Know Before You Go: Traveling by Train in the US

From the seaside California Zephyr to the cross-country Empire Builder to the Texas Eagle, some 30 train routes buzz across 46 states and to 500+ destinations. Depending on where you’re coming from and where you want to go, it’s possible you’ll have multiple routes to choose from—you could even stop off along the way. Amtrak's interactive route planner is a good place to start daydreaming if your route isn’t rock-solid.

One thing to look out for as you plan: Amtrak routes sometimes include transfers and buses, such as the extension to the Grand Canyon. As you’re looking at options and tickets, keep an eye on how many legs your trip has. Just like with air travel, you may want to select the most direct option.

Here are some standout train journeys:

• The Coast Starlight: This train runs along the West Coast between San Diego and Seattle and offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and forests.

• The Empire Builder: This long-distance route connects Chicago with Seattle, with a stop in Glacier National Park. Along the way, expect to travel through cities like Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Spokane, before reaching its terminus in Seattle.

• The Crescent Line: Running from New York to New Orleans, this scenic route includes stops in Washington DC, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

• The Adirondack Line: Yes, you can travel to Canada—the Adirondack Line runs from New York to Montreal. (You can also travel to Toronto from New York via the Maple Leaf—there’s more on the Maple Leaf train route below.)

Prices vary greatly by date, route, and class, and tickets should be bought online in advance. If you’re looking to do an epic cross-country journey, consider a multi-ride or 30-day USA rail pass to save money.

Comparing Amtrak to other forms of transportation is challenging (routes, peak schedules, how many days in advance you purchase the ticket) but in most cases, Amtrak is not cheaper than a bus. But when it comes to airfare, it all depends on your route. Generally speaking, shorter Amtrak journeys—say, New York to Boston—will be cheaper than flying. But if you're looking at multi-day journeys, such as one from coast to coast, prices for trains and flights could end up similar, especially if you're splurging on a higher ticket class on the train.

Just like your favorite airline, Amtrak offers several ticket classes. For seating, there’s coach, business class, and first class. That’s pretty self-explanatory, apart from the fact that it should be noted that coach seats are significantly roomier than you’ll find on airplanes—and middle seats don’t exist.

If you’re traveling overnight, you can also look at roomettes and bedrooms. Both sleep two adults, though bedrooms are twice as spacious as roomettes, and they also come with their own bathroom. (Roomettes have individual bathrooms, with showers, in their train car.) Family bedrooms are an option, too.

Insider tip: Every coach seat on Amtrak does have its own outlet, FYI, and many trains have Wi-Fi.

Train tickets can be purchased online, via the Amtrak app, via your phone, or at Amtrak stations. If you're purchasing a USA rail pass, you'll want to make reservations for each segment of your train trip in advance; only a limited number of seats on each train are bookable by pass holders.

If you’ve got the Amtrak app on your phone, you can easily check the status of your train, locate a station at any destination, get notified of your gate and track, and—most importantly—present your train ticket to the agent before hopping aboard.

With your phone loaded up, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs—you’ll want time to locate your platform, eye the monitors for any last-minute changes, and possibly look for some on-the-go food options to bring with you on board, especially if the train doesn’t have a cafe car. Once you’re ready to board, show your ticket, find your seat, and get ready to relax (keep your ID handy in case the onboard ticket agent asks for it). Compare that to arriving 2–3 hours ahead of your flight and layovers, and train travel doesn’t seem nearly as slow!

Insider tip: If you’re confused or unsure of where to go, look for Amtrak agents standing on the platform. They know train travel can be confusing for first-timers and will be able to assist you.

Unlike air travel, travel by train allows you two carry-on bags up to 50 pounds each—look for large luggage racks at the front of your car—plus two small personal items you can stow in the overhead bins. Even beyond that, you can check two additional bags at $20 per bag. (Those get ticketed and handed to an agent to go under the train; you’ll get them with said ticket once you get off.)

But perhaps most importantly, use this generous allotment to your advantage if you’re taking a long train ride. If it’s an overnight journey, bring sleep aids (pillow, blanket, blindfold, noise-canceling earphones, medications, etc.) and any necessary toiletries. Don't forget snacks, books, games, a 5-course meal—you name it. If you have sleeper accommodations, meals are included, but you could BYOB (bring your own booze) and toast to those spectacular views out your window.

Beyond that, stock up on things to do, read, play, and eat, especially if you have kids traveling with you. This is your time to decompress, destress, and create a travel experience you enjoy. That’s the beauty of train travel.

Insider tip: Bring binoculars to enjoy the view!

Regardless of what kind of fare you have, you’ll probably want to wander through the train during your ride. Many routes have observation cars, where the walls of the train are glass, making for spectacular 360-degree viewing—though you’ll want to get there early to nab a great seat.

You’ll also likely have access to a quiet car, which is just that—phone calls are prohibited, and passengers are asked to limit their conversations (And the staff do take it seriously.) There will probably be a snack car where small meals, beverages, and snacks are available for purchase, too.

If you’ve booked a sleeper car, you’ll also get complimentary meals in the dining car. Most tables seat four. But if you’re not a party of four, you’ll likely be sat with other passengers—it’s part of the fun.

• Does Amtrak have a loyalty program? Yes, it's called Amtrak Guest Rewards.
• Is there Wi-Fi on Amtrak trains? There is, but it doesn't always work.
• Are Amtrak trains punctual? Unlike airplanes, Amtrak trains can and do stop as necessary—and not only to let passengers on and off. Some 95 percent of Amtrak routes are on freight railroad–owned tracks. As such, freight trains in the US get priority over passenger trains, so delays do happen regularly.
• Are there other major train lines besides Amtrak? While Amtrak is the primary passenger train service provider in the United States, there are a few other railways that offer scenic train routes.
  • Grand Canyon Railway: A historic train route that operates in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway provides a scenic journey from the town of Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
  • The Rocky Mountaineer: A luxury tourist train service that operates in the Canadian Rockies and the Pacific Northwest, this train service is known for its breathtaking scenic routes, especially the route between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah.
• What are some other noteworthy train routes on Amtrak?
  • Acela Express (Northeast Corridor): Running between Boston and Washington, D.C., the Acela Express is Amtrak's high-speed rail service along the densely populated Northeast Corridor. It serves major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
  • California Zephyr: One of Amtrak's long-distance routes, this train operates from Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco). The California Zephyr traverses the scenic landscapes of the Midwest, Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada.
  • Southwest Chief: Running between Chicago and Los Angeles, the Southwest Chief crosses the Midwest and the southwestern United States, passing through cities like Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff.
  • Lake Shore Limited: Connecting Chicago with the Northeast, the Lake Shore Limited has two branches, one traveling to New York City and the other to Boston. It serves cities such as Cleveland, Buffalo, and Albany.
  • Auto Train: The Auto Train operates between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.), and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando), allowing passengers to bring their vehicles on board.
  • Maple Leaf: Particularly spectacular during the fall leaf-peeping season, the Maple Leaf route connects New York City's Penn Station with Toronto's Union Station. Along the way, it stops at several cities, including Albany (New York), Buffalo, and Niagara Falls.