Rail vacations
What are rail vacations?
Rail or train travel weaves together convenience, sustainability, comfort, and a connection to the landscapes that air travel lacks. Passengers are transported through picturesque landscapes and towns with comfortable seating and the freedom to move around. Train travel also leaves a lighter carbon footprint compared to other modes of transportation, and city-center train stations eliminate the hassles of distant airports. Whether you're adventuring through small villages or crossing vast expanses, your entire journey becomes a cherished memory with rail travel.
Book a rail vacation
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
Grand Canyon Railway has been taking passengers on a journey to the heart of one of the 7 wonders of the world since 1901. You'll be captivated by the vintage charm of the train cars and the authenticity of the experience as you traverse high desert plains, catch glimpses of wildlife, and bask in the sunlight that bathes the landscape. As you step off the train, you'll be greeted by the majestic expanse of the Grand Canyon, a sight that defies description and humbles the soul.
Choose a day trip or an overnight lodge stay in Grand Canyon National Park.
Rocky Mountaineer
Embark on an odyssey through the Canadian or U.S. Rockies aboard a private luxury train, where timeless elegance meets untamed wilderness. Every detail of your journey is meticulously crafted to enhance your experience of nature's grandeur. Travel in comfort, savor the unhurried pace, and experience impeccable service as you take in awe-inspiring landscapes.
Overnight stays are included and are part of every Rocky Mountaineer rail package.
Amtrak Vacations
Explore America's hidden gems and iconic landmarks, where the route is just as thrilling as the destination. Amtrak Vacations takes the complexity out of rail travel by combining inclusions such as rail, hotels, meals, sightseeing, and more. Let Amtrak Vacations be your passport to unforgettable experiences, as you unwind in spacious compartments and feast your eyes on panoramic vistas through wide windows.
Railbookers
From luxury train experiences to custom rail itineraries and everything in between, Railbookers specializes in seamless and convenient train vacations. Arrive refreshed in the city center of European capitals and traverse through charming villages, or adventure through Australia, Canada, Morocco, India, and Scandinavia. Most vacations can be booked up to 24 months in advance, so you don't have to adhere to the standard booking schedule.
Frequently asked questions about rail vacations
How much do rail vacations cost? Are they expensive?
Rail vacations run the gamut from affordable to ultra-luxurious.
- Grand Canyon Railway: Fun and affordable, with day trip options or overnight stays in Grand Canyon National Park
- Rocky Mountaineer: Affordable to higher-priced, depending on the number of days and accommodations
- Ultra luxury: Similar to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with long-distance itineraries and sleeping compartments
Contact a AAA Travel Advisor to create a rail vacation to fit your budget. If you're traveling outside of the U.S., remember to get a passport.
How much time do I spend on the train?
- Grand Canyon Railway: Take a day trip or stay in a hotel in Grand Canyon National Park for longer stays.
- Railbookers: Choose from local train trips to long-distance journeys with sleeping compartments and everything in between.
- Rocky Mountaineer: Enjoy 2-day adventures or a multi-day circle journey, with attentive service including overnight stays at a hotel.
No matter which itinerary you choose, rail vacations offer a memorable experience with sights not afforded by air travel or a road trip.
Contact a AAA Travel Advisor to learn more about rail vacations.
Are most train vacations 1-way or round-trip?
Your rail experience can be city-to-city or a round-trip vacation. Many people choose the 1-way options and travel from city to city, then fly back to their home destination. For people with more time, rail travel can be a part of the experience or an entire vacation; consider combining a rail package with a tour or an ocean or river cruise itinerary.
Contact a AAA Travel Advisor to learn more about rail vacations.
Can I extend a rail vacation with additional days to see other sights?
Yes, you can customize your train vacation to fit your needs. Options you have include:
- Taking a tour
- Adding an ocean or river cruise
- Spending additional days in a city
Adding more experiences and activities to a rail vacation is popular when traveling by train in Europe and adds to the enjoyment of your vacation and experience with the destination.
Contact a AAA Travel Advisor about adding more days to a rail vacation. If you're traveling outside of the U.S., remember to get a passport.
Can I choose my own seat on a train and reserve it?
With your reservation, you will get a confirmed seat. Some confirmations will give you more flexibility in the car to pick your own seat.
- Grand Canyon Railway offers several levels of service, you can even reserve an entire car for a family gathering or corporate event.
- With Railbookers, you can get a confirmed seat and ticket up to 24 months before schedules are available to the public.
- On Rocky Mountaineer, you can reserve a seat in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf class.
- With Amtrak Vacations, get a confirmed seat or upgrade to a sleeping compartment for overnight journeys.
Contact a AAA Travel Advisor to learn more about your seating options. If you're traveling outside of the U.S., remember to get a passport.