Thinking about taking a cross-country train trip? Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re an avid traveler, you’ve likely encountered stories about adventurers journeying by train across the United States, witnessing some of the nation’s famous cities and breathtaking national parks along the way. You might even be considering embarking on a similar adventure to experience America’s great landscapes from the comfort of an Amtrak train.
While planes are speedier and cars provide independence, there’s something uniquely special about a slow-paced train ride that other modes of transportation simply can’t match. A cross-country Amtrak train ride offers a leisurely, scenic journey to explore the United States. However, before you embark on a multi-day adventure, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
From selecting the best seats to packing your essentials, there’s much to contemplate prior to your trip. We consulted with experts at Amtrak to gather their top tips for cross-country train rides:
What to Know About Taking a Cross-country Train Ride
When determining the best seating for an overnight journey, nothing compares to the seclusion and comfort of a private room. The sleeping car is ideal for ensuring a restful night’s sleep, enabling you to arrive at your next destination refreshed. Moreover, private rooms come with perks such as complimentary meals, lounge access at major stations, and assistance from the car attendant. It’s also wise for travelers of all fare classes to familiarize themselves with the dining options available onboard, as Amtrak offers a variety of snack, drink, and meal services.
Additionally, a major advantage of train travel is Amtrak’s flexible luggage policy — allowing you to bring up to two checked bags, two carry-ons, and two personal items. We recommend keeping a personal item filled with travel essentials, including masks, which are mandatory on trains and at stations, easily accessible throughout your journey.
To enhance your travel experience, consider downloading the Amtrak app for easy, contactless travel. Through the app, you can access ticket information, learn about your train, and find out more about the stations and routes. Remember to bring a charger; there are outlets in private rooms and at the seats (an extra-long charging cord might come in handy). During your journey, anticipate beautiful scenic views along the way, so don’t forget your camera and binoculars for capturing and enjoying the landscapes.
Finally, it’s crucial to select an excellent route – fortunately, there are numerous options available.
Cross-country Train Routes
If you’re ready to embark on a cross-country journey, consider a few route options. Opt for the route that includes the stops you find most intriguing – since cross-country train travel cannot be rushed, take the time to explore some destinations along the way. Below, we highlight a few key destinations while encouraging further research on train stops to select the most appealing locations. You might also explore options offered by Amtrak Vacations for comprehensive packages tailored to your travel needs.
The classic route from New York City to San Francisco stands out among travelers. Starting in New York, you’ll travel to Chicago via the Lake Shore Limited, and then continue to San Francisco aboard the California Zephyr via Denver. Alternatively, a southern route can take you from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, passing through New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas, using the Crescent and Sunset Limited routes. A northern option for those traveling from New York City to Seattle includes the Lake Shore Limited and Empire Builder, with stops in Chicago and Glacier National Park. Ultimately, you have the flexibility to extend or shorten your journey to match your specific starting and ending points as well as desired excursions, ensuring your adventure is uniquely yours.
