Train trips across the western united states? Read on please!?

Question

We live in Las Vegas and recently visited Boulder City Nv to take a short historic train ride on the train that helped transport materials for the building of Hover Dam. My husband kids and I loved it so much we are interested in taking a longer train trip... and that's when we started to wonder where there are even trips to and from in the western united states. We would be interested in trips we could take from Las Vegas or any where in the area that would go to NV, UT, AZ, CA or even OR. Where do I start, and what infor does anyone have to offer! Thanks! :)

Answer 1

i was employed for many many years on the canadian transcontential service . i think the most impressive trip scenery . cost wise would be from portland , to seattle there is nothing more spectacular than the ocean view , definate lifetime memory . rail travel unfourtantly has gone away in canada . it is a shame because tourist trains do make round trips , but the cost is nuts . ther are a lot of short trips available ,through amtrack . very inexpensive , it seems that the railroad has gotten into your system . it is a shame about canada ,at least you do have the oppurtunity to take a trans contental train trip . it is a lifetime memory /. thank you

Answer 2

Some friends of mine have assembled a guide to getting the most out of riding on Amtrak.  The website is at

http://www.on-track-on-line.com.

Click on the left where it says "Amtrak Travel Tips".

Elsewhere on the website, including the forums, you can get advice about specific Amtrak routes.

Their motto is, to quote a famous author: "There's something about a train that's magic!"

Answer 3

Unfortunately Amtrak doesn't serve Las Vegas anymore.  But they do have several routes throughout California and the western US.  Go on www.amtrak.com and see what's available.

Answer 4

Plenty of good information above.

I hope you can put together a good package,  it really is a nice way to travel if  you have the time.

The trip itself can be part of the vacation and not something just to be endured on the way to your destination.

Pack some entertainment, and a picnic lunch, relax, watch the world go by and stretch out.

Unfortunately, some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America is traveled by Amtrak at night, through Galcier Park in Montana :=(

Answer 5

If you're looking for a longer trip try this:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentSer...

or try this one:http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/usa/index...

Rail travel is beginning to look really good for travelers that have some time to see the country. No long lines and TSA inspections. It's a great way to see what most people only fly over.

Answer 6

You can try out many of the tourist railroads.  Most don't travel a really long distance, but two I've always wanted to take is the Cumbres & Toltec and the D&RGW trains.  

You can get more info on the tourist trains here:

http://www.railserve.com/Tourist/

Answer 7

well unfortunately Las Vegas doesnt have direct train service (although Amtrak does serviced Las Vegas via bus from Bakersfield , Los Angeles

once you are in LA you could either take the southwest chief,

to Chicago or the Starlight (to Seattle)

check with a travel agent or Amtrak

Answer 8

I live in Boulder City. I'm glad you enjoyed our little railroad!

There are several longer trips that you can take, both here in the states and abroad. One problem for us locals is that Amtrak no longer serves the Las Vegas valley directly. You have to take an Amtrak bus to either Baker, CA or Kingman, AZ.

However, once you figure out those logistics, a world of travel opens up. A really nice trip is from San Diego, CA up to Seattle, WA. The route follows the coast and offers some great scenery. A transcontinental trip from Los Angeles to Chicago would also be nice. For shorter, more local trips, visit the Grand Canyon Railway, San Diego Trolley, and so one. See the link below for other tourist railroads.

If you would like a real adventure, then I highly recommend the VIA Rail trip across Canada. The scenery is beautiful and changes frequently. The staff was very helpful and courteous. The food was amazing!