
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Columbus, United States
1. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited
Experience scenic Great Lakes views from the comfort of Amtrak's train. Departs daily from Chicago to New York City.
- Scenic Routes: Offers panoramic vistas of the Great Lakes region
- Daily Departures: Provides daily service between Chicago and New York City
- Comfortable Journey: Equipped with comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight travel
2. Cape Cod Central Railroad
Take a historic train ride through the charming Cape Cod towns. Departs from Hyannis.
- Historic Experience: Operates on a line built in 1869, offering a glimpse into the past
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of Cape Cod towns and landscapes
- Special Events: Hosts seasonal events such as the Polar Express train ride during Christmas
3. Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar
Experience a unique train journey in downtown Cincinnati, connecting popular attractions like The Banks and Fountain Square.
- Urban Exploration: Allows visitors to explore the city's vibrant downtown area
- Eco-friendly Transportation: Operates on electricity, reducing carbon footprint
- Flexible Schedules: Offers frequent and convenient schedules throughout the day
4. Nickel Plate Express
Travel back in time on a vintage train through beautiful rural Indiana landscapes.
- Historic Preservation: Operates on restored 1940's era trains
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of rural Indiana landscapes and small towns
- Special Events: Hosts seasonal events such as the North Pole Express during Christmas
5. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Journey through Ohio's scenic Hocking Hills on a historic train. Departs from Nelsonville.
- Scenic Routes: Offers breathtaking views of the Hocking Hills region
- Historic Experience: Operates on a line built in 1876, offering a glimpse into the past
- Seasonal Offerings: Hosts seasonal events such as the Easter Bunny Express and Santa's Workshop
6. Big Boys & Steam Special Train Rides
Ride on massive Big Boy steam locomotives at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
- Historic Preservation: Operates historic Big Boy steam locomotives
- Rare Experience: Offers rare opportunities to ride on these massive engines
- Educational Tours: Provides insight into the history of steam locomotives and railroading
7. The Polar Express
Take a magical train ride based on the beloved book during Christmas time.
- Seasonal Event: Offered only during the Christmas season
- Interactive Experience: Includes hot cocoa, cookies, and a reading of the Polar Express story
- Family-friendly: Ideal for families with young children
8. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a scenic train ride through the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.
- Scenic Routes: Offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains
- Seasonal Offerings: Hosts seasonal events such as the Halloween Haunted Train and Santa's Christmas Train
- Multi-day Trips: Offers multi-day trips to destinations like the Blue Ridge Parkway
9. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Explore Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a scenic train ride.
- Scenic Routes: Offers breathtaking views of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Educational Tours: Provides insight into the history and ecology of the park
- Seasonal Offerings: Hosts seasonal events such as the North Pole Express during Christmas
10. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
Explore America's first railroad at this museum in Baltimore.
- Historic Preservation: Preserves artifacts and locomotives from the B&O Railroad
- Educational Tours: Offers insights into the history of railroading and the B&O Railroad
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to explore restored trains and interact with exhibits
11. Shenandoah Valley Train Tour
Journey through Virginia's Shenandoah Valley on a historic train.
- Scenic Routes: Offers breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley
- Historic Experience: Operates on a line built in 1856, offering a glimpse into the past
- Seasonal Offerings: Hosts seasonal events such as the Pumpkin Patch Express and North Pole Express
12. Virginia City Railroad
Step back in time on a historic steam train in Nevada City, Virginia.
- Historic Experience: Operates on a line built in the 1860s during the Comstock Lode mining boom
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys
- Educational Tours: Provides insight into the history of Nevada City and the Comstock Lode mining boom
13. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Experience a historic train journey through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado and New Mexico.
- Scenic Routes: Offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains
- Historic Experience: Operates on a line built in 1880, offering a glimpse into the past
- Multi-day Trips: Offers multi-day trips to destinations like Chama and Antonito
14. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Take a scenic train ride through the Texas Hill Country, visiting grapevines and wineries.
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of the Texas Hill Country
- Wine Tasting: Visits grapevines and wineries, offering wine tasting opportunities
- Seasonal Offerings: Hosts seasonal events such as the North Pole Express during Christmas
15. Cape Fear River Rail Adventure
Take a scenic train ride along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina.
- Scenic Routes: Offers scenic views of the Cape Fear River and surrounding coastline
- Historic Experience: Operates on a line built in the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into the past
- Educational Tours: Provides insight into the history and ecology of the Cape Fear River region