7 Scenic US Train Routes That Aren't Amtrak (2024)

Amtrak's chugging rhythms are beckoning, especially for travelers who fancy long train rides. While Amtrak is probably the nation's most popular long-distance route, many scenic train trips in the US that aren't Amtrak also lure travelers to embark on exciting adventures—to experience local cultures and reconnect with nature.

Travelers on a budget can try any of the scenic train trips in the US that cost $100 or less. Those who fancy the splashing fall foliage can try the local train routes that are as scenic as it gets in the fall, while summer enthusiasts can hop on the amazing train routes throughout the West Coast, East Coast, or the Midwest.

Whether globetrotters are all for the glory of the whistling mountains, the windswept shores of the coast, or the enchanting melodies of the rivers and waterfalls, the United States has everything to offer to wanderers, and all these are accessible with ease by train routes. Most of these trains have a rich history waiting to be discovered!

Here are some of the most scenic US trains that aren't Amtrak!

7 Williams To Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Onboard the Grand Canyon Railway's vintage trains

The Grand Canyon Railway is a great reboot from the typical road trip through the heart of the Canyon Country in Arizona. As one of the most scenic US train routes, globetrotters will see the Grand Canyon differently on the Grand Canyon railroad, and its lovingly restored train cars will do just that—transporting travelers through the Wild West and giving the Old West a breath of fresh air.

Onboard, travelers will be treated to melodies and entertainment from Western musicians and cowboy characters, all while feasting their eyes on the glorious views that change from high desert to prairie to pine, until they reach the sight of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

6 Anchorage To Seward, Alaska

Onboard the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic Train

Discover the otherworldly landscapes of Alaska on the scenic train route by Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic Train, taking travelers through Turnagain Arm, the majestic mountains of the Chugach Range, the beautiful shores of Resurrection Bay, and the backcountry wilderness of the Railbelt. But these are just a few adventures among the amazing things that travelers can expect on the scenic Alaska Railroad!

A stop at Seward gives passengers a chance to explore its beautiful spots, including a cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park or Resurrection Bay, or they can explore Exit Glacier, ride to a secluded island lodge for a sumptuous lunch, or even enjoy a dog sled ride at the Seavey kennel! Travelers can also stroll Seward's main center, which is dotted with charming shops and restaurants.

5 Buzzards Bay To West Barnstable, Massachusetts

Onboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad trains

Thinking about a New England adventure? Take it to the Cape Cod Central Railroad, one of the scenic US train routes that lets travelers see Cape Cod onboard the excursion trains. It's a two-hour narrated trip taking travelers through the iconic Cape Cod Canal across the Cape Cod Canal Railroad bridge, then to Sandwich, the oldest village on the Cape, and the Great Salt Marsh in West Barnstable.

It's one of the scenic train rides throughout New England with the best views, such as beautiful dunes, cranberry bogs, and spectacular views of the bay. Along the way, travelers will also learn about the history of Cape Cod, its coastal ecology, wildlife, and much more!

4 Kingston To Hurley Mountain, New York

Onboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Catskill Flyer

See Catskill's natural beauty on a train! While there are many scenic road trips in the Catskills to try, some of the scenery isn't accessible by car, and a train ride can fix that. The Catskill Mountain Railroad's Catskill Flyer train offers a 1.5-hour journey, pulling travelers from Westbrook Lane Station in Kingston, New York to Hurley Mountain.

Passengers will be in awe of the scenic views of some of the oldest farmlands in the US, crossing Esopus Creek, through the Hurley Flats, and then climbing Hurley Mountain. The views of the mountains, forests, and rolling hills are unmatched during the train ride, and travelers can choose to ride the open-air flat-car trains or the vintage coaches.

3 Durango To Silverton, Colorado

Onboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's Silverton Train

! Offering a unique experience in Colorado, the Silverton Train pulls travelers from the Durango Depot through the scenic San Juan Mountains, along the Animas River through the Animas Canyon, on the way to the historic mining town of Silverton, Colorado.

As one of the scenic US train routes, globetrotters will also be treated to the glorious views of San Juan National Forest with this seven-hour round-trip, and a two-hour layover in Silverton, where travelers can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and gastronomy. Also, there's no cell service or even Wi-Fi throughout the Animas Canyon, making this train route an authentic nature trip!

2 Marshfield Base Station To Mount Washington Summit, New Hampshire

Onboard Mount Washington Cog Railway's biodiesel locomotives

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is hailed as the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, having been founded in 1869. Those who want to get to the top of New England can find refuge in one of the Cog's biodiesel locomotives, which pulls travelers to the Mount Washington summit, the highest peak in the Northeast.

Historical experiences, enhanced safety and comfort, affordability, and a worry-free mountain experience are just among the reasons why travelers should take the Mount Washington Cog Railway instead of hiking the mountain.

Departing from the Marshfield Base Station in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Cog pulls through the otherworldly beauty of the peaks, as well as the Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, a rocky cascade and a famous swimming hole, until it climbs to the summit of the majestic Mount Washington using a Marsh rack system. Look out for wildlife sightings, such as moose and bears!

1 Ewa To Kahe Point, Hawaii

Onboard Hawaiian Railway Society's trains

Aloha! Located on Oahu, Hawaii's most popular island, the Hawaiian Railway Society is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring Hawaii's railroading history, and to sharing this rich history and culture with the people. The historic railway offers one of the most scenic US train trips throughout the island.

Traversing along the old tracks just west of Old Ewa, the train pulls travelers from Ewa station through historic points of interest, including the ghost town of Gilbert, the site of a sisal plantation, and Kahe Point, where travelers can admire the breathtaking ocean views.

Except for the Sunday 1 P.M. train ride, the train stops in Koolina for ice cream, a perfect treat for this tropical escape!