Traveling by train in the United States is a great way to see a lot of the country. Amtrak, the national rail operator, doesn’t go everywhere, but it does cover a lot of ground. It has 30 routes that travel to over 500 destinations in 46 states.
Apart from that, traveling by train in the U.S. offers the excitement of seeing stunning landscapes float by, as well as the opportunity to experience the unique flavors of America as you pass through both major cities and charming small towns.
The United States has a comprehensive rail network for tourists, although it is not as extensive as Europe’s. It can take you to almost any city or town you want to see, in comfort and at a reasonable price. Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, operates long-distance trains in the United States. These trains can take you to many of the country’s national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. In the rest of this article, we provide you with all the information you need to plan and book an unforgettable cross-country train trip.
There are also very few (if any) better ways to make new friends, or just people-watch, than traveling by train. You will meet a wide range of locals who board and disembark your train throughout your journey – and who knows, you might just make one or two new best friends.
What are my options when buying train tickets in the United States?
Amtrak sells both single tickets and rail passes. Rail passes in particular are an excellent option for budget-minded travelers. Amtrak sells rail passes for international travelers that are valid for 15 or 30 days and that allow an unlimited number of train trips. To make a reservation, you typically only have to take your passport and rail pass to one of Amtrak’s train ticket offices.
What are the facilities on Amtrak trains like?
Amtrak trains offer a wide variety of amenities. The amenities that are available vary depending on the specific train. The majority of Amtrak trains, however, feature comfortable reclining seats, and many also provide food services, either in a dining car or from a cafe car.
On sleeper or long-distance trains, you can also choose to book sleeping accommodations that include a bed, a sink, and a toilet. There are a variety of options available, from single rooms to family bedrooms that can sleep up to four people. Depending on the class, sleeping accommodations on Amtrak trains can also be quite luxurious, with features such as plush bedding, private bathrooms, and even showers. The cost will typically be added to the price of your ticket.
Train luggage allowance
Baggage is normally checked in and stored in a baggage compartment, similar to how it is done on airplanes. Every passenger can check in a maximum of three bags, each of which cannot weigh more than 23 kilograms. This baggage handling system means that you don’t have to be concerned about your belongings being stolen, as everything is stored safely and securely. If you are traveling with skis, a bike, or other big items, you can usually bring them on the train, but you must make a reservation in advance.
Tips for when you are traveling by train through the United States
Keeping the following in mind might help to make your train trip a lot less stressful and much more enjoyable.
Research possible routes beforehand.
Even before you start planning your route, you’ll most likely want to consider where you eventually want to end up. Amtrak’s interactive route planner is a great tool for choosing a route for your USA train travel. While the journey will no doubt offer its own rewards, don’t forget to enjoy the destination and whatever it has to offer.
Properly research the various rail passes.
If you’ve done your route research and decided to take a long-distance train trip, a USA Rail Pass is worth considering. These passes start at $499 for a maximum of 10 segments (or journeys) over a 30-day period to over 500 destinations. To give you a better idea of how that compares with the cost of individual train tickets, let’s look at a few sample 1-way fares: (2023 prices).
Lowest
From Atlanta to New Orleans $39
From Chicago to Washington $84
Medium
From New York to Chicago $90
From Los Angeles to Seattle $101
Highest
From New York to Orlando $123
From Chicago to Los Angeles $146
Try to reserve a ticket well in advance
Once you have your travel plans in place, it is important to book your train tickets as early as possible. This is because every passenger has to have a seat, and certain trains, particularly those traveling between the biggest cities on the East Coast, can sell out very quickly.
Saver fares
are the cheapest Amtrak tickets available, but they are also the most limited. To get the best deal you will have to book your tickets early.
Value fares
are available on all Amtrak routes and offer some flexibility, such as the ability to change or refund your ticket for a fee. However, they are also limited in availability.
Flexible fares
are the best option for travelers who like to be spontaneous. These fares are 100 percent refundable without any cancellation fees, so you can change your plans at any time. You can also easily modify your reservations, so you can hop off the train and explore must-visit locations recommended by other travelers or locals.
Business Class
is an affordable way to experience an enhanced travel experience on Amtrak. It offers dedicated sections or cars with extra legroom and no-cost non-alcoholic drinks. The specific enhancements vary by train and route, but all Business Class passengers enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing journey.
Superior Fares
This option offers two levels of service: Acela First Class, which includes a no-cost food and beverage service on board the train, as well as preferential access to Club Acela lounges; and Sleeper, which offers private compartments and bedrooms on the majority of longer-distance routes in the U.S.
Don’t make your schedule too inflexible
When traveling by train in the United States, it is important to be aware that Amtrak passenger trains often have to share tracks with freight trains that can be up to a mile long. These freight trains are given priority, which can lead to delays, particularly on longer routes.
To be notified of delays on the go, download the Amtrak app or subscribe to email notifications. This could save you from having to wait for hours at the station from which you want to depart.
Also don’t forget that your 2-hour journey may be just a small part of a much longer trip that lasts several days. It is, therefore, important to try and avoid tight connections to prevent unexpected delays. This might well turn out to be one of the most essential tips for readers who are planning to travel by train in the United States.
Make time to relax in the bar car
You will find a bar car on the majority of U.S. trains. Normally these are right next to the dining car. They offer comfortable leather booths and tables for 4 where passengers can enjoy tea or coffee, play cards and meet other travelers. In our view, this makes frequenting the Bar Car a must-do for anyone who is traveling by train in the U.S.