Want to see Vermont fall foliage without having to drive? Check out these fall train rides

As Vermont barrels toward peak foliage season , visitors may be looking for the best way to maximize their leaf peeping. One of the most efficient ways to travel through the reds, yellows and oranges of the Green Mountains is by train.

Trains will bring passengers through beautiful scenery in Vermont, including quaint New England towns, historic covered bridges and stunning views of the fall foliage.

Take your hands off the wheel and sit back in a setting where you can keep your eyes on the trees and not the road and cover more ground than any hike could reach. Scenic train rides encourage a slower style of travel, allowing you to sit back and take it all in.

Here are 5 you could check out this season.

Champlain Valley Dinner Train

The Champlain Valley Dinner Train will provide a full experience during the three-hour ride, including an aforementioned dinner. Traveling from Burlington to Vergennes, enjoy a three-course, season-specific gourmet dinner created on board while the Vermont landscape rolls by your window.

For ages five and older, the train only runs once a day Friday, Saturday and Sunday from now until October 27. Boarding is located on the Amtrak Platform in Burlington. Boarding begins at 3 p.m. and departs at 4 p.m.

The train system also has a Cocktail on the Rails ride for those who want something a little different. The three-hour round-trip train ride from Burlington to Charlotte is accompanied by live music, finger foods and cocktails. For ages 18 and older, the train runs once a day Friday and Saturday from now until October 26, also departing at 4 p.m.

St. Johnsbury Foliage Train Rides

For one day only, bring your whole family for a foliage train ride taking place during the Fall for St. Johnsbury festival October 12. A scenic one and a half hour round trip travels along a route that hugs the Passumpsic and Connecticut Rivers between downtown St. Johnsbury and Ryegate, Vermont.

Ride in one of three historic Green Mountain Railroad “Green Fleet” cars while being entertained by knowledgeable narration of the history of the train route and significant sites along the way.Boarding begins 15 minutes before scheduled departure times. Departure times are 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. from the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center.

Vermonter

Looking for something longer to really make the most of your leaf peeping? The Vermonter Amtrak line offers daily service between Washington, DC and St. Albans, Vermont. The ride begins in Washington and travels through New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and finishes in northern Vermont.

The 13-hour ride route allows passengers to experience the scenic vistas of lakes, rivers, small historic villages and the Green Mountains. During the ride, guests can enjoy full service meals or snacks while reclining in their blue leather seats. On the evening trains, passengers can enjoy the privacy of sleeping in their own car with bedrooms.

Ethan Allen Express

Another Amtrak line is the Ethan Allen Express , running daily service between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, by way of Albany. During the seven-and-a-half-hour ride, you can enjoy views of Hudson Valley’s lush wine country and views of the majestic Adirondack Mountain range as you venture through New York before crossing into Vermont.

Charter a train

The Vermont Rail System also offers private charters year-round. The passenger equipment is available for chartered trips, special events and movie filming. Trains can depart from easily accessible locations throughout the system. Classic turn-of-the-century equipment has a variety of interior configurations: coach, parlor, lounge and a dining car.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Want to see Vermont fall foliage without having to drive? Check out these fall train rides