National Parks Accessible by Train or Public Transit

Located near Gatlinburg and Townsend, this park is accessible via the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad nearby and local transit options in the surrounding towns. Visitors can explore visitor centers and trailheads using the Gatlinburg Trolley or regional bus services, making car-free exploration possible.

Denver-based travelers can take the Bustang bus service to Estes Park, the gateway to the park. From there, the free shuttle system connects major attractions like Bear Lake and Dream Lake, offering a sustainable way to view alpine lakes and wildlife without personal vehicle emissions.

While Amtrak does not stop inside the park, it serves nearby Livingston and West Yellowstone. Connectors and regional shuttles from these railheads provide direct access to the park's north and west entrances, facilitating a train-centric itinerary for visitors arriving from the Midwest or Canada.

The Grand Canyon Railroad from Williams, Arizona, offers a historic steam train experience that deposits passengers directly at the South Rim. Once there, the free shuttle bus system provides comprehensive access to all major viewpoints, lodging, and trailheads throughout the canyon.

Accessible via the Downeaster Amtrak line to Portland, Maine, followed by a bus connection to Bar Harbor. The free Island Explorer shuttle service within the park makes it one of the most transit-friendly destinations, connecting loops, beaches, and hiking trailheads efficiently.

Amtrak's Empire Builder stops at West Glacier and Glacier, placing travelers within walking distance of the park's west entrance. The Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle and other local transit options help visitors navigate the rugged terrain without relying on personal cars during peak season.

The Utah Transit Authority's FrontRunner and Summerfront service connect Salt Lake City and Provo to Springdale, Utah. Upon arrival, the free Park and Ride shuttles operate within the park, providing seamless access to the Virgin River Trail and major canyon viewpoints.

While remote, the park is accessible via Greyhound buses to Port Angeles and Forks. Local transit and tour shuttles in Port Angeles offer routes to Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, allowing visitors to experience rainforests and alpine meadows without driving.

Amtrak's San Joaquins line stops at Merced, which serves as a hub for Greyhound and regional buses heading to Yosemite Valley. Once in the park, the extensive free shuttle network connects Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona, reducing the need for private vehicles.

Denver Bustang services serve Jackson, Wyoming, which is the gateway to Grand Teton. The Teton Village shuttle and other local transit options facilitate access to the park's scenic drives and wildlife viewing areas, complementing the experience at neighboring Yellowstone.

Accessible via Greyhound to Del Rio or Alpine, Texas, with connecting shuttles or tours to the park entrance. While less frequent than western hubs, public transit routes allow adventurous travelers to reach the remote Chihuahuan Desert landscapes and dark skies.

One of the few parks with direct Amtrak access, located at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad stations. The Cuyahoga Valley Transit provides bus services along the park's main roads, making it highly accessible for urban visitors from Cleveland and Akron.

Accessible via Amtrak to nearby Charlottesville or Waynesboro, followed by regional bus services. The Skyline Drive offers limited public transit options, but nearby towns provide shuttle connections to trailheads and visitor centers, ideal for hikers without cars.

Mojave Desert Regional Transit services connect nearby cities like Palm Springs and Barstow to the park. While less frequent, these bus routes offer a viable alternative for travelers exploring the unique rock formations and desert ecosystems without driving through the arid landscape.

Remote and accessible via Greyhound to Ely or Elko, Nevada, with connecting shuttle services. The lack of extensive public transit within the park requires careful planning, but rail access to gateway towns makes it reachable for dedicated overland travelers.

Accessible via Metrorail and Metrobus in Miami, followed by shuttle services to the park's eastern entrances. The Shark Valley and Ernest Coe visitor centers are reachable via tour shuttles and some public bus routes, facilitating access to the subtropical wilderness.

During winter, the free shuttles become even more critical as many roads close. The Bustang service from Denver continues to operate, providing a reliable train-and-bus link to Estes Park for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing activities within the park boundaries.

Amtrak serves nearby Barstow and Victorville, California, with Greyhound buses connecting to the park entrances. While infrequent, this route offers a unique way to experience one of the hottest and most remote deserts on Earth using public transit.

Accessible via Amtrak to nearby towns and the Indiana Dunes Area Transit (IDAT). This local bus service provides reliable connections to the park's beaches and trails, making it an easy day trip for residents of Chicago and surrounding metropolitan areas.

While a National Forest and not a National Park, it is often grouped with park travel. Amtrak serves nearby Berlin, NH, and the White Mountain Transit system connects to major trails and scenic byways, offering a transit-friendly alternative to the Blue Ridge Parkway.