10 Train Experiences in the USA Worth the Day

1.Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure Package

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,821 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $186Our pick

Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale with lunch and champagne toast, plus red-rock, wildlife, and cliff dwellings along the Verde River.

“Very well-run operation. Lunch was great. The food and beverages on the train were very good. The staff was excellent; Chris and Eric took the whole experience to another level. They were knowledgeable and friendly. The set up with the tables inside and the outside viewing cars was really nice.”

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2.Key West Conch Tour Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 792 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45Best value

Ride Key West’s Conch Tour Train, a 75 minute narrated mini-train with free Sails to Rails Museum, ending at Mallory Square.

“Nice way to see and learn some of the history of this lovely town. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed this outing.”

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3.Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 717 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $135

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim with coach or first class, Old West entertainment, and NPS fees included.

“It was Great! Gina was very knowledgeable and loves her job! I think she really loves the Canyon best tho! The views were awesome! It was like watching a movie!”

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4.From Williams: Grand Canyon Railway Round-Trip Train Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 658 reviews · from $117

Ride the retro Grand Canyon Railway round-trip from Williams, with onboard bar, themed show, and hours at Grand Canyon Village.

“This is a fun trip about 5 hours round trip in the train and 3 1/2 hours at the canyon village to explore. The staff are all great the western show was really unnecessary but the onboard entertainment was fun”

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5.Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round-Trip Same Day Return

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 371 reviews · 14 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $226

Ride the Alaska Railroad round trip Anchorage to Seward same day, with reserved seats, onboard narration, huge views, and time in Seward.

“Long day, very enjoyable. Informative. Staff very courteous and helpful. Wasn’t a lot of wildlife to see”

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6.Clarkdale: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 318 reviews · 4 hours · from $186Top rated

A 4-hour vintage train ride from Clarkdale through red-rock Arizona, with a champagne toast, canyon snacks, and Perkinsville Ghost Town.

“Beautiful scenery and very knowledgeable guides. A fantastic experience.”

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7.Colorado: All Aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 296 reviews · 1h 50m · from $148

A 110-minute Royal Gorge rail ride with open-air decks, casual onboard dining, wine and cocktails, plus time at the Santa Fe Depot and Caboose Cafe.

“We really did enjoy the train ride. We rode in a Deluxe car and were on the river side of the train and could easily see everything quite well. We did go out to one of the open-air cars as it was a beautiful warm day and enjoyed the train and river sounds as well. Were lucky to get to see quite a few river rafters along the way. The waiters were personable and very efficient with whatever food and/or drinks you wanted. It was a fun trip.”

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8.Ride, Dine and Unwind Aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad!

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 236 reviews · 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.) · from $139

Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad beside the Arkansas River in Cañon City, with dramatic suspension bridge views and optional onboard dining.

“This tour was very relaxing and taking a ride to see places that we wouldn't have before was very nice.”

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9.Key West Conch Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 234 reviews · 1 day · from $45

Enjoy a narrated Key West Old Town loop on the conch train, plus free Sails to Rails Museum entry, then explore Duval Street.

“I’ve done this train twice yes twice and I love it every time”

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10.Fairbanks: Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 219 reviews · 2 hours · from $89

A 2-hour Fairbanks tour with the Tanana Valley Railroad, Gold Dredge 8, Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewing, and gold panning for $89.

“the guide was excellent. he was a genuine story teller with personal experience and sounded very authentic. He wasn't silly and didn't try to be funny telling stupid jokes”

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