All Aboard: Cheap & Scenic Train Routes Across the Glorious United States

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Let’s face it: we’ve all had that moment — watching a train breeze by as you sit in traffic, wondering what it’d be like to just… hop on and go. No TSA lines, no tiny seats, no $8 airport pretzels. Just tracks, tunes, and the freedom to stare dramatically out the window like you’re the main character in a coming-of-age film.

And here’s the plot twist: you can do that. For cheap. Welcome to the world of scenic, budget-friendly train travel across the US, where the views are free, your knees have space, and your wallet doesn’t need CPR afterward.

Because at RentRX, we believe your rent check shouldn’t cancel your wanderlust. You deserve a break that doesn’t require you to drain your emergency fund or sell your soul to the airline points gods. So we put together a whistle-stop tour of the most beautiful train routes in the country — each one adventure-ready, photo-op-worthy, and wallet-approved.

The “Pocket Change” Rail Escape: Under $100 Roundtrip

Let’s start small but mighty. You don’t need an Amtrak sleeper car or a coast-to-coast rail pass to experience that train magic. You just need a weekend, a packed lunch, and a ticket cheaper than your last DoorDash order.

Route: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner (Southern California)
Scenic Rating: 10/10 Ocean Vibes
Starting Fare: $30–$60 Roundtrip (depending on route)

This ride feels like cheating — you get endless ocean views, charming surf towns, and the sun setting over the Pacific… all while sipping coffee in your window seat. Start in San Diego, hop off in Santa Barbara, and explore coastal stops like San Juan Capistrano and Ventura along the way. Pro tip: Sit on the west side of the train for nonstop ocean drama.

RentRX Tip: Bring your own snacks and reusable coffee mug. Train café car prices are sneaky high and, let’s be honest, not very snack-worthy.

The Budget Adventurer Route: $100–$300 Roundtrip

You’ve got a little more wiggle room and the urge to actually get out of your ZIP code. Now’s your chance to trade the freeway slog for an unplugged experience with a view. This is the sweet spot for adventure without airfare.

Route: Amtrak’s Empire Builder (Chicago to Glacier National Park, MT)
Scenic Rating: Big Sky Energy, 11/10
Starting Fare: $150–$200 One Way (watch for flash sales)

This route is a masterclass in American scenery. You’ll glide past the Great Plains, cross the Mississippi River, and arrive in the majestic, untouched beauty of Glacier National Park. The best part? You can camp or find budget lodges once you’re there, making the whole thing totally doable for under $300.

RentRX Tip: Book early and travel off-peak (like Tuesday–Thursday departures) to lock in low fares. Also, check if your route overlaps with “Trails & Rails” programs — free onboard storytelling from park rangers.

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The Points & Perks Rail Getaway: $300–$800 (or less with rewards) 

Here’s where things get dreamy. If you’ve been responsibly racking up credit card points and haven’t cashed them in yet — your moment has arrived. Train travel with points? Yes, it’s a thing. Amtrak has its own Guest Rewards program, and it’s surprisingly generous. 

Route: Amtrak’s Coast Starlight (Los Angeles to Seattle)
Scenic Rating: Cinematic Coastlines and Pine Forests, 12/10
Starting Fare: $100–$300 Coach / Roomettes start at $400+ (or 15,000+ points) 

If trains had a red carpet event, the Coast Starlight would be the best-dressed nominee. Mountains, forests, the Pacific Ocean, even a taste of wine country — it’s all on display. Want to feel like you’re on the Orient Express without paying like it? Use your Amtrak points to upgrade to a sleeper roomette, which includes meals and coffee. This is the kind of travel that makes you text your group chat “You have to try this.” 

RentRX Tip: Combine with hotel points (Hilton, Marriott, even Airbnb gift cards from rewards portals) to keep accommodations low-cost once you roll into town. Seattle, Portland, and even smaller towns like Eugene offer budget stays with serious vibes. 

The Ballin’-on-a-Budget Traincation: $800+ and Big-Time Luxe for Less 

Alright, maybe you just got a raise. Maybe grandma gave you a graduation gift. Or maybe you just need a mental reset and you’re not afraid to spend a little extra to make it memorable. Enter: the full-blown cross-country traincation. No layovers. No luggage fees. No turbulence. Just you, a book, and 2,000 miles of changing landscapes. 

Route: Amtrak’s California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco via Denver and the Rockies)
Scenic Rating: Majestic AF, 15/10
Starting Fare: $150–$250 Coach / Roomettes $600+ (cheaper with points) 

This is not just a train ride. This is a once-in-a-lifetime vibe. You’ll pass through the snow-capped Rockies, the red rock canyons of Utah, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and sleepy towns that make you want to write poetry. Want to live your Wes Anderson fantasy without robbing a bank? Book a roomette during Amtrak’s seasonal sales and live like royalty with panoramic observation cars and included meals. 

RentRX Tip: Pack layers — you’ll go from winter to summer and back again. And bring that film camera or phone tripod. You’re going to want receipts for how good this ride looks. 

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RentRX’s Train Travel Starter Pack 

You don’t need to be a rail nerd or a map geek to make train travel work for your budget and your lifestyle. But a few strategic moves can turn a nice trip into an epic one: 

  • Book early (Amtrak tickets usually drop 6–11 months ahead) 
  • Use the Amtrak app for real-time deals, alerts, and route planning 
  • Bring your own snacks and water — café cars are cute but pricey 
  • Plan long layovers to explore cities like Denver, Chicago, or Sacramento en route 
  • Leverage student, senior, or AAA discounts — yes, they’re still a thing 
  • Pack like you’re camping light — think snacks, games, chargers, eye mask 
  • Use rewards cards that transfer to Amtrak Guest Rewards ( 

Final Boarding Call: Why Train Travel Is the Ultimate Rent-Respecting Adventure 

Here’s the thing: plane travel is fast, sure. But it’s also stressful, expensive, and soul-draining if you’re not sitting in business class. Train travel, on the other hand, invites you to slow down — to enjoy the journey. 

It’s travel that doesn’t demand you sacrifice your budget or your sanity. It’s panoramic views and roomy seats and conversations with strangers in the café car. It’s unplugging from life for a few hours (or days) and remembering that the world is way bigger than your inbox or your rent payment. 

So, pack your bag. Download a podcast or six. Charge your Kindle. And hop on board a journey that’s budget-conscious, soul-filling, and 100% RentRX-approved. 

Because you don’t need a private jet to live your best travel life. You just need a ticket, a window seat, and the guts to go. Let the tracks lead the way — your next adventure starts with the sound of a whistle. 

RentRX: Helping you live better — and travel smarter — one scenic train ride at a time.