Best Train Journeys Around the World in Portland, Oregon, United States
1. Amtrak Cascades
Journey from Portland to Seattle with scenic views of mountains, forests and coastline.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning natural landscapes and urban vistas.
- Comfortable Journey: Includes comfortable seating, meal service, and free Wi-Fi.
- Affordability: Provides cost-effective travel options for budget-conscious tourists.
2. Coast Starlight
Epic train ride from Portland to Los Angeles, passing through California's beautiful coastline.
- Pacific Coast View: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Multi-Day Journey: Allows travelers to explore diverse landscapes over multiple days.
- Luxury Travel Experience: Provides premium seating, meals, and sleeping accommodations for a comfortable journey.
3. Empire Builder
Travel from Portland to Chicago with stops in Montana's Glacier National Park.
- Natural Wonders: Showcases the natural beauty of Montana's Glacier National Park.
- Historical Significance: Follows the historic route of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
- Comfort and Convenience: Offers comfortable seating, dining car service, and electrical outlets.
4. California Zephyr
Travel from Portland to Chicago with a stop in Salt Lake City.
- Cross-Country Adventure: Allows travelers to experience the vastness of the American West.
- Iconic Landmarks: Passes by famous landmarks such as the Rockies, Utah's red-rock landscapes, and the Colorado River.
- Convenient Stops: Provides stops in popular destinations like Denver and Salt Lake City.
5. Rocky Mountaineer
Journey from Portland to Vancouver via the Rockies, offering incredible mountain views.
- Alpine Scenery: Showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
- Upscale Experience: Provides a luxurious travel experience with gourmet meals and attentive service.
- Customizable Journey: Offers various itineraries, allowing for personalized travel experiences.
6. Sunset Limited
Travel from Portland to New Orleans with stops in the Southwest.
- Southern Charm: Showcases the rich culture and history of the American South.
- Iconic Cities: Stops in cities like Austin, Houston, and New Orleans.
- Scenic Variety: Travels through diverse landscapes including deserts, canyons, and swamplands.
7. City of New Orleans
Journey from Portland to New Orleans with stops in the South.
- Southern Hospitality: Experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of the American South.
- Historic Route: Travels along the historic route of the Illinois Central Railroad.
- Flexible Travel Options: Offers different classes of service to suit various travel preferences.
8. Southwest Chief
Travel from Portland to Chicago with stops in Arizona and Colorado.
- Southwestern Landscapes: Showcases the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers opportunities to learn about Native American cultures and history.
- Convenient Stops: Provides stops in popular destinations like Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Kansas City.
9. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Experience the beauty of Oregon's coastline on a shorter train journey.
- Natural Wonders: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal forests.
- Historic Train: Travels on vintage railcars and steam locomotives.
- Family-Friendly: Provides a fun, educational experience for all ages.
10. Willamette Valley Wine Country Tour
Tour Oregon's premier wine regions on a scenic train ride.
- Wine Tasting: Offers opportunities to taste wines from top Oregon wineries.
- Scenic Beauty: Travels through the picturesque Willamette Valley.
- Luxury Experience: Provides a comfortable and elegant travel experience.
11. Mt. Hood Railroad
Journey through the scenic foothills of Mt. Hood with various themed train rides.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of Mt. Hood and surrounding forests.
- Themed Rides: Provides themed train rides like the Polar Express and Murder Mystery Dinner Train.
- Family-Friendly: Offers a fun, educational experience for families and children.
12. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Railroad
Travel through the Columbia River Gorge on a historic train ride.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains.
- Historic Train: Travels on vintage railcars and steam locomotives.
- Educational Experience: Provides a historical perspective of the area's logging industry.
13. Mt. St. Helens Railblaze Derailer
Experience the volcanic landscape around Mt. St. Helens on a short train ride.
- Volcanic Landscape: Offers a unique view of the aftermath of the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens.
- Historic Train: Travels on a vintage railcar with a modified design to navigate the rugged terrain.
- Educational Experience: Provides insights into the geology and ecology of the area.
14. Portland Aerial Tram
Take a scenic ride over Portland on an urban aerial tram.
- Urban Adventure: Offers a unique perspective of the city from above.
- Educational Experience: Provides insights into Portland's medical and technological advancements.
- Convenient Accessibility: Connects the Oregon Health & Science University with downtown Portland.
15. Pacific Railroad Society
Learn about the history of railroads at this educational center.
- Educational Experience: Provides a comprehensive understanding of railroad history and technology.
- Historic Artifacts: Houses an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia and artifacts.
- Family-Friendly: Offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.