Forget cramped flights and airport hassles. Embrace a more relaxed and scenic way to explore the United States – train travel. Traveling by train in the USA offers a unique perspective, allowing you to witness the diverse landscapes and charming towns that are often missed when flying at 35,000 feet. From breathtaking coastal routes to epic cross-country journeys, Train Travel Usa provides an affordable, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to plan your own memorable train journey across America.
Train Service in the USA: An Overview
While the USA’s rail network may be more limited compared to Europe’s extensive systems, Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (www.amtrak.com), operates a network that reaches most major cities and popular tourist destinations across the country. Amtrak offers a variety of routes, from short intercity connections to iconic long-distance, multi-day journeys.
See detailed map of Amtrak routes
Key Amtrak Routes at a Glance:
- Long-Distance Transcontinental Routes: These routes, often depicted in blue on Amtrak maps, offer daily service (except for the Sunset Limited) and traverse vast distances, providing a true coast-to-coast experience. Examples include the California Zephyr (Chicago-San Francisco) and the Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle/Portland).
- Northeast Corridor: Shown in red on maps, this high-traffic corridor features frequent intercity services connecting major cities like Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston. These routes offer both regular and high-speed Acela Express trains.
- Shorter Intercity Routes: Amtrak also operates numerous regional routes connecting cities within states or neighboring regions, providing convenient travel options for shorter distances.
Finding Train Times and Booking Tickets:
Planning your train travel USA adventure is easy with Amtrak’s user-friendly website (www.amtrak.com). You can also utilize platforms like Omio (Omio.com) to compare and book Amtrak tickets alongside other transportation options.
Essential Information for Train Travel in the USA
| Information | Details explain.
Useful country information | Train operator in USA: | Amtrak, see www.amtrak.com for US train times, fares & online booking or try Omio.com. |
|—|—|
| Trans-Atlantic sea travel: | Southampton-New York, see the Queen Mary 2 page. |
| USA rail pass: | Amtrak USA rail pass |
| Flights to USA: | Flights to USA Travel to the USA by sea on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 |
| Time zones: | New York: GMT-5 Chicago: GMT-6 Los Angeles: GMT-8 Clocks go forward 1 hour from 2nd Sunday in March to 1st Sunday in November. |
| Currency: | 1 = approx $1.20 Check current exchange rates |
| Dialling code | +1 |
| Tourist information: | Each State has a tourist agency, seewww.interstaterestareas.com/state-tourism-offices. Recommended guidebooks |
| Hotels: | | Suggested hotels in New York, Washington, Chicago & LA. Backpacker hostels in USA |
| Page last updated: | 24 January 2025 |
Cross-Country Train Adventures
Imagine traversing the vast landscapes of America, from the bustling East Coast to the sun-kissed shores of the West Coast, all from the comfort of a train. A cross-country train journey in the USA is more than just transportation; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with the heartland of the nation.
Why Choose a Cross-Country Train Trip?
- Scenic Views: Escape the confines of airplane windows and witness America’s breathtaking scenery up close. From the towering Rocky Mountains to the rolling plains and picturesque coastlines, train routes unveil landscapes you simply can’t see from the sky.
- Relaxation and Comfort: Train travel allows you to unwind and enjoy the journey. Stretch your legs, socialize in the lounge car, or simply gaze out the window as the world unfolds before you. Forget about cramped seats and turbulence – trains offer spacious seating and a smooth ride.
- Affordability: Surprisingly, cross-country train travel can be a budget-friendly alternative to flying, especially when considering the cost of checked baggage, airport transfers, and in-flight meals. Amtrak frequently offers deals and passes that make long-distance train journeys even more accessible.
- Unique Experience: Train travel offers a nostalgic and romantic way to see America, reminiscent of a bygone era of travel. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with fellow travelers, and truly appreciate the vastness and diversity of the United States.
Popular Cross-Country Train Routes
Amtrak offers several captivating cross-country routes, each with its own unique character and highlights. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. The Classic Chicago Route:
- Westbound: Begin your journey by taking a train to Chicago from various East Coast cities like New York, Boston, or Washington D.C. (e.g., Lake Shore Limited, Capitol Limited, Cardinal).
- Connecting in Chicago: Chicago’s Union Station serves as a major Amtrak hub. Transfer to a Superliner train heading west, such as the California Zephyr (to San Francisco), Empire Builder (to Seattle/Portland), Southwest Chief (to Los Angeles), or Texas Eagle (to Los Angeles/San Antonio).
- Route Highlights: This route offers diverse scenery, including the Hudson River Valley, the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada. The California Zephyr is particularly renowned for its stunning passage through the Colorado Rockies.
Cross-country westbound 2025 Timetable (Example):
| Route Component | Train Name | Train Number | Departure City & Time (Day 1) | Arrival City & Time (Day 2/3/4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. East Coast to Chicago | Lake Shore Limited | 49 | New York (15:40) | Chicago (10:12 – Day 2) |
| 2. Chicago to West Coast | California Zephyr | 5 | Chicago (14:00 – Day 2) | Emeryville/San Francisco (17:45 – Day 4) |
| Empire Builder | 7 | Chicago (15:05 – Day 2) | Seattle (11:29 – Day 4) | |
| Southwest Chief | 3 | Chicago (14:25 – Day 2) | Los Angeles (07:57 – Day 4) | |
| Texas Eagle | 21 | Chicago (13:52 – Day 2) | Los Angeles (05:35 – Day 5**) |
* San Francisco arrival via Amtrak bus transfer from Emeryville.
** Southwest Chief Chicago-Los Angeles portion runs 3 times a week.
Cross-country eastbound 2025 Timetable (Example):
| Route Component | Train Name | Train Number | Departure City & Time (Day 1) | Arrival City & Time (Day 3/4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. West Coast to Chicago | California Zephyr | 6 | Emeryville/San Francisco (08:25) | Chicago (14:39 – Day 3) |
| Empire Builder | 8/28 | Seattle/Portland (16:45/16:55) | Chicago (16:45 – Day 3) | |
| Southwest Chief | 4 | Los Angeles (22:00 – Day 0***) | Chicago (14:42 – Day 3) | |
| Texas Eagle | 22 | Los Angeles (17:19 – Day 1) | Chicago (13:44 – Day 3) | |
| 2. Chicago to East Coast | Lake Shore Limited | 48 | Chicago (21:30 – Day 3) | New York (22:23 – Day 4) |
| Capitol Limited | 30 | Chicago (18:40 – Day 3) | Washington D.C. (13:05 – Day 4) |
* San Francisco departure via Amtrak bus transfer to Emeryville.
*** Southwest Chief Los Angeles-Chicago portion runs 3 times a week.
*** Day 0 refers to departure the day before Day 1.
2. The Southern New Orleans Route:
- Westbound: Take the Crescent from New York to New Orleans, immersing yourself in the charm of the South.
- New Orleans Stopover: Enjoy an overnight stay in vibrant New Orleans, experiencing its unique culture, cuisine, and music scene.
- Sunset Limited: Connect to the Sunset Limited, which runs three times a week from New Orleans to Los Angeles, traversing Texas and the American Southwest.
- Route Highlights: This route offers a taste of the Deep South, with glimpses of plantations, bayous, and the deserts of the Southwest.
Cross-country via New Orleans Timetable (Example):
| Route Component | Train Name | Direction | Departure City & Time (Day) | Arrival City & Time (Day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. East Coast to New Orleans | Crescent | Westbound | New York (Day 1 – 14:00) | New Orleans (Day 2 – 21:02) |
| 2. New Orleans to West Coast | Sunset Limited | Westbound | New Orleans (Day 3 – 09:00) | Los Angeles (Day 5 – 05:35) |
| 1. West Coast to New Orleans | Sunset Limited | Eastbound | Los Angeles (Day 1 – 22:00) | New Orleans (Day 3 – 21:40) |
| 2. New Orleans to East Coast | Crescent | Eastbound | New Orleans (Day 4 – 09:15) | New York (Day 5 – 18:42) |
3. New York to Florida:
- Silver Service: Amtrak’s Silver Service offers daily trains connecting New York and Washington D.C. to popular Florida destinations like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami (Silver Meteor, Silver Star/Floridian).
- Route Highlights: Experience the changing landscapes as you travel south, from the Mid-Atlantic region to the sunny beaches of Florida.
New York to Florida Timetable (Example):
| Train Name | Direction | Train Number | Departure City & Time (Day 1) | Arrival City & Time (Day 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floridian | Southbound | 91 | New York (14:30) | Miami (18:09) |
| Silver Meteor | Southbound | 97 | New York (14:30) | Miami (18:59) |
| Silver Meteor | Northbound | 98 | Miami (08:10) | New York (11:18 – Day 2) |
| Floridian | Northbound | 92 | Miami (11:05) | New York ( – ) |
4. Boston – New York – Washington D.C.:
- Northeast Corridor Service: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela Express trains provide frequent and fast service between these major East Coast cities.
- Route Highlights: Explore historic cities, cultural hubs, and scenic coastal landscapes along this well-traveled corridor.
Travel Times (Approximate):
- New York to Washington D.C.: 2h 48m (Acela Express)
- New York to Boston: 3h 30m (Acela Express)
Amtrak Train Amenities and Classes
Amtrak trains offer various classes of service and onboard amenities to enhance your travel experience.
Train Types and Facilities:
- Long-Distance Trains (East of Chicago):
- Viewliner Cars: Found on routes like the Lake Shore Limited and Crescent, these single-level cars offer:
- Amfleet Reclining Seats: Comfortable, spacious seats with ample legroom and power outlets.
- Viewliner Sleeping-Cars: Offer private Roomettes and Bedrooms with beds, washbasins (Roomettes), and private restrooms and showers (Bedrooms). Sleeper car passengers enjoy included meals.
- Amfleet Cafe Car: Serves snacks, drinks, and light meals.
- Viewliner Dining Car: Provides dining service for sleeper car passengers (Traditional or Flexible Dining depending on the route).
- Viewliner Cars: Found on routes like the Lake Shore Limited and Crescent, these single-level cars offer:
- Long-Distance Trains (West of Chicago):
- Superliner Cars: Double-decker cars used on routes like the California Zephyr and Empire Builder, featuring:
- Superliner Reclining Seats: Spacious and reclining coach seats, often compared to airline business class.
- Superliner Sleeping-Cars: Offer Roomettes, Bedrooms, Family Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms with varying amenities. Sleeper car passengers enjoy included meals.
- Superliner Dining Car: Provides traditional dining service with freshly cooked meals for all passengers (check current service availability).
- Superliner Sightseer Lounge Car: Features panoramic windows for sightseeing, cafe service, and a social atmosphere.
- Superliner Cars: Double-decker cars used on routes like the California Zephyr and Empire Builder, featuring:
- Northeast Corridor Trains:
- Acela Express: High-speed trains with Business Class and First Class seating, offering premium amenities and faster travel times.
- Northeast Regional: Standard intercity trains with Coach Class and Business Class seating, providing comfortable and affordable travel.
- Amfleet Cars: Used on Northeast Regional trains, offering reclining seats and cafe car service.
Amtrak Fares and Ticket Options
Cost-Effective Travel:
Train travel in the USA can be surprisingly affordable, especially for long distances. Amtrak fares are dynamic, meaning prices can fluctuate based on demand and booking time. Booking in advance is generally recommended to secure the best fares.
Example One-Way Fares (Cheapest Available):
| Route | Reclining Seat | Roomette (2 people) | Roomette (1 person) | Bedroom (2 people) | Bedroom (1 person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York – Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle | $217 | $1688 | $1220 | $2712 | $2244 |
| New York – Chicago | $93 | $702 | $512 | $1090 | $900 |
| Chicago – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle | $124 | $986 | $708 | $1682 | $1344 |
| New York – New Orleans | $143 | $897 | $632 | $1921 | $1656 |
| New Orleans – Los Angeles | $120 | $977 | $707 | $2243 | $1973 |
| New York – Miami | $139 | $822 | $551 | $1818 | $1547 |
| New York – Washington DC (Normal Train) | From $49 | – | – | – | – |
| New York – Washington DC (Acela Express) | – | – | – | – | – |
| New York – Boston (Normal Train) | From $49 | – | – | – | – |
| New York – Boston (Acela Express) | – | – | – | – | – |
Discounts and Savings:
- Children: Reduced fares for children aged 2-12. Children under 2 travel free (one per adult).
- Seniors: 10% discount for seniors (65+) on some fares (not applicable to Saver or Flexible fares, or accommodation charges).
- National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) Membership: 10% discount on basic travel fares (not accommodation charges) with NARP membership.
Purchasing Tickets:
- Online: Amtrak website (www.amtrak.com) or Omio (Omio.com) are convenient options for booking tickets, comparing fares, and viewing schedules.
- Phone: Contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
- Stations: Purchase tickets at staffed Amtrak stations.
Enhancing Your Train Travel Experience
Stopovers:
Amtrak allows stopovers, giving you the flexibility to explore destinations along your route. However, separate tickets are required for each segment of your journey.
Luggage:
Amtrak offers generous baggage allowances:
- Checked Baggage: Free for up to 2 large items. Additional items can be checked for a fee. Weight and size restrictions apply.
- Carry-on Baggage: Two personal items and two carry-on bags are permitted per passenger. Size and weight limits apply.
- Baggage Check-Through: For long-distance journeys with connections, you can often check your bags through to your final destination.
Amtrak Rail Pass:
For extensive train travel within the USA, consider an Amtrak Rail Pass. Passes are available for a certain number of segments (train rides) within a specific timeframe. Rail Passes offer a cost-effective way to explore multiple routes, but have limitations and require reservations.
Important Rail Pass Considerations:
- Segments: Passes cover a limited number of segments (e.g., 10-segment pass). Each train ride counts as one segment, even for long journeys.
- Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and must be made in advance.
- Availability: Passes are subject to “Value” or “Saver” fare availability. If only “Flexible” fares are available, passholders cannot book that train.
- Upgrades: Upgrades to sleeper cars or Business Class are generally not permitted with Rail Passes.
- Exclusions: Acela Express and Auto-Train services are not included in Rail Passes.
Guided Train Tours:
For a hassle-free train travel experience, consider booking a guided train tour package through Amtrak Vacations (www.amtrakvacations.com) or Railbookers (www.railbookers.com). These tour operators can arrange itineraries, accommodations, and train tickets, simplifying your travel planning.
Grand Canyon Connection by Train
Enhance your cross-country train journey with a visit to the iconic Grand Canyon.
Reaching the Grand Canyon:
- Flagstaff, Arizona: Get off the Southwest Chief at Flagstaff, the gateway to the Grand Canyon.
- Bus Connection: Amtrak Thruway buses connect Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes).
- Grand Canyon Railway: For a more scenic option, take an Amtrak Thruway bus from Flagstaff to Williams, Arizona, and board the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a memorable train ride to the South Rim (approx. 2 hours).
Grand Canyon Railway Experience:
- Historic Train: Ride vintage locomotives and passenger cars through stunning landscapes to the Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Daily Service: The Grand Canyon Railway operates daily trains from Williams to the South Rim and back.
- Wild West Show: Enjoy pre-departure entertainment at the Williams station and onboard Wild West-themed performances.
Grand Canyon Railway Timetable (Example):
| Route Component | Departure City & Time | Arrival City & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Williams to Grand Canyon | Williams (09:30) | Grand Canyon (11:45) |
| Grand Canyon to Williams | Grand Canyon (15:30) | Williams (17:45) |
Grand Canyon Railway Fares (Example – Return Trip per person):
| Class of Service | Fare (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Old Pullman Car | $70 |
| Coach Class | $90 |
| First Class | $170 |
| Observation Dome | $200 |
| Luxury Dome | $240 |
| Luxury Parlour | $240 |
Plan Your Train Travel USA Adventure Today
Train travel USA offers an unparalleled way to experience the beauty and diversity of the United States. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing cross-country journey, a scenic coastal escape, or a convenient intercity connection, Amtrak provides a range of options to suit your travel style and budget. Start planning your unforgettable train adventure today!
