Black ties and dress gowns are optional, but these luxury train rides will have you feeling like a million dollars as you sip champagne, tuck into five-course meals, and listen to jazz bands while traversing the great American countryside.
Though standard train travel in the United States doesn’t have the best reputation, the country is home to some of the most luxurious railroad adventures in the world.
Several traverse California, while others invite you to explore the rugged countryside of Alaska and the barren central deserts of Arizona.
If you have a luxury train ride on your travel bucket list, this article has your back, presenting eight of the best luxury travel trains in the USA to try in 2025.
The Top Luxury Travel Trains in the USA
The Napa Valley Wine Train | Napa, CA
Price from $550
www.winetrain.com
Wine lovers of the world unite on the Napa Valley Wine Train, which has been operational since 1864. Embark on a three-hour round trip between downtown Napa and St Helena while indulging in a multi-course gourmet meal and the best grapes from the valley.
The Legacy Experience is the way to board this classic locomotive through the heart of the eponymous Californian wine valley, though various day-trip packages are available.
Legacy travelers are spoiled by a four-course meal with incredible views from the open-air Pullman rail car. They also have two afternoon stops to look forward to, with tastings at Charles Krug and V. Sattui, two of the valley’s most prestigious wineries.
There truly isn’t a more luxurious way to explore the heart of California than via the Napa Valley Wine Train, one for America’s oenophiles.
The Strasburg Railroad | Strasburg, PA
Price from $35
strasburgrailroad.com
There are numerous ways to explore the Strasburg Railroad, from afternoon wine and cheese experiences to night-time murder mystery rides.
But for a luxurious experience on one of America’s oldest railroads, book a ride in one of the historic first-class cars. We recommend the Marian, the private President’s Car, or the Parlor Car, replete with comfortable seating and a well-stocked bar.
Though rides on the Strasburg Railroad typically last less than an hour, riding first-class through the resplendent Lancaster County while sipping a 20-year-old whiskey is too good an opportunity to miss.
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad | Yosemite, CA
Price from $31
ymsprr.com
Venture through the Sierra National Forest in a wood-paneled first-class caboose on the iconic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
It’s easy to see why this route ranks as one of America’s most memorable train journeys.
A knowledgeable conductor serves as your tour guide, explaining the scenery and revealing the history of this once-vital railroad.
For added luxury, you can book the three-hour Yosemite Jazz Train, which features artists like Alonzo Bodden, Peter White, and Keiko Matsui.
The Sugar Pine Railroad lets you escape the stresses of modern life while traversing this historic route through one of California’s most stunning landscapes. It’s not to be missed, and it’s one for the whole family.
The Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, AZ
Price from $240 for the Luxury Dome
thetrain.com/the-train/classes
Travel to the heart of America’s most recognizable natural landscape in any of the Grand Canyon Railway’s luxury cars. The Streamliner Observation Dome is the best way to enjoy panoramic views.
At the same time, the Luxury Parlor invites you to travel like a rail baron at the heart of the gold rush, with a private bar, exclusive cocktails, and entertainment.
You can also choose the Luxury Dome, which features a spacious private lounge and bar and an exceptional observation deck with views across the desert. However, luxurious travel on the Grand Canyon Railroad is an adult-only affair.
The first-class carriage beats the Pullman coach hands down for a family-friendly option. It has luxurious seats, bar service, and complimentary snacks throughout the journey.
The Rocky Mountaineer | Moab to Denver
Price from $1,699
rockymountaineer.com
The Rocky Mountaineer is North America’s number one luxury train journey for many. While the Silver-Leaf package is impressive, Gold-Leaf is the one to go for.
All travelers enjoy unrestricted views from the bi-level glass dome coach while sipping sparkling wine and dining on fine, locally sourced cuisine.
There are four routes to choose from, but the Rockies to the Red Rocks is particularly spectacular. It traverses the mesmerizing red sandstone landscapes between Moab and Denver.
North of the border, the Journey Through the Clouds takes you across the highest peaks between Vancouver and Jasper.
The Great Alaska Beer Train | Anchorage to Portage
Price from $201
alaskarailroad.com
Featuring a magnificent round trip from Anchorage to Portage, the Great Alaska Beer Train serves up the state’s finest assortment of microbrews while pushing through Alaska’s rugged terrain.
The industry-leading Glacier BrewHouse supplies the beer, while seasonal fare is served throughout the journey.
If microbrews aren’t your thing, another way to experience the Alaskan Railroad is via the Coastal Classic Train.
Departing from Anchorage and winding along Turnagain Arm, GoldStar Service is available. The train features glass-dome ceilings, upper-level outdoor viewing platforms, and inclusive drinks and dining options to enjoy the view.
The Bourbon Excursion | Bardstown, KY
Price from $139
kydinnertrain.com/train-rides/bourbon-excursion
Courtesy of the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, the Bourbon Excursion has been running since 1988. The train departs on a 2.5-hour journey through the rich heart of the Kentucky countryside, offering passengers a gourmet multi-course meal and several bourbon-tasting sessions guided by onboard experts.
The 1940s vintage dining cars, pulled by two RJ Corman locos, have been meticulously restored to their former glory.
The journey begins in Bardstown, Kentucky, completing a 35-mile round-trip during which passengers receive an education in the local bourbon distilling process. There’s also the option to buy some of the finest bourbons in America directly from the train itself.
The Cape Cod Central Railroad | Hyannis, MA
Price from $95 for first-class tickets
capetrain.com/rides/cape-cod-dinner-train
The Cape Cod Railroad transports travelers back to the golden age of fine dining on the rails, with sumptuous brunch, lunch, and dinner menus and even luxury wine-tasting events.
The three-hour Cape Cod Dinner Train is the one to book. We recommend Platinum Class, which gains access to the exclusive Vintage 1917 Lounge Car for the most luxurious dining experience.
With departures from Hyannis, Buzzards Bay, and Falmouth, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers spectacular views across the MA coast. Prepare to dress up, though, as denim, khaki, and t-shirts are not permitted.
All Aboard – Book Your Tickets for Luxury US Train Travel in 2025
If you’re shooting for the best of the best, we recommend the Napa Valley Wine Train as the number one luxury travel train in the USA. Be sure to book the Legacy Experience for best in class.
We also love the Grand Canyon Railway, which is the best way to explore the heart of Arizona without getting dusty. Book into a Luxury Dome for unparalleled views as you approach the Grand Canyon.
Whichever luxurious train ride you book in 2025, each of these journeys will provide memorable and lasting experiences. So, book your tickets and prepare for the voyage of a lifetime across one of these iconic American railroads.
