These 12 Train Rides for Fall Foliage Are Peak Autumn Vibes

There are countless ways to enjoy the magic of fall foliage—hiking, road trips, even soaring in a hot air balloon—but few can match the charm and ease of a scenic train ride. In this article, we’re looking at train rides that take you through some of the most spectacular autumn landscapes.

Train rides offer a relaxed, cost-effective way to soak in the beauty of nature. Some routes lead to hidden mountain peaks, remote valleys, and other breathtaking places that can’t be reached by car or on foot. Plus, many sightseeing trains have large panoramic windows for clear views of the fall colors. I mean, what more can you ask for as a leaf peeper?

Wondering which routes promise the most stunning views? We’ve gathered the top fall train rides—just be sure to plan early and bring your camera!

The Adirondack (USA – New York to Quebec)

The Adirondack runs from Penn Station in New York City to Gare Centrale in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This route is considered one of the most scenic in North America, especially in the fall. The train travels through the picturesque Hudson Valley, skirts the shores of Lake Champlain, and passes the stunning Adirondack Mountains, where autumn colors reign.

The Adirondack train offers panoramic views of fall foliage from its large windows. The journey starts in New York City’s urban environment, but as it heads north, the cityscape quickly gives way to the scenic beauty of the Hudson Valley. The Hudson River is lined with towering cliffs, rolling hills, and forests that come alive with autumn colors.

Of course, the best time to take this ride is at the peak of fall foliage, typically from late September to mid-October. Sit on the left side of the train when heading from New York City to Montreal for the best views of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain. For the Montreal-New York journey, the right side offers the best views.

Rocky Mountaineer (Canada – British Columbia to Alberta)

The Rocky Mountaineer offers several routes. For leaf peeping, choose the First Passage to the West. It runs from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Banff or Lake Louise. This route is ideal for fall foliage because it passes through the Canadian Rockies.

This is a luxurious train journey. Relax as you take in the views of the blazing leaves. The changing colors become stronger as you move into the interior of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

The Rocky Mountaineer earns its reputation for its large windows and open-air decks. These features let travelers enjoy the scenery, especially the fall colors. So, keep your camera ready; the views change at a rapid pace.

The Kurobe Gorge Railway (Japan – Toyama)

The Kurobe Gorge Railway, or “Torokko Train,” connects Unazuki Station and Keyakidaira Station in Toyama Prefecture. It follows the Kurobe River through the Kurobe Gorge, deep into the Japanese Alps.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

This 80-minute ride is perfect for a quick escape. The train has open-air cars, offering stunning views of the mountains and gorge.

Top spots for fall foliage are Unazuki Bridge, Kuronagi Gorge, Kanetsuri Station, and Keyakidaira Station. Just remember to dress warmly. The open cars can get chilly in the fall.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (USA – North Carolina)

Like the Rocky Mountaineer, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers many routes. Try at least two for a full park experience. For fall foliage, pick the Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River excursions.

Both start in Bryson City, North Carolina, and travel through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park is famous for its vast forests and mountains. These trips are easy ways to enjoy the park and its fall colors.

On the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, look for Fontana Lake. It’s surrounded by mountains and colorful autumn trees. The calm lake mirrors the fall colors, perfect for Instagram. The Nantahala Gorge also provides stunning foliage views.

Meanwhile, the Tuckasegee River Excursion has gorgeous riverbanks lined with colorful trees. They extend into the mountains.

Glacier Express (Switzerland – Zermatt to St. Moritz)

The Glacier Express is famous for its winter views, yet fall is also beautiful. It travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz, showcasing the Swiss Alps. The trip lasts under 8 hours, but you can stop along the way.

Often called the “world’s slowest express train,” its pace is perfect for viewing fall colors. The reds and oranges against the Swiss Alps create stunning scenery.

One highlight is crossing the Landwasser Viaduct. This six-arched bridge curves over a deep gorge. It seems to float above the valley. Below, trees burst with fall colors.

Another key point is the Oberalp Pass, the route’s highest spot at 2,033 meters (6,670 feet). Here, the train moves through meadows, often with early snow. Valleys below are colorful with autumn leaves. Other beautiful spots include the Rhône Valley, Albula Valley, and the stretch between Disentis and Chur.

VIA Rail’s The Ocean (Canada – Montreal to Halifax)

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

The Ocean train takes you through Canada’s top fall foliage spots. It follows the Saint Lawrence River into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia shines brightest in fall.

Comparing leaf-peeping, Canada’s Maritime provinces match New England’s vibe. Yet, the Maritime provinces are less commercial. From your window, enjoy river valleys, forests, hills, and coasts, all vibrant with fall colors.

For the full 21-hour journey, opt for sleeper cabins. These offer comfort and large windows for better views.

Vermonter (USA – Washington D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont)

12 Train Rides for Fall Foliage in the US Coopersville & Marne Railway Michigan__288537798 — © sunday_morning / Adobe Stock

The Vermonter train is the best way to see New England’s fall foliage. It travels through Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, known for their stunning autumn colors. The journey from Massachusetts to Vermont is the highlight. Here, the train winds through forests that explode with color in autumn.

Entering Vermont, the train crosses the Green Mountains, a top fall foliage spot in the U.S. The hills and valleys there are filled with reds, oranges, and yellows, showcasing New England’s fall beauty. If you love fall colors, this trip is a must.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway (New Hampshire, USA)

The Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you to Mount Washington’s summit. It offers a unique autumn adventure. At the top, you can explore for about an hour and a half before heading back.

On the way up, enjoy New England’s best fall foliage. The train ride also offers views of the Presidential Range. On clear days, you can see into Vermont, Maine, and parts of Canada. It’s a must for scenery lovers. So, book early. This railway is very popular in fall.

Bernina Express (Switzerland – Tirano to Chur)

The Bernina Express runs from Tirano to Chur and is one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. This route is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It weaves through high mountains, charming villages, and untouched alpine scenery. It’s perfect for enjoying fall foliage.

The contrast of colorful lower valleys and snow-capped peaks is breathtaking. The trains have large windows that show autumn’s colors, especially in the Poschiavo forests. This stunning display of fiery colors against snowy peaks makes a fall ride on the Bernina Express unforgettable.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train (Canada – Ontario)

The Agawa Canyon Train Tour ranks among North America’s most scenic train rides. Its beauty peaks in fall. The journey showcases Ontario’s forests, rivers, gorges, and wilderness. A highlight is Agawa Canyon Park. Here, the train stops, letting passengers explore the canyon, waterfalls, and trails.

During the stop, see Bridal Veil Falls and Black Beaver Falls. They’re often framed by autumn leaves. The area’s untouched nature offers a deep connection to the outdoors in fall.

West Highland Line (Scotland – Glasgow to Mallaig)

This railway runs from Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands through Scotland’s stunning landscapes. It often travels far from roads or towns through gorgeous fall foliage.

The trip’s highlight is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in Harry Potter films. Here, breathtaking views of Loch Shiel and colorful autumn mountains await. As the train nears Fort William, sights of Ben Nevis and its autumn landscape emerge.

Black Forest Railway, Germany

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is among Europe’s most beautiful natural areas. The best way to see it? Take the Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn) in autumn. This train travels from Offenburg to Konstanz, showcasing the region’s charm. It passes through towns like Triberg, St. Georgen, Donaueschingen, and Villingen-Schwenningen.

Depending on your schedule, you can stop at Triberg to see its waterfalls or at Donaueschingen, where the Danube River begins. Many towns are near dense forests that are stunning in fall. The journey also features highlights like Gutach Valley and Höllental (Hell Valley).