In a country that’s synonymous with futuristic skylines and hyper-connected infrastructure, it’s no surprise that the UAE is redefining what it means to travel. From the moment a trip is planned to the final post-travel review, artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, and automation are increasingly at the heart of the experience. Airports are becoming smarter, travel planning is more personalised than ever, and reliability is being re-engineered by the minute.

A New Era of Intelligent Travel

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is leading the charge when it comes to next-gen travel experiences powered by AI. As the world’s busiest international hub, the pressure to deliver smooth, secure, and swift passenger journeys is immense and technology is rising to the occasion. “AI is revolutionising the UAE travel journey from start to finish,” says Omar Bin Adai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer of Dubai Airports. “At DXB, biometric smart gates offer seamless passport control with facial verification, eliminating manual checks. Our new ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’ takes this further, enabling up to 10 guests to complete immigration in just 14 seconds using facial recognition alone.”

Beyond passenger flow, AI is working hard behind the scenes. According to Adai, predictive maintenance and AI-driven baggage systems are ensuring near-perfect operations. “In Q1 2025 alone, DXB processed over 21 million bags with a 99.8% accuracy rate and one of the world’s lowest mishandling rates – 1.95 per 1,000 passengers.”

These numbers aren’t just impressive—they represent a growing commitment to using data and intelligence to deliver exceptional guest experiences. “This strategic integration of AI across every touchpoint exemplifies how the UAE is setting a global standard for intelligent, customer-centric travel infrastructure,” Adai adds.

While airports are getting smarter, so too is the way travellers plan their trips. Platforms powered by generative AI such as ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming the discovery phase of travel, giving users the ability to explore destinations, craft itineraries, and make informed decisions faster than ever before.

“We’re seeing strong uptake of AI-powered tools that support travellers, particularly during the research and planning phases of a trip,” says John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group. “Platforms like ChatGPT have made travel information more accessible, helping users generate ideas and structure itineraries in seconds.”

Still, the technology has room to grow. “These platforms can struggle with the complex logistics of a full travel journey – managing bookings across multiple suppliers, handling real-time availability, and dynamic pricing. But the potential is enormous, especially in hyper-personalisation,” Bevan notes.

At dnata, the focus is on using AI to augment human expertise, not replace it. “We’re excited about this future. We’re integrating AI not just for efficiency, but to amplify the knowledge of our travel consultants – making it faster and smarter to deliver relevant, high-quality advice at scale.”

Elevating the Travel Experience

Technology is reshaping customer service like never before. Mobile apps, chatbots, and virtual assistants have become vital touchpoints, offering travellers personalised, real-time support that transforms uncertainty into confidence. Bin Adai highlights the profound impact: “In today’s travel landscape, the real game-changer has been placing instant, personalised support directly into passengers’ hands. Mobile apps and virtual assistants, particularly intuitive tools like DXB’s wayfinding app, have reshaped how travellers interact with airports.”

Among these innovations is DXB Express Maps, a dedicated app for Dubai International Airport that provides travellers with interactive 3D maps and a user-friendly interface to easily find gates, dining options, and other facilities. “Instead of uncertainty, travellers now effortlessly navigate complex terminals, access timely flight information, and manage their journeys seamlessly,” Bin Adai adds.

Complementing this is Pocket Flights, an app that gives instant access to real-time flight updates by simply scanning a QR code on flight status screens. Available in both English and Arabic across DXB and DWC airports, it delivers comprehensive information including gate changes, walking distances, wait times, and departure details — all at travellers’ fingertips.

The Airport Community App, affectionately dubbed the “mini-AOCC in your pocket,” supports over 59,000 users across 170+ entities in the oneDXB community. It merges user-driven features with operational tools designed to enhance guest experience and streamline airport efficiency. “This initiative strengthens internal communication and positions the app as an essential daily platform for the entire airport community,” Bin Adai explains.

Looking ahead, AI-driven recommendation engines are set to raise the bar even higher. “These systems are increasingly sophisticated, anticipating traveller preferences with precision and offering tailored, trusted suggestions,” says Bin Adai. “Ultimately, it’s about empowering the traveller with technology that feels human and intuitive, ensuring they always feel supported, understood, and confident at every step.”

Bevan echoes this sentiment but underscores the balance between speed and reliability: “Customer service today is increasingly being defined by immediacy and availability, especially in the travel sector where support is expected instantaneously – whether a person is booking a flight at midnight or making last-minute changes during a layover.”

While dnata is exploring consumer-facing chatbots as part of its future roadmap, its current AI investments focus on backend operations. “We’re already using AI to support training and quality assurance, including automated call listening capabilities that help us monitor service levels, identify pain points, and continuously improve our customer experience,” Bevan explains.

He adds that AI is also automating time-consuming manual processes, freeing teams to engage in higher-value interactions. “As we continue evaluating advanced communications technologies, accuracy and reliability remain key considerations. It’s not just about speed – it’s about ensuring the tools can provide relevant, context-aware support.”

Smart Journeys Ahead

No longer content with just convenience and punctuality, today’s traveller expects more — more control, more personalisation, and a more immersive experience from the moment a trip is imagined to the moment it ends.

According to Bin Adai, the shift is unmistakable. “Travellers in the UAE are increasingly expecting journeys that are not just seamless, but also smart, personalised, and immersive,” he says. “There’s a clear shift from traditional travel touchpoints to tech-enabled experiences that feel intuitive and engaging.” This evolution is powered by technologies like facial recognition for smoother immigration, AI-generated travel suggestions, and mobile-first tools that allow real-time support and bookings at the swipe of a screen. Airports like DXB have already embraced wayfinding apps and digital integration to deliver convenience with minimal friction.

But the transformation doesn’t end at the airport gates. “Travellers want digital convenience from planning to post-travel feedback,” Bin Adai notes. “Mobile-first platforms, immersive booking tools, and real-time support are no longer luxuries; they’re the baseline.”

This growing appetite for tech-forward travel solutions is not without its caveats. While AI and automation are streamlining the experience, the demand for human-centric service remains strong. “Technology is elevating convenience and efficiency, but the human touch remains essential,” he adds. “Dubai Airports continues to prioritise hospitality and in-person support, ensuring that travellers receive empathetic, culturally attuned service alongside advanced digital solutions.”

While echoing the sentiment, Bevan highlights an important distinction: modern travellers aren’t only looking for fast and easy experiences, they’re looking for assurance and options. “Travellers in the UAE today expect more than just convenience – they want control, flexibility, and confidence throughout their journey,” he explains. “What we’re seeing is a shift toward multi-channel and tech-enabled planning, where people want the freedom to engage with travel brands on their own terms — whether that’s online, in-store, through an app, or over the phone.”

For providers like dnata, that means maintaining consistency across all platforms and understanding that one solution won’t fit all. “Different age groups and lifestyles require different touchpoints, and it’s our responsibility to meet those needs with consistency, safety, and reliability,” says Bevan. “That means offering a seamless, secure experience whether a customer is booking through a chatbot at midnight or sitting down with an agent in one of our retail shops.”

He also underscores a key concern in this new era of digital interaction: trust. “As travellers share more information to receive personalised recommendations, they also expect us to handle that data with the highest levels of security,” Bevan notes. “Ultimately, it’s about building confidence, combining immersive and tech-integrated tools with the trust and assurance people need to feel good about their travel choices.”

What’s Next?

Over the next five to ten years, the country is poised to lead a radical shift toward intelligent, hyper-connected travel experiences that prioritise both ease and personalisation. “Over the next decade, the UAE is poised to lead a global shift toward smarter, fully connected travel,” says Bin Adai. “Biometric and contactless journeys will soon become the norm, enabling passengers to move through airports without ever presenting a document.” This vision is being woven into the very blueprint of the UAE’s next aviation mega-project — the expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). “The new airport will set a new benchmark for efficiency, capacity, and traveller-centric design,” Bin Adai adds.

From personalised service delivery and proactive customer support to predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, AI will touch every corner of the travel experience. “Our new digital experience project will cater to the latest AI technologies, helping elevate guest services to an entirely new level,” says Bin Adai. Looking further ahead, he sees the seamless integration of autonomous air taxis, high-speed ground transit, and eco-conscious infrastructure as part of a broader mobility ecosystem cementing the UAE’s place as a global hub for future-ready travel.

Bevan shares a similarly bold outlook. “Looking ahead, we see technologies like AI-generated itineraries, biometric-enabled travel, and predictive pricing engines becoming standard across the UAE’s travel landscape,” he says. “These tools are already beginning to take shape and in a region as digitally advanced and globally connected as the UAE, adoption will only accelerate.”

Not every Amtrak route is designed for scenic splendor—most just get you where you need to go. But for those who believe that travel is as much about the journey as the destination, a long-distance train trip offers an unmatched way to see America. From towering peaks to rolling plains, desert canyons to forested coastlines, a train’s window seat can feel like front-row access to the country’s most stunning views.

Last year, Amtrak recorded its highest ridership in history—over 32 million passengers. While many of them were commuting, thousands were traveling simply to see the sights. Whether you’re tucked into a private roomette or lounging in an observation car, certain routes serve up cinematic landscapes that make the miles fly by.

From Amtrak’s most epic Southwest journey to its scariest ride (not for the faint of heart), which routes are truly the most beautiful? We asked ChatGPT to rank the top five—and while we mostly agree, there are a few surprising snubs worth calling out. Let’s dive into the AI’s picks first.

What Makes A Beautiful Train Route?

Not every Amtrak route is designed for scenic splendor; most just get you where you need to go. But for those who believe that travel is as much about the journey as the destination, a long-distance train trip offers an unmatched way to see America. From towering peaks to rolling plains, desert canyons to forested coastlines, a train’s window seat can feel like front-row access to the country’s most stunning views.

Last year, Amtrak recorded its highest ridership in history with over 32 million passengers. While many of them were commuting, thousands were traveling simply to see the sights. Whether you’re tucked into a private roomette or lounging in an observation car, certain routes serve up cinematic landscapes that make the miles fly by.

So, which routes are the most beautiful? We asked ChatGPT to rank the top five, and while we mostly agree, there are a few snubs worth noting. Let’s dive into the AI’s picks first.

ChatGPT’s Picks – America’s 5 Most Beautiful Train Routes

“Most beautiful” is subjective—but if you combine dramatic scenery, historic significance, and rave reviews from travelers over the decades, these five Amtrak routes rise to the top. According to ChatGPT, these are the most beautiful train rides in America:

1. California Zephyr

Often described as the most scenic train route in U.S. rail travel, the California Zephyr takes riders on a two-day adventure through the heart of the American West from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA near the San Francisco area. Highlights include the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the red rock canyons of Colorado, and the snowy Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass through the famed Moffat Tunnel and over 30 others as you climb the Continental Divide, delivering dramatic mountain and desert landscapes.

Since its original launch in 1949 by the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy (CB&Q), Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW), and Western Pacific (WP) railroads, the California Zephyr has been dubbed “the most talked-about train in America.”

2. Empire Builder

Traveling through the vast northern wilderness frontier, the Empire Builder travels from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, offering sweeping views of the Mississippi River bluffs, the North Dakota plains, and Glacier National Park. The approach to the Cascade Mountains near the end of the route is especially breathtaking.

The route was named for James J. Hill, the “Empire Builder” of the Great Northern Railway, and has been in service (in various forms) since the 1920s.

3. Coast Starlight

For those who want ocean views and mountain backdrops, the Coast Starlight delivers both—offering arguably the most diverse coastal scenery of any U.S. train route. Stretching from Seattle, WA, to Los Angeles, CA, the section between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara is particularly memorable, as the train hugs the Pacific coastline with almost uninterrupted sea views, running just feet from the ocean cliffs. Along the way, passengers also pass through redwood forests, California wine country, and the dramatic Cascade Range.

The Coast Starlight carries the legacy of the Southern Pacific Railroad, whose pre-Amtrak trains like the Coast Daylight and The Lark defined the golden age of West Coast rail travel. These trains set the standard for elegance and comfort along the Pacific corridor—a tradition the Coast Starlight continues today.

4. Southwest Chief

The Southwest Chief route from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA, showcases the painted deserts and red rocks of New Mexico, the dramatic mesas, and the high plains of Kansas and Colorado. It also traces part of historic Route 66. Climbing over Raton Pass and traversing remote stretches of the Southwest, this journey evokes a rugged, cinematic feel and covers one of the most challenging sections of rail in the country.

Its claim to fame? The Chief is a direct descendant of the Santa Fe Railway’s legendary Super Chief—known as the “Train of the Stars” from the 1930s to the 1960s. It was the preferred mode of cross-country travel for Hollywood elites during the golden age of American rail.

5. Adirondack

A very different kind of beauty, the Adirondack—running from New York City to Montreal—is all about lush river valleys, misty mountain ridges, and vibrant fall foliage. Arguably one of America’s most underrated train journeys, it offers a quieter kind of scenic experience that’s intimate and perfect for leaf-peepers in autumn. Travelers are treated to views of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains, and Lake Champlain. Compared to the grand vistas of Western routes, the Adirondack delivers a more tranquil charm, defined by dense forests and winding waterways.

As for its history, the Adirondack became an official Amtrak route in 1974, retracing portions of the Delaware and Hudson Railway’s famous resort lines to the Adirondack Mountains.

All five of these routes definitely deserve their fame. The high-profile stops, paired with awe-inspiring beauty along the tracks themselves, make these true heavyweights in the train travel world. But is ChatGPT really capturing the whole picture?

Here’s What We Think Of AI’s Amtrak Picks

Our top choice? Without question, the California Zephyr. Spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay, it’s not just the longest Amtrak route—it’s the most visually diverse. With sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, red rock canyons of Colorado, open plains, and the snowy Sierra Nevada, the Zephyr delivers a cinematic, coast-to-coast journey that captures the essence of American train travel. For sheer variety and scale, no other route matches its grandeur.

While we mostly agree with ChatGPT’s top five picks, we believe a few scenic stunners were overlooked. Here are seven more routes that deserve recognition—and when added to the original five, round out our list of America’s 12 most beautiful train journeys.

7 More Scenic Routes We Think Deserve Recognition:

• Cardinal: Chicago, IL to New York, NY – Crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and the New River Gorge—especially stunning in autumn.
• Sunset Limited: New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA – From Gulf Coast bayous and sugarcane fields to desert expanses in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
• Cascades: Eugene, OR to Vancouver, BC – Offers forested Pacific Northwest views, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and scenic coastal curves.
• Pacific Surfliner: San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA – Hugs Southern California’s coastline—at times just feet from the beach. A favorite for photographers and day-trippers.
• Pennsylvanian: Pittsburgh, PA to New York, NY – Passes through Appalachian tunnels, wooded valleys, and small industrial towns full of charm and history.
• Vermonter: Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, VT – A fall foliage favorite, with maple groves, covered bridges, and picturesque New England scenery.
• Lake Shore Limited: Chicago, IL to New York, NY – Follows Lake Erie and the Mohawk River Valley, combining tranquil waterways with skyline arrivals.

AI may be missing a few under-the-radar gems, but it nailed the spirit of scenic rail travel. The five routes chosen are undisputed icons of American train travel. But beauty is in the eye of the traveler. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on the Pacific coast or admiring fall colors in Vermont, there’s a train route for every kind of dreamer. AI has named America’s most beautiful train routes—and while we mostly agree, we think there’s even more beauty to be found beyond the top five.