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Discover the USA on an independent rail tour

USA Independent Rail Tours

Exploring the USA by rail is a journey through some of the world's most iconic and varied landscapes, from the sun-drenched coasts of California and the vast beauty of America's National Parks to the soulful rhythms of the deep south and the untamed beauty of Alaska. Home to legendary train routes like the Alaska Railroad, the California Zephyr and Amtrak's Empire Builder, these journeys offer unforgettable views and a deeper connection to the places you visit.

Our independent rail vacations let you experience the USA at your own pace, with all the key details taken care of. Whether you're looking to explore a single region or travel cross-country, our curated itineraries and wide range of routes showcase the very best of the United States - tailored to your interests and designed to give you the freedom to explore on your own terms. Browse our Independent tours and start planning your USA vacation today.

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Explore our Top Independent Vacations in the United States

Grand Canyon
Save up to $800
4.2 stars(295 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
6 days from
$1,195 pp $995 pp
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Denali National Park wildlife
Save up to $800
4.6 stars(139 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
7 days from
$2,795 pp $2,495 pp
View Details
Denver
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOctNov
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
$2,954 pp
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Glacier National Park
4.1 stars(51 reviews)
Independent
2027JunJulAugSep
7 days from
$2,295 pp
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Glacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
Save up to $800
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
5 days from
$1,495 pp $1,295 pp
View Details
Kenai Fjords National Park
Save up to $800
4.4 stars(55 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
8 days from
$4,395 pp $3,995 pp
View Details
Golden Gate Bridge
Save up to $800
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
10 days from
$2,595 pp $2,295 pp
View Details

Why travel the USA on an independent rail vacation?

Travel at your own pace

With each itinerary thoughtfully designed to suit different travel styles, our tours let you experience the freedom of independent travel across America's most scenic rail routes.

Everything included

With travel, transfers and accommodation included - and no hidden extras - all the essentials are taken care of, so you can simply relax and focus on discovering the beauty of the USA by rail.

Flexible travel dates

Travel when it works for you. With flexible dates available on many of our independent tours, you can choose the timing that fits your plans and enjoy a more personalised way to explore the USA.

43 results matching: Independent Train Tours

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Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand Canyon
Save up to $800
4.2 stars(295 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

The classic ambiance of an overnight rail journey meets the splendors of one of America's top natural attractions on this rail vacation to Arizona. Join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its cross-country route from Chicago to Flagstaff, and then board the 120-year-old Grand Canyon Railway on its route to the Grand Canyon. Uncover iconic views and top...

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Save up to $800
6 days from
$1,195 pp $995 pp
per person
View Details
Niagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara FallsNiagara Falls
Save up to $800
3.9 stars(52 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
Independent

Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls on this 4-day rail adventure. Beginning and ending in New York City, travel aboard Amtrak's Maple Leaf for a full-day journey through upstate New York and into Ontario. Make the most of your two full days in Niagara Falls, enjoying the sights and sounds of the thundering falls and exploring the area's local...

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Save up to $800
4 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
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Denali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlifeDenali National Park wildlife
Save up to $800
4.6 stars(139 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027MayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Uncover scenic landscapes and quintessential sights of Alaska on this seven-day independent journey featuring the Denali Star. Travel from Anchorage to Talkeetna, where a jetboat takes you along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, and then embark on a tundra wilderness tour in Denali National Park, with an expert guide revealing the best...

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Save up to $800
7 days from
$2,795 pp $2,495 pp
per person
View Details
California ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia ZephyrCalifornia Zephyr
Save up to $800
3.9 stars(54 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco, take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famed attractions such as the John Hancock Observation Deck, ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its several museums and the...

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Save up to $800
5 days from
$895 pp $795 pp
per person
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Glacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and WildflowersGlacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers
Save up to $800
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Your two-night stay is in the heart of the unspoiled natural attractions and stunning beauty Glacier National Park. Wondrous displays of nature, historic lodges, and sightseeing through the forests and valleys of this complex ecosystem are highlights of your stay before returning by train to Chicago.

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Save up to $800
5 days from
$1,495 pp $1,295 pp
per person
View Details
Glacier Park LodgeGlacier Park LodgeGlacier Park LodgeGlacier Park LodgeGlacier Park Lodge
Save up to $800
4.6 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Your adventure starts in Chicago or Seattle when you board Amtrak's Empire Builder headed for Glacier. Read a book, talk with fellow travelers or enjoy a drink in the bar car as you speed towards your vacation destination. During your Glacier Park stay be sure to take advantage of all the sights and activities available. Exploring the wilderness...

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Save up to $800
5 days from
$1,495 pp $1,295 pp
per person
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Snoqualmie Falls WinterSnoqualmie Falls WinterSnoqualmie Falls WinterSnoqualmie Falls WinterSnoqualmie Falls Winter
Save up to $800
3.7 stars(7 reviews)
Independent
2026JulAug
Independent

This 8-day excursion begins in the bustling city of Portland, full of beauty, nature, and welcoming neighborhoods. During your 2-night stay, you'll have a guided tour of Portland to visit the city's top landmarks. You then have plenty of free time to explore more on your own or opt to add another activity. Then it's off to Seattle via a beautiful...

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Save up to $800
8 days from
$2,595 pp $2,295 pp
per person
View Details
Sunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National ParkSunny Day At Glacier National Park
Save up to $800
3.9 stars(15 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulAugSep
Independent

Depart coastal Seattle for the 100+-year-old Glacier National Park aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder. Highlights of your two-day visit include an excursion along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and stunning views from Marias and Logan Passes.

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Save up to $800
5 days from
$1,395 pp $1,195 pp
per person
View Details
Alaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska Wildlife
Save up to $800
4.5 stars(20 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the Aurora Borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, and...

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Save up to $800
7 days from
$2,695 pp $2,395 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
Save up to $800
4.7 stars(47 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan journey...

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Save up to $800
7 days from
$3,095 pp $2,695 pp
per person
View Details
Yosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View SunsetYosemite Valley View Sunset
Save up to $800
4.3 stars(18 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct
Independent

The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such as...

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Save up to $800
8 days from
$2,295 pp $1,995 pp
per person
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Pacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur CoastlinePacific Ocean and Big Sur Coastline
Save up to $800
4.3 stars(29 reviews)
Independent
2026JunJulAugSepOct...
Independent

En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean...

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Save up to $800
4 days from
$795 pp $695 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Independent Train Tours tours
Alaska Wilderness Tour
29/May
TRACEY MULLINS
5 stars
“Excellent!
Collected by Trustpilot
California Zephyr Experience
28/May
LARRY SCHICK
5 stars
“Wonderful experience
Collected by Trustpilot
Coast Starlight Experience
28/May
Kevin Stone
5 stars
“We enjoyed our train trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. The service on the train was excellent. The food was good. We look forward to doing it again.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure
26/May
DIANE CAYWOOD
5 stars
“It was a great trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train
10/Apr
CATHERINE WANT
5 stars
“It was a great trip. Especially loved driving the dog sled.
Collected by Trustpilot
New York to Niagara Falls
03 Nov 2025
Yu-Lein Kung
5 stars
“This is our very 1st vacation by rail and it was above our expectations.
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago to Seattle
06 Sep 2025
ARTHUR M DENNIS
5 stars
“Made a mistake by no gettin a full bedroom suite; roomette too small.
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
1/Apr
Charolette Rivera
4 stars
“The train itself and the 1st Alaska Tours trips/excursions were wonderful, well organized, and prompt! Definitely 5star. What was not so good was Vacations By Rails ability to schedule and communicate - we were rescheduled multiple times, to the point we began to doubt if we even were going...
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier National Park Escape - Seattle Roundtrip
19 Sep 2025
JILL BAILEY
4 stars
“Way over priced. The service was great on the way. But r he train 2as delayed and it wasn't your fault but the women who served the meals was not nice
Collected by Trustpilot
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