While road trips are popular, nothing beats the slow charm of a scenic train ride through Vermont’s foliage.
Here’s a roundup of the best of the best train rides in Vermont that guarantee front-row seats to fall’s grandest show.
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Why Train Rides Are the Best Way to See Vermont’s Fall Colors
Driving during leaf season can be stressful — crowded highways, limited parking, and the constant temptation to pull over for photos.
Trains, on the other hand, take all the pressure away. You just sit back, relax, and let the landscape unfold.
Many of these trains chug along historic railways that cut through valleys, farmlands, and riverbanks you wouldn’t see otherwise.
1. Green Mountain Railroad – Champlain Valley Route
This journey is all about sweeping views of Lake Champlain framed by hills bursting with color.
As the train rolls through Burlington and beyond, you’ll see apple orchards, dairy farms, and endless rows of sugar maples turning scarlet.
It feels like stepping into a postcard of Vermont’s countryside.
- Departure Station: Burlington Union Station
- Duration: Around 3.5 hours round trip
- Ticket Price Range: $45–$70 per adult depending on seating class
- Onboard Experience: Some rides feature snack bars and narrated commentary about local history.
- Accessibility: The coaches are wheelchair accessible, making it senior and family friendly.
- Nearby Attraction: After your ride, check out Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace for boutique shops and fall treats.
Pro Tip: Combine this ride with a stop at a local cider mill — fresh cider donuts taste even better after a foliage train journey!
2. Green Mountain Railroad – Okemo Valley Route
If you’re after dramatic mountain scenery, this route steals the show. Winding through the Okemo Valley, the train passes covered bridges, sleepy villages, and rolling hillsides glowing in every autumn shade.
The old-fashioned coaches add to the nostalgic vibe, making it perfect for couples or families looking for a cozy fall outing.
- Departure Station: Chester Depot
- Duration: 2 hours round trip
- Ticket Price Range: $35–$55 per person
- Onboard Experience: Expect comfortable coaches, family seating, and sometimes themed rides like cider tastings.
- Accessibility: This route is wheelchair accessible and staff are helpful with mobility support.
- Nearby Attraction: Explore Chester’s Green, where antique shops and local cafés welcome fall travelers.
3. Vermont Rail System Fall Foliage Trains
These seasonal-only excursions are the crown jewel of Vermont’s rail experiences. Operating exclusively in September and October, the trains feature restored vintage cars that feel like stepping back in time.
The routes change depending on the year, but they often cut through the heart of Vermont’s mountain passes and farmlands.
- Departure Stations: Rutland, Bellows Falls, or White River Junction (varies each year)
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours depending on the excursion chosen
- Ticket Price Range: $55–$90 per person
- Onboard Experience: Dining cars sometimes serve Vermont cheese plates, local maple snacks, and warm cider.
- Accessibility: Vintage trains are partly accessible, but it’s best to check specific routes in advance.
- Nearby Attraction: Many excursions can be paired with Vermont breweries or harvest festivals along the route.
Pro Tip: These trains sell out fast. Book weeks in advance if you want a guaranteed spot.
4. Chester Depot Fall Train Rides
Nestled in a small Vermont town, Chester Depot is a hidden gem for train lovers. The ride departs from a charming 19th-century station and winds through quiet woodlands and valleys.
Unlike the bigger tourist routes, this one feels more intimate and authentic, giving you a taste of Vermont’s small-town magic along with stunning foliage.
- Departure Station: Chester Depot, Windsor County
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Ticket Price Range: $25–$40 per person
- Onboard Experience: A simple, classic foliage ride without frills — perfect for those wanting an authentic vibe.
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility due to older cars, but staff provide assistance where possible.
- Nearby Attraction: Stroll Chester village for antique stores, local bookshops, and cozy diners.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to explore Chester’s antique shops before your ride — it’s like stepping into old New England.
Final Thoughts
Leaf-peeping in Vermont is a bucket-list experience, but doing it by train makes it unforgettable.
Whether you’re gazing at Lake Champlain, rolling through the Okemo Valley, or boarding a vintage foliage train, you’re guaranteed a ride straight through autumn’s masterpiece.
So this fall, skip the crowded highways and hop aboard one of Vermont’s best foliage train rides.
Read More: 8 Best Vermont Cider & Craft Beer Tours
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