The Prices of Train & Rail Tours to the USA
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Few things capture the romance of travel quite like exploring the USA by train. With scenic views rolling past your window, train and rail tours offer a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and timeless charm. Imagine gliding through picturesque villages, vast countrysides, and historic cities—all without the hassle of driving or planning. Whether it's a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes or an iconic rail journey, these tours make travel as enjoyable as the destination itself.
In this guide, we'll break down the costs of train and rail tours in the USA, highlight the standout options, and share the must-visit destinations that make these trips truly magical. To ensure you find the best rail adventure, we've analyzed a variety of tours, comparing prices, quality, amenities, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a budget-friendly excursion or a luxury rail escape, these tours are your ticket to a stress-free journey with a view. All aboard for an unforgettable adventure!
Why does the USA appeal to sightseers?
The USA's efficient and scenic rail network appeals to travelers looking to explore in comfort and style. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and NYC offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. San Francisco is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and NYC are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. You can't miss the nightlife of Los Angeles, NYC, and Miami, either. The region's blend of iconic destinations and breathtaking rail routes makes it ideal for exploring by train.
How much do Train & Rail Tours in the USA cost?
The average price per day for train and rail tours in the USA is $393, based on our analysis of 4 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $135 to $542 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $135 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $542 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Tours in the USA
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable train and rail tours in the USA average $135 per day, with daily prices from $135 to $135. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out USA by Train: Big Apple, Philly Streets & Capitol here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical train and rail tours in the USA that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $448 per day. Daily prices range from $365 to $531. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Great Canadian Rail Journey.
Luxury Tours
Luxury train and rail tours in the USA average around $448 per day, with daily costs ranging from $542 to $542. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Historic Trains of the Old West.
Which tour companies offer train & rail tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer train and rail tours in the USA. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Globus
Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.
Cosmos
Cosmos is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and North America. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Argentina. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, cooking classes, and wine tasting.
Train & Rail Destinations in the USA
Wondering where train & rail tours visit in the USA? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Denver
For many travelers, Denver serves as an arrival or departure point for their national park and Rocky Mountain trips. The city is relatively large and sprawling with a handful of museums that you can visit. The city also offers access to several of the ski resorts that are nearby.
Washington DC
Washington DC is a world class destination that attracts international travelers, students, and business workers. At the heart of the tourist scene is the National Mall, which has many of the most well known monuments including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. This is also where you'll find the most notable Smithsonian Museums. While many visitors make a visit to the National Mall a top priority, the more livable neighborhoods are where you'll find the true heart of the city.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is located in the Sangre de Cristo foothills and it has a long running history as a Spanish colony and the state capital of New Mexico. It is filled with Pueblo-style architecture and has a charming old town. The city also has its own local cuisine and many interesting museums.
New York City
New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the United States. It is filled with its own energy and personality, and visitors will enjoy exploring the unique neighborhoods and seeing world-renowned landmarks. The city is divided into 5 boroughs, with most visitors spending the majority of their time in Manhattan. Manhattan has high skyscrapers, world class shopping, and countless entertainment options such that there's never a dull moment.
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Other popular destinations for train & rail tours through the USA include Taos, Niagara Falls (USA), Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Glenwood Springs.
Train & Rail Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're torn between arranging your own trip and booking a guided tour, take a moment to weigh the differences between the two approaches.
Organized Tours
Pros- Guided tours ensure you see all the major attractions efficiently.
- Professional guides provide historical context and interesting facts.
- You don’t need to navigate or worry about transportation.
- Tickets and entry to popular sights are often pre-arranged.
- Group tours can offer discounts on attractions and services.
- Local guides help you discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots.
- Tours often include additional perks like meals or refreshments.
- The itinerary is planned for you, saving you time and effort.
- You can meet other travelers with similar interests.
- Guides help with language barriers and local customs.
- The fixed schedule may not align with your personal preferences.
- Tours may include stops that don’t interest you as much as others.
- You have less flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.
- Some tours cater to general audiences and may lack depth.
Independent Travel
Pros- You can create an itinerary tailored to your specific interests.
- Independent travel allows you to spend as much time as you want at each location.
- You have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Flexibility allows you to visit attractions on your own schedule.
- You can discover unique experiences not included in standard tours.
- Researching and planning can be time-consuming.
- You must navigate unfamiliar places on your own.
- Managing transportation between attractions can be challenging.
- Popular attractions may sell out or have long lines.
- You might miss out on local insights provided by professional guides.
- Language barriers can make communication more difficult.
- There’s no support system if unexpected issues arise during your trip.
Which is cheaper?
Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided train and rail tours? The answer isn't clear-cut. Tours typically package accommodations, transportation, meals, entry fees, and activities into one price, whereas independent travelers must arrange and pay for these themselves. To understand the cost difference, compare the tour's price with the cost of booking everything individually. Depending on whether you choose budget-friendly options or splurge on certain aspects, the tour might be a better deal—or not. Make sure to check what's included before drawing conclusions.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
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Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 3-Day Tours from San Francisco, The Best 3-Day Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 3-Day Tours from New York City, The Best 3-Day Tours from Asheville, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seattle, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Boston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Washington DC, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nashville, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Charleston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Orleans, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jackson, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Francisco, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rapid City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salt Lake City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Miami, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Honolulu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phoenix, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fairbanks, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Scottsdale, The Best 10-Day Tours from Honolulu, The Best 10-Day Tours from Waikiki, The Best 10-Day Tours from Anchorage, The Best 10-Day Tours from Boston, The Best 10-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 10-Day Tours from Washington DC, The Best 10-Day Tours from Nashville, The Best 10-Day Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 2-Week Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from Waikiki, The Best 2-Week Tours from Atlanta, The Best 2-Week Tours from Miami, The Best 2-Week Tours from Honolulu, The Best 2-Week Tours from Seattle, The Best 2-Week Tours from Phoenix, The Best 2-Week Tours from Boston, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Salt Lake City for more package tour options.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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