Amtrak Great Dome Train Ride- Scenic Adirondack Train Rides

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Amtrak)

last updated 27 September 2021

The arrival of autumn is just around the corner (opens in new tab), which means now is the perfect time to plan a leaf peeping trip (opens in new tab). While you could venture through the Adirondack Mountains—one of the country's most scenic places to take in the fall foliage—a ride in Amtrak's Great Dome Car is definitely the most relaxing way to experience all of the beautiful colors.

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Every year, train enthusiasts get the chance to spot some of the best autumnal nature views the Northeast has to offer by hopping aboard the historic Great Dome Car on Amtrak's Adirondack route (opens in new tab). While the scenic route departs daily from New York City's Penn Station, the Dome Car is attached to the train at the Albany stop, before journeying through the dense forests and picturesque mountains of upstate New York, and ending in Montreal, Canada. The best part? One-way tickets from Albany to Montreal start at just $53.

This is a "for a limited-time only (opens in new tab)" type of deal, however, since the window-covered car is typically only available to travelers on this route for about six weeks starting in late September. First built in 1955, Amtrak's Great Dome Car has been used on routes across the country ever since, and is the only dome car still in service. On the train car's upper level, windows cover all sides and the ceiling, ensuring passengers will be fully immersed in all of the incredible panoramic views. Take note, though, that sitting in the Dome Car is strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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There's certainly no shortage of stunning vistas on the full 10-hour journey, from the native trees and rivers of the Catskills and the Adirondacks to the shores of Lake Champlain. Just figure out when the area's fall foliage will be at its peak with this handy map (opens in new tab), and book your ride as soon as 2017 dates are announced!

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