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6 Things to Know Before Traveling on Amtrak

Here's everything you need to know before traveling on Amtrak.

Riding the rails — it's a beloved experience that many prefer to plane or car travel. There are no security lines and no traffic, plus the benefit of wider seats and more legroom. But among those who don't travel Amtrak regularly, it's common to hear complaints about ticket fares , the lack of luxury offerings more commonly seen with air travel , as well as the boarding and exiting frenzies famous in places like New York's Penn Station and Washington, D.C.'s Union Station.

We can dispel some of these myths. With a little advance planning and some well-trod intel, you can enjoy the best that train travel can offer in a way that works for your budget and peace of mind. Read on for our Amtrak tips, then get ready to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Many people think of train travel as a last-minute getaway option (and they should, last-minute fare deals are out there — more on that below), but planning ahead will always work to your advantage. "The more in advance you make your travel decision, the better off you are," says Marc Magliari, a spokesman for Amtrak. "Your best chance to get the lowest price is to book as far in advance as possible."

Booking your trip at least three to four weeks before you depart can give you drastically lower fares, often 50 percent less than what you'll see within two weeks of your departure and return dates. Magliari also notes that sleeping compartments for overnight trains often sell out farther in advance — so bear that in mind for long trips.

Know About Discounts

Booking tip.

Amtrak has a discount for those aged 65 and over, starting at 10 percent — thought it varies from route to route.

Magliari recommends that travelers head to the deals section on Amtrak's website before purchasing a ticket. There, you may find offers for 25 percent off a trip on Acela, the high-speed business class train on the Northeast corridor, or reduced fares for getaways to New Orleans or Miami.

You don't have to wait for special offers, either. Amtrak has standing discounts for children, who get half-price fares from age two to age 12 (infants under two ride for free), senior travelers , active military personnel as well as veterans, and more. Select these options when booking, and you'll regularly get a percentage off of a standard fare.

Check Out a Station Lounge

Though station lounges aren't quite up to par with some of the luxury offerings that airlines are investing in, Amtrak does have several types of private lounges for Acela Express First Class passengers, sleeping car passengers, Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus, and Select Executive members.

With free beverages and snacks, internet access, and TVs, as well as attendants who can help you with your trip, they're a great way to spend time before departure. Magliari also notes that this is an area Amtrak is investing in — there are new options for buying day passes to lounges, too.

Make Use of Red Cap

Carrying bags? You'll want to opt for Red Cap service, a free baggage handling service available at 12 major stations nationwide. Most travelers don't realize Red Cap is available to all travelers. Look for the people in uniformed red shirts, show them your ticket, and they'll escort you and your bags to your train, allowing you to board early. You can pick where you want to sit, and they'll stash your bags for you; upon arrival at your destination, a conductor can set up a Red Cap for you when you de-board. Note: though this is a free service, tipping is recommended — especially during heavily trafficked times, like the holidays.

Consider the Quiet Car

Several lines on Amtrak reserve one Quiet Car per train — an entire car where all passengers adhere to a blissful library-like atmosphere, eschewing cell phone use, keeping conversation to a minimum, and politely donning headphones for their devices. If you don't want to talk to your seatmate or hear someone else's music the whole ride, this is the car for you.

Join the Rewards Program

If you're interested in taking the train more than a handful of times a year, Amtrak Guest Rewards quickly becomes worth it. You earn two points for every dollar you spend on Amtrak or with partners like Hertz, Hilton Hotels, and more. You can redeem points for Amtrak reward travel (beginning at just 800 points), hotels, car rentals, and gift cards. Once you hit certain levels, like Select and Select Plus, you get more perks (upgrade coupons, lounge access), and your reward point earnings increase even more. Bonus: unused points won't expire until there hasn't been any qualifying activity for 24 months, giving you plenty of time to redeem them.

Related Articles

11 tips for Amtrak travel from a train rider who spent 75 hours critiquing different seat booking types

• I've traveled the East Coast by riding Amtrak trains, and I have plenty of tips for every type of ticket purchase.
• I've explored various classes and private rooms for short rides and overnight journeys.
• Dress comfortably, eat meals in the cafe car, and use longer stops to stretch your legs.

I've spent many hours on Amtrak trains across coach, first class, and even a private bedroom. I've learned some things along the way.

I don't know anyone who has taken as many Amtrak train rides as me. I like traveling Amtrak along the East Coast, from my home in New York. In fact, I spent 60 hours on Amtrak trains just traveling between Miami and NYC in bedroom and roomette accommodations.

I took several train journeys as a kid, riding in coach, and more recently, commuted in business and first class on Amtrak Acela trains between Baltimore and New York City, which was about two and a half hours each way.

In my rides, I've seen a big difference in the experience you get depending on the type of ticket you book.

First off, there is the Acela, Amtrak's express train on the East Coast that offers business and first-class seating only. These accommodations offer larger seats than coach, and first class comes with perks like in-seat service.

The business-class ticket cost about $120 and the first-class ticket cost about $270.

For trains that travel through the night, there are private rooms. The Amtrak  roomette is a private space with a door and blinds to cover up the windows. Unlike business and first classes, where you sit among other passengers, this ensures privacy. If you need more space, you can opt for a proper bedroom. It's twice the size of a roomette and includes a full bathroom. 

Then, of course, there is a coach, what many people typically travel when riding on the train. 

Insider paid for the trips, per our reporting standards.

Read more: I've traveled long distances alone by train, plane, and ship. Here are 11 of the most important things I've learned about solo travel.

No matter what ticket type you book, prepare for a bumpy ride.

Train travel isn't all smooth sailing. Every Amtrak I've been on has felt as bumpy as a airplane while the seat belt sign is turned on. Plus, the train tends to rock even when traveling smoothly. If you're prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring along medicine. 

Read more: I spent 60 hours on overnight Amtrak trips. Here are 9 things I wish I had known before I took the long-haul journeys.

If you get motion sickness, book a seat facing the direction the train is moving.

This is an old trick my mother taught me when I would feel sick during our weekend getaways riding the train from our home in Connecticut to NYC: sit facing the direction you are moving.

Going against the motion of the train makes you feel sicker.

When reserving a ticket, Amtrak automatically assigns you a seat, but you can change it anytime after booking. Seat maps are available  on Amtrak's website , and they helpfully specify which direction each seat faces.

Read more: I spent 30 hours on an Amtrak from NYC to Miami. Here are 11 ways I made the long ride more bearable.

If you're traveling in a roomette or bedroom, you can sleep on the top or bottom bunk. In my rides, the top bunk has often been bumpier.

In roomettes and bedrooms, there are two beds. One of the chairs folds out into a bed, and another bed pulls down from the ceiling. 

After sleeping on both the top and bottom bunks, I found it's easier to sleep on the bottom bunk; it felt a less shaky. My guess is this because the bottom bunk rests on the ground while the top bunk is suspended in the air.

Read more: I spent $1,000 for a 45-square-foot bedroom with its own bathroom on a 30-hour Amtrak ride. Take a look inside.

The roomette accommodation offers the best value for long distances.

If you want the best value for a long-haul train trip, I recommend booking the roomette. 

A roomette is essentially a tiny hotel room where you can go to sleep in one part of the country and wake up in another. Plus, you can bring a travel buddy, since it sleeps two.

At 25 square feet, the roomette makes great use of a small space, with clever storage features that reminded me of a tiny home . There is a pullout table between the chairs, and the seats fold down into a bed.  

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could control the temperature inside my roomette too. Using a dial and air-conditioning vents, I kept it a cool 66 degrees Fahrenheit in my room during a recent trip.

Read more: I spent $500 for a 20-square-foot room on a 30-hour Amtrak ride, where no space was left unused. Take a look inside.

The bedroom is worth the splurge for the extra space and private bathroom.

According to Amtrak's website , bedrooms are around 45.5 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard king-size bed,  Insider reported. They sleep up to two adults.

Twice the space comes with extras: a couch, an additional chair, a shower and a private bathroom. It's also double the price of a roomette, as I found on  my 30-hour ride in the Amtrak bedroom.  

Like the roomette, amenities are smartly organized. The couch transforms into a bed and another bed pulls down from the ceiling. 

While it offers great value, I felt cramped in the roomette's 25 square feet of space. (I am 5-feet-3 and of average build.) If I were taller, I imagine I would feel even more cramped. This makes the upgrade to a larger bedroom worth it for many travelers. 

It was also nice to have a big sofa where I could stretch out and put my feet up; the roomette only had two single seats.

Plus, the bedroom had a wider vanity with three mirrors facing each other, which made it easier to wash my face in the morning.

Read more: I spent $1,000 to have a room to myself on a 30-hour Amtrak ride, and it's the only way I'd ever travel long distance by train again

Whether you go with the roomette or a bedroom, I recommend eating your meals in the cafe car instead of in your room.

Yes, you can eat in your room, but I didn't want my bunk to smell like food all night. It was refreshing to leave my room and dine in the cafe car for my meal. I left my space for a change of atmosphere and kept my room from getting extra messy — you can't lose.

I recommend using meal time as an opportunity to do the same.

The food onboard is decent, but not amazing. I personally don't mind relying on it, but you can also plan to bring your own snacks and non-perishables. 

Read more: I spent 60 hours on Amtrak trains with a carry-on bag and a backpack. Here are 7 things I regret not packing and 9 items I'm glad I brought.

Disembark for a short walk during longer stops.

On my long-haul journeys, the train would periodically take a break at a station stop. This meant passengers, and myself, could disembark to the platform for about 10 minutes.  

Stretching your legs and taking in fresh air makes the next few hours on a train, with a window that doesn't open, a little more bearable.

Wear comfortable clothes for train travel, especially when going long distances.

Does it look like I'm wearing pajamas? That's because I basically am. These are the most pajama-like trousers I'd wear in public, although my mother would argue that they should only be for sleeping. 

I don't mind what they look like. Once you get on the train, you'll be happy you're comfortable. 

For long-haul trips, I also wear comfortable shoes that easily slip on and off: memory-foam shoes I purchased at T.J. Maxx for $20. Because the shoes quickly slid on, I can leave my room without hassle. 

For shorter distances, first class is only worth it if you're traveling from a station with a lounge.

As a New Yorker,  part of the allure of a first-class ticket for me was having access to Penn Station's Metropolitan Lounge , a quiet waiting area for select Amtrak customers. The lounge offers comfortable seats and free snacks, like Kind bars, cookies, popcorn, chips, and candy. There are also free beverages including coffee, iced tea, and citrus-infused water.

First-class passengers have free access on the day of their trip, while business-class passengers are charged a $50 fee to enter the club.

But exclusive lounges for first-class ticket holder are only available at a handful of stations. It worked out for me traveling from New York's Penn Station. Anyone traveling from Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Boston's South Station has access to a lounge,  but there are 12 other stops on the Amtrak Acela  that don't offer this perk.

If I were traveling from a station without a lounge, I don't think the cost of a first-class ticket would be worth the price difference from business class, even though first class comes with bigger seats and an included meal.

Read more: I've traveled in 4 types of Amtrak train cars, from business class to a private bedroom. Here's what each is like, and which offers the best deal.

Bring your own entertainment, and don't rely on WiFi or cell service to use it.

On all my Amtrak trips, I brought my own devices filled with entertainment that didn't rely on an Internet connection. WiFi can be spotty on the train, so I download everything before boarding.

I typically watch movies and listen to music and podcasts. For longer trips, I also pack my Nintendo Switch for more variety in entertainment. 

In between movies and video games, don't forget to look out of the window and take in the views.

For all the time starring a screen, it's worth looking up too. Amtrak travels through some spectacular landscapes, charming towns, and bustling cities.

Looking out of the window is a constant reminder that I'm on my way to somewhere — and excitement builds for my trip, whatever the destination.

• Main content

How to Plan Your First American Rail Adventure: A Step-by-Step Amtrak Train Travel Guide

If you've ever gazed out of a window and dreamed of rolling along endless tracks, passing vibrant cities, serene valleys, and majestic mountains, you're not alone. Traveling by train is more than a mode of transportation; it's a passage into the heart and soul of the country. This is the charm and allure of rail travel in America, specifically Amtrak. Amtrak's range of services is not just about getting from point A to point B. The real magic lies in the myriad experiences on offer. Whether it's the majestic mountains, sprawling deserts, lush forests, or glittering coastlines, each route has something unique to showcase.

But where do you start? How do you choose the perfect route, book the right ticket, and ensure that your journey is as smooth as the rails themselves? Don't worry! You've stumbled upon the perfect Amtrak Train Travel Guide. In the following sections, we'll embark on a comprehensive journey of planning your first Amtrak adventure. From selecting your dream route to packing your bags, managing your budget, and beyond, consider this your one-stop manual to becoming an Amtrak pro.

Step 1: Understanding Amtrak's Services

When planning a trip with Amtrak, it's important to understand the variety of services available. The options range from short-distance travels among regions to long-distance journeys that traverse the vast American landscape.

Northeast Corridor: Primarily serving the busy Northeastern United States, these trains connect major cities like Washington D.C., New York, and Boston. Ideal for business travel or city breaks, the corridor boasts affordable and frequent services like the Northeast Regional and the high-speed Acela Express .

Long-Distance Routes: For those looking to explore beyond the hustle and bustle of the cities, Amtrak's long-distance trains offer a scenic escape (although they do serves some pretty amazing cities as well). Routes like the Empire Builder, California Zephyr , Cardinal , Coast Starlight , and Southwest Chief promise a panoramic view of the diverse American countryside.

Regional State-Supported Routes: In collaboration with individual states, Amtrak offers more localized regional travel options, such as Capitol Corridor , Cascades , Piedmont , and Hiawatha just to name a few. These services are perfect for exploring specific regions and are often time competitive with driving.

Commuter Services: These are short-distance urban train services often served by local municipalities and transportation agencies rather than Amtrak, however Amtrak does operate a few of these services in the Northeast.

Understanding Amtrak's services and offerings is the first step in planning a successful rail adventure. From the fast-paced Northeast Corridor to the scenic long-distance journeys, there is something for every traveler, whether you're looking for convenience, luxury, or a way to explore unseen corners of the country.

Step 2: Selecting Your Route

Selecting the right route is at the heart of a successful Amtrak adventure. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, city explorer, or simply seeking relaxation, Amtrak offers an array of routes tailored to different interests.

For Nature Enthusiasts: Routes like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight , Empire Builder and Cascades , offering glimpses of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, or the Cascades Mountain Ranges, showcasing the American West’s natural splendor, are perfect for those seeking scenic beauty.

For History and Culture Seekers: Consider the Crescent , connecting New York to Atlanta and New Orleans, for a journey through the heart of American history, culture, and music.

For Urban Explorers: The Northeast Corridor is ideal for hopping between bustling cities, offering convenience and connectivity. Or on the West Coast try the Pacific Surfliner Service between Los Angeles and San Diego.

For Leisure and Relaxation: Take the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to Los Angeles and indulge in a leisurely ride filled with southern charm and picturesque landscapes. Add an extra day to your trip and continue north through Texas and onto the Ozarks in Missouri aboard the Texas Eagle .

When selecting a route, several factors come into play:

Travel Time: Consider the duration of the journey. Shorter routes like the Pere Marquette between Chicago and Grand Rapids only take a few hours, while cross-country trips may last several days.

Frequency: Some routes have multiple departures daily, such as the Northeast Corridor, while others may only run a few times a week, such as the Sunset Limited and Cardinal .

Scenery: Determine what you want to see. Coastal views, mountain landscapes, or urban skylines all offer different visual experiences.

Time of Year: Some routes such as the Cardinal and Adirondack are known for their stunning autumn colors, while the Empire Builder and Vermonter provide a glimpse into a snowy wonderland during the winter months.

Connections: Check for connections to other Amtrak trains, thruway bus services, and other modes of transportation not directly served by Amtrak.

Selecting the perfect Amtrak route is akin to crafting your personalized adventure. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, delve into history, explore cities, or simply unwind, Amtrak's wide array of routes offers something for every traveler. By considering factors such as travel time, frequency, scenery, connections, and leveraging available resources, you can tailor your journey to fit your preferences, budget, and schedule. The key is to align your route choice with what you hope to experience, making your train travel not just a means to an end but a significant part of the adventure itself.

Step 3: Planning Your Itinerary

Planning your itinerary for a rail journey is about connecting the dots between exciting destinations, scenic vistas, comfortable accommodations, and convenient transportation. Let's explore how you can craft an unforgettable adventure.

Identifying Points of Interest Along Your Route

One of the joys of train travel is witnessing the ever-changing landscapes from your window. But equally important are the destinations you'll explore. Before you embark, research the points of interest along your route. Perhaps it's a historic site, a breathtaking national park, or a lively city center. Engaging with these attractions will enrich your journey and provide memories to last a lifetime.

Exploring Layover Options, Thruway Buses, and Local Transportation Connections

Layovers can be more than just waiting for the next train. With thoughtful planning, they become mini-adventures of their own. And depending on whether you have a few hours, or choose to extend it to a few days, layovers are a great way to see a new place. Check the local transportation options available at the layover stations. Whether it's a quick subway ride to a nearby museum or a stroll through a charming downtown, maximizing layover time can add unexpected delights to your trip. Amtrak also provides numerous Thruway Bus connections throughout the system that can help extend your trip to locations off the rail network.

Hotels and Lodgings Near Stations

Accommodation planning is essential, especially for multi-day journeys. Proximity to the station can make your travels more comfortable and stress-free. Many cities have hotels within walking distance or a short ride from the Amtrak station. Look for those that cater to travelers, offering flexible check-in and check-out times, luggage storage, and perhaps a special charm that reflects the local culture.

Apps and Tools for Managing and Organizing the Trip

In our digital age, numerous apps and tools can help manage and organize your trip. From booking confirmations to daily itineraries, apps like Google Maps can streamline your travel experience. Consider downloading local maps, transit agency apps, or destination guides to keep information at your fingertips, even when offline. And always have the Amtrak App downloaded with your tickets included, this will ensure a smooth trip even if you lose paper tickets.

Tip : Take a screenshot of your digital ticket, it will make it easier to access in case you are out of cell service.

Crafting a rail journey itinerary is exciting! From identifying unique points of interest to optimizing layovers and selecting the perfect accommodations, planning is not merely a practical necessity; it's an art form and one of the best parts about travel! Embracing the possibilities of each destination, engaging with local culture, and harnessing digital tools will not only elevate your journey but help you enjoy your trip as much as possible. As you plan, remember that the train itself is not just a means to an end; it's an integral part of the adventure.

Step 4: Traveling in Comfort

Amtrak offers a variety of options designed to cater to the comfort and needs of every traveler:

Coach Class: With adjustable reclining seats, ample legroom, and individual power outlets, Coach Class is ideal for short trips or budget-friendly travel. Seats often include personal reading lights, and free WiFi is usually available on many short and medium distance routes.

Business Class: Offering an upgraded experience, Business Class includes wider, more comfortable seats, complimentary refreshments, and free newspapers. Priority boarding and additional loyalty points make this option appealing for frequent travelers. Not available on all routes.

Roomettes & Bedrooms: Designed for privacy and comfort on longer journeys, these sleeping accommodations include convertible beds and seating, fresh linens, and towels. Bedrooms additionally offer in-room sinks and restrooms. Exclusive access to showers and dedicated attendants ensures a home-like experience.

Accessible Accommodations: Specially designed for passengers with mobility needs, these options provide easier access and adjustable features.

Observation Cars: Uniquely crafted cars with panoramic windows, these offer a communal seating area perfect for socializing and enjoying the landscape. On long-distance routes with Superliner equipment only. Other trains have similar Café Lounge cars, just without the panoramic windows.

Can you choose your seat?

While choosing your own seat beforehand is still not available for most Amtrak trips (an outdated practice Amtrak needs to change), however you can usually choose your own seat, or at least ask to move if the conductor seats you somewhere you don’t like, when you bard the train. Conductors usually assign coach seating at the time of boarding on long-distance trains. Some state-supported services and Northeast Corridor services allow you to choose your own seat once you board. Also there are no middle seats on any of the trains!

Amtrak also offers a variety of food options onboard:

Dining Cars: Full-service dining cars are found on long-distance routes, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu often includes regional specialties, vegetarian options, and a children's menu. Sleeping accommodation passengers receive complimentary meals.

Café Lounge Cars: Open throughout the journey, café cars offer casual dining with snacks, sandwiches, salads, and beverages, including local wines and craft beers. These are available on basically every route in the system, short and long-distance.

Room Service: Those with Sleeper accommodations can always have their meals served directly to their room. Again free of charge.

Special Dietary Needs: Amtrak’s culinary team can cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, low-sodium, or vegan meals, with advance notice.

Amtrak also offers options for accessibility and bringing pets onboard:

Accessibility: Passengers with disabilities can request special services such as assistance with boarding, sign language interpreters, or accessible documentation. Stations typically offer ramps and elevators, and many trains include accessible restrooms.

Pet Policies: Most Amtrak routes allow small cats and dogs in designated carriers, subject to fees and availability. Service animals are accommodated according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Traveling in comfort with Amtrak is an essential part of the rail journey, encompassing everything from personalized seating choices to delectable dining experiences and the thoughtful inclusion of all passengers, including those with accessibility needs or traveling with pets. Attention to these details transforms a simple train ride into an unforgettable experience, enhancing the adventure and setting the stage for what's to come.

Step 5: Packing and Preparation

When it comes to traveling by train, preparation is key. But packing for an Amtrak journey is not the usual routine you might follow for other modes of transportation. It's about comfort, convenience, and aligning with Amtrak's specific policies.

A Packing Guide Tailored to Train Travel

Consider first the clothing. Versatility and comfort are vital, especially if you're embarking on one of Amtrak's scenic, long-haul routes. Think layers that can adapt to changing temperatures and are easy to take off and put back on. Also don't forget travel essentials like identification, tickets, chargers, and medication. If you're planning an overnight journey, a travel pillow and blanket can be lifesavers. Bringing entertainment like books, magazines, or downloaded movies will make your journey more enjoyable. And even though dining options are available on many routes, packing your favorite snacks and a reusable water bottle allows for personalized refreshment anytime.

Amtrak's Luggage Policies

Amtrak's luggage policies are generous but specific. Carry-on bags should not exceed 50 lbs each, and passengers are usually allowed two. Checked luggage policies vary by route, but on certain ones, you can check up to four bags, with the first two being free. If you're a musician or an avid cyclist, oversized items like bicycles or musical instruments might require special handling and fees. Always remember to label all bags with your name and contact information and be mindful of prohibited items.

Travel Essentials: Beyond the Basics

Going beyond the basic packing, understanding what to have at hand can make or break your travel experience. Here's what to consider:

Documents: Keeping ID, tickets, and travel visas easily accessible will save you stress at the station.

Chargers and Adapters: With power outlets at every seat on many routes, you'll want chargers for all your devices. If you're traveling internationally on a cross-border service, appropriate plug adapters are a must.

Snacks and Dietary Needs: If you have specific dietary preferences or needs, packing snacks or meals ensures your culinary comfort. It will also save you money.

Health and Safety

Last but not least, health and safety considerations are paramount. Personal hygiene items like hand sanitizer and wet wipes should be packed for personal cleanliness. Any necessary medication and a small first-aid kit can be essential. Considering travel insurance might be a wise precaution, too.

Packing and preparation for an Amtrak journey extend far beyond mere logistics. It's an integral part of the travel experience that sets the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable adventure. Whether it's selecting the right wardrobe, understanding luggage restrictions, or complying with health and safety guidelines, careful planning enhances the whole journey. Train travel is a unique adventure, one that begins even before you step on board. By embracing these aspects of preparation, you'll find yourself well-equipped and ready to fully enjoy all that Amtrak has to offer.

Step 6: Understanding the Onboard Experience

The Amtrak journey is not just about reaching your destination; it's about embracing the ride itself. From the moment you step aboard, you enter a world of comfort, camaraderie, and the unending allure of the scenery gliding by. Let's explore what awaits you on this unforgettable voyage.

What to Expect During the Trip

From coastal cliffs to mountain vistas, Amtrak’s routes offer a stunning array of scenery. The ever-changing landscapes provide a captivating backdrop to your journey. And while the views are mesmerizing, it's the staff's warm hospitality that truly enriches the experience. Amtrak's crew are often more than mere service providers; they become storytellers, sharing local lore and travel tips, enhancing your connection to the places you're traversing. More often than not, especially when traveling in sleeper cars, you will have an amazing experience with Amtrak staff. Some are not cut from that same cloth, but overall they really seem to love their jobs.

Entertainment and Socializing

The onboard experience encourages relaxation and connection. Many travelers find joy in simply gazing out the window, losing themselves in thought or diving into a good book. If you're feeling social, the lounge or observation cars provide opportunities to meet fellow adventurers. Shared experiences create bonds, and it's not uncommon to make lasting friendships over a game of cards and drinks in the lounge or a shared meal in the dining car. Also if you dont feel like socializing, then you dont have to! You are always welcome to eat by yourself in the lounge, back at your seat, or in your private room. Just remember that the diner car is communal if your group is smaller than 4 people, so you will likely be seated with others.

Unique Experience and Amenities

Certain Amtrak routes offer unique features that elevate the travel experience. On routes that operate with Superliners, observation cars with panoramic windows invite you to immerse yourself in the landscape. On some journeys, National Park Service guides join the ride to share insights and history about the parks and historic landmarks you pass. Themed excursions, such as wine-tasting trips or historic reenactments, add an extra layer of excitement, appealing to a wide array of interests.

The Amtrak onboard experience is a rich one, full of human connections, and unique opportunities to engage with the places you travel through. It's a world where the journey itself becomes the destination, where time slows down, and the beauty of life on the rails unfolds. Whether you're a solitary traveler seeking reflection or a social butterfly ready to mingle, Amtrak's trains offer something for everyone.

Step 7: Estimating and Managing Trip Costs

Understanding and managing trip costs is the cornerstone of a stress-free travel experience. Here's how you might approach this:

Fare Type: Choose from options like Saver, Value, or Flexible, depending on your travel needs and budget.

Accommodations: If you're planning a multi-day trip, consider the range of onboard accommodations, from seats to roomettes or bedrooms. There is a big difference in price between coach seats and private roomette or bedrooms.

Meals and Extras: Factor in dining and any special onboard purchases you might anticipate. Sleeper car fares include all Dining Car meals, while coach fares do not.

Additional Travel Costs: Include trip insurance, ground transportation, hotels, and attractions at your destination.

Money-Saving Tips

Amtrak offers various ways to save money, especially if you're flexible with your travel plans:

Book Early: It is almost always an advantage to book as early as possible. Sometimes you can find good roomette and bedroom deals at the last minute but this is risky, usually booking early is the way to go.

Off-Peak Travel: If your schedule allows, traveling during non-peak times can result in significant savings. This means avoiding holidays school breaks if at all possible. Travel during the week is also usually cheaper than weekends.

Amtrak Deals and Specials: Amtrak offers a surprising number of good deals and discounts throughout the year, keep up with their marketing email list to access these deals. If you are flexible you can get some incredible discounts.

Rail Passes: For extended travel, consider a rail pass that allows multiple segments over a set period.

Package Deals: Look into vacation packages that bundle train travel with hotels and attractions. AmtrakVacations.com are experts at putting together these travel packages, their fee is often worth the expertise and discounts they can provide.

Membership Discounts: Various memberships, such as the National Rail Passengers Association (NRPA) or student discounts, might apply to your fare. If you are planning a rather expensive trip, the NRPA membership will likely pay for itself right away.

Amtrak Credit Card: Amtrak and Mastercard offer an Amtrak Rewards credit card that comes with a serious sign up bonus that could help pay for your entire trip. If you use it regularly it can also help you pay for future trips

Budgeting for an Amtrak journey is about more than just dollars and cents; it's about aligning your financial planning with your travel dreams. From the initial estimation of costs to savvy use of discounts and awareness of potential extras, thoughtful budgeting empowers you to travel with peace of mind.

Navigating Challenges and Delays

While train travel with Amtrak is a delightful experience for many, it's certainly not immune to delays. Unfortunately Amtrak is at the whim of the freight railroads whos tracks it operates on, and this is the primary reason for delays. (DonDelays, cancellations, or mishaps can (and often will) happen, but with a prepared mindset and a little knowledge, these needn't spoil your adventure. Let's explore how to approach these challenges.

An unfortnate rule of thumb with Amtrak: ALWAYS EXPECT DELAYS . If you go in with this mindset you will have a much more enjoyable trip.

When faced with a delay or cancellation, a proactive approach can make a significant difference:

Stay Informed: Utilize Amtrak’s website, mobile app, or station information boards to keep up to date on your train's status.

Utilize Staff Support: Amtrak staff are usually well-informed and ready to assist. Don't hesitate to politely ask for guidance.

Pack Snacks and Entertainment: In case of long delays, having some snacks and entertainment can make the wait more comfortable.

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Amtrak's cancellation and delay policies so you can advocate for yourself if needed.

Should you need assistance, knowing where to turn is essential:

Amtrak Customer Service: Reachable at 1-800-USA-RAIL, this line can assist with various inquiries. They are especially good at dealing with ticketing issues, or changng travel plans. Compared to airlines Amtrak customer service is much more flexible to deal with.

Station Personnel: Don't overlook the station staff, who are typically well-equipped to provide local assistance and information. Many station staff members are volunteers who are there specifically to help you. Remember to always be polite and kind.

Amtrak's Website and App: Both of these digital platforms offer valuable resources, including real-time updates and support contacts.

While it might sound cliché, maintaining a positive attitude during travel disruptions can profoundly impact your experience. Delays are often beyond anyone's control, so embracing the unexpected as part of the adventure can turn potential frustration into an opportunity for relaxation or new acquaintances.

Step 8: Enjoy your Adventure with this Amtrak Train Travel Guide !

Traveling by train is more than a means to an end; it's a journey that harkens back to a time when travel was not just about reaching a destination but an experience to be savored. Amtrak has made this accessible to modern-day adventurers, connecting not only cities and landscapes but people and memories.

From the comfort of well-appointed accommodations to the thrilling vistas that unfold outside your window, Amtrak offers a unique blend of relaxation and discovery. The scenic routes, diverse experiences, opportunities for socializing, and a broad spectrum of budget options come together to create a travel option that's as rewarding as it is accessible. Yet, like all travel, it comes with its considerations - understanding the routes, budgeting wisely, planning for comfort, and being prepared for unexpected delays.

So why not embark on an adventure that allows you to slow down and savor the journey? Whether it's the bustling energy of the Northeast Corridor or the tranquil beauty of the California Coast, Amtrak's rails are pathways to exploration and enjoyment. Let the rhythm of the train soothe you, let the scenery inspire you, and let the experience enrich you. Embrace the adventure of rail travel; the tracks are calling.

• How-To-Guides
• Tips and Tricks

The Best 15 Train Travel Tips for Amtrak Travelers

by Gary House

How to make train travel a traveler’s paradise with these 15 Train Travel Tips!

If you are traveling on Amtrak or any other train for more than a couple of hours, you will quickly appreciate these train travel tips.

15 Train Travel Tips

1. wifi access.

Yes, most trains have WiFi, but it is inconsistent, of low-bandwidth, and typically only available in First Class or Sleeper cars. You could just create your personal WiFi hotspot with your cell phone and then connect your electronics; this is relatively easy to accomplish by following your phone provider’s instructions. Your family and friends will be able to enjoy the internet also! (Please note that this will consume your data bandwidth, so unlimited data is always best for this method)

Pro Tip: Secure your personal Wi-Fi hotspot with a PASSWORD !

I would like to thank each and every unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot I accessed on my last few train rides.

2. Pillows & Blankets

When riding coach on a train, it is unlikely you will be provided pillows & blankets for your comfort. First class and sleeper cars would be the exception. Your seat may have footrests, leg extensions, to accompany the reclining chair back making for a comfortable train trip. Bring your favorite pillow & blanket for the ride; you can thank me later!

3. Catching some zzz

Thankfully the train provides quite times in the evening where they don’t make train announcements. However, your fellow passengers may not follow the rules and remain quite during this time or anytime. Along with the never-ceasing, yet comforting, noises of a train rolling down the railroad tracks, and occasional loud passengers, bright lights you may pass, and so forth, you may find a set of eye shades and ear plugs of great value.

4. Throw out fashion on a train

Yes, some people dress up for the Dining or Parlor car experience. Most travelers should opt for the casual look and more specifically, loose, comfortable clothing to help you relax during your train ride. I have seen people wear their pajamas on the train, but that might not suit you very well if your trip is only for an hour.

5. Take a walk

Sitting in one location for hours on end is not fun and can be highly uncomfortable.

When on a train, take a walk!

One of my favorite thing things to do is visit the ” Observation Car” if they have one during your trip. The Observation train car is bright and roomy, ideal for socializing, relaxing and seeing the sights.

Take a longer walk and check out all of the different cars on the train, you might be surprised at what you discover!

6. Listen and enjoy the view

Audiobooks are fantastic for many reasons but number one in my book (no pun intended), you can listen to an audiobook narration and look out the window at the same time !

Pro Tip: Amazon has digital eBooks that have companion audio narration with it. Allowing you to read at night, listen during the day and never lose your spot in your book.

Prefer podcasts instead? Listen to the Amtrak Podcast http://amtrak.adventgx.com/

Amtrak, the National Park Service’s Trails and Rails Program, and the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University have created audio podcasts to enhance your travel experience on the Sunset Limited (New Orleans – Los Angeles) and Texas Eagle trains (Chicago – San Antonio – Los Angeles). The podcasts will act as your trip guide, providing you with information on the travel experience, points of interest, and other information to enhance your journey.

7. Entertain old school

For those of you hopelessly entrapped in the digital media world, I would like to point out a little-used form of entertainment called “Card Games & Board Games.” Ok, sarcasm aside (I do apologize), card games and board games are an excellent way to pass the time. You do need to bring your own and trains with an Observation car have tables available in them as well as the Cafe below.

8. Safety on a train

According to the Washington State Department of Travel: ” Riding a train is more than 23 times safer than traveling by car.” But is safety on a train a concern? Yes, I would say this about any travel, if you act like a target – you will become a target!

• While on a train, secure your luggage with a cable and lock if you plan to take a walk.
• Never leave your electronics out unless you are using them.

9. The Dining Car experience

One of the biggest thrills I get aboard a train is the dining car. It’s a fabulous way to meet new people, experience hot tasty food, and enjoy the views all at the same time.

Pro tip: Make a reservation for the dining car . They will assign you one of several available time slots to show up and be instantly seated.

Amtrak Dining Car menus:  https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241305537990

10. Cafe car for the budget conscious

Yes, the dining car can be as expensive as going to a nice restaurant, and it is worth it to enjoy all it has to offer. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly experience on the train, I highly recommend you visit the Cafe Car with its impressive selection of snacks, drinks and hot foods available. Including a “variety of carry-out style foods, including sandwiches, pizza, snacks, and beverages including liquor, wine, and beer” the Cafe Car is perfect for the budget conscious train traveler .

Amtrak Cafe Car menu:  https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/522/899/National-Cafe-Menu-0816.pdf

11. Pack a Picnic

With Amtrak’s ample seating space and multiple options for table seating on their trains, you can bring your Picnic! Perfect for those that have eating styles that differ from the Amtrak menus. Go all out with a Gourmet Picnic Basket , but please follow these Amtrak guidelines: Personal Food, Beverages and Medication

Pro tip: Amtrak Cafe’s have microwaves that can heat up your water (no food allowed) for hot tea, hot chocolate, ramen, etc

12. The battle against germs

Amtrak trains are, in my opinion, impressively clean and they work hard to keep it that way. It’s people who are the problem, we just spread germs, and you need to fight the spread. No different from airplane travel or your kitchen counter, the seat tray harbors the unknown array of previous inhabitants contact. Did they cough and sneeze over them? Change a diaper? Or …

Perhaps I am a bit over dramatic here, but statistics show that the seat tray on an airplane is the largest germ repository on a plane. Take the time to wipe down your seat tray with some disinfectant wipes and don’t forget to use hand sanitizer.

13. Restrooms come in different sizes

Not a topic of most conversation I suppose, but Amtrak has the bathroom business covered. On the trains I have traveled upon, there have been multiple configurations in bathroom size and features . Besides being clean and well stocked, they have restrooms with wheelchair access, parlor style restroom with mini couches and vanities with a separate toilet, and for those loving the cramped airplane style of bathroom your covered as well.

14. Never lose track of where you are

Passing by new landscape on a train can leave you feeling location confused or perhaps lost. Of course, you will be aware of your general location-based on the train station locations. Wouldn’t it be nice to pinpoint your location or even identify a passing Landmark/point of interest? My favorite tip is to bring a paper map with you! They still make them, and it is very easy to mark your route as you travel along the train tracks. Perhaps you can make a game of it!

15. Pre-departure Checklist

Use Amtrak’s  Pre-departure Checklist  to ensure your trip is the best it can be!

View here: https://www.amtrak.com/pre-departure-checklist

Amtrak Podcast http://amtrak.adventgx.com/

11 Comments

Hey thanks Gary appreciate all of the tips never done that before but I got to try it thank you kind sir

Thanks, Larry! As you can see, Amtrak is one of my favorite ways to travel! Hope you get a chance soon 🙂

Thanks for the suggestion to bring a road map.

Glad you found the tip helpful Miriam!

Thanks for the tips!

My pleasure! Thanks for visiting 🙂

Traveling from NY to San Francisco…..Great suggestions.

Gary, couple questions. Upcoming train trip to San Francisco and never been in/on a train. I have a sleeper car for the whole time. I change trains in chicago. There is a 4 hour gap. What can I do with our luggage while visiting chicago. And, can I take my luggage on the train or do I need to pack for the 4 days and they store the luggage somewhere else?

Pam, terribly sorry for the late reply and I hope this catches you before you leave on your trip. To the best of my knowledge, there is no place to keep your luggage unless you check in it with Amtrak and I am not certain about that either. Though taking a quick look at the Chicago Amtrak station website, I see there is checked baggage service for a fee https://www.amtrak.com/stations/chi It would be worth a phone call to double-check – 1-800-872-7245. Depending on the sleeper you reserved, you might have room to keep your bags with you. A roomette has very limited space and the bedrooms have much more space for luggage. No matter what, you will be able to store some luggage on the car you are riding in down by the bathrooms. Not ideal, but it will work, just don’t store any valuables there. Hope you have an amazing journey ~ Gary

No doubt this is way too late to help Pam, but maybe it will help somebody else. Since Pam is using Sleeper class, she is entitled to freely use the Metropolitan Lounge in Union Station in Chicago. The Metropolitan Lounge has a storage room where you can freely leave your luggage in a semi-secured environment. The lounge also offers snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating. But with 4 hours, leave your luggage and walk around Chicago a bit. There are plenty of good nearby restaurants.

Great tip, Robert! Thank you for sharing ~ Gary

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Amtrak Booking: 14 Tips & Tricks To Know When Planning A Train Trip

• Research Amtrak routes, amenities, and prices to plan a comfortable trip and save money on tickets. Use the Amtrak Trip Map to understand the train's journey.
• Take advantage of Amtrak's everyday discounts for various groups, such as children, students, veterans, and people with disabilities. Check the "Everyday Discounts" page for eligibility.
• Look for time-sensitive deals on Amtrak's dedicated deals page. These deals offer discounts on tickets, double points, and special offers for specific destinations or times. Choose from a variety of deals to save money on ticket prices.

One of the finest ways to tour the United States is via Amtrak train. Whether seeing scenic views along the most beautiful Amtrak route or enjoying one of the many amazing Amtrak routes for foodies , passengers enjoy a greater standard of luxury than they would on a bus or some airlines.

There are a few things first-timers should be aware of with Amtrak if they are considering traveling in the United States by train. The following tips and tricks will help travelers book their Amtrak tickets in the easiest way at the most affordable price, as well as help them boost their comfort and convenience levels on their vacation. There's no better travel than via a train!

UPDATE: 2023/10/02 21:28 EST BY REENA JAIN

Four More Tips & Tricks For Amtrak Booking

Amtrak stands out as one of the more affordable modes of transportation, and there are a number of ways to save money while making reservations. In light of this, we have updated this list to include four more tips and tricks every passenger should be aware of before booking Amtrak tickets. Have fun, and enjoy the ride!

Related: California Zephyr Vs. Southwest Chief: Which Amtrak Train Route Is More Scenic?

Research For Amtrak Train Routes And Prices

Get a thorough understanding of Amtrak train routes and prices before purchasing a ticket. Discover how to take the train from the starting point to the destination by exploring the Amtrak Trip Map . Learn about the locations and cities the train will travel through. Also, acquire a full picture of the amenities and services offered at the stations, such as checked baggage, Wi-Fi, accessibility, and more, and become acquainted with them. This allows one to plan a comfortable trip while also saving money on tickets.

Check Out For Everyday Discounts

Another surefire way to save money on ticket prices is to take advantage of Amtrak's numerous discounts based on a passenger's age or for membership in different organizations. Child tickets, students, veterans, military people and their families, government employees, and Rail Passengers Association members are all eligible for discounts. People with disabilities are also eligible for discounts. People with disabilities also get discounts. So, passengers must check Amtrak's " Everyday Discounts " page before reserving their tickets to see if they are eligible for any discounts.

Look For Bargains On Dedicated Deals Page

Amtrak regularly posts time-sensitive bargains on its dedicated deals page . And, believe it or not, some of these bargains are simply superb! These deals are unquestionably the best way to save money on Amtrak ticket prices. Some of these deals include discounts on purchasing a good number of tickets; some offer double points on Amtrak Guest Rewards; and others offer discounts to a particular location or at a particular time. There are a great number of deals to choose from. Aren't these deals incredible?

Bring Own Food And Alcoholic Beverages

Many trains provide one or more onboard eating options. Plus, passengers who use their Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred MasterCard to make food and beverage purchases onboard receive a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit. Thus, enjoying the onboard food is also rewarding. But those wishing to save money must bring their own food, water, and beverages (alcoholic stock as per Amtrak guidelines). Passengers can eat their food and non-alcoholic beverages in their seats, in their personal Sleeping Cars, and in the Sightseer Lounges. Nevertheless, they can only enjoy private stock in their Sleeping Car accommodations.

Book Amtrak Tickets In Advance & Purchase In The First "Buckets"

Amtrak offers a distinctive way to purchase train tickets that works well for early-bird tourists. Amtrak offers tickets in 'buckets,' with the lowest rates going on sale first, as opposed to the dynamic pricing matrix used by the majority of airlines. The next bucket, with a higher ticket price, is opened up after the allowed number of tickets for that price in the bucket has been sold out.

It is also preferable to schedule a trip as soon as travelers can because inexpensive tickets on busy days sell out the quickest (this is especially true for the most popular and busiest Amtrak routes ). Amtrak even offers discounts for travel up to two weeks in advance. If travelers make their reservations 14 days in advance, they may still be able to save up to 25% on their Amtrak fare.

An Amtrak rail ticket can be booked up to 11 months in advance.

Opt For The Best Days Of The Week To Book An Amtrak Ticket

Amtrak Train has special offers every week ; it is recommended to check to see what sales are being offered by the company on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, according to Money Saving Expert , purchasing train tickets 12 weeks before the departure date can potentially result in further savings.

Therefore, travelers are recommended to continuously check the offers and ticket prices to get the cheapest tickets!

• Cheapest days to book Amtrak: Tuesday and Friday

Be Flexible When Buying Amtrak Tickets

Similarly to other means of travel, flexibility is necessary if travelers are looking for the lowest fares. Sometimes, buying an Amtrak ticket on a certain day can cost them additional fees than the day before or after.

Consequently, if travelers are not limited by time and can postpone or schedule their trips earlier, it is guaranteed that their flexibility will pay off and save them some money.

Related: Empire Builder: What Makes This Amtrak Route One Of The Most Scenic In The U.S.

Book Tickets On The Official Amtrak Website Or App

One of the many things to know about Amtrak is that the easiest way to buy a train ticket is online at Amtrak.com . Travelers can also use their Amtrak mobile app. If they are old school or just like speaking to real people and find it easier, they may still buy their tickets at the ticket counter at any Amtrak station.

Also, not only is it easier to buy Amtrak tickets online or via the app, but it's also cheaper since travelers normally get the best rates. In addition, passengers can sometimes avail of discounts and special deals when they use the official Amtrak website and Amtrak app. Waiting until one gets to the station typically entails paying the highest price since Amtrak tickets increase in cost as seats are booked and the departure date gets closer.

Study All Amtrak Seating Options Before Purchasing A Ticket

Travelers may choose from a variety of seating arrangements while traveling by Amtrak train. Additionally, there are several alternatives for sleeping cars. They can select a Roomette, a Bedroom, an Accessible Bedroom, a Bedroom Suite, or a Family Bedroom according to the train they are on.

Travelers may also browse images and the specifications of each seat or sleeper car on the Amtrak official website to know more about their seating options.

• Some seat types on Amtrak trains: First Class, Business, Coach, and Sleeper Cars

Book The Appropriate Trip Duration When Buying An Amtrak Ticket

When travelers buy their tickets, they have a lot of various scheduling options accessible to them. One train, for instance, may go to its final station in just ten hours and without any stops. However, there may also be a few different itineraries that take 15 to 20 hours and have layovers.

Therefore, Amtrak riders should decide on the destinations they would like to visit before booking their tickets. That way, they can make a sightseeing vacation out of their train journey. Alternatively, if they want to get straight to their destination, booking an Amtrak train with minimal stops is better.

Related: The Joy Of Train Travel: Unwind & Relax With These Top 10 Amtrak Sleeper Train Routes

Download The Amtrak App

If travelers want to make their trip more efficient, they can install the Amtrak application on their smartphones. It is a useful tool for booking an Amtrak ticket and later showing it instead of printing it, finding a station at a certain location, and checking the status of a train.

Additionally, travelers will never need to be concerned about losing out on crucial information.

• Mobile operating systems: The Amtrak app is compatible with Android, Windows, and iPhone.

Participate In The Amtrak Guest Rewards Program

A terrific method to get free class upgrades, hotel and rental car savings, and access to travel bargains is through Amtrak's free rewards program. Getting started with the program is free and just takes a few minutes.

Even if travelers do not book a trip frequently, it is a good idea to join up for Amtrak Guest Rewards since any points they earn are valid for two years as long as there is activity on their account.

Know Amtrak Baggage Limits

Before travelers get to the train station to book a ticket and board, it is crucial to be aware of how much luggage they may carry. In this manner, they steer clear of snags and unanticipated costs. There are baggage allowances of two personal items and two carry-on bags per Amtrak traveler.

Each traveler is also permitted to carry up to 4 checked baggage with them . The first two items are free with the purchase of admission. However, any extra bag after that will cost extra fees.

• Amtrak Baggage Cost: $20 per additional bag

Choose An Amtrak Sleeper Bedroom Or Roomette For The Most Comfortable Experience

Although there are several booking options, as mentioned earlier, the most comfortable way to travel on long-distance trains is to reserve an Amtrak Roomette or Bedroom (and there are differences between the two) .

Travelers should know that all dining car meals, free bottles of water, hot showers, soft drinks with ice, and hot coffee are all included in their reservations. A special sleeping car attendant will also be assigned to them.

Travelers should make sure to tip the sleeping car attendant.

11 Amtrak routes with the most breathtaking views

Jun 29, 2020 • 9 min read

The Pacific Surfliner travels along the coastline in Del Mar, California © courtesy of Amtrak

As someone who was raised on Amtrak and has taken dozens of their cross-country trips over the past 20+ years, I’m a big advocate of train travel. Aside from amazing scenery, you get to detox from your usual hustle-and-bustle life; in fact, you have no choice: the WiFi is often spotty at best. Once you decide to take a train trip, you definitely have some R&R to look forward to. Which means your biggest issue will be answering one question – which route should you take?

It all comes down to what types of landscapes you want to see. The vast rolling low country of the Gulf? The California coast? The Rockies further north? The rivers and lakes of Middle America? The dramatic greenery of the Pacific Northwest? The options are endless – and you can always do a partial journey instead of a full one or train-hop from one route to another.

It’s also recommended to take trips a few times a year during different seasons – the Colorado River looks a lot different with glistening snow around it versus colorful spring flowers or fall foliage. But, no matter what time of year you take an Amtrak trip, as you take in the scenery from your seat or the observation car – complete with floor-to-ceiling windows ideal for sightseeing – you’ll quickly see how the journey truly is the destination.

California Zepher

Start – Chicago; End – Emeryville (San Francisco) For a true cross-country train ride experience that goes right through the middle of America – from Chicago to San Francisco (via a bus from Emeryville) – the California Zephyr is the one. For almost 2,500 miles and a bit more than 51 hours, you’ll have a first-row seat to some of the nation’s best scenery. As farmlands transform to mountains before your very eyes, you’ll go through the Rockies , Glenwood Canyon and Moffat Tunnel as the train winds itself through the Continental Divide.

The postcard-perfect views will continue as the route soars through the High Sierra. Near the historic Donner Pass, the train will reach its highest point, approximately 7000ft above sea level, and you’ll see Donner Lake below, a freshwater lake within the California state line. You may also see various wildlife, like bald eagles flying overhead as the train continues on to the Pacific.

Southwest Chief

Start – Chicago; End – Los Angeles Now’s your time to see the American West up-close-and-personal as you ride through it on the Southwest Chief. Unlike the fairly horizontal route of the California Zephyr, the Southwest Chief does more of a diagonal as it passes plains, rivers, mountains and deserts. Be sure to keep an eye on the scenery as it changes from Midwestern prairies to snow-capped Colorado mountains to sun-baked pueblos to the Sedona Red Cliffs , taking routes and switchbacks only fit for a train.

Texas Eagle

Start – Chicago; End – Los Angeles If you cannot get enough of the train and want to take a longer route from Chicago to Los Angeles , the Texas Eagle fits the bill. Although 65 hours may sound long, with all the scenery competing for your attention, time will fly by and next thing you know, you'll arrive at your final destination. Along the way, you will see all types of topography, from the raging waters of the Mississippi River to the mountainous Ozarks. And in addition to seeing sprawling southern landscapes, you can also see how many historical towns and tiny train depots you can spot – a hint at how the west was won by rail. If you want to cut your journey in half, you can always get off at a Texan stop that catches your eye and spend more time there. Chicago to San Antonio , for example, is about a 32-hour journey.

Coast Starlight

Start – Seattle; End – Los Angeles If you want to follow the length of the US west coast (well, minus San Diego), the Coast Starlight will provide you with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean for almost 350 miles of California coastline as you head south to Los Angeles – or north to Seattle. In addition to watching waves of crystal-blue water, you can take in the rich, dripping forests and snowy peaks of the Pacific Northwest. Just past the California border, the train curves around the base of Mount Shasta, giving you panoramic views of one of the southernmost of the Cascades Range's stratovolcanoes.

From there, the landscape begins to change remarkably as you leave verdant, foggy NorCal behind for the golden hues of the state's farmland, wine country , and eventually SoCal's dusky, scrubb-strewn hills. The southern terminus is Los Angeles' handsome Arts and Crafts train station, all dark wood and generous leather club chairs, from which you can easily catch a bus elsewhere – including LAX – or pick up another train route.

If you were traveling north from LA to Seattle, however, you have a choice to make. Once the train reaches Eugene, Oregon, some north bound train-goers opt for the Amtrak Cascades route to continue even further north than Seattle and on to Vancouver, British Columbia (see more below).

Amtrak Cascades

Start – Eugene; End – Vancouver, BC Whether you take the Amtrak Cascades train route as an extension of your trip up the West Coast from LA on the Coast Starlight or just take the former on its own, one thing’s for sure: nothing encompasses the Pacific Northwest more than this voyage. On this 10-hour, 25-minute journey from Eugene to Vancouver, British Columbia, the picturesque views you’ll get on this include everything from waterfalls to the high peaks of Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood. And don’t forget about the Columbia River Gorge and Puget Sound, too.

If you want even more train travel when you get to Vancouver, you can hop off Amtrak and step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer , which has three different rail options through the Canadian Rockies .

Empire Builder

Start – Chicago; End – Portland/Seattle For an ideal trip through the northern part of the United States – particularly if you’re a Lewis and Clark fan and want to retrace some of their steps – Empire Builder is your train. Starting from Chicago, you’ll then go north through Wisconsin and Minnesota before making your way across several states until reaching Portland or Seattle.

From the vast, yet striking, prairies of North Dakota to charming mountain towns, there’s always something to see. Plus, don’t forget about renowned sights like the mighty Mississippi, Montana ’s Big Sky country and Glacier National Park – there’s even a train stop in East Glacier . In Spokane , the train heads either to Portland or Seattle. Hint: if you take the Portland route, you’ll see the stunning Columbia River Gorge, which you won’t soon – if ever – forget.

Sunset Limited

Start – New Orleans; End – Los Angeles The Sunset Limited travels from New Orleans to Los Angeles and is Amtrak’s southernmost route. If looking out at breathtaking bayous, deserts and mountainous landscapes is your thing, you’ll love this ride. Other highlights include crossing the Rio Grande and seeing more cacti than you can count. Of course, it’s not called the Sunset Limited for nothing – you can catch epic shades of yellow, orange, and pink blending together into unforgettable sunsets with stunning backdrops.

Pacific Surfliner

Start – San Luis Obispo; End – San Diego The Pacific Surfliner goes from San Luis Obispo – complete with plenty of small-town charm and views of wine country – to San Diego , or vice-versa. Since it’s a coastal train route, you’ll see plenty of surf, as well as surfers – the train even has racks for both bikes and surfboards. At just under six hours, this is also the perfect route to take if you’re new to long-distance train travel and want to start small before committing to a full-on cross-country journey just yet. Plus, it makes for an easy weekend away if you live in or near one of the many cities it goes through, like Los Angeles, Solvang or Santa Barbara.

Lake Shore Limited

Start – New York/Boston; End – Chicago You don't have to head to the coasts to have beautiful journey along silver shorelines – not when the Lake Shore Limited has got you covered. Hugging the lip of the Great Lakes and other famous bodies of water, including the Mohawk River, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and the Finger Lakes region of New York, the aquatic scenery makes for a pretty and peaceful journey. And when you throw a colorful sunset into the mix, it makes the landscape that much more captivating as you roll from the first to second cities through what was once the frontier.

Start – New York, NY; End – Montreal, QC What better a way to go visit Montreal than hopping on the train in New York and heading up north to Canada. This 10-hour journey offers a perfect escape from big-city life while passing through tranquil areas like the Hudson Valley, Saratoga Springs and Adirondack Mountains . It’s a lovely trip to take any time of year, but especially during the fall foliage. You’ll also ride by some beautiful bodies of water, including Lake Champlain and Lake George. And if you take the route from Montreal to New York instead of vice-versa, there will be plenty of train connection options once you arrive, from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, and beyond.

Capitol Limited

Start – Washington, D.C.; End – Chicago Whether you start your journey in the Midwest or from the East Coast, this 18-hour train ride will take you through some key scenic places, including the Potomac Valley, Harpers Ferry and the Allegheny Mountains . You might capture a stunning sunset along the way, too. No matter which city you start in, you can continue your trip in one of the vibrant cities the train ends in. You can also bring along your bike, as the Capitol Limited allows for bike storage, and continue your travel adventure that way.

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in the usa.

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You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States.  You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains.  The USA has an excellent rail network for visitors, it may only be a skeleton network by European standards but it'll take you to almost all the towns & cities a visitor wants to see, in comfort at affordable prices.  It'll take you to many of the U.S. national parks, too.  Long-distance trains in the USA are operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, www.amtrak.com .  This page explains what you need to know to plan and book a memorable cross-country trip by train.

Train service in the USA, at a glance    See detailed map

This route map shows where Amtrak trains run.  Each of the very long-distance transcontinental routes shown in blue has one daily train, except for New York to Florida with 2 trains a day and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans-San Antonio-Los Angeles) which runs 3 times a week.  Important short distance routes (for example, Washington-New York-Boston or Los Angeles-San Diego) have regular intercity services and are shown in red.  It's easy to check Amtrak train times at www.amtrak.com , just use their online booking system.  Click here for the official large-scale Amtrak route map .

Useful country information

Cross-country by train.

The 3,000 mile journey across the United States by train is one of the world's greatest travel experiences.  It's easy, comfortable, safe, and an affordable alternative to flying.  Free route guides are available on board each train, telling you what to look out for from the window, and the scenery on many routes is world class. 

In a nutshell

The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast train ride takes 3 nights, without stopovers.

Choose from 4 or 5 different cross-country routes, each with their own character.  I explain the most scenic routes below with train times & description.  You can stop off on the way, but remember that a separate ticket/reservation is needed for each stage.

It takes one night from New York, Boston or Washington DC to Chicago where you change trains, then two nights from Chicago to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle on a superb double-deck Superliner train .  You can also travel coast to coast via New Orleans , this takes an extra night as you need to spend a night in New Orleans.  Most of the trains run daily all year round, although the New Orleans-LA train only operates three times a week.

Check out the cross-country train packages at www.amtrakvacations.com , they can sort packages with tickets, private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers & hotels included.

If you book regular tickets online at www.amtrak.com , cross-country fares from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle start at just $236 in a spacious reclining seat, surely one of the world's greatest travel bargains.  A private sleeper for 1 or 2 people can be added to your booking, the extra cost is often quite hefty but the sleeper room charge includes all meals as well as tea, coffee & fruit juice throughout the trip. Amtrak's spacious trains also have cafe & lounge cars, open to both seat and sleeper passengers.  See descriptions of the trains here .

On-time performance .  Bear in mind that these trains run for over 2,000 miles, although they often arrive on time or perhaps half an hour late, they can sometimes arrive an hour or two late or more, so don't book any tight connections.  You can see how your chosen trains have performed the last few weeks using www.amtrak.com/historical-on-time-performance and you can also see real-time train positions & performance at www.asm.transitdocs.com .

Which is the best cross-country train route?

I've crossed the United States multiple times by train, using every major cross-country train except the Texas Eagle.  Each transcontinental route has its own distinctive character even if the trains themselves are the same, but one stands out as the most spectacular for both scenery & historical significance:  I recommend the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco, which you can take in connection with the Lake Shore Limited between New York or Boston and Chicago, or the Capitol Limited between Washington DC and Chicago.

The California Zephyr is one of world's greatest train journeys, in around 48 hours you will leave Chicago, roll over the vast farmlands of Nebraska, cross the Mississippi, scale the Rockies out of Denver over breakfast in the diner, snake through lovely Colorado canyons, and pass through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area.  The route covers much of the very first historic trans-continental railroad route, and there's a commentary for the most significant section.  To give you an idea of what a cross-country train ride is like on this route, see the California Zephyr page . 

However, all Amtrak's cross-country train routes are scenic, and the Southwest Chief is another favourite.  It'll take you from Chicago to Los Angeles over the Santa Fe railroad (which used to operate the famous Super Chief) , alongside the equally famous Route 66, through Navajo Indian country.  This is another amazing trip, with a chance to stop off at the Grand Canyon .

Cross-country westbound 2024

* The California Zephyr terminates in Emeryville and an Amtrak Thruway bus transfers passengers across the Bay Bridge to the Temporary Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco.  Tickets can be booked through to (and luggage checked through to) San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

** The Chicago-Los Angles portion only runs 3 times a week, departing Chicago on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Daily Chicago-San Antonio.

Use these times as a guide, always check current times & fares at www.amtrak.com as they change from time to time.

Cross-country eastbound 2024

* The California Zephyr starts in Emeryville.  An Amtrak Thruway bus links the Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco with Emeryville across the Bay Bridge.  Tickets can be booked through from (and luggage checked in at) the Amtrak station at San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

*** The Los Angles to Chicago portion only runs 3 times a week, leaving LA on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.  Daily San Antonio-Chicago.

Facilities on each train

What are the trains like.

Click here to see what the trains are actually like inside & out, and to understand the sleeping-car, lounge & dining facilities.

How much does it cost?

3,000 miles coast-to-coast overland for as little at $236 has to be one of the world's greatest travel bargains!  Railpass options .

Amtrak fares are dynamic, so you'll see various prices on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are the cheapest examples I have found.

Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare, children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

There's a 10% discount for seniors over 65 on some fares.  The discount applies to the base fare but not to saver fares, flexible fares, roomette/bedroom charges.

If you choose to travel in a sleeper, the premium fare column on the Amtrak website will show the total cost for all passengers travelling in a roomette or bedroom.  This is calculated as a basic fare for each passenger plus one charge covering the whole roomette or bedroom.  The roomette or bedroom cost is the same whether it's occupied by one person or two.  So a sleeper is a lot better value if there are two of you!  The two people price in the table above is the total you pay for two people sharing a roomette or bedroom.

Tip :  You can save 10% on the basic travel fare (but not on accommodation supplements) by becoming a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which at the time of writing costs $35 for an individual or $50 for a family.  It can pay for itself on one coast to coast trip.  See www.narprail.org for full details and online sign-up.

Can I stop off on the way?

Yes of course, but if you want to stop off you'll need to buy separate tickets for each leg.  To book a cross-country trip with stopovers at any cities you want, simply look for the 'Multi-City' link at top right of the booking form on www.amtrak.com .  This allows you to book a trip with up to 4 segments, and of course you can book additional segments as separate bookings.  However, if you buy a through ticket at the cheapest price between an East Coast city such as New York and a West Coast city such as Los Angeles, then no, you cannot stop off, you must travel direct on your assigned trains.  Although the several hours between trains in Chicago is often time enough to climb the Sears Tower (now owned by the Willis corporation, see theskydeck.com ) and get great views over the city, it's only 5 minutes walk from Chicago Union Station!  As you can see from the fares table above, separate tickets New York to Chicago and Chicago-Los Angeles (so you can stop off in Chicago) work out about $35 more expensive than a New York to Los Angeles through ticket.

Want to stop off at the Grand Canyon?  See the Grand Canyon section

All the trains shown here offer checked baggage.  All passengers (both coach & sleeper) are entitled to check in up to 2 large items of luggage free of charge, plus an additional 2 large items for $20 each.  Maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, maximum total linear dimension (length + height + width) = 75".  Oversize bags (up to a total linear dimension of 100") $20 per bag.  A name and address label must be attached to each item.  Hand luggage is limited to two items per passenger, maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, dimensions 28" x 22" x 14".  See www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

You can check bags through to your final destination, so for example if you have a New York to San Francisco ticket you can check your bags in at New York all the way to San Francisco Transbay Terminal.  They will be transferred for you from train to train in Chicago and from train to bus at Emeryville, leaving you free of it until you arrive.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.amtrak.com

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com , which sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Booking opens 11 months in advance.  An e-ticket will be emailed to you, you can print it out or show it on your phone.

Or call Amtrak 24 hours a day on 1-800-USA RAIL.  From outside of the USA, Amtrak's international desk is + 1-215-856-7952.  Open Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00 Eastern Time.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You print out your ticket or can show it on your phone.

Let Amtrak Vacations arrange your trip

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner for vacations, tours & packages.

Amtrak Vacations can put a package together from anywhere to anywhere to your specification, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.

They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.  

Click here for Amtrak Vacations' cross-country packages

Lines are open 09:00-22:00 Monday-Friday & 09:00-17:30 Saturday, Eastern Time (5 hours behind the UK).

Let Railbookers arrange your trip

Railbookers are train travel specialists with offices in the UK, Australia & United States.  They can arrange coast to coast tours by train to your own specification, with trains, stopovers, hotels, transfers and (if necessary) flights all sorted.

Using a USA railpass

A USA Railpass is available covering the whole Amtrak network or just parts of it, see advice on USA Railpasses here .

See it in pictures: Cross-country by train

See an illustrated journey from New York to San Francisco on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr.

Back to top

Cross-country via New Orleans

This is the Southern cross-country route, a whole different flavour from the routes via Chicago.  Coast to coast via New Orleans takes 4 nights, making it slower than the more usual transcontinental route via Chicago, as you need to spend a night in New Orleans - but a stopover down south is hardly a burden!  For a taste of the deep south, this is the way to go.

Amtrak fares vary dynamically, so you'll see various fares on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are just typical examples, assuming you book ahead.

Luggage arrangements .  Railpass options .   Can I stop off?

New York to Florida

Introducing Amtrak's Silver Service from New York & Washington DC to Orlando, Tampa & Miami.

Facilities on board

Silver Meteor:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car .

Silver Star:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car.

Luggage arrangements .

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com .  This sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You just print out your ticket or show it on your phone.

Boston - New York - Washington

A fast and frequent inter-city service links Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.  There are two types of train: Acela Express 150mph high-speed trains with 1st class & business class (premium fares apply) and regular trains with coach class and (in most cases) business class.  There are also services from Boston to Portland (Maine) and from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. See www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking, or try Omio.com .

How long does it take?

New York to Washington takes as little as 2h48 by Acela Express.

New York to Boston takes 3h30 by Acela Express.

Fares vary like air fares, with cheaper prices available the further ahead you book.  Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare (except on Acela Express where there is no discount for children on weekdays), children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

Luggage on Washington-New York-Boston trains:   These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  You can take 2 items up to 23Kg each, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg - pretty generous, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Omio.com sells Amtrak tickets quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  You just print your ticket or show it on your phone.

Acela Express

Acela Express is Amtrak's very own high-speed train, reaching 150 mph on certain sections of upgraded line.  It has first class & business class, there's no economy coach class.  Premium fares apply, with no discounts for children on weekdays.

Northeast Regional trains

Cheaper but slower than Acela Express, with coach class & business class between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington DC.

Other Amtrak routes

New york - niagara falls.

Three daily trains link New York via Albany with Niagara Falls.  Journey time is a leisurely 8 hours 30 minutes, a relaxing journey along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See either Omio.com or www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking.

New York - Toronto, Montreal (Canada)

A daily train called the Maple Leaf links New York with Toronto via Niagara Falls, and another daily train called the Adirondack links New York with Montreal via the scenic Adirondack mountains.  Both trains travel along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See the Train travel in Canada page for train times .

Chicago - Memphis - New Orleans

Amtrak's daily City of New Orleans links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Intercity trains in California

Regular trains link Los Angeles, Anaheim (for Disneyland), and San Diego.  Regular trains link San Francisco (Oakland) with Sacramento, Bakersfield and San Jose.  A daily train links Los Angeles with San Francisco (Oakland).  See either Omio.com , www.amtrak.com or www.amtrakcalifornia.com for times, fares and online booking.

Seattle - Portland - Oakland (San Francisco) - Los Angeles

Amtrak's daily Coast Starlight links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Portland - Seattle - Vancouver

Amtrak runs an inter-city service between these cities, see www.amtrakcascades.com - Some of these services use European-design Talgo trains.

Luggage on trains without checked baggage:   Some of these trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  Generous limits apply - 2 items each up to 23Kg, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

What are Amtrak trains like ?

Short distance trains come in various types, all with comfortable air-conditioned seating and often with a café car.  On the Boston-New York-Washington DC route, there is now the premium fare, 150mph Acela Express high speed train, based on French TGV technology, but running on conventional tracks.

(1)  Long distance trains in the east

Long-distance trains east of Chicago (such as the New York-Chicago Lake Shore Limited , the New York to Florida Silver Star & Silver Meteor or the New York to New Orleans Crescent , but not the Washington to Chicago Capitol Limited ) have Viewliner sleeping-cars , Amfleet reclining seat cars and an Amfleet cafe/lounge car serving snacks and drinks.  If you have paid for a sleeper, meals are included in the fare.

Amfleet reclining seats

These distinctive stainless-steel coaches have comfortable reclining seats with loads of legroom, drop-down tables & 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  Drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.

Dining cars, cafe cars & flexible dining

Most long-distance trains have a cafe/lounge car serving hot & cold drinks and snacks, with an area with seats & tables for socialising.  The cafe/lounge car can be used by both sleeper and seats passengers.

Traditional dining-cars on all the 1-night long-distance trains east of Chicago were discontinued in 2018-2019.

Amtrak now offers sleeper passengers what it calls Flexible Dining on these trains.  Sleeper passengers are served pre-packed reheated or microwaved meals delivered to their sleeper compartments, or meals can be served in the table area of the cafe/lounge car.   The New York-Florida Silver Star and Silver Meteor retain dining-cars of the new Viewliner II type with an impressive double row of windows, but only to serve the pre-packaged Flexible Dining meals to sleeper passengers.

Latest update:   In March 2023 full dining has been reinstated on the Silver Star between New York and Florida.

Viewliner sleeping-cars

Long-distance trains in the East have Viewliner sleeping cars.  The distinctive double row of windows on these cars makes them light & airy during the day, and gives both upper & lower berths a window for star-gazing at night.  Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car,  and a 'coffee station' provides complimentary tea/coffee & fruit juice in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  A hot shower is available at the end of the corridor if you're travelling in a roomette, or en suite if you are travelling in a bedroom.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Viewliner sleeping-cars have:

(2)  Long distance trains in the west

Long-distance trains between Chicago & Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle/Portland, also the New Orleans-Los Angeles Sunset Limited , Seattle-Los Angeles Coast Starlight and Washington DC-Chicago Capitol Limited use impressive double-deck Superliner cars.  Superliner trains have coach class reclining seats , sleeping-cars , a dining car & an observation-lounge car .  A route guide is available free on these trains, telling you want to look out for along the way.  Watch a video guide to Amtrak Superliner trains .

Superliner reclining seats

Coach class reclining seats are spacious with lots of legroom, comparable with business class on an airliner.  Don't worry if you can't afford a sleeper, these seats recline to about 40 degrees, and are quite easy to sleep in, in fact if there is any train in the world where I wouldn't much mind not having a sleeper, Amtrak trains are the ones I'd choose.  There are 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles at each seat, and drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.  You can either bring a blanket or buy an Amtrak blanket from the lounge car.  Panorama photo of Superliner coach class .

Superliner Sightseer Lounge car

On the upper deck is an observation lounge with armchairs & tables and huge windows for sightseeing.  On the lower deck is a cafe selling drinks & snacks.  All passengers can use the lounge car, whether they are travelling in coach class or in the sleepers.  You end up spending most of your day here, watching America unfold in front of you!   Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis, but it's not usually too difficult to find a seat or two free.  However, they do fill up for the most scenic sections of the journey!  See panorama of a Superliner lounge car .

Superliner dining car

Trains west of Chicago retain a proper dining-car with freshly-cooked food.  During the pandemic, the dining-car was only open to sleeper passengers, but in 2023 coach seat passengers were allowed to use the diner again on most routes.  The dining-car serves breakfast, lunch & dinner.  All the tables in a Superliner dining-car are on the top deck for great views while you eat - the kitchens are downstairs.

Meals are included in the fare if you have a sleeper, although drinks are extra.  In the sleepers, the dining-car manager comes down the train asking each passenger which sitting for lunch or dinner they'd like, and issuing table reservations.  An announcement is made at the start of each sitting. 

Note that couples and singles don't get a whole 4-seater restaurant table to themselves, you'll normally be seated with other passengers. This is a great chance to meet people, even if you're travelling solo.  Panorama photo of Superliner dining-car .

What's the food like?   The food is surprisingly good:  The Angus Steak Burger is great for lunch, for dinner the herb-roast chicken & rice is good and the garlic butter marinated New York Strip Steak is excellent.  A beer costs around $6, a half bottle of very good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot costs around $15.  For breakfast next morning a freshly-cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon & potatoes hits the spot.  There is also a children's menu.  Credit cards are accepted.  You can find sample menus on the Amtrak website www.amtrak.com , click 'plan' then look for 'meal & dining options'.

Since 2018, sleeper passengers on the Lake Shore Limited  (NYC-Chicago) & Capitol Limited (Washington-Chicago) get a pre-packed meal either served in their compartment or eaten in a lounge area.

Superliner sleeping-car s

Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary breakfast, lunch & dinner in the dining car,  and each sleeping-car has a 'coffee station' with complimentary tea/coffee and fruit juice available in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  Superliner sleeping-cars are double-deck, with 10 very compact 2-berth roomettes and 4 larger 2-berth bedrooms on the upper deck, whilst the lower deck has another 4 roomettes, 1 family bedroom & 1 special accessible bedroom.  The bedrooms have a private shower & toilet, for roomette passengers there are toilets on both upper and lower decks, and a hot shower on the lower deck.  The gangways to the adjacent cars are on the upper deck.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Superliner sleeping-cars offer:

Video guide: Riding a Superliner train

The grand canyon connection.

There are two main ways to reach the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country train trip, after you get off Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff Arizona.  The first is to use a bus between Flagstaff and the South Rim of the Canyon, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes each way.  The other is to take a connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to the nearby town of Williams and use the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the Canyon, journey time 2 hours Williams to the South Rim.

Option 1, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon by bus

Scheduled buses link Flagstaff's Amtrak station (which also incorporates the excellent local Visitor Centre) with the Grand Canyon's South Rim, with an 8am bus departure from Flagstaff conveniently connecting out of Amtrak's Chief from Los Angeles arriving at the Grand canyon around 1 hour 45 minutes later.  A bus returns from the Grand Canyon at 6.15pm (also at 4.15pm from March to October), arriving back in Flagstaff 1 hour 45 minutes or so later.  It can easily be done as a day trip, returning to Flagstaff in time for the evening Chief to Los Angeles, although you can of course choose to stay overnight at the hotels at the Grand Canyon.  For bus times see groometransportation.com/grand-canyon .  The bus fare is around $34 each way.

Grand Canyon Tours from Flagstaff:   Alternatively, take a tour.  A company called The Grand Canyon Store http://grandcanyoncustomtours.com   offers 1-day tours from both Flagstaff & Williams to the Grand Canyon, including a tour to the Grand Canyon Village & South Rim, and the more extensive Inner Canyon Tour that actually takes you to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, not merely to the South Rim as with other tours and the scheduled bus - not surprisingly the Inner Canyon Tour is their most popular!  They also do a tour from Flagstaff to the South Rim using the Grand Canyon Railway, see the section below.

www.amtrakvacations.com can put together an Amtrak coast-to-coast package for you with a stopover at the Grand Canyon, or a tour from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon and back, customised you your specification.  See Grand Canyon packages .

Option 2, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway

The more interesting way to reach the Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Canyon's South Rim.  This is the original Santa Fe railroad branch line, Williams Junction just outside Williams town is where the line diverges from the Chicago-LA main line.  However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief no longer calls at Williams Junction (it called there at uncivilised times in any case), you now use Flagstaff as the stop for the Grand Canyon with Amtrak bus connection to Williams.

To reach the Grand Canyon by train, get off the Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff and take the connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to Williams.  The buses are timed to connect with train's arrival & departure to and from both Chicago and Los Angeles.  Williams is a pleasant town with plenty of motels, shops & diners.  The Grand Canyon Railway runs a daily morning train some 65 miles over the Santa Fe's historic railway from Williams station to Grand Canyon South Rim station in the Grand Canyon Village, right on the edge of the Canyon's South Rim.  The train returns in the afternoon, arriving in time to have dinner then catch the shuttle bus to Flagstaff for Amtrak's Chief onwards to Los Angeles.

The Amtrak reservation system at www.amtrak.com will actually let you buy through tickets between Los Angeles and Grand Canyon in either direction, although if you want to book through tickets between New York or Chicago and Grand Canyon this involves an overnight stay in Williams so you'll need to use the multi-city booking feature.  But you can book your Amtrak trains at www.amtrak.com then book the Grand Canyon train at the GCR official website, www.thetrain.com .

You can also book Chicago-LA packages with Amtrak travel and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway at www.amtrakvacations.com , Amtrak's official partner for tours and packages involving Amtrak travel.  See Grand Canyon packages .

The fare includes entry to the Wild West show at Williams station in the hour before departure, and some Wild West entertainment on board!

USA rail passes

One of the best ways to see America is with an Amtrak USA rail pass, but be aware of its limitations before you invest in one.

A 30-day 10-segment rail pass costs around $499.

That's 10 train rides, enough to travel coast to coast 5 times, at €49.90 per train ride!  Children aged 2-12 get passes for half price, under 2's travel free.

Segments:   Sadly, since 2008 Amtrak's USA railpass no longer gives unlimited travel, it only covers a maximum of 10 'segments'.  This is the maximum number of individual train rides you can take during your 30 day pass duration.

A segment is one train ride on one train:  So a 2-day 2,200-mile trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief counts as one segment, and a 30-minute ride on a Northeast Regional train is also one segment.  Go figure!  A journey involving a change of train (for example, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited then Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr ) counts as two segments.

Will a railpass save you money?   Very probably, if you intend making 8, 9 or 10 long-distance train rides.  10 rides for $499 is €49.90 per train ride, if (say) you only used 7 segments it'd work out at $71 per train ride.  Now use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to see what normal fares would be, to compare.  But read the bit about passholder quotas below!

Reservations, upgrades & quotas

Railpasses are valid for any Amtrak train in the USA except Acela Express high-speed services and the Auto-Train car-carrying service.

Reservations are required!   The railpass is not a ticket, you must make a (free) reservation before boarding any train.  You can make reservations online at www.amtrak.com after buying your pass.  Alternatively, you can make them at stations as you travel around or by calling Amtrak's 24 hour freephone number, 1-800-USA RAIL (from outside the States call Amtrak on (001) 215-856-7953, not free).

Upgrading to a sleeper is no longer possible:   It used to be possible to upgrade to a private sleeper when using a pass, simply by paying the appropriate room charge.  For an idea of sleeper room charges, see the fares section above .  However, in 2021 this has changed, though it's not clear if this is permanent or temporary.  At present you cannot upgrade to a sleeper (or to business class) with a pass.  So only buy a pass if you're happy using a seat, even overnight.

Warning about passholder quotas:   After buying your pass, you can make reservations online, or at stations as you go, or by calling Amtrak.  However, with a pass you can only book trains on which a Value or Saver fare is available.  If only the most expensive Flexible fare is showing, you cannot use your pass on that train, even if there are seats still available for customers paying cash.  Many trains have Value or Saver fares available even on the day before departure, and sometimes even on the day of travel itself, but not always.  Trains get busy in summer, Value and Saver fares have limited-availability and often sell out.  When they sell out, you can't use your pass on that train.  So don't buy a pass only to find you can't travel on the trains you need.  Before buying the pass, use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to get a feel for how fares work, and to see if your chosen trains have Value or Saver fares left.

How to buy an Amtrak Railpass

Check prices in pounds & buy a USA railpass (UK-based company, but passes sent to addresses worldwide)

Check prices in Australian dollars & buy a USA railpass (Australia & NZ residents)

Tours by train across America

Amtrak vacations, www.amtrakvacations.com.

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner.  They can put a package together to your own specification, from anywhere to anywhere, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.  They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.

Railbookers

Train travel specialist Railbookers have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.  They can arrange a tour by train across the United States on Amtrak, starting any date you like, to your own specification with hotels and train reservations all made for you, hassle-free.  They know what they're doing, and take good care of their clients, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

G uidebooks

Click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in the USA

New York:  The Algonquin is New York's oldest operating hotel, opened in 1902, and a designated New York City Historic Landmark.  Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, a block or two from Times Square one way and Grand Central the other, with a lovely wood-panelled lobby and even its own hotel cat, which you may find wandering the corridors or sitting on the reception desk.  To check prices & book, click here .  For the Algonquin's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Hotel .

Washington DC:   Phoenix Park Hotel .  A great choice, directly across the road from Union Station so handy for arrivals and departures by train, with an excellent Irish Pub doing great food & Irish beer on the premises, and just 2 minutes walk from the capitol.  From around $154 for a double.

Los Angeles:   Hotel Queen Mary (closed for refurbishment in mid-2022, but reopened in April 2023).  This has got to be of the most fascinating places to stay, anywhere.  If you go to Los Angeles, consider making the Hotel Queen Mary your base to explore the Los Angeles - Hollywood - Disneyland area.  The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station (about a $90 taxi ride), and it's undoubtedly the most wonderful place to stay in LA.  The hotel consists of most of the original first class cabins on board the Queen Mary, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too.  Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board (and yes, from my own experience there is something going on aboard that beautiful ship!).  Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and (as we worked out from a historic deck plan) in some cases two of the Queen Mary's original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor.  She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.

Backpacker hostels in the USA: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places across the States at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to the USA

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com .  I have found that having lounge access with complimentary tea, coffee, food and wine makes all the difference to an economy flight.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

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The Best Ways To Book Cheap Amtrak Train Tickets [Advance Bookings, Rail Passes, and Promo Codes]

Amar Hussain

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Table of Contents

Key takeaways, book cheap amtrak tickets in advance, join amtrak guest rewards, book cheap amtrak tickets online, register for promotions and view deals, book amtrak “night owl” tickets, get an amtrak rail pass, book an amtrak multi-ride ticket, everyday discounts, find and use a promo code, share a sleeper car, book amtrak tickets with omio, book amtrak tickets with wanderu, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

• Booking in advance, particularly during sales or promotions, is the best way to secure cheap Amtrak train tickets, with significant savings on popular routes.
• Everyday discounts are available for children, students, seniors, military personnel, veterans, and passengers with disabilities.
• If you’re willing to travel during off-peak times, Night Owl tickets can be as low as $5.

Train travel can be an enjoyable experience, kicking back and watching the scenery whiz past as you relax with a good book. Avoiding airport security queues and road congestion are just a couple more bonuses, but you still want to make sure you bag yourself a deal when riding the rail.

Getting your hands on cheap Amtrak tickets is not tricky — it just requires a bit of planning to know when and where to book. As well as booking direct, Amtrak tickets are only available on a select number of partner websites, but all have price parity. Sometimes, these websites provide handy calendar views to check when the cheapest time to travel is; others have filters to narrow your search criteria.

With Amtrak, the further in advance you can buy your ticket, the better . Fares are released 11 months before the departure date and work on 5 fare levels, with prices rising with demand. Amtrak has different thresholds for booked capacity that, once reached, will bump fare prices up to the next level.

Unfortunately, Amtrak doesn’t display how many tickets are left at a specific price , so the only way to ensure the cheapest rate is to book as early as possible.

Saver fares are available on some routes when booking coach at least 14 days before  your departure. These fares are non-refundable but can be canceled up to 24 hours before departure to receive travel credit. When searching for a train from New York to Boston, a Saver ticket was $39 compared to a Value ticket at $69. That’s quite a savings if you’re confident your journey will go as scheduled.

Joining Amtrak Guest Rewards won’t give you instant savings, but if you travel regularly, it’s worth signing up for long-term gains. Membership is free, and every time you travel, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent to redeem against free tickets for regular services, Auto Train, Acela, and sleeper services.

Frequent travelers can work their way up the membership tier statuses to receive further benefits, such as bonus point earnings, complimentary class upgrades, and companion coupons . Members can earn tier-qualifying points in a calendar year through Amtrak travel or using the Amtrak Guest Rewards ® Preferred Mastercard ® .

Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points are also earned through business class and first class bookings on regular and Acela services.

Don’t wait until you get to the station to book your ticket, as Amtrak says the best rates can be found online. It’s also a good idea to avoid purchasing a ticket on board , as only the more expensive flexible fares are available. The best available rates can be booked at Amtrak.com or via the app , and you also can make changes to your reservation online, view your e-tickets, and avoid long queues at the station.

Register for promotional emails from Amtrak to hear about flash sales and exclusive Amtrak Guest Rewards offers. Amtrak will also occasionally send targeted emails to Guest Rewards members. For instance, the rail company recently sent an email to register for the Amtrak Select Tier Challenge , which will give those targeted Select status through February 2025 after completing qualifying trips.

You can also check the Deals tab on the Amtrak website for regular offers .

Amtrak’s new Night Owl program will reward travelers traveling at off-peak times with extraordinarily cheap tickets. 

Tickets can be as low as $5 each way , depending on your route. It’s only available for the  Northeast Corridor between New York’s Penn Station and Washington D.C.’s Union Station and for departures between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Passengers looking to embark on an Amtrak adventure through the U.S. can purchase a rail pass that includes a set number of segments that must be completed during a set number of days. You still need to book your seats along the way, and the duration starts from the departure date of your first segment.

USA Rail Passes

Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass is for 10 segments over 30 days. The pass is valid for 120 days after purchase (30 days after the first segment is traveled) and for coach travel only.

To see how much you could save with a rail pass, we priced an 8-segment journey with the California Zephyr from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay area and returning via the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago.

With this particular route, a rail pass saved over $100 compared to purchasing separate Saver fares for each segment. If you were booking within 14 days of the departure, Saver fares wouldn’t be available, and the lowest ticket would be a Value fare with savings of over $240 .

We searched for travel dates 3 months in advance, so bear in mind that the closer to the departure date, the greater your savings would be using a rail pass , as ticket prices increase for individually purchased fares.

California Rail Pass

If you’re only looking to explore California, there’s a dedicated rail pass that is valid on Capitol Corridor , San Joaquins , Pacific Surfliner corridor trains, and Coast Starlight between Los Angeles and Dunsmuir. The pass is also valid on most connecting Thruway bus services that operate along these routes.

The pass costs $159 for adults and $79.50 for children. It allows travel on any 7 days during a consecutive 21-day period.

Not sure where Amtrak can take you? Check out our detailed guide to all Amtrak routes , including regional and long-distance options.

Booking a multi-ride ticket can save you money if you know you’ll need to travel the same route over a specific duration. Students may book a 6-ride pass valid within 365 days , and all passengers may book a 10-ride pass valid for 45 or 90 days, depending on the route.

We checked out the price of a 10-ride ticket between Los Angeles and San Francisco and compared the cost of purchasing 10 separate tickets.

Purchasing a 10-ride ticket would save $58 (almost the price of 1 ticket) compared to buying these tickets separately, so a multi-pass would save you money if you are confident you’ll make the journey enough times within the required duration.

There are restricted trains that multi-ride tickets can’t be used on, so check out this list to confirm before you purchase your pass.

Consider whether you’re eligible for any of Amtrak’s everyday discounts:

• Children : Infants under 2 ride free, and children 2 to 12 years old receive 50% off
• Seniors : Passengers 65 and over receive 10% off most rail fares
• Military Personnel : Active-duty service members and their dependents save 10% on most rail fares
• Military Veterans : U.S. veterans save 10% on the lowest available fares
• Passengers With Disabilities : Disability savings are 10% to 50% depending on the route
• Rail Passengers Association : Members are eligible to receive 10% off the lowest available fares

Amtrak releases monthly promo and coupon codes to third-party websites that you will rarely find on the Amtrak website. Promo codes consist of 4 digits that typically offer 10% to 50% savings . Railserve.com updates its page monthly to reflect new and ongoing promo codes valid for different regions within Amtrak’s route network.

If traveling long distances or overnight, you might want to upgrade to a bed to get some shut-eye along the way. If you’re traveling with another person, booking a sleeper car would be much more cost-effective than traveling alone. Meals are also included when booking a sleeper car.

If you book a Roomette, passengers can enjoy the views from the 2 sweeping picture windows next to both beds.

Omio is an official partner of Amtrak that sells tickets without the need to go directly to the Amtrak website. Omio displays the same rates you would find on Amtrak.com , but Omio doesn’t permit passengers to purchase sleeper cabins.

When searching, you can filter whether you want only to see direct services or with a maximum number of stops. You can also filter by price or journey time.

Wanderu is another partner of Amtrak and provides a valuable platform for passengers to search for cheap travel, including Amtrak tickets and other train and bus providers.

Although the pricing will be the same as booking directly with Amtrak, Wanderu allows visitors to filter by particular train providers and then by price to view the cheapest rates. For some popular routes, the calendar will display the cheapest ticket for each date of the month , so if you’re flexible, you can choose to travel at the most affordable time.

There’s also the option to switch on Include nearby locations , where cheaper rates might be available to stations not too far from your original choice.

With over 500 stations on the continental U.S., Amtrak is an excellent option for getting from A to B for business or pleasure or for embarking on a train adventure across the country. Although traveling by Amtrak is often cheaper than flying, it can take considerably longer, so get the best deal to justify this additional time.

The key to booking cheap Amtrak tickets is planning ahead, as the best fares are released 11 months before departure . Check Amtrak’s Deals page to see if any offers apply to your route, or check out current promo codes found on external sites.

The information regarding the Amtrak Guest Rewards ®  Preferred Mastercard ®  was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

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How to Get Cheap Amtrak Tickets

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If you're thinking of an alternative to flying to your summer vacation spot, consider Amtrak. The railroad passenger company operates more than 300 trains daily to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and Canada. There's a good chance an Amtrak station is located where you're headed.

If you're ready to climb aboard, here's what you need to know to get Amtrak tickets at a discount.

» Learn more: Review of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard

Tips to get cheap Amtrak tickets

Some tried and true budget travel strategies — such as booking tickets on during lower travel periods — can help you snag cheap Amtrak tickets.

1. Earn travel rewards and get rewarded

Before you ride, join Amtrak Guest Rewards . Joining is free, and you'll get 500 bonus points when you take a trip within the first 90 days your account is open. You'll also earn 2 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel. If you prefer to travel business or first class on high-speed Acela trains, which operate in the Northeast, you'll get a 25% point bonus on the former and a 50% bonus on the latter.

» Learn more: Baffled by points and miles? Let the 80/20 rule guide you

2. Snag bonus points through partners

You can also rack up Amtrak Guest Reward when you spend money at hotels, car rental companies and other retailers Amtrak has partnered with. A few examples:

Book a stay at one of Choice Hotel's more than 6,800 locations and you'll earn 250 Amtrak points.

Rent a car through Budget and you'll earn 50 Amtrak Guest Rewards points for every qualifying rental day.

Send your loved one some flowers using Teleflora and you'll add 750 Amtrak Guest Rewards points to your account.

3. Redeem points for trips

Once you have plenty of Amtrak Guest Rewards points stockpiled, get the most out of them by redeeming for Amtrak trips. Redemption rates vary by route, date and time, but you can save a ton if you combine your points with special promotions.

Parents, take note of Amtrak’s child discount , which allows infants under 2 to travel for free and additional children under 12 to travel for a 50% discount.

4. Travel when it's not as busy

You can often score a discount by planning your trips on less busy days. For example, Amtrak recently held a sale in which — as long as you traveled on Saturday — you could buy one ticket and get the next one free. A two-passenger Saturday ticket from New York to Boston was a mere $83.

5. Bring a friend — or three

Amtrak wants you to bring some friends along for your summer vacation. Its Share Fare deal gets you a discount for every plus-one. Here's the breakdown:

Passenger 1: Full price.

Passenger 2: 15% off full price.

Passenger 3: 60% off full price.

Passenger 4: 70% off full price.

That's a lot of potential savings. Pick up the phone and call some people who not only appreciate the scenic appeal of Amtrak, but also love a good deal.

6. If you're taking Acela, book early

Acela trains, which operate between Washington, D.C., and Boston, offer large leather seats, fast Wi-Fi and luggage storage for up to four bags. While Acela travel typically costs more than other trains, you can score a discount if you simply plan your trip in advance. Book a ticket on the Acela a minimum of 7 to 21 days prior to your trip, and you'll get a 25% discount.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Snag these hotel loyalty perks, even if you’re disloyal Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies

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75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Your Guide to a Better Amtrak Empire Builder Trip

I recently traveled on the Amtrak Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago . If you’ve never been on this train, you’ve probably heard some amazing things. And if you have been on this train, you’ve probably still heard some amazing things… but now you know better!

I had high expectations before I hopped aboard —scenic views, comfortable accommodation, a peaceful ride, etc. But the reality was quite different. While there were certainly highlights, there were also quite a few surprises that I definitely wasn’t prepared for.

I can’t go back in time and make my journey better. But I can share with you the things I wish I’d known before I climbed aboard to make your journey better! So here are the highs and lows of my trip, along with tips to help you make the most of your time on board.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Accommodation Options

There are six different types of accommodation options on the Amtrak Empire Builder:

• Roomette: A tiny room for two with two seats that transform into a bunk bed — this is the option I chose.
• Bedroom: Double the size of a roomette with a bunk bed for two and a private bathroom.
• Bedroom Suite: Double the size of a bedroom and can sleep up to four people, plus a private bathroom.
• Family Bedroom: Essentially the same as the bedroom suite, but without a private bathroom. 
• Accessible Bedroom: Large rooms on the entry level of the train with space for a wheelchair. Some have private bathrooms and some don’t.

The Best Bits

Let’s start with the highlights! These are the best things about traveling on the Amtrak Empire Builder. I honestly tried to come up with some more, but this was all I could think of! 

1. The food was incredible

When you choose one of the accommodation options, you get three meals per day included in the price of your ticket. And the food is amazing!

You can opt for restaurant-quality meals like thick and fluffy French toast for breakfast, a grilled patty melt for lunch, and a full three-course meal for dinner. All of this plus one free alcoholic drink at dinner and unlimited soft drinks during every meal!

Hot food is also available if you’re traveling in coach class — but you have to pay extra. 

2. There are showers

When you’re spending 48 hours on a train, showers are a massive bonus! They’re tiny and the water pressure is terrible. But the water is warm, there are plenty of clean towels available, and they’re a lot better than nothing. 

3. You can disembark when the train stops

The train can get pretty cramped, but there are plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs. Whenever the train stops, you’re free to disembark for a short stroll. The stops vary from just a couple of minutes to around 15 minutes, so you can get some decent breaks. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, since the windows on the train don’t open.  

The Worst Bits and How to Make Them Better

Now for the aspects of riding the Amtrak Empire Builder that aren’t so great. Please don’t let my experience put you off. To help you out, I’ve listed a handy fix next to every problem I came across.

1. No WiFi or data

Problem: There’s no WiFi on board and no phone signal for the first 36 hours or so when you’re traveling from Seattle to Chicago. This can make it impossible if you need to work while you’re on the train. But if you’re traveling for fun, you can get around it with a little bit of planning.

Fix: Don’t waste your money on a prepaid SIM card for data like I did! Instead, download all the books and TV you want to watch and plan for an analog trip instead.

2. It’s a tight fit

Problem: The beds in the roomettes and bedrooms are bunk beds and the upper bunk is incredibly claustrophobic. Unless you do a lot of yoga, it can also be tricky to climb into it every night. 

Fix: You can’t really solve this problem. If you’re traveling with a partner, consider splitting the time in the top bunk so neither of you suffers too much. If you’re traveling alone, stick to the bottom bunk. 

3. No private bathroom

Problem: There’s no private bathroom in the roomettes. The shared bathrooms are okay at the beginning, but they get dirty and messy very quickly. They could also be quite far away from you, depending on where your roomette is located.

Fix: Avoid the roomettes and choose a bedroom or a bedroom suite instead. They all come with private bathrooms.

4. Noisy rattling

Problem: There’s a lot of loose metal in the roomettes and bedrooms that rattles when the train moves. Depending on how sensitive you are to noise, this could be mildly irritating or so disturbing that you can’t sleep.

Fix: Take some masking tape with you to tape loose bits down so you can sleep at night.

5. Lack of temperature control

Problem: The roomettes and bedrooms are either boiling hot or icy cold depending on the season. There’s no individual air-con or heating system, so you’re stuck with the temperature the train is on.

Fix: Pack super warm clothes in the winter and a small USB fan for the summer.

6. Single wall socket

Problem: There’s only one socket per roomette or bedroom. It’s also in an awkward position, about shoulder height of someone sitting on one of the chairs.

Fix: If you’re going to need to plug more than one thing in at a time, pack a power strip. The power strip can also make it more comfortable for the person sitting on the socket side.

7. Thin curtains

Problem: The curtains on the train are incredibly thin and let a lot of light through. This can make sleeping difficult, especially if you want to sleep in.

Fix: If you like to sleep in total darkness, bring a sleeping mask. If you bring masking tape, you can also use it to stick the curtains to the windows so the sun doesn’t shine through the sides.

8. Call for breakfast

Problem: There’s a loud wake-up call piped into every room at 6.30 am announcing breakfast. Then again at 7.30 am, again at 8.30 am, and again at 9.30 am. It’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss breakfast, but it’s an awful way to sleep in! 

Fix: If you don’t want to be up at the crack of dawn, take earplugs. They won’t block the wake-up call out completely, but they’ll help.

9. Tiny roomettes

Problem: I stayed in a roomette and they are shockingly small. There isn’t enough room for the small bag that you place under your seat on a plane. I had planned to play games on my laptop in the roomette but there wasn’t even enough room for that! 

Fix 1: Check any luggage that you won’t need during your journey when you arrive at the station. Keep a small bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, etc with you and store it on the rack in the corridor. Only keep essentials like your phone, a book, etc, with you in a small bag in your roomette.

Fix 2: Head into the observation lounge and grab a large table where you can enjoy the views while you play games, work, or just relax. Even if you have to share a table with someone, you’ll still have loads more room than you would have if you had stayed in your roomette!

10. Unusual locks

Problem: You can lock the doors of your roomette or bedroom on the inside, but not the outside. So you can sleep soundly at night, knowing no one is coming into your room. But when you’re not there, anyone could walk in — in theory. 

Fix: Keep all your valuables with you when you leave your room or lock them inside your case. Your things will probably be safe in your room while you’re gone — it just feels a little odd leaving all your stuff unattended.

11. You’re going to be late

Problem: The timekeeping is awful. On my journey, we left Seattle on time, but that was the only instance we were on time. We arrived late to every following station and were hours late by the time we got to Chicago.

Fix: Don’t plan anything for the day you get off the train — you’ll probably be late. Just accept it’s something that it likely to happen. 

Extra tips to have a great time

Riding the Amtrak Empire Builder doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! Here are some extra tips to help you have a comfortable journey.

1. Book as early as you can

You’ll save yourself a small fortune by booking your ticket as soon as you know you want to travel. Tickets usually increase in price the closer you get to the travel date. You can save literally $100s by booking a couple of months early.

2. Roomettes aren’t always better

If you’re stuck between a roomette and a coach class seat, opt for the coach class seat — unless there’s not much of a price difference between the two. The roomettes are tiny and can cost $1,500+. They’re just not worth it. I honestly thought that coach class was comfier!

3. Prioritize comfort

Wear super comfy clothing and shoes. You’re going to be sitting down in a confined space for hours — possibly up to 48 hours. This is not the time to look glamorous! 

4. Dining hack

The dining room has communal seating only. Unless you’re traveling as a group of four, you’ll definitely be sitting with strangers. I’m an introvert and hated this idea so much that I actually skipped a couple of meals.

When the steward comes round to collect your order, you can ask them to deliver your food to your room instead. It’s a little cramped, but if you don’t want to make friends on the train, it’s the better option.

5. BYO drinks

If you’re staying in a roomette or bedroom, you get one free alcoholic drink per person with each evening meal. If you want to take the edge off the trip and don’t want to pay the train’s prices, you’re free to bring as much alcohol on board as you like. The only catch is that you’re only meant to consume it in your room.

6. Don’t wander off

Stay close to the train if you do decide to get off for a break during one of the stops. The train has a schedule to keep (even though it’s usually late!) and you’ll get left behind if you dawdle too much. 

7. Snack car

There’s a snack car in the lower part of the train, under the observation lounge, that anyone can use. It’s only open for a few hours after breakfast, but you can grab all sorts of candies, snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. 

Final thoughts on the Amtrak Empire Builder

Traveling on the Amtrak Empire Builder is definitely an experience — one that’s filled with both highs and lows. While the beautiful views and excellent food stand out, there are plenty of small inconveniences that can easily catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

Whether you’re taking the train for the adventure, the scenery, or just to get from point A to point B, I hope these tips help you have a smoother and more comfortable journey. I wish I’d known them before I climbed aboard, but at least now you’re ready to make the most of your Amtrak Empire Builder experience!

Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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