5 scenic Amtrak trips you can enjoy on a budget
Editor’s note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials note that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing some travel guides because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures. TPG doesn’t advise booking travel until later this year — and even then, be mindful of cancellation policies.
Ah, the Great American Road Trip: Plan a route, load up the car, pack road snacks, argue about the playlist, get stuck in traffic, deal with aggressive drivers, get a speeding ticket … ugh. Maybe it’s not so great after all.
If the idea of a road trip is more attractive than the trip itself, why not switch the planning to a Great American Train Trip?
Amtrak is a vastly underutilized travel asset. Not only can everyone enjoy the scenery as it whizzes by, but there are also snacks and drinks on board, opportunities for naps and even free Wi-Fi on certain routes. With no extra fees for luggage or changing your trip, taking the train is a sweet deal.
If you’re considering a road trip on the rails, check out these scenic routes that are as attractive for your wallet as they are for your photos.
From the Big Apple to the City of Saints
Sample nature’s ever-changing autumn color show on the Adirondack, rated one of the “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World.” Start in New York City for your urban fix before immersing yourself in the world of leaf-peeping, plaid shirts and farmers markets along the shores of Lake Champlain. End your trip with European elegance in Montreal, with its cobblestone streets, boutiques and cafes — just don’t forget your passport.
Once we can all hit the road again, check for the weekend $45 one-way fare special.
Ride and ski: From Denver to Winter Park
When the snow flies, skiers and snowboarders pile on the layers and pack into their cars to head into the snow-covered Rockies. However, there’s an easier — and more scenic — option. The Winter Park Express runs from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park Resort each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the winter. Not only do passengers avoid interstate traffic but they’re also treated to incredible views in the Superliner® Sightseer Lounge Car, with windows from floor level to the top of the railcar.
Adult fares start at $29 each way; each ticketed adult can bring a child age 2-12 for half the adult fare.
Spectacular vistas: From Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr
On one of the oldest and most scenic routes in the U.S., the California Zephyr sweeps passengers from the Windy City to the City by the Bay through the spectacular Rocky and Sierra Mountains on a 2,300-mile journey. Whether it’s mountain vistas or desert beauty you’re interested in, the Zephyr is an unforgettable route. Want to break up your trip? Stop in the Mile High City (Denver), soak in the hot springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, or tour Salt Lake City.
Plan ahead (7-14 days in advance) and save 20% on a regular adult fare.
California dreamin’: From wine to waves
There’s a lot to explore in California. But rather than battling traffic (cough, Los Angeles), why not ride in style? The Pacific Surfliner route provides a scenic way to sample surf and sun-soaked vines on California’s coast. The Surfliner route's northernmost destination is the historic city of San Luis Obispo which charms visitors with historic architecture (including some from Frank Lloyd Wright) and the chance to sample wines from nearby Edna Valley. Board the train and head south for the sunny climes of San Diego where old meets new from the Gaslamp Quarter to the Victorian grande dame hotels. No matter which way you travel, don’t forget your surfboards and bikes — trains have special racks to accommodate them.
Tip: For even more scenic sampling, board the Coast Starlight in San Francisco and head for the wineries of Paso Robles.
Seniors (ages 62+) and students save 15% on select California routes, including the Surfliner. Traveling with the family? One child ages 2-12 is eligible for a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare and one child under the age of two may ride free on Surfliner with each fare-paying adult (age 18+).
Another approach to the Grand Canyon
There are so many ways to see the Grand Canyon, ranging from low effort (park, walk a bit, peer over the edge) to high effort (packrafting or hiking several days to ooh and ahh from the bottom). However, Amtrak offers another option -- the Southwest Chief. The route runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles. Disembark at Flagstaff, Arizona, and catch the Grand Canyon Railway for a trip to the South Rim of the canyon.
Visit during the winter and you’ll encounter fewer crowds yet still enjoy all the elements of the trip on the century-old Grand Canyon Railway, including entertainment by cowboys, musicians and an early-1900s-style "train robbery." Other highlights of the route include the pink cliffs of Sedona, Arizona, and cruising through the Painted Desert. National Park Service guides are also on board the Southwest Chief to talk about the history and natural beauty of the landscape.
This is not a fly-by trip: Make it a true adventure and book the Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim which includes travel on both train, hotel accommodations, tours and more.
Bottom line
You can transfer your points from Amtrak partners and other loyalty programs into your Amtrak Guest Rewards® account and vice versa. Partners include Choice Privileges®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Hilton Honors and Wyndham Rewards. Exchange rates, participating programs and transfer details vary.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.