7 Best American Train Trips Less
Than $100
The
rails used to be the way to travel until the advent of the automobile. Even
today, though train travel is far less glamorous than it used to be, there’s
just something romantic about the idea of a train trip. On a train trip, it
really is about the journey as much as the destination.
Unfortunately,
it seems all too often that given the added time and expense, flying actually
works out to be a better value than riding the rails. But, with the economy in
a rut, making well…everything more expensive, these seven train trips promise
adventure and excitement without breaking the bank.
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Grand Canyon Railway
The
Grand Canyon is a remarkable National Park, but part of the destination is the
journey. This vintage train runs daily service from Williams, AZ to the famous
Grand Canyon with ever-changing terrain.
The
two-hour and fifteen minute trip arrives at the South Rim with return service
late afternoon, allowing ample time to appreciate the natural wonder. Don’t
worry, the classic 1950s era passenger cars are air-conditioned – a must in the
desert heat.
The
only downside is the limited time at the National Park. Three hours is hardly
time to take in the magnitude of the Canyon for the hardcore backcountry
adventurer, but the Grand Canyon Railway
offers a relaxing alternative for the whole family.
Alaska Glacier Discovery Train
Waterfalls,
glaciers and black bears are only some of Alaska’s world-class scenery
experienced on this train. As you wind from Anchorage to Whittier via Portage,
the Glacier Discovery Train provides an excellent introduction to the Kenai
Peninsula area of south-central Alaska with views of alpine meadows and
colorful wildflowers set among a backdrop of glaciers.
The
route travels down the Turnagain Arm flanking Chugach National Forest. The
train features an informative naturalist throughout the journey providing
commentary on the geology of the land, history of the railroad, and more
importantly great places to spot moose, bears and birds. This Alaska
Glacier Discovery Train only operates seasonally from mid-May
through mid-September.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
This
scenic train journey circumnavigates the Great Smokey Mountains National Park
and the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The trip departs from Bryson City’s
historic depot and traverses over 25 bridges, through two tunnels and across
fertile valleys.
Of
course, you may feel déjà vu when riding these rails as this railroad was used
in blockbuster features such as My Fellow Americans with Jack Lemmon and
Forces of Nature with Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock.
For
best pictures on the Great Smoky Mountain
Railroad, choose the “open car” option on the with bench style
seating that is open from waist up – optimal for getting scenic shots of the
trees and mountains.
Skunk Train, California
Towering
redwood trees, deer drinking from the Noyo River and an isolated fisherman’s
cabin are just some of the reasons why people are drawn to this authentic steam
engine adventure.
The
Skunk Train’s original purpose was to easily transport massive redwood logs
through beautiful Mendocino County in Northern California. Today, it follows
the original coastal “Redwood Route,” and runs along Pudding Creek and the Noyo
River before zigzagging through the majestic redwoods.
Travelers
can depart from either Fort Bragg or Northspur. With plenty of cliché tunnels
and bridges, the true beauty of this ride lies in the quiet stillness of the
redwoods.
Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited
Considered
one of the most scenic of Amtrak’s train services, this trip is punctuated at
each end by the dramatic skylines of Chicago and New York. True to its name,
the railroad travels along some of America’s most beautiful shorelines passing
along Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River, and the southern shore of Lake Erie and
along the Hudson River.
This
is the train for the small-town Americana feel. The train features a Dining
Car, a Lounge Car and sleeper cars, so there is ample room to roam around
during the long trip. However, bring some of your own snacks, as food on the Lake
Shore Limited can be quite expensive.
While
the published rail travel time is 19 hours for 959 miles, this train is known
for being notoriously late.
Silverton-Durango Narrow Gage
This
vintage steam locomotive with impressive gold-colored Victorian coaches were
originally constructed to transport gold & silver from the San Juan
Mountains, but now serves passengers taking in the sweeping views.
Also
impressively, the Silverton-Durango Narrow
Gage line has run continuously since 1881, hauling passengers
instead of precious metal. Outdoor gondola open-sided cars feature padded bench
seats that all face outward for unobstructed views and are the best deal in
price.
The
trains run from Durango to the Cascade Wye in the winter months and from
Durango to Silverton during the summer, with several trains daily during the
peak season.
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Besides
the great scenery of northwestern Arkansas and the Boston Mountains (an
extension on the Ozarks), this railroad will offer the rare experience of
seeing a working freight railroad in action, as it is one of the few commercial
lines left in the US to operate both freight and passenger service.
Ride
in style in your choice of the First Class 1950’s Streamline Parlor Car, or
restored 1920’s vintage passenger cars (with velvet seating!). The conductors
provide entertaining historical commentary and allow an insight to a golden
era.
The
four-hour route travels over the Arkansas River Bridge, through the
quarter-mile Winslow Tunnel and provides dazzling views of the Boston
Mountains.
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