train rides round trip

The Most Scenic Train Rides Across the US

By Hannah Towey and Tyler Moss

This past June, I took a nine-hour train ride from Santa Barbara to San Francisco on board the Amtrak Coast Starlight, considered one of the country’s most scenic rail routes. The views proved so absorbing that I never actually made it to my assigned seat—sitting instead in the communal observation car for the entirety of the ride.

From the car’s glass-dome windows, California’s rugged coastline and golden hills revealed themselves to me. America’s West Coast fluctuated between the breathtaking and the dire—from endless ocean and cliff-top mansions to drought-ridden fields and cottages sinking between collapsed roofs. Peering out at the vast spectrum of life unfold before me, I enjoyed that slightly detached “from above” perspective rail travel affords you; through the journey, I observed both heartwarming humanity (lone fishermen and packs of surfers, a young girl wearing a pink tutu playing in a creek, an old man collecting driftwood at a campsite) as well as breathtaking nature (a flock of pelicans, meadows of yellow wildflowers, rolling sets of whitecap waves).

As the sun set on the second half of my journey, fellow passengers in the observation car formed an impromptu band complete with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Word slowly spread and travelers trickled in from other parts of the train to take turns singing songs from cultures around the world.

While it would've been more efficient to fly between the two Californian cities, the meditative romance of slow-paced train travel lends truth to the cliché that the journey is just as important as the destination. And in a country as diverse as this one, there’s truly no better way to witness its beauty—and complexity—than by train.

With over a dozen long distance Amtrak routes and even more private rail operators in states like Alaska and Hawaii, the challenge then becomes picking which train trips to take. Here, we’ve selected 13 of the most scenic train rides in the US that are worth booking for the views alone.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Amtrak Adirondack

While the Northeast is more known for its commuter trains than sightseeing, Amtrak’s Adirondack route is a lovely exception. Relaunched in spring 2023 following its closure during the pandemic, the route runs from New York City to Montreal . Departing from the new Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, the 10-hour train travels along the Hudson River up until Albany, then passes through Saratoga Springs and the dazzling Lake Champlain before arriving in Canada. Take this route in the fall during peak foliage season to watch New England’s changing autumnal colors glide by your window.

Tickets from $$62

Amtrak Empire Builder

Traveling along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, the Empire Builder is a true American West train adventure. The 46-hour train departs daily from Chicago and traverses through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana, before concluding in either Seattle or Portland . From views of the Mississippi River and North Dakota plains to the stunning scenery of Glacier National Park in Montana, this less-frequented route promises a rich variety of views without the crowds. Monisha Rajesh, author of Around the World in 80 Trains and Condé Nast Traveler contributor , suggests taking this route during peak summer or deep mid-winter.

Tickets from $56

Amtrak Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight departs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, a 35-hour journey that stops in some of the West Coast’s greatest cities, including Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. The southern half features long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline before veering inland to the golden valleys of the state’s agricultural heart, up to the magestic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade mountains . Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds—consider this train a sampler of America’s diverse natural landscape, all in one. For the best views, grab a seat in the first-come, first-serve observation lounge.

Tickets from $98

Grand Canyon Railway

Gaze upon the grandeur of one of the world’s natural wonders— Grand Canyon National Park aboard the Grand Canyon Railway . Departing from Williams, Arizona, 30-some miles west of Flagstaff, this train weaves past forests of ponderosa pine and parts of the Sonoran Desert into the heart of canyon country, where you’ll spend the day exploring before boarding a return trip—just in time for sunset .

Tickets from $70

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Hawaiian Railway Society

While leaf-peeping rail expeditions tend to draw the most media attention, tropical climates with oceanside views can be at least equally as enjoyable. The Ewa Train, located 20-miles west of Honolulu , provides just such an experience along a two hour round-trip tour. The ride pairs history—live narration about Oahu's old sugar plantations and the ghost town of Gilbert—with breathtaking vistas from Kahe Point, and even includes a pit-stop for ice cream so you can beat the heat. 

Tickets from $18

The Rocky Mountaineer

The nearly all-glass cabins allow guests full view of the mountainous landscapes of Western Canada and the red rock wonders of Colorado and Southern Utah aboard this luxurious train. One itinerary takes passengers from Denver to Moab, Utah , where guests can take in the views in style with a cocktail in hand.

Tickets from $1,599

Amtrak California Zephyr

Though the California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco in a little more than 51 hours, it’s indisputably the western portion of the route—through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and northern California—that deserves your attention. Snake through the Rocky Mountains, past the photogenic canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, and enjoy an entire half-day trek through Sierra Nevada, complete with views of Donner Lake and the Truckee River.

Tickets from $141

Cass Scenic Railroad

Built in 1901 to transport lumber through the mountains of West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad helps to preserve the look and feel of America’s locomotive legacy. Pick from two available routes, including a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip jaunt up to Bald Knob—the highest summit of Back Allegheny Mountain at 4,842 feet.

Tickets from $81

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic

The largest and most wild state in America offers its own photo-worthy railroad adventure: The Coastal Classic, a four-hour excursion from Anchorage heads south around the Turnagain Arm waterway. The train route weaves into the backwoods of the Kenai Peninsula, through which attentive passengers will spot natural wonders like waterfalls and glaciers before arriving at the port city of Seward, on Resurrection Bay.

Tickets from $96

Amtrak Cascades

Spanning the Northwest from Portland to Vancouver, the Cascades parallels the titular mountain range during this eight-hour adventure. The route crosses the majestic Columbia River, provides views of Mount St. Helens, and hugs the shore of picturesque Puget Sound as it passes through Seattle .

Tickets from $72

Napa Valley Wine Train

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the natural beauty of northern Napa Valley’s agricultural corridor. Originally built by a local millionaire, California Gold Rush baron Samuel Brannan in 1865 to transport Napa visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga, the Napa Valley Wine Train today gives travelers a chance to sip local vintages from a luxurious railcar while passing vaunted vineyards on a three-hour round-trip journey.

Tickets vary based on package .

Amtrak Southwest Chief

From the rolling farmlands of Illinois, across the Mississippi River, to the red mesas of New Mexico, and into the Mojave Desert, the Southwest Chief traverses more than 2,000 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles . Travelers wary of a full 40-hour venture can take just a partial piece of the route, but don’t miss the most scenic stretch, which spans Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California, including the Ratón Pass—a National Historic Landmark along the Santa Fe Trail.

Tickets from $146

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Only available from May through October, the Cape Cod Excursion train provides passengers with a whirlwind sightseeing tour of the Cape’s natural attractions, including the charming Cape Cod Canal. The two hour round-trip ride immerses travelers in distinctive New England landscapes, through cranberry bogs and salt marshes, past sand dunes and woodlands. En route, guests can listen to on-board narration that points out important landmarks.

Tickets from $29.99

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This three-hour, 70 mile round trip excursion takes you through the ruggedly beautiful Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks, over three valley trestles and through the 1700-foot long Winslow tunnel for some of the most breathtaking scenery you are likely to see in ‘The Natural State’.

Departs Van Buren 11:00am 

– Boston Mountains, Trestles, Tunnel

– Three hour round trip

Ticket types

Silver Feather – 108: Silver Feather Premium is a 1940’s style car with a 360° Dome top view with booth/table top seating, a downstairs dining area with chair/table top seating and a downstairs lounge.

• Includes lunch, drink and dessert
• Guests may book seats either upstairs in the Vista Dome or downstairs

Premium – #107 & #109: Premium Service includes either 1950’s diner car with booth/table top seating or 1950’s parlor car with chair/table top seating and a back platform for photography (weather permitting).

•  Includes lunch, drink, and dessert
• Parties of two may share a table with other guests

Vintage Coach – #105 & #106: Coach Service is in our 1920’s vintage car with reversible seating and windows on all sides for the perfect view. Ticket includes round trip excursion with snacks and beverages available for purchase

• Coach: Snacks and drinks available for purchase
• Coach with lunch: Includes box lunch, drink and dessert

Van Buren to Winslow Spring Rates

• Coach #105 & #106: $49.99/adult, $45.10/senior, and $25.54/child
• Coach with lunch: $64.46/adult, $59.56/senior, and $49.78/child
• Premium #107 & #109: $74.66/adult, $68.74/senior, and $56.92/child
• Silver Feather #108 – Premium: $84.86/adult, $77.92/senior, and $64.06/child
• Silver Feather #108 – Dome: $95.06/adult, $87.10/senior, and $71.20/child
• Coach with Lunch, Premium, and Silver Feather cars require 24 hour advance reservations to allow for food preparation.
• Ticket sales for premium cars are cut off 24 hours prior to departure.
• Senior, military, AAA, AARP and group rates are available.

65 and older are considered seniors; children are ages 3-12.

Delays may be encountered. a&m reserves the right to alter and change schedules as necessary.

To Report Railroad Emergency Dispatch Office: 479-751-1281 | Chief of Police Ron Sparks: 479-790-5152

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Embark on an Incredible Journey Through the San Juan Mountains

For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this train while spending a nearly 2 hour layover in the historic mining town of Silverton to enjoy the sights, shopping, food, and libations that Silverton offers. We’ve been in continuous operation running trains on this 45-mile branch of the original Denver & Rio Grande Railway since 1882. Much of the scenery remains unchanged since those historic days. There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi throughout the Animas Canyon so you’ll be unplugged from the modern world. Soak in the views, listen as the steam whistle echoes through the canyon, hear the vintage locomotive work to pull the train up the grades. If you long to unwind and enjoy Colorado nature at its finest, this is the trip for you.

More About This Excursion

Departing from the Durango Depot, this unforgettable trip takes you up into the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest as you travel alongside the beautiful Animas River on your way to the historic mining town of Silverton.

There will be up to two steam departures depending on the date.  The Silverton Steam Train departs daily at 9:00AM 5/4/24-10/26/24 and 9:45 AM 8/30/24-10/12/24.

Diesel Excursions run 5/21/24-10/12/24. The Silverton Diesel Train departs at 8:15AM daily.

On all of these train excursions, you will experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge and all of the Animas River Gorge including all of the spectacular views from the High Line. These trains include a concession car with a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase. Click here to see the concession menu.   Skyway Tour   (bus/train or train/bus) service options are coming soon for the 2024 Silverton summer season excursions.

There will be two bus departures available daily beginning May 21, 2024 running through October 12, 2024.

The first deluxe motor coach departs Durango at 9:30am and arrives at Silverton at 11:00am. It then departs from Silverton at 2:45pm and arrives in Durango at 4:15pm.

The second deluxe motor coach departs from Durango at 10:15am and arrives in Silverton at 11:45am. It departs from Silverton at 2:45pm and arrives in Durango at 4:15pm.

The bus/train service costs $29 (plus 8% historic preservation fee) per person and is added to the roundtrip or one-way train price. 

The bus service is available 7 days a week May 21 through October 12th. (no bus service on May 25) With one way ticket purchase, the passenger is responsible for transportation and is not included with one way fare.

View all Skyway Tour Options

2024 booking information.

Schedule and Departure/Arrival Times The Silverton Steam Train Is Available:

May 4 – October 26th, 2024 departing Durango 9:00AM, arriving Silverton 12:30PM, departing Silverton 2:45PM, arriving Durango 6:15PM  August 30-October 12  departing Durango 9:45AM, arriving Silverton 1:15PM, departing Silverton 3:15PM, arriving Durango 6:45PM.

2024 Silverton Steam Train Fares* Pricing reflects either round-trip or one-way excursions.

2024 Silverton Diesel Train Fares

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7 Scenic Train Trips On The East Coast To Take This Summer

• Scenic East Coast train trips in summer offer unique experiences, stunning views, and historical charm for a memorable journey.
• Summer is the perfect time to embark on these train trips, with longer days and nice weather enhancing the travel experience.
• Onboard amenities like comfortable seating, dining options, and scenic views make train travel relaxing and hassle-free, especially during the peak summer season.

A train ride is a relaxing means of travel, allowing travelers to unwind and enjoy the ride without having to deal with traffic. When thinking of taking a train trip in the summer, the East Coast of the USA offers stunning coastal scenery, historical charm, and cultural experiences, making a journey full of cherishable memories.

From magnificent natural wonders on the East Coast and cozy East Coast towns to historical landmarks, each train ride in this region is a distinct experience. Plus, the summer's longer days and nice weather make it a great time to do these trips.

Also, the amenities onboard the train, like comfortable seats, restrooms, dining options, and even sleeping spaces (particularly onboard America's long and scenic overnight train trips ), make the journey more relaxing and hassle-free. The scenic views along the train ride add to the overall experience.

Listed below are some of the best scenic East Coast train trips to take in the summer. Choose one to explore tranquil towns with beautiful surroundings and a laid-back vibe, or take in the splendor of major cities and have a fun summer vacation.

10 Bucket List Towns To Explore By Amtrak Train

Coastal vistas and historic charm along the scenic boston-to-hyannis route.

The CapeFLYER , a summer weekend passenger train between Boston and Hyannis, is one of the best train rides on the East Coast in summer for travelers looking for scenic and fun experiences.

The train operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Once on Cape Cod, travelers can explore this popular summer destination on the East Coast without a car because buses and island ferries are available to get around.

With free Wi-Fi, a café, wheelchair accessibility, and all other essential amenities of a passenger train, the CapeFLYER is a relaxing and enjoyable ride to take in the summer. But this is not all; bringing bikes or pets is free for passengers!

General seating does not require reservations. Travelers can purchase tickets from South Station, the app, and the conductor.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Scenic mountain vistas, historic charm, and immersive experiences while passing through the adirondacks.

The Adirondack Railroad offers a magnificent opportunity to experience the majestic landscapes of Upstate New York. While this historic Adirondack Railroad train is famous for its winter Polar Express , the Adirondack Railroad also offers various scenic train rides during the summer, such as The High Peaks Limited and The Gateway .

With breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains, stunning countryside, and historic landmarks, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is among the most scenic train rides in the US in summer.

This picturesque ride between Utica, Thendara, and Tupper Lake takes passengers through lush forests, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking peaks. With comfortable seating, wheelchair accessibility, and a café, the train ride is truly an immersive experience in one of the East Coast's most picturesque regions.

About The Gateway

About the high peaks limited, 7 epic round-trip amtrak vacations in the us, strasburg rail road, a scenic train ride onboard vintage steam locomotives through majestic pennsylvania dutch country scenery.

With vistas of the gorgeous Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Strasburg Railroad is the oldest railroad in the country . Its vintage steam locomotives and passenger cars provide an authentic historic experience, making it a must for individuals looking for scenic and unique train travel experiences.

Strasburg Rail Road offers year-round special events and themed trips, including Easter and Christmas rides. The train travels to Paradise, Pennsylvania, and back in 45 minutes, passing through peaceful Amish country, making it one of the most scenic summer train trips on the East Coast.

The trip is truly unforgettable, regardless of the options that passengers select from, which include coach classes, first-class cars, open-air cars (available exclusively from April to October), and lounges.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy majestic mountain scenery onboard vintage railcars through the north carolina countryside.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is another scenic train ride along the East Coast that's worth doing in the summer. In fact, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is famous for being the most scenic fall train ride in the US , but summer is also a wonderful time to enjoy this trip.

This historic train, which operates out of Bryson City, North Carolina, provides up-close views of Fontana Lake, the Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains, historic structures, and breathtaking greenery.

Experience this authentic train ride by selecting from a range of passenger round-trip train options, special event trains, and diesel or steam-powered engines. The best ride to take in the summer is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion , which travels along the Nantahala River and offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The one-hour layover is in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge, where travelers can unwind by the river while soaking in the surrounding scenery and refreshing ambiance.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

A historic train ride full of spectacular mountain vistas, old-world charm, and pretty towns.

Riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the unique things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains , with views of the breathtaking Chattahoochee Forest, quaint towns, and Appalachian hills. Starting at the historic terminal in Blue Ridge, Georgia, the 26-mile round-trip journey through history winds along the Toccoa River, displaying the breathtaking landscape of North Georgia.

Travelers can choose from two-hour Express Tours (with no stops) or four-hour Extended Tours (with a two-hour layover). There are also several car alternatives, including vintage cars, open-air cars, and taxis. The 4-hour Extended Tour offers enough time to visit the twin towns of McCaysville and Copperhill during a 2-hour layover.

7 Coolest Towns On The Atlantic Coast For A Summer Vacation In 2024

Amtraks adirondack train, a memorable train trip with amazing vistas of the hudson river, adirondack mountains, lake champlain, and charming towns.

One of Amtrak's most scenic train rides along the East Coast is the Adirondack Train , which provides breathtaking vistas of the towering Adirondack Mountains and the lovely Hudson Valley. The train ride offers an extensive panorama of upstate New York's natural splendor as it passes by Lake Champlain, the Hudson River, lush woodlands, and quaint small towns.

The Adirondack train travels between New York City and Montreal, covering around 381 miles (613 km) in around 11 hours and 36 minutes. The route offers plenty of breathtaking vistas and interesting historical sites, and the beauty of Montreal lends this journey a distinct international appeal.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

A dramatic mountain ascent, panoramic views, and a historic summit stop make this a truly scenic east coast train ride.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, enthralling passengers with a dramatic rise to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak. Many people enjoy hiking this mountain, but there are numerous reasons to take the Cog Railway instead of hiking Mount Washington during the summer.

As the historic steam train climbs steep hills and travels through spectacular landscapes, passengers are treated to expansive views of the White Mountains and surrounding wilderness. Along the train ride, there will be educational narration by the guide, and the train stops at a summit where guests may take in the expansive views and visit Mount Washington State Park.

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Thanks for following on an extremely busy day in Westminster.

We'll be back from 6am, but until then, here are the headlines:

In a dramatic knife-edge vote, MPs have voted that there should be no hiding place for suspected Commons sex pests.

Former prime minister Theresa May led a small group of eight Conservatives voting with Opposition MPs to defy the Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt.

To the fury of many Opposition MPs, Ms Mordaunt wanted MPs accused of serious sex or violent offences to be barred from parliament only when they’re charged.

It was officially a free vote. But the vast bulk of MPs voting to delay a ban until a charge were Conservatives, including several Cabinet ministers.

That was brave, so close to a general election. Surely those MPs who voted against a ban upon arrest will be attacked by their political opponents at the election for being soft on suspected sex pests?

The timing of the vote was perhaps unfortunate, coming amid renewed controversy earlier this week over sex pest Charlie Elphicke, the former Conservative MP who was jailed for sex offences.

At the weekend his ex-wife Natalie, who defected from the Conservatives to Labour last week, was accused of lobbying a former justice secretary, Sir Robert Buckland, on his behalf, an allegation she dismissed as "nonsense".

And despite missing the weekly meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party earlier, Ms Elphicke duly voted with her new colleagues for a ban which would have almost certainly penalised her ex-husband had it been in force.

After the vote, leading supporters of the arrest ban were jubilant and stunned by the closeness of the vote. “Incredible!” Labour’s Stella Creasy told Sky News. Mr Rees-Mogg, however, condemned the proposal as a “power grab”.

It’s a historic vote. It doesn’t matter how close it was. Accusers will argue they’re now better protected. And MPs who supported the tougher ban argue that it brings the Commons into line with other workplaces.

Well, up to a point. MPs still have many perks and privileges that other employers and employees don’t. And Parliament still has a long way to go before its working practices and grievance procedures are brought fully up to date.

As we reported earlier, MPs today backed a proposal that would allow parliament to ban those from the estate who have been charged with sexual or violent crimes.

The amendment was to "leave out that a charge needs to be made for risk-based exclusion to apply" on the parliamentary estate.

This proposal, tabled by the Liberal Democrats, passed by 170 votes to 169.

Reacting to the win, MP Wendy Chamberlain said: "This is an important step towards making parliament a safe and modern place to work.

"It is not about the guilt or innocence of any individual MP, but about safeguarding.

"It's really important that parliament is just as safe as any other workplace and that everyone is held to account by similar rules."

By Alexandra Rogers , political reporter

The government has scrapped plans that critics argued would have "criminalised" homelessness following a backlash from Conservative MPs.

The Criminal Justice Bill - which originally contained provisions to target "nuisance begging" - has now been watered down by the government to quell a mounting rebellion of about 40 backbenchers.

Homelessness charity Crisis welcomed the changes but warned the "premise of the proposed laws remains the same".

MPs had raised objections to the bill's stated aim of combatting "nuisance begging", which could have targeted people sleeping in a doorway, those creating "excessive smell" or those who are "looking like they are intending to sleep on the streets".

The original version would also have given police or local authorities the power to issue "nuisance begging directions" to move people on, with a failure to comply potentially resulting in a month in prison.

You can read more from Sky News below:

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

With the local elections complete, Labour is still sitting comfortably ahead, with the Tories trailing behind.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

A landmark parliamentary inquiry into traumatic childbirths has called for an overhaul of the UK's maternity services after finding poor care is "all-too-frequently tolerated as normal". 

The report calls for a new maternity commissioner who will report to the prime minister, better staffing levels on maternity wards, and for mothers to be listened to more.

On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to campaigner and mother-of-two Tinuke Awe about her experiences of giving birth, and is joined by Sky correspondent Laura Bundock to find out what the government plans to do to address the issues raised in the report.

By Connor Gillies , Scotland correspondent

The police investigation involving Nicola Sturgeon's husband is "moving on" with prosecutors to receive a file within weeks, Scotland's most senior officer has told Sky News.

The former first minister and SNP leader's spouse, Peter Murrell, has been charged in connection with embezzlement of party funds.

In her first interviews since taking on the UK's second biggest police force, Chief Constable Jo Farrell insisted her officers are "objective" but refused to be drawn on whether the long-running probe will end imminently.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Branchform, was launched in July 2021 after officers received complaints about how SNP donations were used.

There were questions about more than £660,000 raised for a second Scottish independence referendum campaign.

In January 2023, Rishi Sunak made five promises.

Since then, he and his ministers have rarely missed an opportunity to list them. In case you haven't heard, he promised to:

• Halve inflation • Grow the economy • Reduce debt • Cut NHS waiting lists and times • Stop the boats

See below how he is doing on these goals:

Over in the Commons, and MPs are voting on a number of proposals that would allow parliament to ban those from the estate who have been charged with sexual or violent crimes.

The result of one particular amendment has just been confirmed.

It proposed to "leave out that a charge needs to be made for risk-based exclusion to apply" on the parliamentary estate.

Initially, a House of Commons commission proposed a risk assessment would take place on whether an MP should be prevented from attending the parliamentary estate if they were arrested on suspicion of committing such an offence - not only if they were charged.

However, MPs have just voted in favour of the proposal to reinstate the original intention of the policy.

The vote was extremely close - 170 to 169.

As we reported earlier ( see 19.46 post ), MPs are tonight voting on proposals that would allow parliament to ban those from the estate who have been charged with sexual or violent crimes.

But concerns have been raised they have been watered down.

Labour MP Jess Phillips has argued: "Exclusion at the point of charge sends a clear message to victims that not only will we not investigate unless a victim goes to the police, but we won't act unless they're charged, which happens in less than 1% of cases."

A series of amendments are being voted on tonight - including one that would revert the proposal back to that lower threshold of an arrest.

We'll bring you the results of the votes later.

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