9 Heritage Train Journeys That Are Better Than Flying

4. California Zephyr (USA) — Cross-country vistas and relaxed travel between Denver and the Bay

The California Zephyr is one of America’s classic long-distance routes, threading the Rockies, canyons, and Sierra Nevada with wide windows and a relaxed timetable. Flying this corridor saves many hours, but you miss the slow reveal of landscape, the chance to meet fellow travellers, and access to observation cars that bring the outdoors into your trip. For travellers who want the road trip feeling without driving, the Zephyr offers a comfortable alternative with sleeping accommodations and dining that feel human-scale compared to airport cafés. It’s especially good for people who enjoy taking pictures without the rush of transfers and who want to begin their vacation the moment they step aboard. If your schedule allows a day or two more travel time, the train offers a meaningful contrast to the anonymous cabin of a plane.