Can you take a train across the US?

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.



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Across the United States by train... Coast to coast, 3,397 miles from New York to San Francisco in 3 days by train, a journey of a lifetime for as little as $197.

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The Texas Eagle. Amtrak's longest route (and the longest in America), this three-night, 65-hour journey follows a path first established by the Pacific Railway in 1948, passing some pretty amazing sights: from the Ozarks to Little Rock along the Mississippi River, then into the vast expanse of the Texan countryside.

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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.

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Their speed, however, will be limited by the complexities of the 457-mile route, which is old, curvy and carries a mix of freight, commuter and intercity trains. Most Amtrak trains travel between 110 mph to 145 mph in the corridor, depending on the track and proximity to stations.

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While not nearly as expensive, taking an Amtrak train across the US is also largely the domain of rail enthusiasts as it takes multiple days and costs significantly more than flying. In countries like Japan, South Korea and much of Europe, the opposite is true as the train is simply a way to travel larger distances.

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Four of Amtrak's Most Scenic Routes
  • Coast Starlight. ...
  • Coast Starlight. ...
  • 2. California Zephyr. ...
  • 2. California Zephyr. ...
  • Empire Builder. ...
  • Empire Builder. ...
  • Pacific Surfliner. ...
  • Pacific Surfliner.


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The Amtrak Sleeping Car fleet consists of two types of cars: Superliner and Viewliner. The primary difference: a Superliner features two levels of private accommodations per car and Viewliner features a single level. For your trip, the type of car will depend on the route you select.

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But Over Long Distance, Airfare Is More Economical Generally, short trips cost less by train, but it's more economical to fly for long journeys.

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Luxury Dome on the Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, AZ The two-story train has a downstairs lounge with a full bar, entertainment center and plush furnishings. Besides the luxury dome class, there's also a luxury parlor class at the same price point which includes a private bar and access to the outdoor platform.

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In my opinion, sleeper cars make the ride into a pleasure. So civilized. For me, once I did a room, I'll never do coach overnight again. Daytime only, I do coach, anything overnight, forget it.

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An Amtrak sleeper car is a train car that contains restrooms, shower rooms and sleeping accommodations (not coach seats). Only the overnight and long-distance trains have sleeper cars, which contain roomettes and bedrooms.

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Getting government funding for railways that is comparable to air travel and roads is difficult. Amtrak trains are also slower and more expensive to operate than they are in other countries, but without a big investment to fund major upgrades, it's going to be hard to fix that.

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Amtrak does, in fact, offer scenic, luxury rail journeys to top locations across the U.S., especially if you are looking for some vacation deals.

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Before you start clicking links, make sure to check Amtrak's Weekly Specials, on sale between Tuesday and Friday each week. These are deeply discounted fares (often up to 80% off) that can be for any train in the country.

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Only sleeper car passengers have access to the showers. They are located in the sleeper cars on the lower level in Superliner train cars on down the hall on the Viewliner train cars. Amtrak provides a few items for you and the room attendant keeps the shower clean.

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You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

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These additional tips will help to ensure a smooth trip:
  • Book early; avoid the rush: The busiest travel days are Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after the holiday. ...
  • Arrive early: Allow plenty of time at stations prior to departure – at least 45 minutes beforehand if picking up tickets.


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Trains are Reliable and Stress Free With high-speed rail, train travel is always faster than driving. In many cases, it's even faster than flying, once you factor in the whole air travel song-and-dance. And if you do need to catch a plane, trains make it easier to get to the airport.

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