Winter doesn’t just change the view—it supercharges it. One cold snap and suddenly the country’s quiet rail lines turn into moving postcards, gliding through scenes that feel stolen from a snow-globe.
These rides aren’t just pretty—they feel like adventures. The kind where you pull your scarf tighter, sip something warm, and press your forehead to the glass because you don’t want to miss a second.
Here are six U.S. train trips that turn spectacular the moment winter arrives.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder
The Empire Builder takes you on a captivating journey through the northern U.S., where snow-capped mountains stand tall and serene.
As the train winds its way through Montana’s Glacier National Park, the winter landscape offers a picturesque view that feels like stepping into a snow globe.
With its large windows, passengers can enjoy the pristine beauty of the countryside, where deer and elk may occasionally make a snowy appearance.
This route not only offers stunning winter views but also a chance to experience the peaceful silence of nature blanketed in snow.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Imagine a vintage steam train chugging through a snowy canyon, its path flanked by rugged peaks. The Durango & Silverton line offers just that—a nostalgic journey into Colorado’s winter wonderland.
This narrow gauge railroad, a relic of the 1880s, provides a unique perspective of the Animas River’s icy expanse.
The train’s warmth contrasts with the chilly scenes outside, bringing an old-world charm to your winter adventure. This historic ride is perfect for those wanting an authentic taste of Colorado’s wintry beauty.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr
The California Zephyr takes passengers from Chicago to San Francisco, offering a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada under a winter blanket.
As the train ascends the mountains, passengers witness a landscape transformed by snow and frost. Glistening pines and snow-laden peaks create a mesmerizing backdrop for this cross-country route.
Known for its breathtaking scenery, the Sierra stretch dazzles with wintry magic, inviting travelers to relax and watch the world turn white outside their windows.
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight
Traveling from Seattle to Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, especially striking in winter. Snow dusts the coastal mountains while waves crash dramatically against the shore.
This unique combination of sea and snow provides a striking contrast, making the scenery unforgettable. As the train glides along the coast, passengers are treated to California’s winter magic, where ocean and mountains paint a picturesque winter story.
Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train
In Alaska, the Aurora Winter Train offers a chance to witness the northern lights dancing across the night sky. This journey takes passengers through remote wilderness, where snow blankets the landscape in quietude.
The train’s route between Anchorage and Fairbanks is a canvas of winter’s beauty, offering glimpses of wildlife and icy rivers. With its leisurely pace, travelers can fully absorb the serene, untouched beauty of Alaska in winter. The chance to see the aurora borealis is a magical bonus to this scenic ride.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers an enchanting ride through the snowy landscapes of New Mexico and Colorado.
This vintage train, with its steam engine, creates a cloud of warmth against the crisp winter air. Travelers are treated to views of snow-draped mountains and expansive wilderness.
The heritage of this route, combined with the serene winter scenery, makes it a charming journey for those interested in history and nature alike.