12 Easiest National Parks to Visit on Amtrak

Discover how easy it is to explore America’s natural wonders with Amtrak in the guide of 12 Easiest National Parks to Visit on Amtrak. This guide highlights 12 parks that are especially easy to reach by train, with routes that bring you close to gorgeous scenery and iconic outdoor experiences. Whether you are planning a relaxing getaway or a national park adventure, Amtrak’s convenient stops let you skip the long drives for a hassle-free journey straight to nature.

List of 12 National Parks You Can Easily Reach by Amtrak

Discover how easy it is to explore America’s natural wonders with this list of 12 national parks you can conveniently reach by Amtrak.

• Biscayne National Park, Florida
  Biscayne is an island national park with coral reefs and mangrove forests near Miami. Board a boat from the city to reach the park. Guided eco-tours, including snorkeling and scuba diving, are available.
  Drive Time: 50 minutes
  Station: Miami Amtrak station

Route: Silver Star, Silver Meteor

• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
  Exit the Coast Starlight train at Klamath Falls station. Guided tours or rental cars (with free pickup) are available to reach the park. Nearby lodges and campgrounds offer overnight options.
  Drive Time: 50 minutes
  Station: Klamath Falls Station

Route: Coast Starlight

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
  A short drive from Cleveland station, the park features waterfalls, hiking trails, and a scenic train ride. Several lodging options and camping sites are nearby.
  Drive Time: 27 minutes
  Station: Cleveland Amtrak Station

Route: Capitol Limited, Lake Shore Limited

• Everglades National Park, Florida
  Accessible by rental car or tour from Miami. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Best visited December through April due to flooding in some areas.
  Drive Time: 1 hour
  Station: Miami Amtrak Station 

Route: Silver Star, Silver Meteor

• Glacier National Park, Montana
  Accessible via multiple stations: East Glacier, West Glacier, Whitefish. Offers rental cars, bus tours from Glacier Park Lodge, and nearby lodging.
  Drive Time: 15-30 minutes
  Station: East Glacier, West Glacier, Whitefish

Route: Empire Builder

• Saguaro National Park, Arizona
  Featuring giant cacti and stunning sunsets, accessible via Tucson. Car rental with pickup service available. Visit the nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
  Drive Time: 25 minutes
  Station: Tucson Amtrak Station 

Route: Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle

• Joshua Tree National Park, California
  About 50 50-minute drive from Palm Springs. Best for day trips or camping overnight; hotels are available in Palm Springs.
  Drive Time: 50 minutes
  Station: Palm Springs Amtrak Station

Route: Texas Eagle, Sunset Limited

• Kings Canyon National Park, California
  Reachable from Fresno, which offers rental cars and lodging. Visitors enjoy hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing in winter.
  Drive Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  Station: Fresno Amtrak Station 

Route: San Joaquins

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
  Accessed from Denver, where rental cars and hotels are available. Tour options are also offered from Denver.
  Drive Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  Station: Denver Amtrak Station 

Route: California Zephyr

• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
  Access via Charlottesville with a 50-minute drive to the park. Camping, cabins, and lodges are available for stays.
  Drive Time: 50 minutes
  Station: Charlottesville Amtrak Station 

Route: Cardinal, Crescent, Northeast Regional

• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  Board the Southwest Chief to Williams, then take a shuttle to the park entrance.
  Drive Time: Shuttle transfer about 1 hour
  Station: Williams Amtrak Station 

Route: Southwest Chief

• New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
  Amtrak stops within the park boundaries at Hinton, Prince, and Thurmond stations; hike, raft, and explore nearby trails.
  Drive Time: 5-15 minutes
  Stations: Hinton, Prince, Thurmond

Route: Cardinal

Note: Whether you are a seasoned train traveler or trying it for the first time, these 12 national parks prove that Amtrak is one of the most scenic and stress-free ways to reach America’s great outdoors.

Traveling to the 12 Easiest National Parks to Visit on Amtrak offers a unique and enjoyable way to connect with nature while enjoying the comfort of train travel. Amtrak provides access to many of America’s most iconic parks right from conveniently located stations, making your journey stress-free and scenic. Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or an extended exploration, traveling by Amtrak to these parks helps you experience the great outdoors in an eco-friendly, comfortable, and memorable way. Plan your trip, sit back, and let the train take you to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.