8 Train Journeys for Breathtaking Spring Views

Cherry blossoms will soon bloom in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but you don't have to brave city crowds to enjoy these springtime flowers. Across the globe, train journeys offer the chance to witness vibrant tulip fields in late April or to explore the Grand Canyon before summer throngs and heat set in.

From modern Dutch electric trains to charming vintage steam locomotives, these eight options provide some of the most stunning scenery this spring.

1. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line

• Route: From Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan

When traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, keep an eye out as you glide through Shizuoka Prefecture. As you head south, Mount Fuji will appear on your right, while a vibrant expanse of shibazakura, or moss phlox, blooms on the left. For a more leisurely floral experience, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival usually occurs from April to May, with the peak bloom typically seen in early May.

2. Jungfrau Railway

• Route: From Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Wengen to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

To visit the Jungfraujoch—the highest train station in Europe, soaring over 11,000 feet—your adventure begins on a modern cogwheel train from Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Wengen. Upon reaching Kleine Scheidegg, you'll switch to the 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) Jungfrau Railway, which traverses nearly 4.5 miles of tunnels before unveiling breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Jungfrau Railway operates year-round, but spring is ideal to avoid summer crowds.

3. Grand Canyon Railway

• Route: From Williams, Arizona, to Grand Canyon National Park

Established as a national park in 1919, the Grand Canyon Railway has been transporting visitors from Williams to the South Rim since 1901. This historic train departs each morning and returns in the afternoon, journeying through 65 miles of ponderosa and piñon pine forests. For those traveling from the Midwest, Vacations by Rail offers a six-day tour featuring round-trip overnight rides on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff, along with a day trip on the Grand Canyon Railway.

4. Nederlandse Spoorwegen trains

• Route: From Haarlem to Leiden, Netherlands

Each year, tourists flock to Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands to witness the stunning tulip bloom that occurs from mid to late April. However, you might be surprised to learn that the Dutch state-owned railway operates regional trains between Haarlem and Leiden, passing directly through gorgeous tulip fields. You can choose the quicker Intercity train, which stops just twice, or the local Sprinter train that makes four stops. In either case, the one-way journey takes less than 30 minutes from Haarlem and costs under €10. Once you arrive in Leiden, take some time to explore this charming city, the birthplace of Rembrandt in 1606.

5. Amtrak California Zephyr

• Route: From Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area

Leaving from Chicago, the California Zephyr travels through Iowa and Nebraska before ascending into the Rocky Mountains, then winding through the Sierra Nevadas and finally descending into the San Francisco Bay Area. Even if you follow the Amtrak-designated route, you’ll witness the mountains awakening in the spring. For those wanting to break up the two-night journey, Vacations by Rail offers an option to stop in Salt Lake City, allowing you to drive to Yellowstone National Park for three nights. The park tends to be less crowded in spring, and you may even spot bears emerging from hibernation.

6. Belmond British Pullman

• Route: Round trip from London’s Victoria Station

The beautifully restored Belmond British Pullman train offers delightful day trips through the English countryside each spring, departing from Victoria Station. In previous years, unique experiences included afternoon tea with The Great British Bake Off judge, Maya Berry, and a visit to the RHS Chatsworth House Flower Show. For 2024, you can already reserve your spot for an afternoon tea on board or a thrilling murder mystery lunch experience.

7. Denali Star Train

• Route: Anchorage to Fairbanks

Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has mesmerized travelers with breathtaking views of the untamed mountains and rivers of the Last Frontier. Among its five lines, the Denali Star Train begins its spring service (in 2024, the northbound route from Anchorage starts on May 9), taking passengers through Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali before arriving in Fairbanks. This 12-hour journey covers 356 miles, revealing the vibrant transformation of the 49th state as the snow melts. For the best views of blooming deep pink peonies and wildflowers, consider traveling in late spring, from late May to June.

8. Amtrak Texas Eagle

• Route: Austin to San Antonio

The Texas Eagle’s entire route spans a daunting 2,700 miles, connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. However, for stunning views of bluebonnets, orange Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers that brighten Texas’s Hill Country (the approximately 31,000 square miles between Texas’s High Plains and San Antonio), focus on the segment from San Antonio to Austin. To enhance your nature experience, consider planning your trip during April’s solar eclipse.

This article was initially published in 2020 and updated on February 9, 2024, with new insights.