5 Scenic Rail Rides Through Vermont’s Fall Colors You’ll Never Forget

Vermont’s fall season is famous for fiery reds, glowing oranges, and golden yellows that sweep across its rolling hills. One of the best ways to take it all in is from a train window. Scenic rail rides let you sit back, relax, and watch the foliage unfold without worrying about winding mountain roads or parking at crowded trailheads. Here are a few Vermont train rides that make fall unforgettable.

1. Green Mountain Railroad (Burlington & Chester)

Some fall memories just stick with you, and for me, that’s the first time I boarded the Green Mountain Railroad’s Fall Foliage Train out of Burlington. The engine’s whistle echoed across open fields, and everyone on board seemed to have their camera ready. From the start, the windows framed a patchwork of color, mountainsides lit with maple reds and golden birch leaves, valleys sprinkled with pumpkin stands and weathered barns.

What sets this ride apart isn’t just the scenery, but the way the train slows near covered bridges or clusters of brilliant trees. Docents share stories about the land, so you learn quirky facts about the area as you pass through it. I still remember a tidbit about the oldest operating covered bridge in Vermont that you can spot from your seat. Kids love pressing their faces to the glass while adults chat about which color palette wins the day.

Snapping photos feels effortless thanks to wide windows. The commentary never overwhelms, and there’s plenty of time to simply settle in, enjoy the view, and spot flocks of geese heading south. By the end, you’ll have a camera roll full of foliage and, if you’re like me, a new appreciation for how Vermont’s landscapes stitch together past and present. Advance tickets are a must, especially on peak weekends, and snacks available onboard keep everyone fueled for the ride.

2. Amtrak’s Vermonter Line

Few rides capture the full sweep of Vermont’s autumn like Amtrak’s Vermonter. This train stitches together big cities and small towns, making it easy to see the changing landscape from southern fields to northern hills. My favorite stretch lies between Brattleboro and Montpelier, where the route hugs the Connecticut River and meanders past old mills and steepled villages.

As the train moves north, each bend in the track reveals a new vista. Sometimes you’ll spot a cluster of cows grazing beneath bright maples; other times, a hillside cemetery peeks out from behind a blaze of sugar reds. The rhythm of the train feels calming, offering a front-row seat to Vermont’s seasonal pageant without the stress of driving or parking.

Travelers swapping stories in the café car add to the sense of community on board. You’ll hear tips about where to get the best cider donuts or which station town hosts the liveliest fall festival. By the time you reach St. Albans, the colors outside may have shifted, but the sense of exploring Vermont’s backbone remains. Schedules are reliable, and the train’s daily service keeps it accessible for both quick getaways and longer autumn escapes.

3. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat (Connecticut, Nearby Option)

If you’re open to a side trip outside Vermont, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Connecticut offers a unique autumn experience. I first heard about it from locals who swore it shouldn’t be missed as part of a classic New England foliage loop. The journey starts with a vintage train winding through forests ablaze with color, then switches gears as you step onto a riverboat for a slow cruise along the Connecticut River.

It’s the kind of outing where you can see Vermont’s influence stretch into neighboring states. On the train, conductors in period uniforms share stories about the rails and river towns, giving the trip a fun throwback feel. Once aboard the riverboat, the view shifts, sugar maples and oaks line the banks, and the crisp air carries the sound of water lapping at the hull.

Families and solo travelers alike find plenty to enjoy. The dual experience of rail and river means you’re not stuck in one spot, and there are plenty of moments to stretch your legs and take in new angles of the fall display. The experience is a favorite for photographers, thanks to uninterrupted views of open water framed by leafy hills. Don’t forget to check schedules in advance, as tours linking into Vermont tend to book quickly during peak foliage weeks.

4. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express

There’s something almost cinematic about watching Vermont’s shoreline unfurl from the window of the Ethan Allen Express. Departing from New York City, the train feels like a bridge between two worlds, urban bustle and the laid-back spirit of Vermont. The Ethan Allen Express continues past Rutland to Burlington, its western terminus, where the line offers sweeping views across Lake Champlain with the Adirondacks in the distance.

On one trip, I found myself sharing a table with a couple who’d ridden the line every October for a decade. They pointed out their favorite hidden coves along the lake, each one glowing with a different mix of yellows, reds, and deep burgundy leaves. The Adirondack Mountains rise up across the water, adding blue-gray drama to the colorful scene.

Guests can snack, read, or simply watch as rivers and woods slide past. The light shifts fast in fall, sometimes painting the lake in gold right before sunset. Burlington’s lively downtown welcomes you at the end, making this route ideal for anyone who loves a mix of nature, small city energy, and a dash of Vermont’s signature calm. Book seats early, fall weekends fill fast, especially for window spots on the lake side.

5. White River Flyer (Green Mountain Railroad – White River Junction)

Looking for a dose of nostalgia? The White River Flyer, run by Green Mountain Railroad out of White River Junction, has a way of making everyone feel like a kid again. The excursion is short, perfect for families or anyone who wants to catch peak foliage without spending all day on the rails.

Maples and birches crowd the banks of the Connecticut River as the train follows a gentle path, and the open windows let in both fresh air and the scent of leaves. Onboard, volunteers sometimes lead singalongs or share stories about the region’s railroad history. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and never feels rushed.

This is an easygoing way to see Vermont’s famous colors up close, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want a change of pace from longer routes. Stops are brief, but there’s usually a chance to snap a photo or two with the conductor. The ride finishes before anyone gets restless, and you’re left with that warm, satisfying feeling you only get from a classic Vermont fall outing. Check ahead for seasonal schedules, since the Flyer doesn’t run daily.