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|Updated on October, 13,2024|

Are you considering traveling by train in the USA instead of flying or driving a car? This is a fantastic idea as nowadays traveling by train can be a pleasant experience, thanks to updated and comfortable trains.

 

The most popular train in the USA is, of course, Amtrack. Amtrak operates in more than 500 cities and towns in 46 states –  except Wyoming, South Dakota, Hawaii, and Alaska. It travels at speeds up to 150 mph and offers free WI-FI and power outlets at your seats. It is not the fastest train as an express one, but still fast enough to get you from point A to B and in between if you visit several places.

 

Planning a trip with Amtrack is easy; you must go to the amtrack.com site, pick your destination, find the best train ticket booking price, and start your train journey.

How to Plan Your Train Travel: Amtrack Vacation

Amtrack Vacation Tip #1

1.Plan Your Route and Travel Dates

It is better to be flexible as you can spot a pretty good deal Amtrack offers. Make sure to check the Deals section on the site.

 

If you want to take your fur friend with you, check the rules for your destination, as pet travel is limited per destination.

 

Dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) are welcome on trips up to seven hours on most routes (some restrictions apply).

 

Some Amtrack trains always run late, so when you plan your time, make sure to have some extra in case you depart and arrive late.

Amtrack  Tip #2

2. Look for Amtrack Deals and Discounts

Amtrak runs limited-time-only deals year-round on most of its routes. They offer Smart Fares with 30 percent discounts on one-way coach fares for special trains from Tuesday through Friday every week. For considerable savings, consider seasonal specials.

 

If you are a frequent Amtrack traveler, I suggest you sign up for their guest rewards program. Rewards can be used for train travel, hotel discounts, and gift cards.

 

Amtrack also offers 50% OFF for kids aged 2-12, up to a 45% discount for small group travelers, and more.

 

To improve your life, an Amtrack app is available for download, which allows you to purchase e-tickets, shows train status, and provides station information.

 

Did you know that you can also travel by car in Amtrack? Sounds fantastic and unrealistic, right?! But that’s possible. Amtrack offers an Auto train option between DC and Florida with Coach fares starting at $95 + the cost of your vehicle. So if you planned to go to one of those states or in between and rent a car, now that may be a wrong choice. Instead, you can bring your vehicle to Amtrack and travel together to your destination. Of course, if it will be worth the cost.

• You can also bring on board other vehicles such as bikes, scooters, etc.

Amtrack Tip #3

3. Decide What Kind of Seat You Want—Regular or Sleeper

Amtrack sleeper cars are available on most long-distance routes if you’re going to ride the train overnight. Sleeper cars range from two-person roomettes to four-person bedroom suites. A sleeper car is often more expensive than a single-seat ticket, but prices vary by route and season.

 

The excellent benefit of the sleeping car except that it is more comfortable; it also includes onboard meals, showers, linens, towel service, complimentary bottled water, and morning newspapers.

 

Tip: As sleeper seats are usually in high demand and sell out quickly, I suggest making your Amtrack reservation a few months in advance. Sometimes there are options to upgrade your current seat if unsold sleeping seats are available. So make sure to ask.

 

If you travel overnight, bring a blanket and a pillow for more comfort as well.

 

Coach seating is the cheapest option, with no assigned seats. Despite the lower price, the coach seats are pretty comfortable. The seats are reclining and have a fold-down table, power outlets, and overhead lights.

 

The bathroom is located in most coach cars.

 

FYI. There is free Wi-Fi onboard, but it is limited, and if you plan to stream or watch something, you might have problems with speed. There are also charging stations right at your seat available. So it is convenient that you can set your device without going anywhere.

Amtrack Vacation Tip #4

4. Pack Your Luggage Based on Requirements

Per Amtrack’s rules, each passenger can bring two personal items on board, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each, and two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each. If it gets lost, attach a tag with your name and address on the outside of all your bags.

 

You are allowed to check up to three additional pieces of baggage. Once your luggage is checked, you won’t be able to access it. Make sure to have all the essential items in your carry-on. Amtrak allows each passenger two carry-on bags plus one personal item, such as a purse or backpack.

Want to save on tickets and explore more than one destination? Get Amtrak Multi-Ride & Rail Passes.

Amtrack Vacation Tip #5

5. Pack Snacks/Light Meals For Your Amtrack Trip

Most long-distance Amtrak trains have dining cars, and you can make a reservation by speaking with the conductor. Amtrak trains covering shorter routes do not have dining cars, but they offer a snack bar with small items, sandwiches, refreshments, and alcohol.

 

To save money on food (as prices on the train can be expensive), bring your snacks, light meals, and water.

 

And you are ready to go on your train vacation, which I bet will be super fun, especially if you pass the scenic road.

 

Some Useful FAQs

• Can You Still Travel by Train in the US?

Yes, travel by train is still popular, and many people choose this route nowadays because of its simplicity and the beautiful scenic ways they can experience it.

• Are There Meal Options Onboard Amtrack?

Yes, many Amtrack trains offer meals. Make sure to check more details here.

The Most Scenic Amtrak Routes

1. California Zephyr Train: Chicago to San Francisco

The California Zephyr Amtrak route is full of fantastic scenery between Chicago and San Francisco, including Denver, the Rocky Mountains, Salt Lake City, and the Sierra Nevada. Highlights include the Moffat Tunnel that cuts through the Continental Divide, the rugged Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, Winter Park ski town, and freshwater Donner Lake in California.

 

National Park Service guides are also on board for specific stretches to provide information on the landscape. Trains run daily on this route; the trip will take approximately 51 hours and 20 minutes. The train has both a cafe and dining car; like other Amtrak trains, small dogs and cats are allowed.

 

Read about mistakes you do not make when traveling by train in the USA.

 

2. The Sunset Limited: New Orleans to Los Angeles

If you have 48 hours to spend on a one-way train ride, the Sunset Limited route is a perfect choice. This is Amtrak’s southernmost route, allowing travelers to start in New Orleans and then make their way through San Antonio, Tucson, and Palm Springs and arrive in Los Angeles.

 

This train departs three days a week and allows us to see the desert and southern California, with a pretty sunset.

 

For those looking to enjoy nature’s beauty, get off in Alpine, Texas, to go to the magnificent Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande River, or to Tucson to visit Saguaro National Park.

 

The con is that there’s no Wi-Fi on the board, but the train has a cafe and dining car. A one-way ticket costs $163, and small pets are allowed.

 

Check this article How to plan a micro trip

3. The Empire Builder: Chicago to Portland and Seattle

Take a train from Chicago, which goes through Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Fargo, Spokane, and either Seattle or Portland. Passing through significant portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail and crossing the breathtaking Glacier National Park in Montana, travelers will see roaming wildlife and the Great Plains.

 

Suppose you are looking to get to know more about this solid scenery. In that case, booking a spring or summer trip is suggested, as National Park Service guides are onboard during these months and provide educational opportunities between Seattle and Shelby, Montana, from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

 

There are family bedrooms and suites available. The trip runs daily and for 46 hours. A one-way value ticket is around $174.

4. West Coast: Coast Starlight

The daily Coast Starlight connects Los Angeles and Seattle on a two-day, one-night itinerary. The main scenery is between Los Angeles and San Jose, which spreads where the track hugs the spectacular California Coast between Oxnard and San Luis Obispo, including some more secluded parts.

5. The Vermonter

The Service runs daily between St Albans, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.; the scenic parts start between St Albans and New Haven and pass through lovely mountain scenery in the Berkshires and Connecticut. Best to see it in daylight.

 

How To Book an Amtrack Train Ticket?

You can buy Amtrack tickets online at amtrack.com or at any Amtrak station or by calling 800-872-72445 (800-USA-RAIL).

 

You must show your photo ID and ticket before boarding the train.

 

The closer to the travel date you buy tickets, the more expensive they are. So, believe in advance and online to save money. Printing the key is optional. But, for convenience, you can show the ticket on your phone. Check an Amtrack schedule here.

Amtrack Train Travel Tips

1. Save on Tickets

To get a better ticket price, as was mentioned above, buy tickets early and if the price is lower after that, talk to the Amtrack representative to adjust it.

2. Sign Up for Amtrak Guest Rewards

Points you earn can be used towards travel, hotels, car rentals, gift cards, or more.

 

Amtrak’s rewards program is like frequent flyer miles, except that your points depend on how much you spend, not how many miles you travel.

 

You also can buy points which can be even more profitable than earning them. Sometimes, it will be cheaper to purchase points and pay for tickets as you can get a considerable discount.

 

3. Become a Rail Passenger Association Member for Exclusive Perks

For as little as $5-$6, you can access discounted Amtrack tickets and save money on expensive routes.

You can save 10% on train tickets and 20% on selected regional railways as a member.

To become a member, you will need to select a plan first. Students or seniors can expect to pay $5 monthly or $50 annually and $6 or $60 annually for an individual membership. Once you complete your membership process and get a linked membership number, you must add it to your account to start your savings.

 

4. Buy a Rail Pass

You can buy two types of rail passes 1. The California pass offers seven days of travel within three weeks for $159, and 2. the USA pass has 15-, 30-, and 45-day options. Sometimes it can be more affordable than buying a single ticket or going backward. So consider 2 options.

5. You Can Check Your Baggage Up to 24 Hours Before the Departure

If you come to the Amtrack station earlier and, for some reason, you want to check your bags prior, you can do that if it is 24 hours upfront. No need to pay for lockers.

6. Bring Food and Water With You

The on-site cafe and restaurant are pricey, and the food quality may not be top-notch. So, it’s better to pack your snacks for a more enjoyable experience.

 

Read about new safety rules on Amtrack.

 

7. Get an Amtrack Credit Card

An Amtrack credit card won’t help you save on tickets, but it can give you many great benefits. For example, it can upgrade your coach seat to a business seat. There are 2 Amtrack credit cards: Amtrack guest rewards from World Mastercard and Amtrack guest rewards from Platinum Mastercard. To learn more about each card and its benefits, click here.

 

Final Thoughts

My first ever Amtrack trip was from Hershey, PA, to New York. It was back in 2009, and I loved it so much. It was my first experience traveling by train in the USA, and since then, I have had good feelings about train travel.

 

Traveling by train can be the best alternative for those who are afraid to fly or can’t drive a car. In any case, I suggest you have this experience at least once in your life.

 

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