These two iconic train escapes in the U.S. were just ranked the best in the world

If you’ve been itching to ditch cramped short-haul flights for something a little more cinematic, you’re not alone. Scenic rail travel is having a moment and, now, two classic American routes have officially earned bragging rights on the global stage.

A new roundup from Lonely Planet highlighting the world’s most incredible train journeys includes not one but two U.S. rail escapes: Amtrak’s California Zephyr and the Sunset Limited, both praised for turning cross-country travel into a rolling sightseeing tour.

The list leans into the rise of “slow travel,” spotlighting routes that trade airport chaos for wide-open views and the kind of scenery you usually only get from a car window. According to Lonely Planet, the appeal isn’t just about where you end up; it’s about watching landscapes unfold mile by mile.

The California Zephyr is arguably the headline act. Running between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, the nearly three-day journey cuts through prairies, deserts and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America, including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. For travelers who want a front-row seat to the changing American landscape without touching a steering wheel, it’s basically a national-parks reel on rails.

Then there’s the Sunset Limited, which takes a completely different route and vibe. This east-to-west adventure runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles, gliding past Louisiana bayous, Texas plains and Southwest desert scenery before ending near the Pacific Ocean. Lonely Planet calls it one of the ultimate American rail experiences, ideal for anyone dreaming of a coast-to-coast journey without spending weeks behind the wheel.

Both trains sit alongside bucket-list routes from Switzerland, Japan and Australia on the global list, showing that American rail journeys are finally getting the same wanderlust treatment as Europe’s famous scenic lines. And honestly, the timing makes sense. As travelers look for more sustainable ways to explore (and more meaningful ways to slow down), rail travel is stepping back into the spotlight. You get the scenery, the nostalgia and the chance to actually see the country between destinations.

If your 2026 travel mood is less “boarding group nine” and more “window seat with a view,” consider this your sign: the best rail adventures in the world might be rolling right through your own backyard.