The MOST SCENIC TRAINS in North America (2025 Guide)
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Date: 2024-11-03
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Comments and reviews: 20
multanmangel3887
Here is how I would have ranked them.
1. California Zephyr
2. Empire Builder
3. Coast Starlight
4. VIA Rail Connection
5. Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
Honorable Mention
Southwest Chief
I have not ridden on the last two, hence their rankings, but just seeing them makes me want to go. The Southwest Chief is a beautiful trip. When I went, they had a Native American tribal leader from Albuquerque to Flagstaff give a tour of the landscape. Thanks for the video.
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Here is how I would have ranked them.
1. California Zephyr
2. Empire Builder
3. Coast Starlight
4. VIA Rail Connection
5. Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
Honorable Mention
Southwest Chief
I have not ridden on the last two, hence their rankings, but just seeing them makes me want to go. The Southwest Chief is a beautiful trip. When I went, they had a Native American tribal leader from Albuquerque to Flagstaff give a tour of the landscape. Thanks for the video.
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NealCMH
I rode the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in the 1970s. It is considered one of the most scenic trains in Canada, It is a round-trip excursion train that starts and ends in Sault Ste. Marie ON. It used to be part of a train that traveled from the Soo to Hearst ON. Unfortunately, that train has been discontinued. The tour train used to be available every day of the year. It is now limited to the months of September and October.
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I rode the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in the 1970s. It is considered one of the most scenic trains in Canada, It is a round-trip excursion train that starts and ends in Sault Ste. Marie ON. It used to be part of a train that traveled from the Soo to Hearst ON. Unfortunately, that train has been discontinued. The tour train used to be available every day of the year. It is now limited to the months of September and October.
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mholtebeck
Pro tip, go west on California Zephyr, especially in the summer. Trains slow down when it's hot, and you might miss the Rockies with a delay. West bound, the train gets to Denver in the morning, meaning you'll get the full Rockies. You might miss the Sierra, but that's only if it's really late. However, sunrise on salt flat is really pretty, and sunset in Reno is beautiful.
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Pro tip, go west on California Zephyr, especially in the summer. Trains slow down when it's hot, and you might miss the Rockies with a delay. West bound, the train gets to Denver in the morning, meaning you'll get the full Rockies. You might miss the Sierra, but that's only if it's really late. However, sunrise on salt flat is really pretty, and sunset in Reno is beautiful.
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sunniclark6827
If you're thinking to take the train trans Canada, take that money, rent a car and drive! Our train was so delayed we missed the ENTIRE eastern part from north to south because the train was trying to make up time so we missed the sights, shopping, and camaraderie as we traveled the entire route AT NIGHT!
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If you're thinking to take the train trans Canada, take that money, rent a car and drive! Our train was so delayed we missed the ENTIRE eastern part from north to south because the train was trying to make up time so we missed the sights, shopping, and camaraderie as we traveled the entire route AT NIGHT!
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jf0817bl
Hi Jeb, I have done all of these. My ranking might be a bit different. I would put the Canadian first, the Zephyr second, and the empire builder third. I loved the coast starlight too, but I think it just doesn't quite compare. Maybe I just love the plains/prairies more than the ocean.
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Hi Jeb, I have done all of these. My ranking might be a bit different. I would put the Canadian first, the Zephyr second, and the empire builder third. I loved the coast starlight too, but I think it just doesn't quite compare. Maybe I just love the plains/prairies more than the ocean.
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debraedwards7048
I've taken a few of these-- Seattle to Vancouver, the Alaskan Seward to Anchorage- and The Zephyr in September 2023-- what a trip! Better than I even anticipated-- and arrived a hour early! Considering either the Empire or Canada Via Rail next. Or Coastal Too many choices.
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I've taken a few of these-- Seattle to Vancouver, the Alaskan Seward to Anchorage- and The Zephyr in September 2023-- what a trip! Better than I even anticipated-- and arrived a hour early! Considering either the Empire or Canada Via Rail next. Or Coastal Too many choices.
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jeromecha1
Hey Jeb,
We did the Rockies to Red Rocks Trip a couple of years ago and it was fabulous! We ended up staying in Moab overnight and then flying back to Denver for a night before we finally made our way back to The Triad. Thanks for all that you both do. Loving your videos!
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Hey Jeb,
We did the Rockies to Red Rocks Trip a couple of years ago and it was fabulous! We ended up staying in Moab overnight and then flying back to Denver for a night before we finally made our way back to The Triad. Thanks for all that you both do. Loving your videos!
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robrosier9797
I've watched them all before and now I'm going back to watch them all again. I love your train trips. I live in Tasmania, Australia and we don't have passenger trains here, so I rely on you guys for the best advice for my next US trip. Thanks for another great video.
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I've watched them all before and now I'm going back to watch them all again. I love your train trips. I live in Tasmania, Australia and we don't have passenger trains here, so I rely on you guys for the best advice for my next US trip. Thanks for another great video.
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dnburgess12
Love this! I've done the Cali Zeph but only up to Denver, really want to do the Coastal Starlight. A wonderful truly beautiful day trip train is the Durango Silverton, the views were so stunning that my teenagers put their phones down, which is the highest compliment.
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Love this! I've done the Cali Zeph but only up to Denver, really want to do the Coastal Starlight. A wonderful truly beautiful day trip train is the Durango Silverton, the views were so stunning that my teenagers put their phones down, which is the highest compliment.
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iankm1
Ahhh, not a fan of this style video replacing a new video on Saturdays to be honest. If you want to do list videos based off old adventures that would be great but do it mid week and not in place of a new video please. still love you guys just some feedback.
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Ahhh, not a fan of this style video replacing a new video on Saturdays to be honest. If you want to do list videos based off old adventures that would be great but do it mid week and not in place of a new video please. still love you guys just some feedback.
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scmcdermott888
Great video as always, Jeb! I did the Coast Starlight all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle a number of years ago and greatly enjoyed it. The Empire Builder and California Zephyr are also on my bucket list.
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Great video as always, Jeb! I did the Coast Starlight all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle a number of years ago and greatly enjoyed it. The Empire Builder and California Zephyr are also on my bucket list.
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ROLLMEAWAY
I just finished a 10 day 7 train journey including 3 of the top 5! The Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and the Empire Builder. Granted, I’ll have to do the southern leg of the Starlight for it to fully count!
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I just finished a 10 day 7 train journey including 3 of the top 5! The Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and the Empire Builder. Granted, I’ll have to do the southern leg of the Starlight for it to fully count!
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brummiecraig
Listening to jeb talking about the scenery almost sent me to sleep. I wonder if jeb has thought about releasing audio to help people nod off. I was hoping jeb said choo-choo after saying all aboard.
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Listening to jeb talking about the scenery almost sent me to sleep. I wonder if jeb has thought about releasing audio to help people nod off. I was hoping jeb said choo-choo after saying all aboard.
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sandiandgregh
We ride the trains in the UK as much as we can (ferries and buses too) when on holiday. In our area of Canada, trains are sporadic and expensive. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure.
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We ride the trains in the UK as much as we can (ferries and buses too) when on holiday. In our area of Canada, trains are sporadic and expensive. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure.
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itsnotme07
What an awesome list Jeb! Sadly I've been on none of them, but I've driven the California Coast Starlight and California Zephyr routes. LOL
I hope to change that soon. and experience them.
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What an awesome list Jeb! Sadly I've been on none of them, but I've driven the California Coast Starlight and California Zephyr routes. LOL
I hope to change that soon. and experience them.
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matthewelliott2213
Just took a very short train loop from Skagway through White Pass circling just past the Canadian border. An amazing taste of Alaskan beauty-- stunning day trip if you get the chance!
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Just took a very short train loop from Skagway through White Pass circling just past the Canadian border. An amazing taste of Alaskan beauty-- stunning day trip if you get the chance!
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ipats
I was on Amtrak from St. Paul to Milwaukee around March last year. I love that they had window facing seats. I just sat on one of those seats and enjoy the view all the way. Very very beautiful!
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I was on Amtrak from St. Paul to Milwaukee around March last year. I love that they had window facing seats. I just sat on one of those seats and enjoy the view all the way. Very very beautiful!
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brownboyut
My wife and I took the Zephyr going westbound last month. While we enjoyed the scenery, the extremely rough ride through Nebraska kept us from getting any sleep, really souring our trip.
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My wife and I took the Zephyr going westbound last month. While we enjoyed the scenery, the extremely rough ride through Nebraska kept us from getting any sleep, really souring our trip.
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whatevermightwork
I have taken the California Zephyr from Denver to Salt Lake City in three seasons and has wonderful bites every time. I just need to take the trip in the winter at some point.
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I have taken the California Zephyr from Denver to Salt Lake City in three seasons and has wonderful bites every time. I just need to take the trip in the winter at some point.
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ggreg2258
I have ridden all except the Alaskan train, and I completely agree with you. Riding the train is the opportunity of a lifetime---if you are not dependant on arriving on time!
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I have ridden all except the Alaskan train, and I completely agree with you. Riding the train is the opportunity of a lifetime---if you are not dependant on arriving on time!
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