west coast tour train

Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, amtrak trips out west: 7 amazing train vacations.

For an adventure with Wild West towns, Spanish missions, national parks and historic landmarks, book a trip on Amtrak for an epic experience. Multiple long-distance trains travel across the Western United States, so you can choose the route based on your sightseeing interests.

To start planning your Amtrak vacation, here are seven must-do train trips out West.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page .

1. Glacier National Park

Take a trip on the Empire Builder from cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Portland and Seattle to experience Glacier National Park and Great Northern Railway history.

Founded in 1889, the Great Northern Railway connected Saint Paul, Minnesota with Seattle, Washington. To increase ridership, the railroad company petitioned the US government to create Glacier National Park, which was near their railroad tracks.

The effort paid off. Glacier National Park was established in 1910, and the railroad company built lodges and chalets that you can still stay in today:

• 1910 Belton Chalet (next to the West Glacier Station)
• 1913 Glacier Park Lodge (next to East Glacier Park Station)
• 1939 Izaak Walton Inn (former railroad employee lodging next to the Essex Station)

The Great Northern Railway also built several lodges inside Glacier National Park (Granite Park Chalet, Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel and Sperry Chalet), but you’ll need a car to get there. Exit at the Whitefish Amtrak Station for rental cars or to reach an airport .

2. Route 66

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief travels near Route 66, the first all-weather road that connected Chicago with Los Angeles. Board the train in Chicago to officially kick of the journey from the start of the highway, but once you are outside of Chicago, the train doesn’t connect with Route 66 again until Las Vegas, New Mexico.

For a trip that’s all along the historic road, start in Albuquerque and travel to Los Angeles. You can also get off the train for one night or more at one of the below Amtrak stations to see Route 66 up close:

• Las Vegas, New Mexico
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Gallup, New Mexico
• Winslow, Arizona
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Kingman, Arizona ( Historic Route 66 Museum )
• Needles, California*
• Barstow, California*
• Victorville, California*
• San Bernardino, California
• Los Angeles, California

*Westbound trains arrive in these cities after midnight

3. Colorado Rocky Mountains

The majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains straddle the Continental Divide and separate the Western US from the Great Plains. The California Zephyr will take you there from cities including Emeryville (near San Francisco), Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Omaha and Denver. It’s one of the most scenic Amtrak routes with beautiful views all year long.

If you start the trip in Chicago, you’ll spend a night on the train before reaching the Rockies, but you’ll get to see the massive mountains rise in the distance on the approach.

To experience just the mountain journey, we recommend starting in Denver. From there, you can take a day trip to Salt Lake City, or travel to one of the Amtrak stations in the mountains so you can hike, ski and visit local attractions. See Colorado train trip ideas to learn more.

4. Donner Pass and Lake Tahoe

If you recall from history class, the Donner Party was a group of pioneers that traveled out west in a wagon train in 1846. They got caught in a blizzard and almost half of them died after spending months next to what is now Donner Lake (pictured above).

Amtrak’s California Zephyr train travels through this area today from cities including Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento and Emeryville. You can view Donner Lake out the windows along with the Sierra Nevada mountains, which made the last leg of the journey west difficult for many settlers.

To visit Donner Memorial State Park and enjoy outdoor activities at nearby North Lake Tahoe , you’ll need to rent a car. Exit the train in Truckee, California, which is a historic town that was originally built along a wagon road. You can arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you to the nearby Enterprise Rent-A-Car office .

With the car, you can choose from many different lodging options in the mountains or near the water. Plan to say at least one night in the area.

5. Old West Towns

Dodge City, Kansas and Las Vegas, New Mexico (pictured above) are two great places to experience the Wild West on the Southwest Chief route.

In Dodge City, Boot Hill Museum is one of the top attractions to visit, with interactive displays, artifacts and activities that recreate the town’s past. You can also check out the Gunfighers Wax Museum and walk the Dodge City Trail of Fame .

Las Vegas, New Mexico is eight hours away from Dodge City via train and has over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It hasn’t changed much since Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday, Jesse James and other outlaws walked the streets. Be sure to check out the Plaza Hotel that opened in 1882. Former President Theodore Roosevelt visited here in 1899 as part of a Rough Riders reunion.

Both cities have hotels and downtown districts in walking distance of Amtrak stations. Holiday Inn Express & Suites is closest to the Dodge City Amtrak Station and the Castaneda Hotel , which was formerly a Harvey House for railroad passengers, is closest to the Las Vegas, New Mexico Amtrak Station.

If you’re looking for a flight for the return trip, Albuquerque and Kansas City are the closest Amtrak stops with major airports. To start the trip, you can begin in and near Los Angeles or cities including Chicago and Kansas City.

6. Spanish Missions

San Antonio, Texas is just one of many places where you can view historic Spanish missions in the United States. The Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited Amtrak routes stop here, with departures from cities in Texas, as well as Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, New Orleans, Tucson and Los Angeles.

The must-visit destinations include The Alamo (also known as Mission San Antonio de Valero ), Mission Concepción , Mission San José  (pictured above), Mission San Juan  and Mission Espada . View the missions trip guide to learn more or plan to go on a guided tour .

After you’ve seen all the sights, you can return home on Amtrak or book a flight out of San Antonio or another major city on the Texas Eagle or Sunset Limited routes. Note that The Alamo is in walking distance of the San Antonio Amtrak Station along with the San Antonio River Walk and several hotels ( Staybridge Suites is closest to the station).

7. Grand Canyon and Flagstaff

For views of an amazing natural wonder, plan a trip to the Grand Canyon via Amtrak’s Southwest Chief . The closest station is Flagstaff, and you’ll need to rent a car (pick up service available during office hours), book a shuttle or go on a tour to reach the Grand Canyon from there.

Perks of renting a car include being able to visit other top area attractions including Walnut Canyon National Monument , Lowell Observatory , Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort .

Even if you don’t rent a car, you can explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff and Route 66 , check out the many art galleries , visit the Clara M. Lovett Art Museum and go on an electric bike tour . Lyft and Uber services are also options for getting around, although all the above activities are walkable if you stay at a hotel or vacation rental downtown.

Tip : Train arrival time in Flagstaff is better if you are traveling west vs east. To travel west, you can start the trip in Chicago, Kansas City or Albuquerque, which all have major airports.

More Information

• 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
• 5 best Amtrak sleeper car routes
• Amtrak roomettes vs bedrooms
• 7 things to pack for an Amtrak trip
• 10 attractions on the Sunset Limited route to plan a trip around
• 10 attractions on the Southwest Chief route to plan a trip around

Top photo courtesy Pxhere

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

How to plan the ultimate US rail trip along the West Coast or Eastern Seaboard

Crossing America’s vast distances by train provides a unique perspective on many of the country’s natural and urban highlights — and with major rail investment in the pipeline, the experience is only likely to get better. 

In the US, embarking on a train trip means taking the track less travelled. Once the symbol of technological advancement and westward expansion, the country’s railroads have had a hard time moving into the modern era. But when you ride the rails in the US, you’re afforded the opportunity to peel back the layers of this land and experience it on a human scale.  

From the train windows, passengers bear witness to the epic diversity of landscapes that have shaped the country’s history and people — the snowy Sierra Nevadas, the Rocky Mountains, the rugged West Coast cliffs that plunge into the blue Pacific, the placid swamps of Florida and Texas and the oceans of prairie grass in the Midwest. Watching that scenery roll by is a highlight, but taking the train in the US is also about opening a backdoor to parts of the country rarely seen by travellers, from underappreciated small towns to the industrial underbelly.  

Many Americans have never taken a cross-country train on home soil. Amtrak, the country’s only long-distance passenger train operator, is barely more than 50 years old, founded as a quasi-public company in 1971 — but US train travel can feel like a journey much further back in time. The long-distance lines have wonderfully evocative names, such as ‘Coast Starlight’ (Seattle to Los Angeles), ‘California Zephyr’ (the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago), ‘Silver Star’ (New York City to Miami) and ‘Sunset Limited’ (Los Angeles to New Orleans). Trains pass through monumental stations that are architectural beacons of their eras, from the art deco tilework and massive chandeliers hanging from the soaring, 19-metre-high ceilings in Los Angeles’ Union Station to the beaux arts white granite arches, gold-leaf ceiling medallions and classical statuary at Union Station in Washington, DC.    

While the US lags behind many countries in terms of train infrastructure — there are far fewer of the sleeper cabins that Europe excels in, while the bullet-train speeds of Japan have yet to materialise — Amtrak is on the cusp of a revolution, set for the largest rail investment in its history. As part of this, its Acela trains in the north east will be upgraded by 2024, making them faster and more environmentally friendly. And by the end of the decade, new routes and a new fleet of long-distance trains are promised across the country. But for now, at least, riding Amtrak remains something of an old-school travel experience. These train trips are less about getting from A to B and more about watching the world go by and sharing the journey with the strangers you meet on board.

Itinerary 1: Seattle to San Diego

Distance : 1,505 miles

Unravelling over a huge swathe of the country, from above Seattle in the north to San Diego, just above the Mexican border in the south, the West Coast is a US blockbuster. It’s punctuated by hip, laid-back cities, instantly recognisable landmarks and beautiful natural spaces — and you don’t need a car to access many of the highlights. Between Los Angeles and northern Washington , Amtrak follows a similar route to the classic Highway 101 road trip, allowing travellers to bask in the scenery instead of getting stuck behind the wheel. Where the track meets the Pacific Ocean through central and southern California , your eyes will be glued to the picture windows as the train trundles wickedly close to the coastal cliff edge, with nothing between you and the sea but a sheer several-hundred-foot drop down to the beach. The route is made up of three overlapping rail lines: Cascades, Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner.  

1. Pike Place Market , Seattle Find the heart of Seattle at Pike Place, which opened in 1907 with a handful of farmers who rolled up in wagons. It’s now one of the US’s oldest and largest continuously operating markets, home to the world’s oldest Starbucks. Fish are still thrown through the air and tourists stick their used gum on a wall in a famous back alley. But today, the presence of buskers, restaurants and bookshops shows it’s far more than a farmers’ market.  

2. Columbia River Gorge Stretch your legs at the country’s largest National Scenic Area, less than a 30-minute drive east of central Portland in Oregon . Columbia River Gorge is an 80-mile-long canyon, where 90 layered waterfalls spill from basalt cliffs covered with needle-like ponderosa pines. Hiking and cycling here is a balm for the soul after a tour of Portland’s hip cafe and brewery scene. Book a tour, if you’d rather not drive.

3. San Francisco The Coast Starlight train pulls up in Oakland, putting San Francisco — just across the bay — within easy reach. If you have time for just one excursion, take the boat to Alcatraz Island, home to the country’s most infamous prison until it closed in 1963. You’ll knock off two sights in one journey, as the Golden Gate Bridge should be visible from the water — as long as it’s not obscured by fog.

4. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail It’s possible to get a taste of California’s wine country in Santa Barbara, without straying too far from the train tracks. The Urban Wine Trail links together more than 20 cellars spread across four areas of the city. These include the Funk Zone — a former industrial district that runs for 10 blocks from the train station — which has a dense concentration of spots to sample some lauded cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.  

5.   Hollywood , Los Angeles Originally built to advertise a real estate development, the Hollywood Sign is LA’s most iconic landmark and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. Perched high on Mount Lee in the south west of Griffith Park, the sign is a sight to behold from afar but it’s also well worth making the trek to see it up close. A handful of steep trails of varying difficulty wind through the park’s exposed sage scrub, rising above oak and walnut woodland and passing mountain ridges, gaining 300 metres in elevation en route to the sign.  

6. Coronado Beach , San Diego Set on a peninsula across the bridge from downtown San Diego, Coronado Beach is frequently ranked among the best stretches of sand in the US. When seen up close, you’ll understand why: it literally sparkles thanks to the mineral mica in the grains of sand, which makes it gleam in the sunlight. Grab a daybed or go for a drink at Hotel del Coronado, an 1888 seaside resort forever associated with Marilyn Monroe after it featured in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot.  

Itinerary 2: Miami to New York

Distance:   1,522 miles

Offering an alternate perspective on the most populated part of the country, this train route rolls through backland swamps, forested countryside and one-stoplight towns in between major metropolises, including New York, Washington, DC and Miami. For first-timers looking to squeeze as much into their trip as possible — albeit it at a leisurely pace — it’s an ideal way to link up the Eastern Seaboard’s biggest attractions on a single visit without setting foot in an airport.  

Spot manatees, spiny lobsters and dolphins in the waters of South Florida before scooting up to Savannah and Charleston, both historic coastal cities currently reckoning with difficult pasts. The journey then continues northwards to the country’s current capital, Washington , DC, and its former capital, Philadelphia, where national history looms large and excellent museums abound. This epic overlander then terminates in New York City, where Broadway and one of the best bar and restaurant scenes in the country await.  

The Northeast Corridor, from DC to Boston, has the country’s busiest and best-served train routes, with dozens of departures daily — a rarity elsewhere in the US. Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains — the fastest in North America — also run through this region.  

1. Everglades National Park With a coastline bordering both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, South Florida is all about the water, and fun-loving Miami is an ideal jumping-off point for trips to Florida’s most famous national park, the Everglades. Its manatee-, alligator- and crocodile-filled waters, west of the city, allow travellers to spot wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in the country. Fun fact: it’s the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Join a boat trip to get out into the park’s swamps or take an accessible hike along the mile-long Anhinga Trail to see these ancient creatures basking in the sun on dry land.

2. Savannah’s Starland District Georgia ’s southern belle, the town of Savannah, is accented with grand, neoclassical-style antebellum architecture, paddle boats and oak trees draped with Spanish moss — but it’s also a hotbed of innovation and creativity, thanks to the influence of the Savannah College of Art and Design. The city’s imaginative spirit is most prominent in the Starland District, a former dairy and the neighbourhood surrounding it that’s been transformed into an arts hub with galleries, coffee shops, vintage boutiques and studios.

3. Charleston Strolling through Charleston is a walk through living history. Streets of brick and cobblestones lead past centuries-old churches and notable houses hidden behind swirling wrought-iron gates (the colourful homes of Rainbow Row are particularly photogenic). But the past isn’t always pretty, and Charleston reckons with its brutal treatment of enslaved people at important visitor sites such as the McLeod Plantation and the Old Slave Mart Museum .    

4.   Smithsonian , Washington, DC The leading cultural institution in the US capital continues to add to its collection of 21 huge free-to-visit museums, many of which are set along the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building. The deeply moving National Museum of African American History and Culture is the latest addition to the lineup, documenting the Black experience in the US, from the transatlantic slave trade to the 1960s civil rights movement and Black achievements in music, sport and the arts. Powerful artefacts on display include the dress that Rosa Parks was sewing at work the day she was arrested for not giving up her bus seat to a white passenger.  

5. Philadelphia The original US capital city, Philly is where US democracy was debated and drafted. Visit the Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where delegates from the 13 colonies met to write both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Then head to the Eastern State Penitentiary, an infamous prison that once held criminals like Al Capone but now hosts art installations and exhibitions in former 1800s cell blocks.  

6. New York’s High Line The US’s largest city, New York makes a fitting final stop. Continue the rail theme by spending the day meandering Manhattan’s High Line, a former train track turned public park. Heading south from Hudson Yards to Greenwich Village, hop on and off to visit Chelsea’s art galleries and the Meatpacking District boutiques. Finish with a drink at Little Island, an artificial island in Hudson River designed by British starchitect Thomas Heatherwick.  

Five more US rail routes

1. Empire builder Bookended by Chicago and Seattle, the Empire Builder rides through a wild variety of landscapes, from the grasslands of the Great Plains to the snowy Rocky Mountains and glacial valleys of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Parts of the route follow the trail of early US expedition leaders Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.  

2. Southwest Chief Crossing the heart of the country between Chicago and Los Angeles, the Southwest Chief gives riders a taste of the West, old and new. From Flagstaff, Arizona, take a shuttle to Grand Canyon National Park or to Williams, where the privately run heritage Grand Canyon Railway heads to the heart of the park.

3. Sunset Limited This route between Los Angeles and New Orleans skirts the south of the country, making stops in Palm Springs for modernist architecture and San Antonio for Texas history, at the Alamo and preserved 18th-century Spanish missions. Most long-distance Amtrak services operate daily, but Sunset Limited runs just three times a week.  

4. Lake Shore Limited Running from Chicago to New York or Boston, the Lake Shore Limited traces the edges of the Great Lakes, from the tip of Lake Michigan near Chicago to Lake Erie through Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. In autumn, expect wonderful colour changes in the foliage around the water.

5. City of New Orleans This route between Chicago and New Orleans is sure to have your toes tapping as it stops at some of the country’s great music cities, noteworthy for their jazz, blues, soul and funk. Halfway into the trip, trains stop in Memphis, where you can tour Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, and listen to blues on Beale Street.

Related Topics

You may also like.

Meet the new winemakers taking South Africa by storm in little-known Swartland

How to plan the ultimate campervanning adventure through Australia

Free bonus issue.

Cinque Terre’s iconic ‘path of love’ is back. Don’t love it to death

How to plan a wine-tasting tour of Armenia

How to plan a weekend in South Moravia, Czech wine country

4 of the best food experiences in Corsica

Sparkling vintages, vineyard tours and tasting festivals: how to experience English wine this year

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

Take the Most Beautiful Train Ride in the U.S. for $101

If you want to see the best of the west coast, take a train.

Disembarking from Seattle, Washington and running all the way to Los Angeles , California, Amtrak's Coast Starlight line shows travelers the most beautiful views of the Pacific coast.

And the best part is, tickets start at only $101 for a one-way trip .

The 35-hour route covers 350 miles through Washington, Oregon and California countryside, making about 30 stops, including Santa Barbara , the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland , Oregon.

Among the many sites you'll see along the way, you can gaze upon gorgeous mountains, forests, valleys, and the Pacific Ocean during just one trip. Each train has observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows. Passengers can also lounge in swivel chairs so they can get a wide view.

The $101 super saver option is for a one-way, single ticket. Warning for riders: If you're hoping to take a trip, you should plan several weeks in advance if you want to book multiple tickets.

At the time of writing this article, Travel + Leisure found the super saver price as early as April, and the availability was sparse, sometimes with only one ticket available on certain days.

It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. Travelers can buy premium tickets, at premium prices, for a Superliner Roomette that comes with two fold-down beds, plus meals and a lovely private window so you don't miss a view.

But if you're just looking to sightsee and save, you can't get much better than a relaxing train ride.

To reserve tickets on Coast Starlight, travelers can visit the Amtrak website .

9 Scenic Amtrak Trips On The West Coast & Their Costs

Amtrak offers several scenic West Coast train trips, each showcasing the region's popular destinations and stunning scenery.

• Discover some of the most scenic train rides on the West Coast with Amtrak; enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest on Amtrak Cascades for just $67.
• Explore Northern California and the Bay Area with Capitol Corridor for only $4.
• Experience unforgettable scenery from Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr averaging $76, which is easily one of the most scenic trains on the West Coast.

The West Coast of the United States features some of the most stunning natural beauty found anywhere in the world. From snow-capped mountains to lush forests and deserts to blissful sandy beaches, the coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Washington have something for all travelers seeking scenic natural beauty.

Many travelers planning a sightseeing trip along the USA's West Coast will probably think in terms of a multi-day road trip. After all, there are plenty of iconic coastal cities to stop at on a West Coast road trip . However, while road-tripping is certainly an excellent way to experience the wonders of the West Coast, travelers may too often overlook another means of transportation as a great alternative (one where there's no hassle of navigation or driving!).

Today, there are plenty of scenic West Coast trains that get travelers up close and personal with many of the best sights of the region. These train trips range from brief scenic tours of a particular region to multi-day journeys to the West Coast from elsewhere in the country. Plus, many of these routes are Amtrak trips where passengers won't need a car to get around at the destination !).

No matter what a traveler is looking to experience, these scenic West Coast train journeys with Amtrak offer incredible (and affordable) opportunities for sightseeing the region's natural wonders, bustling cities, and hidden gem towns.

10 Scenic Overnight Train Trips In North America

9 amtrak cascades, explore the beauty of the pacific northwest.

The Cascades mountain range of the Pacific Northwest features what many consider to be the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. For travelers looking to take in many of this region's most iconic sights, Amtrak's Cascades route is an excellent excursion opportunity.

Starting from the south, the Cascades route begins in the Oregon city of Eugene, where passengers can enjoy many of the city's numerous outdoor activities (such as kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking) while waiting for their train to board. From there, the Amtrak Cascades carries passengers north through Oregon and Washington, making stops at major cities such as Portland, Tacoma, and Seattle.

Eventually, the train crosses the US-Canadian border and makes its final stop in the beautiful city of Vancouver.

During the journey, the train passes by scenic landmarks such as Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge. With a journey time of only a little over 10 hours, passengers can experience the scenic beauty of the Cascades and the Pacific Northwest in a single day.

8 Capitol Corridor

Travel from the bay area to california's capital.

Northern California is both a metropolitan and ecological center of the US Pacific Coast. In addition to the state capital, Sacramento, this region contains major cities such as San Francisco and San Jose, as well as areas of high economic importance such as Silicon Valley.

An ideal way to get around the numerous cities of the region by train is on Amtrak's Capitol Corridor route, which is easily one of the most scenic train trips on the West Coast via Amtrak. Starting in the northeast, the train begins its trip in the small city of Auburn, California, an area famous today for its historical ties with the California Gold Rush of the 1840s.

After departing Auburn, the Capitol Corridor makes stops at the capital city of Sacramento, the university city of Berkeley, the station at Emeryville (which serves the city of San Francisco), and two stations in Oakland.

From here, the train makes its terminus at San Jose's Diridon Station. This route also puts travelers in contact with many of the sights, sounds, and iconic landmarks of San Francisco , such as the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

12 Incredible Amtrak Trips & Their Costs

7 california zephyr, journey through the mountains on the way from chicago to san francisco.

Many of the shorter Amtrak West Coast trips are excellent for travelers who are already there. But for travelers looking to visit from another part of the country, Amtrak also offers longer, multi-day train routes that take passengers to the West Coast from major destinations farther east.

One of the best multi-day routes to the West Coast is Amtrak's California Zephyr , which connects Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area. Connecting these two major cities with a single train route is obviously quite convenient for purposes of both business and pleasure. However, perhaps the biggest draw of the California Zephyr route is the scenery along the way.

The California Zephyr provides passengers with unforgettable scenery of the Rocky Mountains and a number of beautiful small towns in and around the Sierra Nevada as it passes through the states of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The route also has stops at the cities of Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno, where passengers can disembark and explore some of the wonders of the American Southwest.

6 Coast Starlight

Take an enchanting journey up the pacific coast.

Amtrak's Coast Starlight route provides passengers with an exceptional journey up the American Pacific coastline and many of its major cities in a little over a day. This route is particularly convenient for travelers in Southern California who want a hassle-free way to get to the Pacific Northwest while not missing out on the breathtaking views along the way.

Beginning in Los Angeles in the South, the Coast Starlight travelers north along California's Pacific Coast, making stops at San Jose, Sacramento, and other destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Eventually, the train crosses the border into Oregon, where it takes passengers to some of the state's best destinations, such as Portland and Klamath Falls. Finally, the Coast Starlight reaches the state of Washington, where it ends in the Seattle-Tacoma region.

During the journey, passengers will get excellent views of the beauty of the California Pacific Coast, the awe-inspiring Cascade Mountains, and iconic landmarks like California's Mount Shasta. Many of the stops along the way provide travelers with easy access to other worthwhile destinations, such as Oregon's Crater Lake National Park.

10 Things To Know About Seattle's King Street Amtrak Station

5 empire builder, explore the upper midwest from chicago to seattle.

Travelers in Chicago have many options to reach the West Coast by train. For those in Chicago who are interested in visiting the Pacific Northwest region, Amtrak's Empire Builder provides a fun, multi-day adventure from Chicago to Seattle.

Unlike other Amtrak westbound routes that go through the American Southwest, the Empire Builder takes travelers through the Upper Midwest region as it heads to the Pacific Northwest and its Pacific coastline. Passengers can get off at stops in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Fargo if they would like to explore some of the underrated gems of this region of the country.

For passengers to stay on through the Upper Midwest, the Empire Builder carries them through the states of Montana and Idaho, where they can get scenic views of some of the most beautiful (but little discussed) landscapes in the entire country. In Montana, passengers can disembark near the unforgettable Glacier National Park. Alternatively, passengers can also ride the train further into Oregon and get off in major cities like Portland.

4 Pacific Surfliner

Catch some rays along the coast of southern california.

Just as the Capitol Corridor train is an excellent way to explore the cities of Northern California, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner is a great trip for those looking to spend a short day exploring Southern California.

Southern California has long been a centerpiece of American culture, history, economics, and natural beauty. The Pacific Surfliner offers passengers a short but worthwhile journey through this important area without having to worry about the infamous Southern California traffic.

One of the most popular West Coast scenic train trips by Amtrak, travelers can start their Pacific Surfliner journey in the south from the laid-back city of San Diego and its world-famous attractions and beaches. From there, passengers can enjoy the roughly 5-hour journey northwards through many of the region's major destinations.

On the route, passengers can get off at the iconic city of Los Angeles or the smaller but memorable beachside cities of Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. This route is also a great way to get some fantastic shots of the sunny Southern California beaches. Since much of the Pacific Surfliner's route runs right next to the California coastline, passengers can often get incredible views of the beach right from their seats on the train.

The Most Affordable Yet Scenic US Train Trip Under $30

3 san joaquins, visit some of the nation's most stunning national parks.

California has some of the country's most stunning and picturesque national parks. The problem for many travelers, however, is that several of these parks lie a bit far from major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. An inconvenient commute may dissuade some travelers from making otherwise worthwhile trips to parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon.

However, thanks to Amtrak's San Joaquins train route , passengers leaving from San Francisco can get easy access to these parks--and several other incredible destinations--in less than a day's travel time. Leaving the Bakersfield Station, the San Joaquins train travels north through the San Joaquin Valley. During this stretch of the route, the San Joaquins makes stops at regional cities like Stockton, Merced, and Fresno.

At a certain point, the route diverges, and passengers can either travel onward to San Francisco's Emeryville Station or head eastward toward the state capital of Sacramento. Stops at Fresno, Modesto, and Stockton also give travelers much easier access to many of the state's incredible national parks farther east, including Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park.

10 Bucket List Towns To Explore By Amtrak Train

2 southwest chief, explore the southwest while traveling from chicago to los angeles.

Another excellent, multi-day train journey from Chicago to the West Coast is Amtrak's Southwest Chief , one of the most scenic West Coast trains on Amtrak. While other routes departing from Chicago make their final destination in cities like San Francisco or Seattle, the Southwest Chief instead heads to Southern California toward Los Angeles.

Los Angeles and Chicago are, respectively, the second and third-largest cities in the United States, so a single train route linking them makes for an excellent trip in and of itself. But the true strength of the Southwest Chief train is the gorgeous scenery of the American Southwest that it provides for passengers. Sure, scenic drives in the Southwest are amazing adventures, but there's something more laid-back about not having to worry about driving or navigation when traveling by train.

After crossing the Mississippi River, the Southwest Chief makes stops in major Midwestern cities like Kansas City before beginning a mesmerizing journey through the deserts and mountains of New Mexico and Arizona.

Passengers can experience hours of social media-worthy shots of the unique desert landscape of the American Southwest. Or, passengers looking to explore the region in person can get off at stops in New Mexico, and Phoenix, Arizona. From these stops, travelers can access some of the region's best natural wonders, including the internationally recognized Grand Canyon, which is the top tourist attraction in the US .

10 Scenic Train Trips In The US That Cost $100 (Or Less)

1 sunset limited, go from the bayou to the beach by traveling from new orleans to los angeles.

Amtrak's Sunset Limited train is another excellent, multi-day trip to Los Angeles via the American Southwest, but this westward route starts much farther south from the one-of-a-kind city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

New Orleans itself is a premier destination for travelers who want one of the most unique and memorable experiences in the United States, and by linking New Orleans to Southern California, the Sunset Limited gives travelers access to another major travel destination in Los Angeles.

During the two-day train trip from New Orleans to LA, the Sunset Limited takes passengers on a scenic tour of Texas. The Texas arm of the Sunset Limited route includes stops at major cities like Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso, all of which have their own unique cultures and scenic opportunities for curious travelers.

After leaving Texas, the Sunset Limited travels westward across Southern New Mexico and Arizona on its way to Los Angeles. During this leg of the route, passengers can get off at stops in cities like Tucson, Arizona, which offers plenty to see . These stops are great opportunities to explore some of the wonders of this unique region of the country (such as the memorable Saguaro National Park just outside of Tucson).

CONTACT      |     WORK WITH US      |     PODCAST

US West Coast Train Travel Itinerary | Amtrak Train Across America

The United States West Coast, also known as the Pacific Coast or the western seaboard, is an iconic stretch of coastline perfect for a scenic train trip. The west coast states include California, Oregon, and Washington, which boast some of the country’s most stunning natural landmarks and national parks.

You can use the Amtrak to get to Portland for an epic Oregon road trip , travel to LA for the Californian sunshine, or simply admire the scenery en route. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the best West Coast Amtrak train route, as well as some popular spots to visit along the way.

Best Route for Train Travel, USA West Coast

The most popular way to travel the U.S. by train is on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route. You can purchase Amtrak train tickets online , where you’ll get a choice between coach, business class, and Superliner accommodations.

The Superliner tickets include access to observation cars or Sightseer Lounges, which offer floor-to-ceiling glass and wrap-around windows perfect for admiring the passing scenery.

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Cross-Country Train Ride

Route: Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Los Angeles

Widely considered one of the best American train routes, the Coast Starlight train departs every day from LA and passes through Santa Barbara, San Francisco Bay, Sacramento, and Portland on its way to Seattle.

The scenery along the route is utterly breathtaking, taking passengers through the Cascade Range, past the Pacific Ocean shoreline, and through incredible alpine forests and lush valley regions.

Best West Coast Spots to Visit via the Coast Starlight Route

If you’re planning a West Coast adventure via train, you’ll want to plan an action-packed itinerary to see the best of the west coast states. Read on for some of the most attractive tourist destinations on the Pacific coast, each of which is accessible via Amtrak train routes.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains in the Crater Lake National Park , the namesake Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States.

There is plenty to do and see here, including rafting, boating, hiking, and backcountry camping. You can even take a trolley tour along the park’s scenic Rim Drive, a 33-mile highway loop offering panoramic views of the park’s meadows and forests.

You can take the Coast Starlight train to Klamath Falls Station in Oregon. Then, take the Crater Lake Trolley from the station to the park. The trolley departs daily at 9 am and runs from July 1st – September 6th. Outside of those months, you’ll need to rent a car to get to the lake from the station.

Powell’s City of Books, Oregon

Founded in 1971, Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world and a prized gem in the state of Oregon. The massive store covers an entire city block and is home to 3500 different book sections, three floors, nine rooms, and over a million books for sale.

Powell’s City of Books is less than a mile from the Portland Union Station, so you can take a stroll through town to get there from the train stop.

At a whopping 68 000 square feet, book lovers won’t want to miss out on this fascinating and historical destination along the Coast Starlight route. If you time your trip accordingly, you can visit the bookstore to see one of their intriguing lecture series or participate in the annual Portland Book Festival in November.

San Luis Obispo, California

Situated in the heart of California, San Luis Obispo is a charming city known for its Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Higuera Street, one of the biggest farmers’ markets in the U.S. The Coast Starlight Route stops at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station, a 15-minute walk from the market.

Be sure to check out the Madonna Inn while you’re in town. This is one of America’s most famous motels and has been open since the 1950s. A landmark in California, the outrageous decor and design of the motel is like something out of a storybook.

If you’re still in the market for things to do in San Luis Obispo, check out the Fremont Theater, a historic movie theater dating back to the ‘40s which boasts impressive architecture and a unique movie-going experience.

Cross-Country Train Travel and Sustainable Tourism

At Don’t Forget to Move, we believe that all tourism should be sustainable tourism . That is why we think tourists should focus on cross-country train travel as opposed to traveling by car. Besides walking and biking, train travel is hands down the most environmentally friendly way to go about cross-country travel.

Trains not only reduce your overall energy consumption but also limit your use of space and contribution to noise pollution.

The Coast Starlight train alone can carry over 40, 000 passengers, which is a significant saving on gas emissions compared to the same amount of people traveling individually by car across the west coast states. It’s sustainable travel methods like these that protect the tourists of the future.

Enjoy Your Train Ride Across America

Thanks to the incredible cross-country trains in the U.S., you can explore the magnificent west coast valleys, forests, meadows, and backcountry terrains using Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train route.

Traveling in the United States by train isn’t just a fun way to see the west coast states. It’s also a great way to see the west coast in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. Trains across the U.S. offer tourists and locals a scenic way to see the country, as well as an adventurous way to travel from one state to another.

For your next train trip across America, you can visit some of the fantastic west coast destinations outlined in this post and take the iconic Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Los Angeles. This beautiful sightseeing adventure will allow you to admire the best west coast attractions and see the Pacific Coast from the comfort of your very own train car.

OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE

Ethical Gift Guide: For The Sustainable Shopper

The Ultimate New York City Adventure

What to Do in Lake County: Where to Stay and Activities

The Benefits of Getting Your International Driving Permit

Guyana Tours and Adventure Travel Guide 2023

Estonia Travel Guide: What to See and Where to Go

Leave a comment cancel reply, about the blog.

At Don't Forget To Move we help promote and inspire adventurous, authentic and responsible travel around the world. We show travelers how to see the world authentically through unique stories, engaging photography and videos, honest reviews and practical travel tips.

LET'S CONNECT

Copyright DFTM Media LLC 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Western Canada Train Trips

If you seek natural beauty, culture and relaxation, embark on a West Coast rail vacation. British Columbia in Western Canada will give you goosebumps as you glide through the landscape on a train.

Table of contents

Popular train trips in western canada, quick facts about the west coast, 5 reasons to take a west coast train vacation, places to visit on the west coast of canada, frequently asked questions.

See old-growth forests blanketed in moss, thundering waterfalls and rocky beaches lined with gnarled Arbutus trees. The official motto of British Columbia (B.C.) is "Splendour without Diminishment." To truly appreciate this splendour, you need to experience it for yourself. The best way to behold B.C.'s beauty is from a comfortable lounge chair in a train car, where you'll also enjoy delicious gourmet food and friendly service. Consider a West Coast train trip for seniors looking to see Canada in a relaxed, inviting way. 

Our travel experts can help you plan a personalized itinerary for your West Coast train trip that suits your interests, tastes and budget. You may want to do more than watch the wilderness from the train window. Talk to our Canada travel experts about adding on wildlife viewing and food tours and even hiking and kayaking to your West Coast train trips. A helicopter sight-seeing tour is a popular activity. That way, you can fully explore the wild West coast.  

Many of our train vacations start in British Columbia, giving you the opportunity to spend time in this stunning area. Whether you are visiting as part of a full journey across Canada , or a smaller-scale trip focused on West Coast destinations, you'll be enchanted by the beauty around you.

Speak to a Canadian Train Vacation Advisor to discuss all your options.

Keep reading or chat with one of our local travel experts. We’re passionate about Canada and can help you at any stage of your vacation planning.

Complete Canadian Rockies by Rail

This eight-day West Coast railway tour departs from Vancouver and includes two days on the train. It is one of our most popular trips, allowing travellers to spend time exploring the Rockies, as well as relaxing on the Rocky Mountaineer. 

Miles on train : 559 Miles

Days on train : 2 

Essential Rockies by Rail

This West Coast train route takes you to Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise and Banff. It’s an ideal itinerary for those with time restrictions. You’ll ride the Rocky Mountaineer, plus get time in beautiful Lake Louise and the mountain town of Banff. 

Miles covered on train : 594

Discover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by Rail  

Possibly the best West Coast train trip if you want ocean views, this route travels along scenic Howe Sound. This itinerary takes travellers between Vancouver and Calgary and includes a scenic tour of Icefields Parkway. Customize your trip with extra activities in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.

Miles on train : 707 Miles

Days on train : 3 

Download a brochure

Get inspired with sample itineraries, train information, route maps, and travel advice from our local experts.

• The West Coast of Canada has the warmest climate in the country - the flowers start blooming as early as February. It’s the retirement capital of the country, making it an ideal vacation spot for seniors looking for mild weather and accessible activities.   
• The province of B.C. is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, six National Parks and over 400 provincial parks and recreation areas. 
• Half of British Columbia's 4.6 million people live in the metropolitan area of Vancouver. This means the rest of the province is quiet, peaceful and relatively unpopulated. 
• Locals joking refer to the West Coast as the “Wet Coast.” It is home to Canada’s rainiest city, Prince Rupert, which can get more than 100 inches of rainfall a year.  
• The narrow passage between Vancouver Island and the rest of Canada is known for being one of the best places in the world to spot killer whales. So, if you take the ferry to the island be sure to sit on the outdoor deck and have your camera ready!

#1 Travel tip: Don't miss the flowers

Western Canada has stunning horticultural gardens, such as Butchart Gardens in Victoria and Van Duesen Gardens in Vancouver. With the area's mild climate, you'll find stunning flora most times of the year.

• Everything is a bit more relaxed here. Whether it's the mild weather or the calming sound of the ocean waves, the West Coast is more laid-back than the rest of Canada. If you want a break from the hectic pace of city life, sit for a while in a cafe in a place like Victoria or further west in Tofino. You'll notice soon enough that no one is in a hurry.
• The cuisine is fresh, varied and mouthwatering. Authentic sushi from the streets of Vancouver. Wild Pacific Salmon baked on a cedar plank. Homemade goat cheese from Salt Spring Island. You'll find a plethora of delicious things to eat on the West Coast. If you visit Vancouver Island, be sure to try the Nanaimo Bar — an irresistible dessert square made with a graham cracker coconut base, a creamy custard middle and a layer of chocolate on top. 
• You'll learn about First Nations culture. B.C. is home to approximately 230,000 indigenous people from 203 different First Nations. From the totem poles displayed proudly in city parks to the many excellent interactive museums of the region, there are many opportunities to learn about the indigenous communities who have lived on the West Coast for thousands of years. 
• How about that weather? Why do so many Canadians dream of retiring to the West Coast? It's because the weather here is so much milder and more pleasant than the extreme winter freeze of the Prairie and Eastern provinces. While Albertans and Ontarians are snow-shoveling a path from their door to their car, Vancouver Islanders are taunting them with photos of cherry blossoms in February and enjoying the warm sea breezes. 
• West Coasters will greet you with warmth. The people on the West Coast are notoriously laid back and friendly. You'll meet plenty of people who will welcome you with a warm smile — and then you're only a short conversation away from making a new friend. 

#2 Travel tip: Pack layers

A trick for dealing with the West Coast's variable weather is to bring layers. Pack lighter t-shirts, a fleece jacket and a waterproof coat. A woolen hat can come in handy any time of the year, with temperatures dropping at night.

You could spend months exploring all of the nooks and crannies of Canada's West Coast and still not see it all. There are just so many tiny islands, remote inlets, far-flung communities and friendly towns to explore. To get you started on planning your train vacations to the West Coast, here are a few of our favourite spots:

Vancouver 

Vibrant and cosmopolitan Vancouver often tops lists of the world's "Best Places to Live." The attributes that make it delightfully liveable, such as walkable neighbourhoods, close access to nature and superb international dining, also make it very enjoyable to visit. Plus, the view of the snow-dusted mountains on the horizon never gets old. 

When to go : Visit during the pleasant spring months, when the city's flower gardens and parks are in full bloom. 

Train you'll ride on :  VIA Rail Canadian  

The highlight : Take a walk through the sprawling green Stanley Park and admire the ocean from the scenic seawall. 

Whistler 

Home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, Whistler is an alpine wonderland named after the whistling call of the furry marmot. The summer offers just as many fun activities for mountain fun. Take to the trails and enjoy a selection of scenic hikes, try an alpine picnic, ride the gondola, indulge in a Nordic Spa or try zip-lining. More extreme sports include mountain biking  

When to go : While winter is the classic time, summer is a splendid time to explore.  

Train you'll ride on : The Rocky Mountaineer (in the winter, an excursion to Whistler can be added to any of trips that start or end in Vancouver, but you will not travel by train to Whistler)  

The highlight : Add an evening foodie tour of Whistler's excellent culinary scene to your trip. 

Campbell River 

Known as the "Salmon Fishing Capital of the World,' Campbell River is one of the quirky small communities that are the beating heart of the West Coast. Take a 30-minute flight from Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge, where you'll have the unforgettable experience of spotting grizzly bears in the wild. 

When to go : September is the prime month for viewing grizzly bears, and it's also a great time to beat the summer crowds. 

How to go : An excursion to Campbell River and Knight Inlet can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. 

The highlight : Flying into the remote and unspoiled Knight Inlet, where bear viewing groups are limited to only 12 people at a time.

Tofino 

Secluded on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino, a small coastal village of about 1,600 residents, is one of Canada's secret gems. At Tofino's doorstep is the Clayoquot Sound region, a world UNESCO biosphere reserve. This Canadian area boasts one of British Columbia's most cherished nature reserves, the Pacific Rim National Park. 

Rugged coastlines and lush temperate rainforests offer a feast of natural Canadian exquisiteness for the nature lover on your Canadian train trip. 

When to go : Tofino's untamed beauty make it a popular destination during the summer months. Alternatively, visit in March, when thousands of grey whales migrate to the Sound in Canada and kick off the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival. 

How to go : An excursion to Tofino can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. You can fly in on a small charter plane or we can arrange a self-drive component to your trip.  

The highlight : Choose from a range of outdoor experiences: surfing, whale watching, hiking and more. 

Victoria 

British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, lies on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and has a temperate coastal climate year-round. Surrounded by rugged west coast wilderness, the city is full of lush green spaces and fascinating historic buildings. 

Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown, enjoy an elegant afternoon tea, go on a whale watching tour, kayak across the Inner Harbour, and take in the city's unique ambience of old-world blended with the new. 

When to go : The spring months mark the beginning of the whale watching season and are the ideal time to discover Victoria's flowering parks and gardens. 

How to go : An excursion to Victoria can be added to most of our itineraries out of Vancouver. You can travel by float plane or on an escorted tour.  

The highlight : Stroll through the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, home to 900 plant varieties across 55 acres. 

What Our Customers Say

All your local knowledge meant the vacation just flowed from one great day to the next.

I'm now in love with western Canada and everything you did for us helped make it one of the most care free holidays we have ever had. Not just great hotels, but the right rooms, ge...   read more

Jennifer and David

Everything was beyond our expectations

We want to tell you how much we enjoyed the travel arrangements you made for us. Everything was beyond our expectations. The extra arrangements, such as the cabin on the BC Ferries...   read more

Terry and Zita

Everything we hoped for

We can't thank you enough for the fabulous arrangements that you made for our long-anticipated trip to Western Canada. We're unable to take very many vacations, so we're duly appre...   read more

Tom and Teresa

The Rocky Mountaineer was spectacular!

We had a great adventure in Western Canada. We saw Stanley park, English Bay where I had to dip my feet in the Pacific. It was the first time I saw, felt and tasted the Pacific. Th...   read more

Michael and Marie Ann

Why book with Canadian Train Vacations?

We take care of all the details

You want to relax and enjoy your trip, not get overwhelmed by the planning. Let us make all of the bookings for you, including rail tickets, hotels, excursions and activities, meals and transfers.

Independent travel with expert support

Enjoy local expertise and guidance with a personalized itinerary. Your preferences and needs are our priority. We take care of you from the moment you land until the moment you leave.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Where is West Coast Canada?

The West Coast of Canada is in the province of British Columbia. The region is located between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It includes three major areas: the south-central part of the coastal mainland, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.

When is the best time to visit West Coast of Canada?

The best time to visit the West Coast of Canada is in the fall months, during September and October. The weather is still warm but the summer crowds are gone. If you want to ski, the best time is in March, when there is still snow in the mountains but the days can be sunny and warm.

How much is a West Coast train vacation?

Our West Coast rail tours start at $3,250 per passenger and include train fare, meals on the train, hotels, arrival dinner, some excursions and activities, and airport transfers.

What cities are on the West Coast of Canada?

Vancouver, Canada’s third largest city, is on the West Coast of Canada. Located on the Pacific Ocean, it is surrounded by the mountains, making it a beautiful spot to visit. It has a population of 2.6 million people, and is a very diverse city, with residents of many cultures.

What time zone is the West Coast of Canada?

British Columbia uses Pacific Standard Time (PST).

About the author: Louise Weiss is Director of Legendary Hospitality with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for more than 25 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in North Vancouver and has spent time...   Read more

Explore More Tours

Discuss your Canadian train vacation with a local travel expert

Or call us toll free

Current promotions

Sign up for special offers, monthly Canadian Insider tips, and vacation inspiration.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

West Coast USA Tours & Trips

Some say that America's West Coast is the best coast, and who are we to argue? Home to amazing beaches, vibrant metropolitan life in the glamorous Los Angeles or the tech-savvy San Francisco, this is one of the best places to spend your holiday. Touring the coast is the best way to see what California has to offer.

173 West Coast USA tour packages with 1,213 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

California Express - 3 Days

The trip was awesome! Went with my partner. I love traveling with the Amadeo travel agency, they know what they are doing and take care of their clients.

• In-depth Cultural

Wild West – 5 days

Overall, we had a great experience. This was our first bus tour, and our main tour guide, Roberto, was wonderful! He was very communicative and helpful. He fully explained where we were going and what we were doing and answered any and all questions, and it was interesting to see him switch so effortlessly between Italian and English. He deserves a raise for his five-star service. However, the other tour guides we interacted with on the last day seemed the complete opposite due to their incredibly non-upfront communications skills. For example, when we left the hotel to head back to LA, we were not told how long the trip was going to take, if and when we were going to stop, just nothing; they made me wonder what sort of criteria you have to meet to be a tour guide. Also, one made some slightly racist comments, which if you are dealing with an international clientele, I feel like you should learn to be more neutral in your interactions with others. It took some adjusting having to be on such a strict schedule. Some places you stopped hours at; some maybe 20 minutes. One time our bus's AC didn't work, so given the heat wave, you can imagine what that felt like. But generally it felt like being on a passenger on a road trip. If you want to see a lot in a compressed amount of time and don't mind not being so in control of planning or on a full bus, this tour is worth giving a shot. It definitely was a memorable adventure.

• Hiking & Trekking

California National Park Discovery

Chad is a great driver and guide. He gave us so much useful information and insights to the places we hiked and walked to and through. Chad has a thirst for knowledge and looks up our questions and later shares the information with us. I liked most of the hotels and motels we went to.

Vegas to San Fran

Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite

Great itinerary and guide.

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite tour was amazing. Choice of lodging needed to be different. Too far out of the way which caused a lot of extra driving. A hotel which was previously used would have been better. And virtually no response to questions thru the Tour Radar app. Had to take care of extra nights stays & transportation myself when the app stated that they would assist with it.

• Coach / Bus

Northern California (8 Days)

The Northern California Itinerary is wonderful. It ranges from the big city, to the forest to the smaller bay communities. The accommodations were top notch. The meal choice venues were excellent. Our guide, Robert Lehua and driver Angel, were both so knowledgeable about the area. They were both so engaging. We would definitely recommend Trafalgar and hope to join them for more vacations.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas Lodging

Private Tour the way to go!!!!!! Marie made it so simple for us she had everything planed out we did as much as we wanted to do, she is amazing!

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Private 4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas Lodging

Natural Highlights of California National Geographic Journeys

Brochures/tour information should be updated. Covid-19 requirements for example. This did not have even a single mention at the welcome reception or at any time during the tour, despite the brochure, and could have saved some luggage. Sunset cruise at San Francisco is another example where the tour information mentioned included hor d'oeuvres and two drinks, but just one drink was the reality. Tour leader could provide clearer instructions/information by stating 'left' or 'right' rather than pointing saying 'here' or 'there' when she is doing this from the driver's seat and guests at the back of the van cannot see. She was informed of this and asked, but complied only that one time. Last minute guests (not me) who joined the sunset cruise at SFO were ripped off, having to pay USD68pp even if it included a transfer to the wharf whilst the direct operator price was USD36.

Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days

We had a wonderful 4 days trip and very enjoy it. Our guide Katry did an exvellent job. she loved her job and took care the customers very well. We hope we have future tours with your company again.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Golden State Getaway: 9-Day California Calling Tour to Los Angeles, Yosemite, and San Francisco

Verry nice but a bit stressfull

• Sightseeing

Great Cities of the West

Los Angeles, Las Vegas with National Parks ROT

USA - California Express

What people love about west coast usa tours.

Great guides, scenery, driver and comfort level. Just enough to whet our appetite for another Tour Radar tour in the future.

I love my tour guide Pasquale. He is the most sweetest, friendliest, kind, generous, and genuine tour guide I know. He really knows everything during my trip. He’s very easy going and I had the best experience ever in the 5 days I was traveling. Amazing experience and I would highly recommend Pasquale if you wanna travel with him and experience so much travelling for Wild West tour. Thank you so much an amazing and unforgettable experience.

the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

West Coast USA Tours starting in:

• Los Angeles (39)
• San Francisco (24)
• Las Vegas (22)
• Yosemite National Park (15)
• New York City (8)
• Olympia (8)
• Group (152)
• Explorer (142)
• Fully Guided (133)
• Family (77)
• Hiking & Trekking (64)
• Personalized (27)
• Active (26)
• Coach / Bus (25)
• Partially Guided (22)
• In-depth Cultural (20)
• Private (16)
• Self-Guided (15)
• Intl. Flights Included (12)
• Bicycle (7)
• Self Drive (7)
• Small Group (54)
• 3 Day Tours (10)
• 7 Day Tours (65)
• 10 Day Tours (38)
• 2 Week Tours (19)
• 3 Week Tours (10)
• 4 Week Tours (4)
• Spring 2024 (36)
• Summer 2024 (127)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (113)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (42)
• Spring 2025 (51)
• Summer 2025 (37)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (40)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (16)
• May 2024 (47)
• June 2024 (83)
• July 2024 (103)
• August 2024 (108)
• September 2024 (101)
• October 2024 (73)
• November 2024 (46)
• December 2024 (42)
• January 2025 (34)
• February 2025 (34)
• March 2025 (32)
• April 2025 (13)
• May 2025 (30)
• June 2025 (30)
• July 2025 (36)
• August 2025 (37)
• September 2025 (36)
• October 2025 (27)
• November 2025 (12)
• December 2025 (16)

Other Regions in USA

• Western USA (749)
• Sun Belt (424)
• Southwest USA (421)
• Rocky Mountains (271)
• Four Corners (219)
• Eastern USA (216)
• East Coast USA (176)
• California (150)
• Alaska (120)
• Northeast USA (111)
• Pacific Coast USA (110)
• Southern USA (100)
• Southeast USA (89)
• Grand Canyon (87)
• Northern California (78)
• Yellowstone National Park (69)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (105)
• For Couples (102)
• Seniors (84)

News By Category

• Infrastructure
• Rolling Stock
• Standard Gauge
• Narrow Gauge
• New Build Steam
• Online Shop
• Model Railways

West Coast Main Line train delays

Damage to overhead power lines is causing delays and cancellations on the West Coast Main Line today (Monday 29th April)

The overhead cables near Coppull in Lancashire came down earlier today and means that trains are unable to run between Wigan North Western and Preston

Work is underway to get the line reopened as soon as possible, with Network Rail engineers fixing the 25,000-volt cables.

Some trains are cancelled, while others are being diverted via Manchester Piccadilly.

Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest info, with disruption expected for the rest of the day.

 We're sorry to passengers affected by the problems with the overhead power lines in Coppull. We have specialist repair teams on site working as fast as they can to fix the cables and restore power so trains can safely run again through the area. Disruption is expected for the rest of the day so we're urging people to plan their journeys and check before they travel with their train operator or National Rail Enquiries.” Kara Wood, Network Rail

You Might Also Like

Construction of bridge on new scotland railway line delayed, students unveil artwork celebrating south yorkshire town, tap dancers promote a wider area for bristol touch smartcards, win harry potter tickets with caledonian sleeper, netball scotland extends partnership with network rail, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Latest News

Train driver’s views from his cab benefits Samaritans

Large section of HS2 viaduct in Birmingham complete

Steam locomotive 92203 Black Prince set for new Norfolk home

Limited-edition model wagon will raise funds to restore steam locomotive

Severn Valley Railway wins award

$1.5m upgrade of Durham railway station complete

Stay connected.

Recent Comments

• Graham Taylor on Limited-edition model wagon will raise funds to restore steam locomotive
• Ray Graham on Limited-edition model wagon will raise funds to restore steam locomotive
• Ewan G on First ‘modified’ Class 66 locomotive enters service

Popular This Week

London North Eastern Railway research finds passengers could be saving money by booking train tickets in advance

Gin and Beer tasting experiences come to Yorkshire railway

First ‘modified’ Class 66 locomotive enters service

New products.

Sign in to your account

Email address

Remember Me

Avanti train drivers to be paid £600 for overtime shifts

A vanti West Coast train drivers will receive an increased fee for working overtime shifts as part of an agreement with the Aslef union.

The “rest day working” deal means drivers will now be paid a flat £600 to work an extra shift on top of their standard four-day week.

Before the agreement, drivers received a flat payment of £125 in addition to their paid hourly rate – earning from £421 to £495 depending on whether they worked an eight or 10-hour shift.

The Sunday Times reported that the pay increase could take some drivers’ average annual salary to an unconfirmed figure around £100,000.

According to  Avanti recruitment , a typical train driver salary “of circa £70,000” without overtime pay, can be reached “within just a few years”.

The new deal will remain until 13 March 2025 and hopes to improve the “reliability” of the train operator’s services.

Last month, rail minister  Huw Merriman  said that Avanti West Coast will “ never be able to deliver a proper service ” due to its current drivers’ contracts.

A spokesperson for Avanti said: “We are pleased to reach agreement on rest day working... It will help ensure our services are more reliable and resilient while we continue training our drivers on our brand-new trains.”

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan confirmed that the overtime conflict had been settled with Avanti.

The settlement comes amid ongoing scheduling disruption and 22 months of  industrial action  due to disputes between UK train operators and Aslef over pay and working conditions.

Members of the Aslef union plan to halt thousands of trains on 5, 6 and 8 April. The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the  Rail Delivery Group  (RDG).

The industrial action is set to bring the capital to a standstill on Monday 8 April when the majority of Tube and commuter trains will be cancelled.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

Mon 29 Apr 2024

2024 newspaper of the year

@ Contact us

Your newsletters

May 2024 strikes: Full list of walkout dates, from trains and Tube to flights

Strikes on the uk's rail network and at heathrow airport are set to disrupt travel in may.

With two bank holidays the month of May is often seen as the perfect time to get away but this year that could be hampered by a series of strikes which will cause travel chaos.

Rail services, the London Underground and Heathrow Airpor t will all be hit by industrial action this month, some of it coinciding with the first May bank holiday.

Train drivers union Aslef, Tube workers who are members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) and around 800 members of the union Unite based at Heathrow are all to stage walkouts or overtime bans during the month.

It means travel disruption will be inevitable for some this month.

When are the train strikes?

Train drivers union Aslef has announced its members will walk out in another series of one-day strikes, coupled with a six-day overtime ban.

This will affect 16 train companies with which the union is still in dispute. over pay for drivers.

Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable.

“They don’t. And that offer – now a year old – is dead in the water.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents rail companies, said: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the ASLEF leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running.

“We continue to seek a fair agreement with the ASLEF leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn’t taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.”

The industrial action will be on:

Tuesday 7 May – affecting c2c, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia (which includes Stansted Express), Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway (which includes Island Line) and Thameslink.

Wednesday 8 May – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Heathrow Express, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway.

Thursday 9 May – LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express.

There will also be an overtime ban from Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May which may alter the timetable of trains that will be running.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel, as the action is likely to lead to delays and cancellations.

When are the Tube strikes?

Members of TSSA rail union working as customer service manager on the London Underground are already going on strike on Friday 26 April .

TSSA Customer Service Managers at London Underground will also take part in an overtime ban from Monday 29 April to Friday 5 May , which will include the May bank holiday.

This overtime ban is expected to lead to station closures at very short notice.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith.”

Transport for London, which runs London Underground, has said it is “disappointed” by the planned action and has urged TSSA urge TSSA to “continue to work with us to help find a resolution.”

A planned strike by Aslef members on the London Underground for Saturday 4 May has now been called off.

When are the Heathrow Airport strikes?

Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport, is facing major disruption in May with a series of strikes across different departments.

Unite union has said almost 800 members will be taking part in a week of strike action beginning at 12.01am on Tuesday 7 May and ending at 11.50pm on Monday 13 May in a dispute over the outsourcing of jobs.

Jobs in passenger services (assisting travellers to catch connecting flights), trolley operations and campus security (security guards responsible for workers at Heathrow and vehicles being checked entering Heathrow) are expected to be outsourced by 1 June.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Heathrow Airport’s actions are deplorable, it is raking in massive profits for the bosses while trying to squeeze every last penny out of its workforce.”

Unite members from passenger services, trolley operations, campus security, firefighters and airside operations will strike from 7 May up to and including 13 May.

In a separate dispute, Unite members at AFS Ltd, an airline refuelling company, are also taking part in industrial action at Heathrow Airport on Saturday 4 May , Sunday 5 May and Monday 6 May (bank holiday) over pay and conditions.

Unite said the action will “inevitably cause widespread disruption across the airport leading to delays and disruption.”

A Heathrow Airport spokesperson said: “We are reorganising our operations to deliver better results for our customers.

“There are no job losses as a result of these changes, and we continue to discuss with Unite the implementation of these changes for the small number of colleagues impacted.

Unite’s threats of potential industrial action are unnecessary, and customers can be reassured that we will keep the airport operating smoothly just like we have in the past.”

Border Force staff, who are members of the PCS union, and responsible for immigration controls and passport checks are due to go on strike for four days between Monday 29 April and Thursday 2 May in the run-up to the bank holiday.

Most Read By Subscribers

Moscow Metro Tour

• Page active

Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.