The Best Train & Rail Organized Tours in the USA
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries
If you're headed to the USA and are looking for the best options for train and rail tours, then you've come to the right place. We have done an extensive analysis of all available guided tour packages in the USA based on price, guest ratings, service, amenities, activities, and value. We've done the groundwork for you, meticulously analyzing the holiday packages and organized tours based on these key criteria in order to find the best train and rail tours. Great for museums & attractions, food, nightlife, and music, the USA is a terrific destination. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation filled with relaxation, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, we've found the ideal journeys to make your holiday to the USA unforgettable. We have lots of details below on what these multi-day tours and trips are like, where they visit, how much you can expect to pay, and more. So, let's dig in.
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The Best Train & Rail Tours through the USA
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
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 daily price of Train & Rail Tours in the USA is $476 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Train & Rail Tours in the USA here.
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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.
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.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and it offers access to world-class hiking and stunning parks both within and near the town. The Garden of Gods is a world class park in town and the city also offers easy access to the famed Pike's Peak in Pike National Forest. Many visitors use Colorado Springs as a base for exploring the many outdoor recreation areas that are nearby.
Durango
Durango is a popular tourist destination for its Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad steam train. It offers a scenic trip through the area's mountains and canyons. The town itself has a lot of charm and character, and nearby you'll find many hikes and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy.
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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
Deciding between an organized tour and independent travel? Keep these important aspects of each option in mind.
Organized Tours
- 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
- 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?
Are guided train and rail tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
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.
More Tour Options
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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 Asheville, The Best 3-Day Tours from New York City, 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 New York City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Orleans, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Charleston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jackson, 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 San Francisco, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Miami, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Scottsdale, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phoenix, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fairbanks, The Best 10-Day Tours from Honolulu, The Best 10-Day Tours from Anchorage, The Best 10-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 10-Day Tours from Boston, The Best 10-Day Tours from Washington DC, The Best 10-Day Tours from Waikiki, The Best 10-Day Tours from Nashville, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, 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 Boston, The Best 2-Week Tours from Phoenix, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Salt Lake City for more package tour options.
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