The Best US Train Routes for Winter Travel Adventures

Posted on October 29th, 2025

There’s a kind of magic to train travel in winter that hits different.

You’re not just going somewhere. You’re watching the world turn into a snow-covered postcard, mile by mile, from the comfort of a warm, moving window seat.

The noise of everyday life fades behind you. What’s in front?

All you see ahead are miles of frosted trees, quiet mountains, and the occasional elk quietly going about its business.

But it’s not just about the views. Part of the charm lives inside the train itself. One moment you're chatting with a stranger who somehow knows all the best pie spots in Montana, and the next you're staring out at something that looks like it belongs on a holiday card.

The Best Scenic Winter Train Routes in the USA

Whenever it comes to winter train travel in the USA, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to find adventure. The beauty of rail journeys this time of year is how effortlessly they pair cozy interiors with sweeping, snow-covered views.

You’re not just going from point A to B. You’re gliding past frozen lakes, snow-draped forests, and towering mountain ranges, all while someone else handles the driving.

Some routes hit that winter sweet spot better than others. If you’re picking just a few, start with these:

• Empire Builder: From Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, this Amtrak staple winds through the icy Midwest, over Stevens Pass, and past Glacier National Park. It’s a front-row seat to winter wildlife, frozen rivers, and mountain drama.
• California Zephyr: Arguably the most scenic route year-round, it truly shines in winter. Crossing from Chicago to San Francisco, the train cuts through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, with views of Donner Lake that look straight out of a movie—minus the crowds.
• Coast Starlight: Linking Los Angeles and Seattle, this ride blends alpine beauty with rare coastal views. You’ll spot snow-dusted peaks like Mount Shasta, followed by ocean waves crashing against rugged cliffs.
• Southwest Chief: Running from Chicago to Los Angeles, this route offers wide-open desert landscapes that look surreal under a thin layer of snow. Red rock formations and endless skies make for an unexpected winter twist.

Each of these trains brings something different to the table. One might offer dramatic mountains, another a glimpse of Pacific waters beside frosty terrain. That’s the quiet charm of long-haul winter rail: it’s not about ticking off destinations. It’s about the slow shift in scenery, the mix of silence and steel, and the luxury of watching the world transform outside your window.

What sets these routes apart is not only the views, although those are difficult to surpass. It’s the atmosphere onboard—the unhurried pace, the warm food, the quiet company of fellow passengers trading stories between sips of coffee. You get to feel present, which is a rare thing in modern travel.

By the time the conductor calls out your stop, you will likely not be ready to disembark. And honestly, that’s the best kind of trip.

Top U.S. Train Journeys For Snowy Mountain And Wilderness Views

If you're craving snowy mountains and wild winter views without strapping on skis or chains, there’s one simple fix—hop on a train. Nothing quite compares to gliding through icy wilderness while staying warm and well-fed, watching some of the most remote corners of the U.S. unfold outside your window. No airport lines, no freezing your toes off, just a steady ride into the quiet side of winter.

For travelers chasing serious elevation and a true cold-weather escape, these four routes deliver:

• Alaska Railroad’s Winter Aurora Train: Running between Anchorage and Fairbanks, this one takes you far into snow-covered backcountry. Wildlife sightings, frozen rivers, and even a shot at the Northern Lights if the sky cooperates.
• Rocky Mountaineer – Rockies to the Red Rocks: Yes, it starts in the Southwest, but once it hits Colorado, you're staring down snow-dusted peaks, rugged canyons, and valleys blanketed in white. The glass-domed cars don’t hurt either.
• Amtrak’s Empire Builder: This one slices through the northern Rockies, crossing Montana’s wide-open spaces before passing near Glacier National Park. It's a frozen frontier full of big skies and bigger landscapes.
• Denali Star Winter Service (Limited Dates): For even deeper Alaska territory, this train (when running in winter) heads toward Denali, giving riders bold views of one of North America’s tallest peaks dressed in its winter best.

Each journey offers a different flavor of winter. Some lean into isolation and raw nature; others pair their views with plush seats and excellent wine. But the common thread is simple: uninterrupted access to places most travelers won’t see this season. You won’t get this kind of quiet on the interstate.

This isn’t your typical vacation. It’s slow, scenic, and a little old-school in the best way. Trains wind through places that don’t cater to tourists, where the land still speaks louder than your phone. You’ll pass snow-blanketed forests, frozen-over rivers, and the kind of stillness that makes you want to just sit and look out the window for hours.

How To Plan A Winter Train Vacation Through The Rockies And Alaska

Once you’ve decided that winter rail travel is your kind of escape, the next step is making it happen without overcomplicating things. Planning these trips is part of the fun, but only if you know what to look for. With snow-covered peaks, quiet mountain towns, and wildlife wandering just beyond the tracks, the Rockies and Alaska are made for slow travel done right.

But comfort counts just as much as scenery. Winter trains aren’t just about what’s outside the window. They’re warm, spacious, and designed for lingering. You’ll find soft seats, quiet cabins, and surprisingly tasty meals made with regional ingredients. Whether it's fresh seafood in Alaska or something hearty served near the Rockies, the dining car can be its own highlight. It’s all a part of the experience.

All the way, you’ll stop in towns that look like they were built for postcards. Places like Whitefish, Montana or Talkeetna, Alaska, welcome visitors with that mix of small-town charm and wintry energy. You might snowshoe through a national park in the morning, then find yourself sipping something warm at a tiny café before heading back to the train. These stops are the thread that ties the whole trip together.

To make the most of it, here’s how to start planning your winter train getaway:

• Pick your vibe: Do you want adventure, peace and quiet, or a bit of both? Let that help your route choice.

• Time it right: Aim for peak snow season, but also consider daylight hours if you want the best views.

• Book early: Winter routes can fill up fast, especially in Alaska, so lock in your seats and sleeping accommodations ahead of time.

• Layer your itinerary: Choose a few key stops with activities you actually want to do. Don’t cram too much in.

There’s no need to tackle all of this solo. That’s where Treks by Train comes in. We specialize in matching travelers with the best winter train tours across the Rockies and Alaska, tailored to what you actually want, not just what looks appealing on paper. Think of us as your shortcut to the ideal route, the best timing, and the kind of extras that make a wonderful trip unforgettable. You bring the sense of adventure. We’ll handle the rest.

Embark On An Unforgettable Winter Adventures From Treks by Train

A winter train trip isn’t just a getaway. It’s a front-row seat to nature at its most dramatic, all from the warmth and comfort of your rolling retreat. Snowy peaks, quiet forests, and remote towns turn into moving scenery while you sip something hot and settle in for the ride.

Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure aboard some of the best train routes in the U.S.! From the snowy Rockies to the magical Northern Lights in Alaska, these scenic train journeys offer cozy comfort and breathtaking views that you won’t want to miss. No matter if you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an active winter experience with skiing and dog sledding, let Treks By Train help you plan the perfect trip.

Book your winter train travel today and discover America’s most stunning snowy landscapes from the warmth of your seat.

Have questions or ready to start planning? Email us at [email protected] or call 813-358-7144. Our team is here to help build a journey worth remembering.