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Discover the USA on an independent rail tour

Experience America’s iconic rail routes and ever-changing landscapes

Independent Train Trips Rail Tours

Exploring the USA by rail is a journey through some of the world's most iconic and varied landscapes, from the sun-drenched coasts of California and the vast beauty of America's National Parks to the soulful rhythms of the deep south and the untamed beauty of Alaska. Home to legendary train routes like the Alaska Railroad, the California Zephyr and Amtrak's Empire Builder, these journeys offer unforgettable views and a deeper connection to the places you visit.

Our independent rail vacations let you experience the USA at your own pace, with all the key details taken care of. Whether you're looking to explore a single region or travel cross-country, our curated itineraries and wide range of routes showcase the very best of the United States - tailored to your interests and designed to give you the freedom to explore on your own terms. Browse our Independent tours and start planning your USA vacation today.

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Explore our Top Independent Vacations in the United States

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure

(304 reviews)

Independent

2026SepOctNovDec

2027JanFebMarAprMay...

6 days from

$1,195 pp $1,095 pp

Empire Builder to Glacier National Park

Empire Builder with Glacier National Park - Chicago to Seattle

(38 reviews)

Independent

2027JunJulAugSep

7 days from

$2,295 pp $1,895 pp

Denali National Park wildlife

Alaska Wilderness Tour

(161 reviews)

Independent

2027MayJunJulAugSep

7 days from

$2,895 pp $2,495 pp

Denver

 Rockies to the Red Rocks Three-day Classic

Independent

2027AprMayJunJulAug...

5 days from

$2,935 pp

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park & Chicago

(56 reviews)

Independent

2027JunJulAugSep

7 days from

$2,395 pp $1,995 pp

Glacier Parks Lakes and Wildflowers

Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago Roundtrip

Independent

2027JunJulAugSep

5 days from

$1,595 pp $1,195 pp

Kenai Fjords National Park

Deluxe Alaska Highlights

(64 reviews)

Independent

2027MayJunJulAugSep

8 days from

$4,595 pp $4,195 pp

Golden Gate Bridge

Coast to Coast: New York to San Francisco

Independent

2026SepOctNovDec

10 days from

$2,595 pp $2,395 pp

View All Independent US Tours

Why travel the USA on an independent rail vacation?

Travel at your own pace

With each itinerary thoughtfully designed to suit different travel styles, our tours let you experience the freedom of independent travel across America's most scenic rail routes.

Everything included

With travel, transfers and accommodation included - and no hidden extras - all the essentials are taken care of, so you can simply relax and focus on discovering the beauty of the USA by rail.

Flexible travel dates

Travel when it works for you. With flexible dates available on many of our independent tours, you can choose the timing that fits your plans and enjoy a more personalised way to explore the USA.

Our customers love our Independent Train Tours tours

Iconic Alaska: Glaciers, Fjords & Denali by Rail

19/Aug

Beverly

“This trip went very smoothly. All the various arrangements were carried out without a hitch. The Gold Star tickets on the Alaska Railroad were very nice. I would use Great Rail Journeys again.

Collected by Trustpilot

Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure

17/Aug

ESSEX SHEPHERD

“Our experience was a great adventure! We had lots of fun and met several people!

Collected by Trustpilot

Alaska Wilderness Tour

15/Aug

EILEEN COLEMAN

“The entire tour was amazing! Scott our tour guide was so passionate about the park, the animals and everything about the state of Alaska. A must experience!

Collected by Trustpilot

Grand Canyon Railway Rails to the Rim Adventure - Los Angeles

1/Aug

MARIA GARCIA

“The train ride at night was a little shake as it was my first time riding the rails at night. But the view during the day light was beautiful.

Collected by Trustpilot

New York to Niagara Falls

21/Jul

CARL OTTENTHAL

“Great time easy and convenient

Collected by Trustpilot

Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train

10/Apr

CATHERINE WANT

“It was a great trip. Especially loved driving the dog sled.

Collected by Trustpilot

Alaska by Land and Sea Featuring 3 nights in Denali

8/Aug

DAVID BIERLEIN DUANE

“5 hour bus tour (actually 2.5 hours out and back) from Denali to view tundra too long - boring with no stops for photo ops nor explanations.of specific floura and transition from one type to another

Collected by Trustpilot

California Zephyr Experience

6/Aug

RODNEY ARMOUR

“Very nice experience the accommodations were nice at both hotels and the views of the western train ride were stunning

Collected by Trustpilot

Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights

1/Apr

Charolette Rivera

“The train itself and the 1st Alaska Tours trips/excursions were wonderful, well organized, and prompt! Definitely 5star. What was not so good was Vacations By Rails ability to schedule and communicate - we were rescheduled multiple times, to the point we began to doubt if we even were going...

Collected by Trustpilot

Latest Expert Advice & Inspiration

Canyon Spirit: Experiencing America’s Only Luxury Train

Canyon Spirit: Experiencing America’s Only Luxury Train

May 22, 2026 · By Ian Holt

Aboard Canyon Spirit’s new three-day route from Salt Lake City to Denver, Great Rail Journeys writer Ian discovers the Southwest’s beauty in relaxed luxury.

How Alaska’s Wildlife Is More Accessible Than You Think

How Alaska’s Wildlife Is More Accessible Than You Think

Aug 13, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker

If your idea of a memorable trip includes nature’s beauty and majestic wildlife, look no further than Alaska, where wild adventures are easily accessible.

Top Destinations for Northern Lights Tours in 2026

Top Destinations for Northern Lights Tours in 2026

May 15, 2025 · By Great Rail Journeys

From the remote expanses of wild Alaska to the stunning islands and fjords of Scandinavia, here are our top destinations for Northern Lights tours in 2026.

Discovering the Magic of Alaska in Summer: A Traveler's Guide

Discovering the Magic of Alaska in Summer: A Traveler's Guide

Dec 27, 2023 · By Great Rail Journeys

Ah, Alaska! A land where summer unfolds like a fairy tale, where the sun stretches across the sky, refusing to set, painting landscapes so diverse they seem otherworldly. Here, history whispers tales of resilient cultures against a backdrop of nature's most dramatic scenes. In Alaska, summer is more than a season; it's a grand adventure under endless daylight.