THE GREAT ESCAPE: 10 AMTRAK VACATIONS THAT HAVE US BOARDING THE TRAIN ALREADY
From Majestic National Parks to iconic desert Canyons, the United States has no shortage of thrilling destinations worthy of vacations. A train journey is undoubtedly the best way to experience this extraordinary region while enjoying every breathtaking landscape along the way. Amtrak trains provide an unparalleled way to explore America with various affordable vacation packages that will also not break the bank.
However, one of the many things to know about Amtrak is that not all routes are made equal. Indeed, some are way better and more famous than others, especially for those seeking to make a vacation out of their trip. This article lists some of the best Amtrak vacations in the US to take. Whether yearning for a retreat in nature or an urban voyage, Amtrak Vacations have a package for everyone.
The Amtrak Glacier National Park Getaway
The Glacier National Park Getaway is an Amtrak vacation package taking guests on a journey to the stunning Glacier National Park, which offers plenty of things to do since it's located in Montana's Rocky Mountains. The package includes a round-trip vacation from any city in the U.S. with a two-night stay at the historical Glacier Park Lodge in the heart of the park.
The highlight of the vacation is the full-day guided Red Bus Tour, taking guests through the various scenic spots in the park. The package also includes a boat tour over the tranquil water of Two Medicine Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: Starting from $1209
Weather conditions can vary greatly on the journey. So, pack clothing layers and appropriate gear such as raincoats or snow boats to be prepared for changing weather.
Related: Seattle To Glacier National Park: Why Train Travel By Amtrak Is A Scenic Option
Amtrak's Grand Canyon Getaway
The Amtrak Grand Canyon Getaway vacation package is among the top Amtrak vacations since it provides an opportunity to explore the stunning Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona at an affordable price. The package includes a Roundtrip coach-class Amtrak transportation to Williams, Arizona, and a two-night stay with breakfast and dinner at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located just a few steps from the train station.
The sightseeing options in the package include a round-trip on the historic Grand Canyon Railway and a guided motor coach tour of the South Rim, accompanied by breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: Starting from $719
The Amtrak Niagara Falls Ultimate Getaway
The Amtrak Niagara Falls Ultimate Getaway From New York vacation package offers a memorable experience at the breathtaking Niagara Falls, one of the world's most famous natural wonders. The package includes a round trip to Niagara Falls, New York, with a three-night stay at the nearest hotel, providing easy access to the attractions.
The package includes a guided tour of the falls, covering various popular viewpoints. The highlight of the vacation is the boat tour on the iconic Maid and Mist Niagara Cruise, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the waterfall up close. The other sightseeing spots in the package include Cave of the Winds, Journey Behind the Falls, and the observation deck of the Skylon Tower.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: Starting from $539
Amtrak's New Orleans Ultimate Getaway
The Amtrak New Orleans Ultimate Getaway is a vacation package allowing guests to explore the vibrant city of New Orleans, known for its rich culture, lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and historic charm. The tour includes a coach class Amtrak roundtrip to New Orleans with a three nights stay at a hotel near the French Quarter, allowing convenient access to the city's various attractions.
The highlight of the tour is the sightseeing tour taking guests to the city's popular landmarks, such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and Garden District, providing insight into the city's history and culture. The tour also includes an optional riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, offering scenic views of the city and river.
- Duration: 5 Days
- Price: Starting from $739
Related: These Are The Top 10 Busiest Amtrak Routes In The U.S., Ranked By Popularity
The Amtrak Pacific Northwest Rail Journey
The Amtrak Pacific Northwest Rail Journey is a vacation package offering a scenic train ride through the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The package includes a trip from San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington. Travelers get to enjoy a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco in addition to a sightseeing tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito and a dinner cruise in Portland.
The package, which is perhaps one of the most scenic Amtrak vacations, also includes a sightseeing tour of Seattle's popular attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. The stop in Seattle also features a two-night stay at a modern hotel in the city center.
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: Starting from $1599
Multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Portland is seasonal from late May to early October. The Oregon Historical Society admission will be included in the off-season.
The Amtrak Empire Builder Rail Experience
The Amtrak Empire Builder Rail Experience is one of the many top-rated Amtrak vacation packages, which takes guests on a scenic train journey through the majestic landscapes of the American West, following the historic route of the Empire Builder train. The package includes a round trip through the Empire Builder train route starting from Chicago, Illinois, to Seattle, Washington, with overnight aboard accommodations ranging from private roomette to a comfortable bedroom.
The trains offer breathtaking views of the American West, including stops at a few iconic destinations, such as Glacier National Park, allowing guests to enjoy the park's natural beauty and various recreational activities. The package may also include hotel accommodation in Seattle, allowing visits to explore the various attraction and local culture of the city.
- Duration: 7 Days
- Price: Starting from $1249
Many travelers believe that the Empire Builder is the most scenic Amtrak train. Those who ride it will only know for sure!
Related: Roomette Vs. Sleeper Bedroom: Knowing The Difference On An Amtrak
Grand Tetons & Yellowstone Rail Journey With Amtrak
The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone Rail Journey is one of the best Amtrak vacation packages that combine a scenic train journey with visits to two iconic national parks in the American West: Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The package includes a coach-class Amtrak round trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah, with overnight aboard accommodation and picturesque landscapes of the American West.
The sightseeing options in the package include a guided tour through the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, known for towering peaks, pristine lakes, and geothermal hot springs. Guests can also enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.
- Duration: 7 Days
- Price: Starting from $2849
The Amtrak New England Fall Foliage Trip
The Amtrak New England Fall Foliage is a vacation package allowing one to witness the breathtaking beauty of autumn in the northeastern United States. The package is considered one of the best Amtrak routes and covers all the Amtrack travel costs for a round trip from Portland, Maine, to Boston, Massachusetts, with multiple nights of hotel accommodation through New England, allowing the boarders to experience the charm of the region.
The tour includes various sightseeing opportunities, including a guided tour to popular fall foliage destinations in New England, such as Vermont's Green Mountains, New Hampshire's White Mountains, and coastal Maine, allowing guests to explore various historical landmarks, charming streets and enjoy local culture and cuisine.
- Duration: 6 Days
- Price: Starting from $1899
The timing of peak fall colors can vary from year to year in New England. Research and monitor foliage reports to determine the best time to experience the vibrant autumn hues in New England before planning a journey.
Amtrak's California Zephyr Rail Experience
The California Zephyr Rail Experience is an Amtrak vacation taking on boarders on a scenic train journey across the United States, from Chicago, Illinois, to San Francisco, California. The package covers all the expenses of the trip, including the overnight abroad accommodations and hotel stay in Chicago or San Francisco.
The journey along the California Zephyr route spans several states, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada Mountains, canyons, and deserts. The sightseeing option in the package includes various iconic destinations such as Denver, Colorado, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Reno, Nevada, allowing guests to explore their unique attractions and landmarks.
- Duration: 7 Days
- Price: Starting from $1299
The California Zephyr is often compared with the Southwest Chief in terms of scenic views, with each offering unique scenery.
Related: These Three Amtrak Routes Are Sure To Dazzle Passengers With Their Scenic Views
New York City Ultimate Getaway From Amtrak
The New York City Ultimate Getaway is easily one of the best Amtrak vacations, as it allows guests to experience the vibrant energy and iconic attractions of the Big Apple. The package consists of a roundtrip coach-class Amtrak transportation from a city of your choice to New York City with multiple nights of hotel accommodations in the city, typically near popular neighborhoods like Manhattan.
The highlight of the vacation is the city sightseeing tour, allowing guests to explore famous landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. The tour also allows visitors to explore iconic neighborhoods, including Greenwich Village, Chelsea, SoHo, and Chinatown.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: Starting from $899