Amtrak’s Fall Color Trains offer a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of autumn. While it’s a standard train journey, choosing the right route at the right time allows you to experience breathtaking scenery filled with vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and golds.
Some Amtrak routes are better for viewing fall colors than others, and trip timing matters. The Cardinal, Vermonter, Adirondack, Pennsylvanian, Borealis, Lake Shore Limited, Empire Builder, and California Zephyr are the top routes I would recommend.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best scenic spots, when to ride, and key things to consider before booking your fall train trip.
Best Amtrak Fall Color Trains (Quick Answer)
Some Amtrak routes suit fall foliage trips better than others. If seeing the colorful leaves is your primary reason for traveling, I recommend starting with the Adirondack, Borealis, California Zephyr, Cardinal, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Pennsylvanian, or Vermonter.
The Floridian offers beautiful seasonal scenery in parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia; however, fall foliage is not a highlight along its entire Chicago-to-Miami route.
The best train depends largely on when you travel. Northern routes and higher elevations usually change first, while areas farther south can stay colorful later into October.
Best Amtrak Fall Color Trains
Use this table as a starting point for planning your trip. The dates provided are general timelines and not guarantees.
| Amtrak Train | Where to Look for Fall Colors | General Time to Go |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack | Hudson Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Champlain | Early to mid-October |
| Borealis | Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, and the Mississippi River | Late September to mid-October |
| California Zephyr | Colorado Rockies, especially west of Denver | Late September to early October |
| Cardinal | West Virginia, New River Gorge, and the Allegheny Mountains | Mid to late October |
| Empire Builder | Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Mississippi River | Late September to early October |
| Floridian | Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia | Mid to late October |
| Lake Shore Limited | Hudson River Valley and upstate New York | Early to mid-October |
| Pennsylvanian | Allegheny Mountains across Pennsylvania | Mid to late October |
| Vermonter | Massachusetts and Vermont | Late September to mid-October |
A Quick Note About Fall Color Timing
Peak fall foliage color can vary each year because of factors such as temperature, rainfall, elevation, and geographic location. On longer train trips that span hundreds or thousands of miles, you might experience multiple stages of fall colors during the journey.
If fall foliage is a key part of your trip, check current foliage reports just before you depart. Even if you miss the exact peak, you still won’t miss out on the beautiful scenery, as the leaves are typically stunning for a wider time frame.
For more accurate information, please refer to the Fall Foliage prediction map.
Best Amtrak Fall Color Trips To or From Chicago
Chicago offers several excellent options for an Amtrak trip featuring beautiful fall scenery.
- Borealis – One of the easiest options for a short fall trip is to ride through Wisconsin and along the Mississippi River without committing to a multi-day cross-country journey.
- Empire Builder – A great option for those seeking more time along the Mississippi River and through the northern Midwest, with the possibility of continuing much farther west.
- California Zephyr – Best for experiencing Colorado’s aspens and Rocky Mountain scenery. Allow more time, as the prime fall scenery is well west of Chicago.
- Cardinal – A slower, longer route that rewards travelers with Appalachian scenery and views of the New River Gorge as you journey toward Washington and the East Coast.
- Lake Shore Limited – Traveling toward New York offers stunning fall scenery, especially farther east along the Hudson River.
- Floridian – Another long-distance option from Chicago, offering seasonal views through the Appalachians before the train continues south to Florida.
For a quick getaway, I’d start with the Borealis or a shorter trip on the Empire Builder. If the train ride itself is part of the vacation and you have more time, the California Zephyr, Cardinal, Lake Shore Limited, and Floridian offer more options to explore.
Amtrak Fall Color Podcast
For an overview of this article, check out the accompanying podcast.
Setting Expectations for Amtrak Fall Color Trains
The best way to prepare for a trip is to research thoroughly and set realistic expectations.
Cost Of Trips
Last-minute Amtrak trips can be costly, but they may be worth it.
When booking, you may encounter sold-out trains for the accommodations you want, but you won’t know for sure until you run the numbers. The more flexible you are, the better your chance of getting a cheaper ride.
Not Every Part Of The Route Is As Scenic As You May Want
Don’t plan the whole trip to be stunning.
Trains travel through scenic forests, mountains, and valleys, showcasing breathtaking vistas. However, they also pass by cities, junkyards, industrial centers, and other less attractive areas.
Set realistic expectations; overall, the beautiful scenery often outweighs any negative aspects.
Because of nightfall and sleep, you may miss some views, which can be challenging for those experiencing FOMO to keep up with.
Night & Day Route Map for Amtrak Fall Color Trains
Trains Magazine designed this map to show Amtrak route sections by day or night. Please note that the map is approximate, and any delays may cause discrepancies in the displayed information.
If you take one of these trains for a round trip, you may encounter some familiar sights as well as new ones or gain a different perspective on the journey. On certain routes, overnight travel goes one way, while daytime travel goes the other.
Three-day Amtrak Fall Color Trains
Traveling from one end of these trains to the other takes approximately three days. All trains, except the Floridian, use Superliner or bi-level equipment that includes both coach seating and sleeping accommodations. The Floridian, however, uses single-level equipment with Viewliner sleeping cars.
Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle/Portland)
The Empire Builder transports passengers from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, with stops in Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. Westbound trains are 7 and 27, while eastbound trains are 8 and 28.
Depending on the direction, the train splits into two trains or combines into one in Spokane, WA, which is how it has two destinations at one end. Between Spokane and Chicago, the two trains run together as one.
During the fall season, the route offers awe-inspiring views of the changing foliage in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington.
The vistas of rolling hills and forests awash in autumn hues are simply enchanting.
California Zephyr (Chicago to The Bay Area)
The California Zephyr runs between Chicago and the Bay Area. It runs as westbound No. 5 and eastbound No. 6. While the train ends or starts in Emeryville, CA, Amtrak Connecting Services connects it to Oakland and San Francisco.
It is one of North America’s most beautiful train trips, climbing through the heart of the Rockies and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas.
The best fall section will be between Denver and Salt Lake City, but the Sierras will also offer a great show. If you prefer fields and small towns, Chicago and Omaha are strong options.
The Zephyr runs between Chicago and San Francisco, coursing through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento into Emeryville/San Francisco.
Floridian (Chicago – Miami)
- 40 northbound, Miami → Chicago
- 41 southbound, Chicago → Miami
While riding the Floridian route, you travel over most of the original historic B&O Railroad route. The train takes passengers through picturesque areas, including the Allegheny Mountains and the Potomac River Valley, allowing you to experience the beauty of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
The train turns at Washington, DC, and heads South to Florida.
The most impressive fall colors along the Floridian route can be found in the northern sections of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. However, as the train travels south toward Florida, the scenery and foliage change significantly. So, if you’re planning to take the Floridian, don’t expect vibrant fall colors throughout the entire journey from Chicago to Miami.
Two-Day Amtrak Fall Color Trains
These two-day Amtrak fall color trips offer plenty of scenery without the time commitment of a three-day journey. The Coast Starlight utilizes Superliner bi-level equipment, while the Lake Shore Limited and Cardinal employ single-level equipment, including Viewliner sleeping cars.
Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles)
The Coast Starlight runs between Los Angeles and Seattle. It is 14 on the northbound side and 11 on the southbound side.
This train offers an incredible journey along the West Coast, from the lush Pacific Northwest to the sunny shores of Southern California.
This train doesn’t showcase the traditional fall foliage of deciduous trees on the southern end of the route, but it does offer a fantastic view of the ocean and palm trees as it heads north.
Lake Shore Limited (New York City/Boston to Chicago)
The Lake Shore Limited runs between Chicago and the East Coast, with Boston and New York as endpoints. Between Chicago and Albany-Rensselaer, NY, the train runs as one or splits eastbound and reunites westbound.
The Boston Sections are 448 and 449, while the New York sections are 48 and 49. Even numbers are eastbound, and odd numbers are westbound.
For those who crave urban adventures and fall foliage, Lake Shore Limited delivers more at the ends of the routes.
This route takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Midwest and the Great Lakes region.
You can see some fall colors on your way into Chicago, but the best section is the rolling hills of upstate New York, where the landscape bursts into vibrant color.
Cardinal (New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago)
The Cardinal runs three days a week, trains 50 Eastbound and 51 Westbound. It is a hidden gem within the Amtrak system.
It offers a unique cross-country journey through the Appalachian Mountains and the Allegheny Plateau.
This route showcases the beautiful fall foliage of the Eastern United States, with a particular highlight being West Virginia’s colorful landscapes.
The New River Gorge in the Fall is a must-see.
If you are in the Midwest, you could take a train to Washington, D.C., and then return on Amtrak’s Floridian. In theory, this would allow you to avoid a hotel stay. This adventure offers a beautiful, relaxing three-day trip with scenic views.
Regional Amtrak Fall Color Trains
Many regional trains may fill your leaf-peeper urge if you are on a budget, have a time crunch, or have some time to spare. If you’ve never ridden a regional train, this could be an excellent opportunity to try one out.
Regional non-Amtrak trains, like Metra or the South Shore Line, may give you an excellent getaway for a few hours or more. Also, check for any excursion trains that might provide a great experience.
Here are a few Amtrak regional trains that are noteworthy for a list of Amtrak Fall Color Trains.
Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh to New York)
The Pennsylvanian runs as 42 East and 43 West between Pittsburgh and New York.
Scenic highlights of the Pennsylvanian include Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle and the convergence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. In addition to the Allegheny Mountains, you can ride the train over the famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, PA, and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Vermonter (Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont)
The Vermonter begins in D.C. and runs through New York City to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Experience the Green Mountain State’s scenic vistas and New England charm any time of the year.
If you’re into skiing, remember this train—it can take you to some beautiful ski destinations. So I have heard —in all fairness, I admit I do not ski.
Adirondack (New York City to Montreal)
One of Amtrak’s scenic routes, the Adirondack, takes you on a picturesque journey from the bustling metropolis of New York City to the charming city of Montreal, Canada.
Along the way, you’ll traverse the Hudson River Valley, offering spectacular views of the Catskills and the Adirondack Mountains. In the Fall, the lush forests and rolling hills burst into a brilliant tapestry of colors that will leave you in awe.
Borealis (Chicago to the Twin Cities)
The Borealis train service launched in 2024 and has successfully showcased the scenic fall colors, particularly in Wisconsin and parts of Illinois and Minnesota. This daily train serves all the stops along the Empire Builder and Hiawatha routes between Chicago and the Twin Cities.
The train offers coach and business class accommodations; you can use the cafe car if you get hungry.
A Trip Idea For Amtrak Fall Color Trains
Now, hear me out. I know this is not for everyone, but if you’re a diehard train or fall colors enthusiast, this could be for you! You can take this adventure in one go or break it up into smaller segments.
Long Cross-Country Trip
Although you can start this journey elsewhere, I will use Chicago as my starting point. I had done this, but I stayed a few nights in San Francisco in March, so it wasn’t a fall-color trip.
- The California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville, CA)
- This train offers a diverse range of views, encompassing more than just trees.
- Coast Starlight (Emeryville, CA, to Portland, OR)
- Empire Builder (Portland, OR, to Chicago)
If I did the math right, this trip would be six days and five nights, with two layovers.
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Amtrak Fall Color Trains Wrap-Up
Don’t forget that you don’t need to take these trains from beginning to end. You could take the train in one direction and fly back if that works best for you.
One alternative is to disembark at an intermediate stop. This option lets you explore the area for a day or two before continuing your journey or heading back the other way. Keep in mind that if you get off and later reboard to continue in the same direction, you will likely pay more than you would for a direct ticket. However, this added flexibility can be well worth the extra cost.
There’s no better way to experience the magic of Fall than by taking an Amtrak train journey.
Whether you choose the Empire Builder through the northern states, the Coast Starlight along the West Coast, or even the Cardinal through the Northern part of the South, Amtrak’s routes offer a front-row seat to the vibrant autumn colors.
Pack your bags, hop on board, and let Amtrak guide you through a memorable autumn adventure that’s bound to leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur. Take advantage of the opportunity to witness Fall’s beauty from the comfort of a train.
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