Beautiful Train Rides To Take In North America During The Winter

The winter season adds an extra touch of magic to some of North America's most scenic train rides. Bid farewell to the challenges of snow-covered roads and crowded airports. Instead, nestle into the comfort of a train, sipping hot cocoa as breathtaking winter landscapes — inaccessible by road or air — sweep past your window.

Whether it's a multi-day expedition with cozy hotel layovers, an overnight train odyssey where you can snuggle into your own roomette, a day-long adventure, or a festive one-hour jaunt filled with holiday spirit, there's a journey for every kind of traveler. From sleek modern trains to restored vintage classics, various rail experiences await your winter wanderlust. And rest assured, whether traveling with a small historic railroad or a national corporation like Amtrak, rail companies work hard to make winter train travel safe and comfortable. No matter which train you choose for your long-distance trip, you can relax worry-free while enjoying the journey.

Recognized as one of the crown jewels of North American train journeys, Amtrak's California Zephyr route promises sights that are simply unparalleled. Kick off your adventure in Chicago. Plenty of indoor activities will keep you sheltered from Chicago's notoriously cold and windy winters. Before boarding the train, explore world-renowned museums and indulge in a slice of legendary deep-dish pizza. Once aboard, watch as the urban sprawl fades into the vast expanse of Illinois prairies. You'll cross the Mississippi River on a rail bridge, marking your entry into Iowa, and then sweep through the plains of Nebraska.

In Colorado, the train climbs through the heart of the Rockies, winding alongside the Colorado River. In addition to craggy canyons and snow-draped landscapes, marvel at engineering history as you journey through Moffat Tunnel. Designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, it takes about 15 minutes for the train to traverse through this 6.2-mile rail tunnel. The tunnel cuts through the Continental Divide near the Winter Park Resort ski area.

You'll be treated to more winter mountain scenery as you continue westward into the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Glide past the shimmering Donner Lake and ascend the breathtaking mile-high Donner Pass. Before you know it, you're in California's vibrant capital, Sacramento. Skirt past the serene San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait, signaling your arrival in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Though the train halts in Emeryville, bus service is available to San Francisco.

Imagine journeying through a living canvas of some of America's most captivating winter scenes. That's what awaits you aboard the Empire Builder. Setting off every afternoon from the vibrant hubs of Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, the 46-hour trip weaves its magic as it makes its way east toward Chicago. Fancy the reverse trip? Chicago sends off its own daily afternoon voyages.

Settle into the Observation car, designed with seats facing panoramic windows. Your backdrop includes rugged western terrains and the pristine winter wilderness, with much of the route along the Lewis and Clark trail. Depending on the direction you take, you might enjoy views of the Mississippi, the charm of North Dakota's towns, the awe-inspiring Gassman Coulee Trestle steel rail bridge, and Montana's big sky country.

For those journeying east, some of the most scenic views of the trip come as the train hugs the southern border of Glacier National Park, home to 7,000-year-old glaciers. This vast expanse of wilderness, with its dramatic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and glacial-carved terrain, takes on a surreal beauty under the blanket of winter. Heading westbound in winter? It's nighttime through the park. Consider an overnight halt — the daylight views are worth a stop.

Amtrak's Vermonter route provides a breathtaking journey from the heart of the nation's capital to the snow-laden landscapes of northern Vermont. Leaving in the morning from Washington, D.C., the train meanders through nine states, offering passengers a visual tapestry of New England charm. As you start your nearly 14-hour journey, you'll witness the transformation of landscapes, from the towering skyscrapers of major cities like Philadelphia and New York City to the quaint snow-laced towns of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Journeying through some of America's snowiest states  — with Vermont proudly wearing its crown for the most snow — the Vermonter offers the best chance for a snow globe experience. Watch as winter paints countryside scenes, from picturesque colonial churches to rolling snow-draped hills. And for the snow sports enthusiasts, with Vermont parading its epic ski resorts and the East's longest ski season, you can ride to some of the country's best winter recreation with great views along the way.

But, the magic isn't confined to just the views. Eager to share your journey with the world? The Vermonter has you covered with onboard WiFi, ensuring you stay connected every step of the way.

Start in Montreal, a city draped in European allure, with its cobblestone streets, historic cathedrals, and a delightful blend of French and North American cultures. End up in New York City, where the grandeur of the Empire State Building and the glittering lights of Times Square await your arrival. In between, enjoy breathtaking winter views. This 10-hour journey aboard Amtrak's Adirondack offers daily departures.

Along the route, enjoy scenes that capture the essence of winter in the Northeast. Admire snow-covered mountains and marvel at frozen lakes that shimmer under the winter sun. You'll pass by idyllic small towns, where chimney smoke curls into the frosty air and children play in the fresh snowfall. Travel through snow-draped vineyards of Hudson Valley's wine country. And enjoy the train's namesake — the beautiful panorama of the eastern border of the Adirondack Mountains.

The route is peppered with opportunities for winter wonder. Ski resorts, ice-skating rinks, snowmobile trails, and sledding hills dot the many possible stops along the way. But if you choose to remain nestled in the comfort of the train, you won't be missing out on the world outside. This is another Amtrak train offering free WiFi onboard.

This 5.25-hour roundtrip ride from Durango, Colorado travels along a historic railroad through the remote San Juan National Forest. The Durango & Silverton Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, maintains the railroad and the nostalgic engines of yesteryears. But the vintage flair doesn't mean a lack of modern amenities — coaches have bathrooms and are heated for your winter ride. The Cascade Canyon Winter Train runs mid-November through early May.

As the train chugs along, savor the beauty of the Rocky Mountains blanketed in snow. Watch the Animas River snake through the winter landscape. See ice-covered waterfalls and snow-covered pines. The train navigates steep mountain canyons and ventures through stretches of wilderness inaccessible by car.

Enjoy a scenic stopover in Cascade Canyon. This is a chance to stretch your legs with a short walk to the footbridge along the Animas River. Capture the vintage charm with lots of pictures of the historic train against the winter landscape. Or simply relax and enjoy a fireside lunch. Concessions are available for purchase on every train, or you can preorder a boxed lunch.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect way to experience California's wine country. Any season offers a beautiful ride, but winter offers unique seasonal journeys, such as the Peppermint Tea Train and Santa Train Jolly Journeys. Rides are aboard a fully restored vintage Pullman train, roundtrip from Napa, California — about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco. The route traverses beautiful vineyards, passes posh farm real estate, and chugs through quaint towns with charming names like Oak Knoll and Oakville.

The winter Peppermint Tea Train is a holiday twist on traditional afternoon tea service. In addition to finger sandwiches and scones, the service includes sweet holiday treats and, of course, peppermint tea. If you want the winter ambiance but prefer a different flavor, other fine-steeped tea options are also available.

Santa Train Jolly Journeys are a chance to bring the season of joy aboard the train. From the moment you set foot at the station, cheerful carolers and twinkling photo ops with Santa whisk you into the holiday spirit. As the train chugs along, immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of holiday tunes and festive décor. Fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate, and visits from Santa will add jolly to the journey. Some holiday trains, such as the Gourmet Holiday Express, include a three-course dinner aboard. Whatever voyage you choose, the blend of holiday cheer with the timeless charm of a vintage train sets you up for a magical winter journey.