Destinations USA The 5 Best Luxury Trains in the U.S. See the country in style from the Grand Canyon Railway to the Rocky Mountaineer. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist with expertise in aviation, meteorology, and polar regions. She was a former editor at Architectural Digest, TripAdvisor, and ArtNews. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 7, 2024 For nearly 200 years, railroads have carried passengers and freight all across the United States. By the turn of the 20th century, the humble railcar was transformed from a practical means of transportation to the pinnacle of luxury for wealthy Americans. But when jetliners hit the scene, rail travel languished. Slow travel is making a comeback as travelers romanticize the nostalgia of elegantly furnished train cars complemented by fine dining. While the U.S. has taken its time reclaiming luxury train travel — compared to the rest of the world — there are a growing number of experiences to be found across the country. Top 3 Can't Miss Cross the Continental Divide aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer's Rockies to Red Rocks line.Board the Grand Canyon Railway to arrive at the renowned national park in comfort and style.Experience California's lush landscape with passage on the Napa Valley Wine Train, which features gourmet meals and winery visits. Read on to learn about five of the best luxury train travel experiences in the U.S. Rocky Mountaineer Rocky Mountaineer Canadian railway company Rocky Mountaineer operates a U.S. route called Rockies to Red Rocks. It's a long two-day journey between Denver and Moab, Utah, which includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The glass-domed cars offer passengers exceptional views of the mountains, canyons, rivers, and hoodoos — spire-like rock formations — along the way. Passengers enjoy multi-course meals, either in their seats or in a designated dining room, depending on ticket class. For those who book the higher class of service, SilverLeaf Plus, there's a lounge car with a bar and an exclusive outdoor observation deck. The Most Luxurious Train Rides in the World The Grand Canyon Railway The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel The Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination, so why not arrive in style? Instead of sitting in traffic to enter the national park, take the Grand Canyon Railway for a leisurely adventure. The train departs from the depot in Williams, Arizona, some 65 miles south of the canyon itself, then travels for two-and-a-half hours through the desert to reach Grand Canyon Village, right next to the South Rim. For the most luxurious experience, be sure to book the Luxury Parlor or Luxury Dome class of service — both of which are adults-only with private bars and open-air platforms. The Most Breathtaking Views of the Grand Canyon Napa Valley Wine Train Napa Valley Wine Train Since 1864, the Napa Valley Wine Train has been carrying oenophiles through the eponymous California wine region. Though it originally traveled between Vallejo and Calistoga, the train now makes a three-hour, round-trip journey between downtown Napa and St. Helena. You can choose from a few itineraries, but most include a multi-course gourmet meal served in sophisticated historic railway cars. Some rides include stops and tastings at various wineries as well. The most popular car on the train is the Vista Dome, a Pullman from 1952, where you'll dine in a glass-domed car with nearly uninterrupted vineyard views. The Ultimate Overnight Train Trip Packing List Alaska Railroad Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images Connecting Seward and Fairbanks via 470 miles of track, the Alaska Railroad provides scenic excursions through the state. Book the GoldStar Service for a more upscale experience — it's offered onboard the Denali Star train, a 12-hour itinerary connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, and the Coastal Classic Train, which connects Anchorage and Seward. The service provides guests with spacious seats in a domed car, access to an outdoor viewing platform, meals in the dining car, and access to a private bar. The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More Strasburg Railroad Strasburg Railroad A ride on Pennsylvania's Strasburg Railroad might not be long — each journey lasts only 45 minutes, but the railroad itself has a long history. Founded in 1832, it's the oldest continuously operating railroad in the country. For a luxurious joy ride, book one of the historic first-class cars, which includes Marian (the private-hire President's Car); the Parlor Car, which has tables and sofas; or the two Lounge Cars, which are outfitted with velvet-upholstered captain's chairs. Snacks and beverages are always available, but adults can enjoy a special wine-and-cheese experience on select Friday and Saturday nights. Other themed occasions include a haunted train ride with ghost stories, a murder mystery train experience, and even a whiskey tasting among other options.