If you’re an avid traveler, you’ve probably read stories of people traveling through the United States by train, passing through some of America’s famous cities and national parks along the way. Maybe you’ve even thought about embarking on the same journey and taking in the stunning scenery of the United States in an Amtrak train car.
Although planes are faster and cars are more independent, there is something special about slow train travel that is not found in other modes of transportation. Riding an Amtrak train across the United States is a laid-back, scenic way to explore the United States, but there are a few things you should know before you embark on a multi-day adventure.
From picking the best seats to packing all the things you need, there are a lot of things to consider before booking a ride.
What You Need to Know to Travel by Train Internationally
When it comes to choosing the best seat for an overnight trip, the privacy and comfort of a private room is unmatched. The layout of the sleeper car is the best way to get a good night’s sleep, so you can arrive at your next stop refreshed and ready to go. In addition, sleeper cars offer benefits such as free meals, lounge access at major stations, and assistance from attendants. Passengers of all fare classes should also be aware of dining options prior to departure.
Another benefit of traveling by train is Amtrak’s relaxed baggage policy – you can bring up to two checked bags, two carry-on bags, and two personal items (we recommend that you have all your travel essentials on hand in your personal belongings, including a mask, which must currently be worn at all times on trains and in stations, and with you during your journey).
Download the Amtrak app before you go and enjoy a relaxed, contactless trip. In the app, you can book tickets, find e-tickets, get information about trains, stations, and routes, and more. Don’t forget to bring a charger to keep the battery fully charged – there are outlets in private rooms and seats (you may need to buy an extra-long charging cable for added convenience). You’re bound to pass by some picturesque views while on a boat trip, so bring a camera to record your journey and binoculars for a better view.
Finally, you’ll need to choose an excellent route – luckily, there are plenty to choose from.
Cross-Country Train Routes
If you’re ready to book an international trip, there are several routes to choose from. Choose a route to the stops you’re most interested in – cross-country train travel can’t be rushed, so you might as well stop for a day or two between stops to make the most of your journey. We’ve highlighted a few of the main destinations, but we recommend researching where each train stops to see which ones appeal the most to you.
New York City to San Francisco is one of the classic cross-border routes. From New York, you can take the Lakeside Express to Chicago and then the California Breeze to San Francisco via Denver. You can take a route further south from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles via New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas, with the Crescent and Sunset trains. The northbound route from New York City to Seattle is on the Lakeside Express and Empire Builders, with stops in Chicago and Glacier National Park along the way. Of course, you can extend or shorten your trip to best suit your starting and ending points and the attractions you want to visit, so it’s really a DIY travel adventure.