Trains in the United States don’t have the best reputation compared to Japan’s lightning-fast bullet trains or Switzerland’s relentlessly punctual rail network. If you’ve ever sat on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional for four-plus hours, watching the train crawl through yet another unscheduled delay outside New Haven, “luxury” is probably the last word on your mind when you think of rail travel through the country.
But there is another side to American travel. Across the country, you can find itineraries specifically designed for high-end tourism, complete with free-flowing champagne, panoramic glass-dome cars, and an experience that’s actually about the journey instead of the destination.
Napa Valley Wine Train
You’ll definitely need a designated driver on a wine-tasting trip to Napa Valley, and if no one in your group volunteers, why not trade-in the car for a train—specifically, Napa Valley Wine Train: The route covers 36 miles round trip between downtown Napa and St. Helena, whisking passengers through on vintage railcars. One highlight is the Vista Dome, one of only 10 full-dome cars Pullman Standard ever built, back in 1952, which pairs your meal with an unobstructed view of the vineyards.
You can book a variety of journeys, from an afternoon tea to a trip that includes stop at a local winery for a grape stomp. The most luxurious version, the Legacy Experience, runs six hours and includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a tasting on an open-air Pullman car, and stops at Charles Krug and V. Sattui for two more hours of seated tastings, all built around a four-course meal.
Canyon Spirit: Rockies to the Red Rocks
Canyon Spirit is Rocky Mountaineer’s sibling company (Canada’s most famous luxury train), and it actually started out as Rocky Mountaineer’s first U.S. route before spinning off into a new company. Canyon Spirit now takes travelers through the red rock canyons and wide-open landscapes of the American Southwest, on two- or three-day routes. The shorter journey goes from Moab to Denver, with a stop in Glenwood Springs, and the longer trip takes you from Salt Lake City to Denver via Moab and Glenwood Springs.
There are two service tiers. Signature gets you the views and the meals, served right at your seat, along with a guide narrating the landscape and wildlife as you pass through it. Premier gets you all of that plus a lounge car of your own, better drinks, and a private outdoor viewing area for when a window isn’t enough. Because the train only operates in daylight, the itinerary includes an overnight stay at a partner hotel along the route. Season runs April through November.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Board in Bardstown, on refurbished 1940s dining cars, and pack accordingly: the dress code here is business casual or better, to match the atmosphere. The signature ride is the Bourbon Excursion, a 2.5-hour, 35-mile round trip through the Kentucky countryside that rolls past the Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Bernheim Forest. Along the way you get a three- or four-course lunch or dinner and of course, a bourbon tasting. You have to be 21 to book this one, but the train also runs lunch and dinner excursions open to everyone, along with themed rides such as a Murder Mystery or Princess Tea Party excursion.
Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad runs several trains, but only two are luxury rides: the Denali Star, a 12-hour route between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and the Coastal Classic, which runs between Anchorage and Seward. GoldStar class tickets get you forward-facing seats with real legroom, a glass-dome ceiling built for the scenery, an outdoor viewing platform for photos, a private bar, and a full-service dining room, plus an Alaskan guide narrating the route as you go. Meals, soft drinks, and two adult beverages are included in the ticket price. Not every departure runs GoldStar, so check before you book, though the standard Adventure Class holds its own if you miss it.
Grand Canyon Railway
For a unique way to see the Grand Canyon, book a Luxury Dome Class Ticket on the Grand Canyon Railway. This adults-only experience (ages 16 and up) features seating in the opulent Parlor Cars, where an upper-deck dome and extra-large windows offer panoramic views. Your ride includes a complimentary sparkling wine toast and snacks, with access to a downstairs lounge complete with a full bar and plush seating. Looking for something even more exclusive? Upgrade to Luxury Parlor Class for a private bar and access to the open-air outdoor platform.
