: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Passengers can typically pair their train journeys with day trips in Talkeetna, an excursion in Denali National Park, or even plan a multi-day itinerary with overnight stays along the way. In addition to the standard stops, the train will provide a flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane. The trains depart daily between May to September. 

Napa Valley Wine Train, California

It isn’t just about the wine, though. There’s a lot of history packed into these century-old railcars, which trundle elegantly along a route stretching back more than 150 years. The carriages, with opulent velvet-upholstered seats, mahogany paneling and brass, have been sensitively restored to evoke the glamor of vintage train travel.

Sky Railway, New Mexico

Sky Railway in New Mexico is a heritage line that's recently gotten a new lease of life, with new routes debuted in December 2021. The 141-year-old Santa Fe Railway was saved by a group of enthusiasts ( Game of Thrones author George RR Martin among them) in 2020 and now the historic rail line has been turned into a fantasy-filled adventure ride.   

Departing from Santa Fe, adventures range in length and offers a wide range of themes, from culinary experiences to an opportunity to journey back in time to the days of the Wild West. Guests can also do a murder mystery or board the StarGazer Express at night to take in the glorious celestial show the Galisteo Basin offers.

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Northeast Corridor Train Service Resumes Following Overnight Meltdown

Fallen electrical wires in New Jersey brought Amtrak and New Jersey Transit service to a halt on the Northeast Corridor Wednesday night, and transit agencies warned of delays into Thursday.

By Patrick McGeehan and Alexandra E. Petri

Train service along the Northeast Corridor south of New York City ground to a halt Wednesday evening because of fallen overhead power cables in Kearny, N.J., stranding commuters and travelers and leading to potential delays into the Thursday morning commute.

The power outage disrupted service between New York and Newark, starting at 5:05 p.m. and the backups cascaded down the corridor that is the main line between New York and Washington. Some trains bound for Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan, America’s busiest rail hub, terminated in Philadelphia, where passengers were left to find alternate transportation, said Jason Abrams, a spokesman for Amtrak.

Early Thursday morning, New Jersey Transit posted an alert on its website warning commuters of possible delays and cancellations “due to residual impacts resulting from crew availability and equipment that was out of position as a result of last evening’s service disruption.”

As of around 8 a.m., however, there appeared to be limited reports of problems.

The disruption that began Wednesday afternoon lasted well into the evening.

At 10:05 p.m., hundreds of people rushed the entryway of track 11 at Penn Station, where a train to Trenton was boarding nearly four-and-a-half hours behind schedule.

At about 10:30 p.m., Mr. Abrams said trains were running again south of Penn Station. By 11 p.m., he said, northbound service had also resumed. But delays and cancellations could continue on Thursday because of the “residual impacts” of Wednesday’s chaos, New Jersey Transit said on social media at about 11:30 p.m.

Sheydline Moise, 23, was shuffling forward in the crowd. She’d left work to catch a 6:27 p.m. train home toward Woodbridge, N.J., and had been waiting at the station ever since. At one point, she boarded a train for about 20 minutes, only for authorities to tell passengers to disembark, she said.

“I almost started to cry,” Ms. Moise said, adding that Uber was quoting a fare of nearly $200. “This has been a super long night,” she said, sounding exasperated. “I’m definitely calling off tomorrow.”

Hundreds of people packed the upper and lower levels of Penn Station, sitting on the floor, lining the steps, leaning against suitcases, all staring up looking defeated at a departures board that listed delay after delay.

“It looks like everyone is somewhat confused,” Jack Ardingron, 72, said as he ate a bag of popcorn and surveyed the scene.

His wife Carol Ardingron, 66, held a playbill for Mother Play, the Broadway show the couple came in from Clinton, N.J., to see. Their train into the city got stuck for about 25 minutes just outside Penn Station, Ms. Ardingron said. “Now we’re stuck on the way out. It’s a nice circle,” she said.

Late in the evening, disgruntled fans of the New York Rangers descended into the station after watching their team lose a playoff game to the Florida Panthers in Madison Square Garden above. “We left disappointed and then we come down here and no trains are running,” said Joe Hagan, 56. He and his friends decided to share an Uber back to New Jersey.

At Union Station in Washington, the last northbound train of the night was boarding just after 10:30 p.m. One of the Amtrak agents in the station said the train would make it to New York — “eventually.”

Mr. Abrams said railroad officials did not yet know what brought the wires down or if the problem was related to the construction in Kearny of a replacement for the 114-year-old Portal Bridge that Amtrak and New Jersey Transit depend on. The new bridge is the first phase of the Gateway project to add a tunnel under the Hudson River and increase rail capacity between New York City and New Jersey.

At 11 p.m., the agency’s website reported that service was suspended in both directions on the corridor between New York and the Metropark station and on the New Jersey Coast Line between New York and Long Branch, N.J. It said service was also suspended in both direction on the Raritan Valley Line. It gave no indication of when service might resume.

Some New Jersey Transit commuter trains continued to operate out of Hoboken, N.J. Riders on New Jersey Transit could have their tickets and passes honored on PATH trains, between Manhattan and New Jersey, according to a spokesman for New Jersey Transit. To avoid Penn Station, travelers also could take ferries to Hoboken, where six New Jersey Transit lines offer service.

In Washington, cabdrivers waited for hours without getting a passenger in front of Union Station.

“I did nothing today, just wasting time, talking to friends,” said Uzzi Afeworki, a taxi driver.

Christopher Maag , Minho Kim and Yan Zhuang contributed reporting.

Patrick McGeehan is a Times reporter who covers the economy of New York City and its airports and other transportation hubs. More about Patrick McGeehan

May 23, 2024

VIA RAIL UNVEILS ITS PLAN TO TRANSFORM PASSENGER RAIL IN CANADA

MONTRÉAL, May 23, 2024 – Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail), unveiled today the Corporation’s strategic plan: VIAction 2030. Through this ambitious plan based on concrete objectives, VIA Rail aims to become a best-in-class operator in North America and a leader in integrated mobility at the heart of the passenger journey in Canada.

Among its 2030 objectives, VIA Rail is committed to:

• Generating savings equivalent to 15% of its operating deficit;
• Reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2005;
• Increasing its capacity by 18%.

“Canada was built by rail, and I fundamentally believe in the transformative potential of this industry,” said Mario Péloquin. “I have the ambition to act now to create meaningful change for our passengers, and this plan gives us a clear roadmap which allows us to aim higher and transform the way we operate.”

The train is the way to the future to, among other things, meet the economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Over the past five years, the Government of Canada has invested more than $3 billion in the modernization of VIA Rail, including the replacement of its Québec City – Windsor corridor fleet to offer a more modern, comfortable, and accessible travel experience. This strategic plan is the logical next step of this major modernization effort and will allow VIA Rail to open the next chapter of its history.

“The five pillars of this plan will enable us, among other things, to improve our operations through innovation and continuous improvement and to collaborate with the various players of the transportation industry to better serve Canadians from coast to coast. Thanks to this five-year strategy, we are convinced that even more people will choose the train as the comfortable, sustainable and accessible transportation solution,” said Vanessa Cherenfant, Chief Strategy Officer.

PROJECTS ALREADY UNDERWAY

VIA Rail has already initiated efforts on several central aspects of this plan and is well positioned to meet its objectives.

• New trains from coast to coast: the federal government’s latest budget confirmed support for VIA Rail to replace its long-distance, regional, and remote trains across the country. Over the coming years, our passengers from coast to coast will be able to enjoy new modern and comfortable trains meeting the highest accessibility standards.
• Integrated mobility at the heart of our vision: VIA Rail aims to position itself as a unifying force for integrated mobility in the country, particularly by contributing to the integration of its stations with the cities’ various transportation networks and by helping densify surrounding neighbourhoods.
• Always improving the customer journey: As part of this plan, VIA Rail wants to improve its service and offer the best passenger experience by, for example, meeting the diverse accessibility needs of its customers and offering one of the first zero-waste experiences on board a train in the world.

To learn more about our strategic plan, we invite you to visit our website: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/company/strategic-plan