I’ve always loved travel on the rails. Of course, not as much as I enjoy being in the sky, but there’s something mesmerizing about settling into a comfy seat or snoozing in a cozy berth while changing and inspiring scenery floats by your window. Add to that the absence of any security lines, less chance of delays and normally ending up in the city center, and train travel has any number of distinct advantages. At a time when travelers are starting to take to the skies in ever-greater numbers and even the middle seats are filling up on airplanes, relaxed travel by train has garnered quite the allure. And there's no comparison with driving. Unlike cars, there's no traffic to deal with, no GPS to program or worse yet, taking a wrong turn and getting lost. On a train, you get to see countryside you often wouldn't see if you were driving the highway or flying five miles high above the clouds. Train travel is also more social and a great way for families to travel together and have fun.
Indeed, families have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to train travel. Destinations are varied, trip lengths range from a few hours to several days and there are abundant opportunities to get off the trains and explore places en route to your final destination. Train trips also have the added benefit of greater sustainability as a form of travel. Riding the rails is significantly lower in terms of carbon emissions than driving or flying and, depending upon the length of the trip, train journeys can reduce emissions as they are nearly always the winning option for moderate-to-long distances. With that in mind, check out these train journeys for green and multigenerational vacation ideas that’ll suit the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents.
Coast Starlight
Many consider Amtrak’s Coast Starlight journey to be among the most scenic train routes in the country, traversing 1,400 miles between Los Angeles and Seattle. It’s true, the views are reported to be outstanding, particularly in Southern California. The train hugs the coastline for some 350 miles. It offers ample opportunity to view gorgeous vistas of sand, surf and even cliffs, while on weekends, local families can be seen enjoying an afternoon at the beach. Once the train heads northward and inland, the views change to agricultural communities and wine regions, like Paso Robles. Upon entering Northern California and Oregon, pine forests and snow-capped mountains will also come into view and it’s nearly impossible to not look out the window. The coach seats are fairly comfortable, but the glass-dome observation car is the place to be for stunning vistas. In the front of the car, comfy seats face outward, allowing riders to more fully enjoy the passing landscape. In the back of the car are booth-style seats. Bring a deck of cards, dominoes or some travel-size games to pass the time. It’s also a great spot to eat a snack from the café car, but seats in this car are in very high demand, so it’s never a guarantee you’ll find one. You’re always likely to meet other travelers who’re also eager to experience the Coast Starlight. Train attendants are likely to share secrets on which rail stops are best for ordering take-out that’ll be delivered right to the train. Sleeper car passengers get first dibs on dinner reservations so you may have to take a later seating for the table-service dining car, but it’s worth the wait for the flatware, wine service and perhaps, a signature steak dinner. For children, menu choices include fare like hot dogs or macaroni and cheese The total trip time is about thirty-five hours. Sleeping accommodations include roomettes, bedrooms, accessible bedrooms and family bedrooms. The latter are unique in that there are windows on both sides of the train, while traditional and accessible bedrooms have bathrooms. For more information, visit www.amtrackguide.com.
Pacific Surfliner
If you don’t relish overnighting on the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, how about boarding the 8½ hour, 350-mile Pacific Surfliner instead? Hop on in San Luis Obispo in the morning and you could be in San Diego by mid-afternoon, but it's far better to stop off a little on the way. The tracks hug the shoreline for a significant part of the train’s route, so think about whether you want to enjoy ocean views or cityscapes before reserving your seat. Highlights along the way include Santa Barbara, San Juan Capistrano and, of course, the City of Angels itself. The Pacific Surfliner travels through a six-county coastal region in Southern California. Amenities include power outlets, free WiFi, comfortable seats, a café car, bike racks, onboard restrooms and more. Complimentary snacks, drinks and newspapers are available in Business Class. The route offers breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, rolling hills and canyons. Much of the Surfliner's scenic route follows the Pacific Coast with the tracks being less than 100 feet from the ocean in some locations. In addition, these trains travel inland through expansive farmlands while traversing Ventura County and industrial backlots in the Los Angeles Basin, the San Fernando Valley and parts of Orange County. Here’s an interesting factoid. Because the stations at the ends of the line do not have the means to turn equipment, trains are operated in push-pull mode. While the locomotive pulls the train from Los Angeles to San Diego, it actually pushes the train all the way back to LA!
Via Rail Canada from Winnipeg to Churchill
It’s possible that Manitoba has never made it onto your list of must-see travel destinations. But, that might change once you discover the town of Churchill, also known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” The Via Rail two-day, two-night train trip from Winnipeg to Churchill is the perfect way to experience the vast and majestic Manitoba wilderness—think dense northern forests and vast arctic tundra. Churchill offers more than just polar bears. This scientifically significant polar gateway is also one best places to experience Arctic activities like seasonal kayaking with beluga whales, bird watching, and marveling at the aurora borealis, which is visible about 300 nights per year. Located on the Hudson Bay, Churchill is remote, and the train ride offers both the only dry land passage to Churchill and the most climate friendly option for getting there. That's a major plus if you’re a fan of polar bears and other wildlife. The route is the northernmost for Via Rail Canada and departs two days a week from the City of Winnipeg. The three day, two night journey offers a luxury of stillness and you have to be somewhat flexible. Because of the permafrost laden land and its remote location (and likely a host of other reasons), there are no roads to Churchill. The only way in or out of the town is by train or plane. The tracks rest upon a bed of permafrost, so small changes in temperature can have intense ramifications. If it gets too hot or too cold, the shifts in the ground can cause a shift in the tracks, which can then translate into a change in arrival time. The conditions in the region can be extreme, but it just makes the journey that much more of an adventure.
California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco
The California Zephyr route is among the most scenic train trips in the US. Traveling from the San Francisco Bay area to Chicago, passengers will enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain ranges, cross the Colorado River, be amazed by the vivid Utah desert, and glide through the grain fields of the Great Plains. While the Zephyr travels from San Francisco to Chicago in just over two full days, heading to Colorado (from either starting point) offers the perfect 24-hour train ride for younger travelers. With five Colorado stops, including stations that service Denver, Aspen, and the Rocky Mountain National Park, families are sure to find the perfect mix of train ride and on-the-ground activities if they only want to spend one night on a train. Covering much of the original transcontinental railroad route and crossing the Continental Divide, the Zephyr is perfect for American history enthusiasts of all ages. At 2,438 miles, it’s Amtrak's longest daily route. The railroad claims it’s one of its most scenic too, with views of the upper Colorado River valley in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. The modern train is the second iteration of a train named California Zephyr; the original was privately operated and ran on a different route through Nevada and California. This one will provide wonderful views for you and your family ranging from the snow-capped mountains of the Sierras, past beautiful rivers and breathtaking canyons, along with deserts, and cityscapes. There can be no doubt as to why it’s on the bucket list of so many travelers.
Alaska Railroad
Alaska can be a daunting destination to plan for, which is what makes Alaska Railroad’s offerings extra appealing. Convenient, scenic, and close to all that spectacular nature has to offer, this is a trip that can be tailored to any age and family size. Single day excursions and multi-day train trips, stops along the way or direct train journeys; however you want it, you can build it. The Alaska Railroad offers service to many of the forty-ninth state’s top tourist destinations, including Anchorage, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Fairbanks. Additionally, the train is often the only way to get to certain places in Alaska, including the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop in the Chugach National Forest. Onboard narration enriches the experience by acquainting travelers with the stories behind the sights. Hop the train as a way to get somewhere specific, or choose a summer or winter exploration package and let Alaska unfold around you. With packages that range from two to ten days, every family can find something that suits their needs.
When you're on a train, the only thing you need to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery. These trips will give you plenty to enjoy and, if you haven’t yet considered a train vacation, I hope this post has peeked your interest in riding the rails.
Until next time…safe travels.
Travel the US by train - it had not occurred to me to check out the options ... I will now!
This was a fun read. Sounds like a great and easy way to travel on a vacation.!