What is the longest train ride in the United States?

The California Zephyr® is the longest Amtrak® (3924 km) route, and one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world. During the journey you will see the Colorado River valley in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.



The longest continuous train ride in the United States is Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which covers a staggering 2,438 miles (3,924 km). This iconic journey runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Emeryville, California (just outside San Francisco). The trip takes approximately 51 to 52 hours to complete, spanning three days and two nights. Passengers travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, including the Nebraska plains, the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the red rock deserts of Utah, and the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas. While the Texas Eagle combined with the Sunset Limited can technically cover more mileage (over 2,700 miles) if you book them as a through-service from Chicago to Los Angeles, the California Zephyr remains the definitive single-route transcontinental experience. For the best views, travelers typically head to the "Sightseer Lounge" car, which features floor-to-ceiling windows. Booking a "Roomette" or "Bedroom" is highly recommended for this journey, as it includes all meals in the Dining Car and provides a private space to sleep during the two-night trek across the continent.

People Also Ask

From New York City to the California coast; from Florida beaches to the Sierra Nevada; and from the Windy City to heart of the Big Easy. Amtrak offers countless itineraries to over 500 destinations from coast to coast.

MORE DETAILS

The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast train ride takes 3 nights, without stopovers. Choose from 4 or 5 different cross-country routes, each with their own character.

MORE DETAILS

The Trans-Siberian is the longest passenger train in the world and travels across China, Mongolia, and the famous, beautiful Siberia. The journey is full of adventure, and you will be able to disconnect as you meditate, listen to music, read, or take in the gorgeous scenery.

MORE DETAILS

While not nearly as expensive, taking an Amtrak train across the US is also largely the domain of rail enthusiasts as it takes multiple days and costs significantly more than flying. In countries like Japan, South Korea and much of Europe, the opposite is true as the train is simply a way to travel larger distances.

MORE DETAILS

These longer trains allow for more goods to move more efficiently, which lowers fuel use and costs for the railroads.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, the trains from New York City to Orlando offered by Amtrak are overnight train routes. Both the Silver Meteor and Silver Star routes are over 21h long. These trains operate daily from New York to Miami.

MORE DETAILS

The Auto Train will take you and your car nonstop between Lorton, VA near Washington, DC and Sanford, Florida near Orlando for as low as $95*. Learn more about the Auto Train experience.

MORE DETAILS

While trains are primarily used today in the U.S. as a means of commuting to and from work, luxury train travel experiences are still in motion on trains like America's Trains Southern Comfort line, featuring lavish sleeping cars, and the Napa Valley Wine Train offering food-and-wine day experiences.

MORE DETAILS

All your meals are included You can enjoy good food, drinks, with a window seat to view incredible scenery. In addition to our regular menu items, kids can get all their favorites onboard. All food onboard is handled with the utmost care for your health and safety.

MORE DETAILS

Japan: L0 Series Maglev (374 mph) Although not yet in regular service, this Japanese train, which is currently being developed and tested by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), holds the land speed record for rail vehicles, clocking in at 374 mph.

MORE DETAILS

Pilatus Railway, Switzerland The Pilatus Railway runs from Alpnachstad on Lake Alpnach to the Esel station near the summit of the 6,800-foot-high Mount Pilatus in the Swiss canton of Obwalden. It takes the crown as the world's steepest rack railway with a maximum gradient of 48 percent.

MORE DETAILS

While full driverless autonomy is certainly technically possible, and is applied on various routes worldwide, it still accounts for only a tiny percentage of trains running today. New trains are still being designed and built with fully equipped driver cabins.

MORE DETAILS

This film tells the story of a self sustaining train which has been running for 18 years, on board with all the survivors after an apocalyptic event. A few minutes into the film, it already becomes clear that Snowpiercer is a film that reflects the societal inequality, oppression and cruelty.

MORE DETAILS

Amtrak does, in fact, offer scenic, luxury rail journeys to top locations across the U.S., especially if you are looking for some vacation deals.

MORE DETAILS