This Is The Number One Way To See Fall Foliage

Enjoy America’s nature at its very best with a stunning and affordable trip on this old-school train.

For a limited time this summer and fall, Amtrak is bringing back car number 10031, its historic Great Dome Car where passengers on the upper deck will be able to take in panoramic views of the country thanks to expansive windows on every side, including the ceiling.

Between August 11 and September 23, the Great Dome will chug along the Downeaster route, making its first-ever trip to Maine. Travel to Brunswick via Boston and Portland to experience New England in its summery prime, scenic villages and endless coastline included. Making four trips per day, would-be train-goers have ample opportunity to take a ride.

The train’s fall itinerary running September 27 to November 2 between New York City, Albany and Montreal, Canada, promises panoramas of the changing leaves, as it speeds through the Adirondack Mountains. Travelers will also get to see the majestic Lake Champlain before arriving in Montreal. Stops along the way should you prefer not to make the full 10-hour journey include Port Henry, Saratoga Springs and Westport. The service operates three days per week and can also be caught from New York City’s Penn Station (passengers will change trains at Albany to board the Great Dome Car).

The upper or dome level of the train is open to all passengers at no extra cost, but does operate on a first come, first served basis.

The vintage dome cars, originally built in 1955, were first used on the Great Northern Railway’s Chicago–Seattle Empire Builder route. Amtrak’s current train, which was originally called Ocean View, is the only one of its kind that remains in service, so peering through its windows as the landscape whizzes by is a unique opportunity. The best part? A one-way ticket from Albany to Montreal comes in at just $53.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.