Best Train Journeys Around the World in Chicago, Illinois, United States
1. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited
Offers scenic views of Great Lakes from Chicago to New York, with stopovers in major cities like Cleveland and Buffalo.
- Scenic Route: Provides breathtaking vistas of the Great Lakes.
- Multi-city Journey: Stops at major cities along the way, allowing for multiple experiences in one trip.
- Overnight Travel: Allows for relaxing overnight travel with private cabins available.
2. Amtrak's California Zephyr
Transcontinental train journey from Chicago to San Francisco, passing through the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River.
- Natural Wonders: Offers views of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River.
- Coast-to-Coast: Connects the East Coast to the West Coast across the United States.
- Varied Landscapes: Travels through diverse landscapes, including plains, mountains, and deserts.
3. Rocky Mountaineer
Luxury train ride from Chicago to Vancouver, showcasing the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a premium travel experience with gourmet meals and panoramic views.
- Canadian Landscapes: Showcases the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast.
- Customizable Itineraries: Offers customizable itineraries, allowing travellers to choose their route and duration.
4. Amtrak's Southwest Chief
Long-distance train from Chicago to Los Angeles, traversing the Great Plains and the Colorado Rockies.
- Historic Route: Travels along a historic route that predates the railroad.
- Cultural Experiences: Stops at cultural hubs like Kansas City and Albuquerque.
- Spectacular Scenery: Provides stunning views of the Great Plains, Colorado Rockies, and the Rio Grande Gorge.
5. Amtrak's Empire Builder
Train ride from Chicago to Seattle, passing through Montana's Glacier National Park and the North Cascades.
- National Parks: Offers views of Glacier National Park and the North Cascades.
- Coastal Destination: Ends in Seattle, a vibrant coastal city with plenty to explore.
- Scenic Routes: Provides scenic views of the northern Great Plains and the Rockies.
6. Trans-Siberian Railway Extension
Extension of the Trans-Siberian Railway from Chicago to Beijing, crossing Russia, Mongolia, and into China.
- Longest Train Journey: One of the longest train journeys in the world, connecting three countries.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows for an immersive cultural experience across Russia, Mongolia, and China.
- Historical Significance: Travels along a historic route with rich history and significance.
7. The Ghan
Cross-country train from Chicago to Darwin, showcasing the Australian Outback, Red Centre, and Top End.
- Outback Adventure: Offers an adventure through the heart of Australia's outback.
- Cultural Experiences: Stops at cultural hubs like Alice Springs and Katherine.
- Scenic Routes: Provides scenic views of the Red Centre, the Top End, and the Outback.
8. Rovos Rail
Luxury train ride from Chicago to Cape Town, traversing South Africa's diverse landscapes.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a premium travel experience with gourmet meals and fine wines.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows for an immersive cultural experience across South Africa.
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of South Africa's diverse landscapes, including the Kalahari Desert and Table Mountain.
9. Orient Express
Luxury train ride from Chicago to Venice, showcasing the Alps, the Dolomites, and the Venetian Lagoon.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a premium travel experience with gourmet meals and fine wines.
- Historical Significance: Travels along a route steeped in history, tradition, and romance.
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of the Alps, the Dolomites, and the Venetian Lagoon.
10. Trans-Mongolian Railway
Train ride from Chicago to Moscow, crossing Russia, Mongolia, and into China.
- Longest Train Journey: One of the longest train journeys in the world, connecting three countries.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows for an immersive cultural experience across Russia, Mongolia, and China.
- Historical Significance: Travels along a historic route with rich history and significance.
11. The Indian Pacific
Cross-country train from Chicago to Perth, showcasing the Australian Outback, Blue Mountains, and Nullarbor Plain.
- Outback Adventure: Offers an adventure through the heart of Australia's outback.
- Cultural Experiences: Stops at cultural hubs like Adelaide and Broken Hill.
- Scenic Routes: Provides scenic views of the Outback, Blue Mountains, and the Nullarbor Plain.
12. The Reunification Express
Train ride from Chicago to Hanoi, traversing Vietnam's diverse landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows for an immersive cultural experience across Vietnam.
- Historical Significance: Travels along a route steeped in history, tradition, and the Vietnam War era.
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of Vietnam's diverse landscapes, including rice paddies, mountains, and cities.
13. The Cape Town Express
Train ride from Chicago to Cape Town, showcasing South Africa's coastline, vineyards, and wildlife.
- Coastal Adventure: Offers an adventure along South Africa's stunning coastline.
- Wine Country: Travels through wine country, allowing for vineyard tours and wine tastings.
- Wildlife Encounters: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, and rhinos.
14. The Trans-Siberian Express
Train ride from Chicago to Moscow, crossing Siberia's vast landscapes.
- Longest Train Journey: One of the longest train journeys in the world, covering over 9,000 km.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows for an immersive cultural experience across Siberia and Russia.
- Scenic Routes: Provides scenic views of Siberia's vast landscapes, including forests, tundra, and rivers.
15. The Trans-Andean Express
Train ride from Chicago to Santiago, traversing the Andes Mountains.
- Mountain Adventure: Offers an adventure through the heart of the majestic Andes Mountains.
- Cultural Experiences: Stops at cultural hubs like Mendoza and Salta.
- Scenic Routes: Provides scenic views of the Andes Mountains, vineyards, and salt flats.