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11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Booked An Amtrak Sleeper Car | Our Latest Guide

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My earliest memory of a passenger train is from back in the 1970s before the permanent press was common. My mother used to hire out our ironing. We crossed a train track to pick up the clothes and we usually got stuck there. I was fascinated by watching the slow-moving freight trains chug by, my mom probably less so. 

One day, I saw a different sort of train. The guardrail dropped, and a gleaming, silver train whizzed by so fast it appeared blurry. The guardrail raised and we rolled over the track. 

My mother explained it was an Amtrak passenger train. She told me about sleeper compartments and dining cars. Five-year-old me was intrigued. I told myself I would ride a train like that someday. 

Someday was this spring. I planned to travel from my home in San Antonio to meet a friend to hike in Big Bend National Park . Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited trains pass through Alpine, a small town 80 miles from the park, so I decided to skip the drive and take the train. 

My train left at 2:30 a.m. (ouch!) and I needed to hit the ground running upon arrival, so I booked a sleeper car. I don’t regret my decision, but here are the things I wish I had known before I booked an Amtrak sleeper car. As you read through this, you’ll note the overarching theme of “could have done better research.” Hopefully, my experiences can help you have a smoother, cheaper train adventure. 

11 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Booked An Amtrak Sleeper Car

1. how to get cheaper sleeper car tickets.

I rode the train for the experience and not to save money, although sometimes Amtrak is cheaper than flying or driving. 

Before you get too far into the trip-planning process, check out the Deals section on Amtrak’s website . You’ll find a list of current specials that sometimes include enhanced senior or veteran discounts on select routes. The holy grail of Amtrak discounts is the BOGO offer. If you’re flexible, this is the biggest money saver. Sign up for Amtrak’s emails so you don’t miss notifications. 

I bought my Amtrak tickets five days before my trip and paid about 40 percent more than I expected. The (expensive) lesson I learned was to buy tickets in advance for the best prices. Two to three weeks out makes a big difference in price.

Pro Tip: Capital One Shopping, Coupon Cabin, and Rakuten may also have coupon codes or discounted Amtrak gift cards. 

2. Viewliner Vs. Superliner

The Amtrak system offers two types of sleeper cars, the Superliner and Viewliner. The cars differ quite a bit in size and amenities, so it is important to know which type of car you’ll be in. Viewliner cars are mostly found on the East Coast, while Superliner cars are used in the Western part of the country, for the most part.

Viewliners are single-level while Superliners are double-deckers with stairs leading to the upper level. Therefore, Viewliner rooms are much taller as the Superliner cars need to accommodate two levels. For the same reason, you’ll find more storage space in a Viewliner car.

3. Tips For Using a Public Shower on Amtrak Sleeper Car

If you want to freshen up in the morning or before bedtime, a shower room is located at one end of your car in the Viewliner, or downstairs in the Superliner. 

Amtrak provides a bar of soap, washcloths, plus hand and bath towels. But not the shampoo. If you plan to shower, bring a pair of rubber flip-flops to wear in the public shower.

Pro Tip: Remember that trains sway, so if you have balance issues, you may want to sit while showering or wait for when the train is not moving.

4. The Differences Between Roomette And Bedroom 

If my trip had been during the daytime or if I could have rested upon arrival (versus driving 80 miles to spend 3 hours hiking), I probably wouldn’t have booked a sleeper car. I had to leave for the train station at 1:30 a.m. and needed to arrive rested, so I booked a Roomette to have a space to sleep on my way to Alpine. 

The big difference between a Roomette and a Bedroom on Amtrak is space and price. The Roomette can accommodate 1 or 2 travelers. The Bedroom has more space and a private toilet/shower area and can accommodate 2 to 3 travelers, although I think three would be a tight squeeze. I booked a Roomette and upgraded to a Bedroom.

Sleeper car amenities include blankets, small pillows, bottled water, linens, and access to a coffee station.

Pro Tip: I was comfortable on my short trip, but if you’re spending multiple nights on the train, I recommend keeping room in your carry-on for your own pillow and blanket. I slept in my joggers and socks and the Amtrak blanket didn’t cover the length of my body — it was more like a throw.

By the way, once you get used to the unfamiliar noises and movement, train sleep is awesome sleep.

5. Amtrak’s Dining Car Is Pretty Close To Being Fine Dining

I had breakfast in the dining car and enjoyed views of the West Texas desert and the company of friendly fellow passengers. Meals are included for sleeper car passengers. 

There are two dining styles in Amtrak dining cars: Traditional and Flexible. Your attendant will tell you which one is available on your train and assist you with making necessary reservations. They’ll also inform you of meal times via PA system announcement. If you’d like to eat in your compartment, let your attendant know in advance. 

Pro Tip: Traditional Dining is chef-prepared meals; Flexible Dining has a smaller menu and consists of hot and cold prepackaged food.

6. Not All Trains Have Wi-Fi 

This was a shocker since I’m used to Wi-Fi being universally available. Since I rode during the night, this didn’t hit me as hard as it could have if I’d anticipated being able to work or stream movies. 

The stretch of the Texas Eagle I traveled went through rural areas where cell signals are notoriously absent. I had books downloaded, which worked since I spent a lot of time snoozing. While the opportunity to unplug unexpectedly turned out to be nice, I recommend downloading movies or shows before you board the train.

Pro Tip: If you want to embrace unplugged life, stock up on puzzle books or pack a card game. 

7. Free Checked Bags 

Amtrak allows two checked bags and two carry-on bags per passenger. If you’re sharing your sleeper car, you’ll want to maximize space. Tripping over suitcases will take your compartment from cozy to cramped. Put what you need for the trip in a carry-on and keep your space clutter-free. 

Pro Tip: Passengers in an upstairs compartment (Superliner trains) might not want to drag a big suitcase up the narrow stairway, so that’s another reason to take advantage of free checked bags. 

8. Amtrak’s BidUp Service 

Passengers can use Amtrak’s BidUp to upgrade their seats. I booked a Roomette and used BidUp to upgrade to a Bedroom. Passengers will see the option to BidUp upon booking. 

BidUp will give you an idea of what amount you should bid. If your bid is too low, you probably won’t be competitive, although you have no visibility of how many passengers are bidding. BidUp is a game of chance, although not gambling. If your upgrade bid isn’t accepted, you won’t be charged. 

I did a medium-high bid to upgrade from a Roomette to a Bedroom and ended up getting the upgrade. This afforded me more space and more money. I received the notice I’d been upgraded two days before my departure. 

If you’re a first-timer, I recommend investing the time to research BidUp and read reviews before bidding. Research the price difference between what you already paid and the price of the accommodation you’re bidding on. I’m the perfect example of someone pushing buttons without doing adequate research. I upgraded with minimal savings. I’ll never know if I could have been successful with a lower bid and overspent on space I didn’t need!

9. No Locking Your Compartment From The Outside 

I felt very safe going to sleep on the train. My door locked from the inside and my bedroom had curtains so no one could see inside. 

When I left to visit the observation deck and dining car, though, I discovered there was no way to secure my room from the outside. I carried my wallet and phone on my person but I took a chance and left my backpack with my laptop and other electronics concealed in my compartment. Everything was fine, but in retrospect, I recommend using an abundance of caution. 

10. Tipping On Amtrak

You’ll want to tip your attendant and your dining room servers. Your sleeper car attendant will alert you to stops and mealtimes and assist you with converting your seats into sleeping berths for the evening. They also provide fresh towels, bottled water, and other assistance upon request. 

Your food (and one cocktail at dinner) are included in your ticket, but definitely take cash for tips. I recommend tipping the restaurant server per meal and tipping the stateroom attendant per day or at the end of the trip. 

11. Amtrak Accessibility Info

If your sleeper compartment is upstairs, you’ll find the stairs steep and narrow. If you have mobility challenges, this might prove difficult. 

Amtrak Public Relations Manager Olivia Irwin says, “In addition to handcarts in a number of Amtrak stations, uniformed Red Caps provide free baggage-handling assistance at many major stations. We are also pleased to provide services to passengers with disabilities and have worked to make our facilities more accessible to customers with disabilities .” 

Would I Book An Amtrak Sleeper Car Again?

Yes. There’s something about train travel that adds a little more spice to the act of getting somewhere. That said, although my fellow train travelers were sociable, I found myself wishing for a companion to share my experience with. Since I’m a more informed train traveler now and learned a lot from my own mistakes, I’d plan a future trip around fare specials and embrace a slower travel experience. 

How Many Amtrak Sleeping Car Room Options Are There?

There are four Amtrak Sleeper Car accommodations available to overnight travelers: the roomette, bedroom, bedroom suite consisting of two adjoining bedrooms, and Accessible bedrooms with ample space for a wheelchair, accessible private toilet, and a sink.

What Amenities Are Included Onboard Amtrak Sleeper Car?

Apart from fresh linen, towel service, and complimentary bottled water, sleeping car travelers are entitled to full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, you can enjoy Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges located at select stations during your voyage.

Can I Watch Netflix on Amtrak Sleeper Car?

No, you can’t. Amtrak is working on improving its wireless connection as we speak, but for now, its WiFi does not support actions like streaming music, streaming video, or downloading large files. Hopefully, the scenery outside your window will make up for it.

How Do I Book an Amtrak Sleeper Car?

Easy. Go to the Amtrak website, find your destination, and check to see if it has a sleeper because not all trains do. if it does, you can book it directly online using a credit card. You can also go to any station with an AMTRAK ticket office and book it there.

If I Buy a Sleeper Car Room on Amtrek, Should I Expect a Roommate?

No. Unless you booked the room with another passenger on purpose, you will have a private room to yourself. They sell the rooms, not the bunks. Your private room is all yours.

Although Jill is an expert in Texas travel and theme park travel, she'll jump at the opportunity to go just about anywhere. From multigenerational trips to couples getaways, Jill never met an adventure she didn't like. Her most memorable travel experience was when her adult daughter took her to Morocco for her 52nd birthday, affirming that the travel bug has been successfully passed to a new generation.

5 US Sleeper Train Routes for the Ultimate Slow Travel Journey

By Marianna Cerini

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Sleeper trains are having a moment. And why wouldn’t they? More eco-friendly than flying —with none of the hassle that comes from even just stepping into an airport these days—and a lot more pleasant than driving, overnight rail routes make for increasingly smarter alternatives to cars and planes, turning the journey to your destination into an experience in itself.

While Europe is leading the pack when it comes to taking you from A to B as you rest peacefully in your sleeper car, the US isn’t lagging that far behind. Several lines have in fact stepped up their game in recent years in terms of comfort and on-board services, offering travelers anything from plush beds to dedicated attendants and roomy sleeping quarters.

Here are five sleeper trains that are worth skipping highway tolls and airport lines for.

Coast Starlight

Linking Los Angeles to Seattle in around 34 hours, the Coast Starlight is one of Amtrak’s most scenic rail lines. The route delivers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the lush Oregonian forest , with mountains, lakes, and thick woodlands as the main backdrop for most of the trip. You can gawk at them all from the gorgeous observation cars, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and snug seats to while away the hours and snap plenty of pictures.

Come nighttime, the Coast Starlight’s sleeper cars ensure all the zzzs you need with roomettes, bedrooms, and one family bedroom to choose from (if you book the sleeper car, you also have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before departure, which is a nice plus). While the smaller roomettes have outside toilets and showers, the bigger accommodations feature an ensuite bathroom for extra comfort, and more space to stretch your legs. Regardless of size, all of them grant access to the restaurant-style dining car for dinner, breakfast, and lunch—all included in your ticket—as well as complimentary coffee to keep you energized throughout the journey.

Top tip: Travel in the summer to get the most daylight, and make sure to take advantage of the early morning fresh-air stops in Oregon after your night onboard. You’ll feel restored in no time.

California Zephyr

At 2,438 miles and almost 52 hours of overall travel time (that’s three days and two nights), the California Zephyr is Amtrak’s second longest route, and the very definition of a long-distance rail journey. Riding from Chicago to Emeryville/San Francisco, you’ll roll through Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah , Nevada, and California—passing by verdant plains and the Rocky Mountain range, across arid countryside and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. The whole trip is basically a deep dive into the natural beauty of the United States, and one of those experiences every train aficionado should try at least once in their lifetime.

There are plenty of places to stop and visit on the way—you can get off in Denver and explore the Rocky Mountain National Park or spend a few days in Salt Lake City—but should you choose to stay onboard for the whole ride, you’ll be in for a treat.

With roomettes, bedrooms, bedroom suites, family bedrooms, and one accessible bedroom spread across two levels of its sleeper cars, the California Zephyr has a wealth of sleeping options to cater all needs. All of them come with complimentary meals, dedicated cabin attendants, lounge access in Chicago, and priority boarding, while restrooms and showers are either within the car or ensuite, depending on the room category. The upper-level quarters offer better views and sell out fast, though if you suffer from motion sickness, the lower accommodations might be a better fit.

Besides the sleeping arrangements, however, it’s waking up to the Great Plains and winding through the Rockies and then the Sierra Nevada that’s truly special. Just make sure to always have your camera ready.

Texas Eagle

Another cool way to travel from Chicago to California— Los Angeles , to be exact—by train rather than plane? 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.

There are stops in Dallas and Austin along the route, though really, it’s the sheer grandness of the Lone State’s topography—a never-ending mix of remote small towns and rural settlements, wide-open fields and swamps—that’s the trip’s biggest draw.

That, and the fact you can watch it all from compact-to-spacious sleeping quarters, which range from roomettes to suites and feature perks like turndown service, full meals in the dining car for the entire duration of the ride, and coffee, juice, and daily newspaper delivered every morning to your door.

In-room amenities include outlets to keep your electronics charged, lighting and climate controls, and a closet for your clothes (there are also soap and towels if you’re in the higher room categories), as well as an attendant call button should you have any extra needs. If you want to stretch your legs, the Sightseer lounge, with swivel seat, wraparound windows, and a beverage and snack service, is the place to go—and the best spot to meet like-minded travelers to share the journey with.

Rocky Mountaineer

Ok, so the Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t technically have a sleeper car. The private company that runs it is also not American, but Canadian—though one of its trips, the “Rockies to the Red Rocks,” takes place in the States and connects Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado.

Jessica Chapel

Alex Erdekian

Diana Oates

Jessica Puckett

Still, the fact that this luxury rail journey includes overnight stopovers at stylish hotels qualifies it as an excellent alternative to any flight, in our opinion. All the more so when Moab and Denver are actually quite close: Much better to opt for the slow way rather than create unnecessary CO2 emissions , right?

The US-based route takes travelers on a four-day/three-night adventure across the two mountain states—you’ll spend two full days onboard—snaking through rugged canyons and natural archways, awe-inspiring deserts and the majestic Colorado Rockies.

Accommodations include the four-star Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton in Utah and the hip Rally Hotel or Crawford Hotel in Denver —depending on which direction you’re going—with a less splurgy but equally comfortable option in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

If you want to extend the fun, the Rocky Mountaineer also offers a selection of curated packages to start or end your trip in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

New York and Chicago are close enough to consider forever ditching flights and choosing a scenic train ride to travel between them instead—at least when you’re in no rush to reach either city.

The best rail journey for the task is the Cardinal, which connects the two in 26 hours and 30 minutes and runs three times a week.

The line offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern US, rolling past the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allegheny range, and the Shenandoah Valley. You’ll wind through the New River Gorge and West Virginia’s wild white-water rivers before reaching the banks of the grand Ohio River, rolling by the quaint towns of Ashland and Maysville all the way to Cincinnati and Indianapolis—this is the only Amtrak route that stops in both metropolises—and, at last, Chicago.

Private roomettes and bedrooms—which include a flexible dining service in their rate—promise comfort and a blissful night’s sleep before you reach your final destination, while a café open to all passengers keeps everyone fueled up for the entire trip.

Unsurprisingly, the Cardinal is pretty popular in the summer and fall, meaning early bookings are highly recommended. Our advice: Treat yourself to a bedroom or suite. Both have an in-room sink, restroom, and shower, and larger abodes to hunker down in than the smaller roomettes. Got a bike or a pet with you? This train allows both—just check the guidelines beforehand.

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 5 best amtrak sleeper car routes.

If you’re considering an overnight Amtrak trip with sleeping accommodations , there are several routes to choose from. Most people prefer the mountain and desert scenery in the western half of the United States, but there are also overnight routes east of Chicago. To start planning your trip, here are the best (and most scenic) Amtrak sleeper car routes.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page . For current schedules and ticket prices, visit Amtrak.com.

One of Amtrak’s hidden gems, the Cardinal route travels through mountains and valleys in West Virginia and Virginia. There’s beautiful scenery in the New River Gorge (pictured above); trains travel along the river for about two hours. You’ll also have views of the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.

The Cardinal only operates three days per week and typically has fewer sleeper cars compared to other long-distance routes, so book your tickets early. Also, for guaranteed views of the New River Gorge, travel eastbound. You can start the trip in Chicago or Indianapolis and travel to Alexandria, VA or Washington D.C . for the best scenery and easy access to airports.

If you want to travel the entire route, Chicago and New York City are the end-of-the-line stations. You can also book your tickets to Staunton, VA to explore the Shenandoah Valley and birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson, or to Charleston, WV to reach the New River Gorge National Park (rental car needed at both locations).

Southwest Chief

For a trip through the New Mexico and Arizona deserts, Sangre De Cristo Mountains, Apache Canyon and the Raton Pass on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail , plan a trip on the Southwest Chief . Trains on this route travel between Los Angeles and Chicago (43 hours), but you can also travel between Los Angeles and Kansas City to shorten the travel time.

Westbound trains provide the opportunity to see beautiful desert sunsets and Raton Pass in daylight. Otherwise, travel east during the summer to view the most sights. Popular stops include Albuquerque and Flagstaff , with Flagstaff the closest stop to the Grand Canyon , which is one of the top attractions on the route to plan a trip around.

Note that the Southwest Chief uses Superliner rail cars that are two levels tall, and there is an observation car and option to book a roomette, bedroom or family bedroom on this route.

Empire Builder

Trains on the Empire Builder route will take you to Glacier National Park and through the Montana Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, Columbia River Gorge and the Upper Midwest. Summer travel is recommended to see the most scenery, especially if you are traveling west. However, it’s worth noting that winter travel can be magical with snow in the forests and mountains.

We recommend starting the trip in Seattle or Portland (Portland trains travel through the Columbia River Gorge and Seattle trains along Puget Sound). You can then travel to one of the stations near Glacier National Park and stay for a night or more and return to the West Coast on Amtrak or fly out of the Glacier Park International Airport (near the Whitefish Amtrak Station). Otherwise, you can start or end the trip in Chicago if you want to experience the entire route and some of the cities along the way .

Roomettes, bedrooms and family bedrooms are available on this train along with an observation car.

California Zephyr

For stunning mountain views, plan a trip on the California Zephyr . Trains travel through the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada with many great stops along the route for sightseeing, skiing and even gambling. Summer is a popular time to ride, but all seasons have wonderful scenery, and you can see golden Aspen trees in fall and snow-covered mountains in winter.

If you want to ride the entire route, you’ll spend two nights on the train and travel between Northern California and Chicago. For a shorter trip and to view the best scenery, travel between California and Denver instead. The perk of starting in Denver and traveling west is that you’ll have daylight for the entire trip through the Rockies (unless there is a major delay).

Like most other routes on this list, you can choose from a roomette, bedroom or family bedroom when booking your tickets. Tip : When choosing where to start or end the trip in California, Emeryville and Sacramento are both near airports (Oakland International and Sacramento International).

Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight is consistently ranked as one of the most scenic Amtrak routes. Trains travel between Los Angeles and Seattle and you’ll have ocean, valley and mountain scenery. Total trip time is 34 hours and you’ll spend a night on the train. It’s best to travel in the summer for the most daylight, and northbound travel from Los Angeles is a popular option.

There are many great places to visit along the Coast Starlight route . Plus, you can book a day tour from Seattle to visit Mt. Rainier National Park , Olympic National Park , wineries and other destinations before or after your rail trip. Roomettes, bedrooms and family bedrooms are options, and you can enjoy the views in the observation car.

More Information

• Amtrak Roomette vs Bedroom
• 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
• 8 best Amtrak cross-country trips
• Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go
• 10 best places to start a train trip in the United States
• The best long-distance Amtrak route to ride in each month of the year

Top photo credit: Jerry Huddleston (Empire Builder in Minnesota)

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• Bus and Train Travel

The Fanciest Sleeper Car Trains Around the World

Travel the world in style.

Train travel comes with one very important life lesson: Letting the world pass you by can indeed be a good thing.

Riding the rails is as romantic as travel gets. Peaceful and slow, it can show you the world outside your window. Plus, it makes the trip about the journey, not just the destination. But, like all travel, there are still ways to level up an already stellar experience. And with train travel , that means booking an epic sleeper car so you can see the world in style.

Luxury train companies can be found all over the world, just waiting to take guests on a dream vacation. All travelers need to do is grab a ticket and make their way to the station before the conductor calls, "All aboard!" Need a little inspiration to get you there? Here are nine luxury sleeper car trains with routes crisscrossing the globe.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Venice

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most well-known luxury train companies in the world — and for good reason. Its train cars are opulent, with plush velvet furnishings in rich jewel tones, dark wood walls, and top-notch service that can't be beat. Though all of its journeys look epic, the London-to-Venice route may be the best for first-time train travelers. Guests will board the company's British Pullman train, where they can enjoy a cocktail in the bar car, snag a bite in the dining car, or take in the picturesque countryside views from their room.

Belmond Andean Explorer: Cusco to Arequipa

Meander through Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa, in total luxury aboard the region's first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer . Inside, guests will be delighted by the bright furnishings, including crisp, white bedding and supple leather seating with just the right pops of color, thanks to the Peruvian textiles. On board, passengers will dine on locally sourced cuisine and can even book a spa appointment, so they can rest and recharge before arriving at the final destination.

Maharajas' Express: Delhi to Mumbai

Maharajas' Express is a vintage train travel dream come true. The train takes guests on a seven-day trip from Delhi to Mumbai , stopping at different countryside locations, including Udaipur, where passengers can take a quick boat ride on Lake Pichola, and Jodhpur, where they can roam through the Bishnoi Village. Though all accommodations are spectacular, if you can, try and book the presidential suite, which comes with 448 square feet of living space and two bedrooms for those looking to spread out.

The Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town

Sometimes, all you need is 36 hours to have the ideal vacation, and that's exactly what you'll get on The Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town. On board, guests will find moody suites and common spaces, all decked out in deep brown leather and emerald green accents. And perhaps best of all, each suite comes with a soaking tub for ultimate relaxation. Passengers can also partake in high tea before settling in for a world-class dinner experience and a nightcap.

Belmond Royal Scotsman: Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands

Belmond's Royal Scotsman Edinburgh train is ideal for those looking to spend a few extra days on the rails. The famed trip offers guests the chance to spend four nights on a round-trip journey, where they'll be pampered by a 24-hour steward. All meals, including a Scottish breakfast and four-course dinner, as well as experiences at each stop are also included. After a day exploring places like Ballindalloch Castle and the Rothiemurchus Estate, guests can retire to their suite, outfitted with an ultra-cozy bed that's also covered in Scottish tartans for extra warmth.

Danube Express: Transylvania

The Danube Express is ready to take you to the home of Count Dracula with a seven-day trip through Transylvania . Along the way, passengers can disembark for a walking tour through the town of Sighisoara, visit Sibiu's Evangelical Cathedral, and explore the famed Bran Castle. After a day of sightseeing, guests can head back to the train, the Golden Eagle Danube Express , which is just as impressive as the historic sites they visited. On board, the well-appointed cabins feature king-sized beds, as well as common spaces such as the bar lounge, which offers entertainment like music performances and more.

The Canadian: Toronto to Vancouver

If you're on the hunt for a train trip that offers the most spectacular scenery, look no further than The Canadian . The four-day, four-night Toronto-to-Vancouver journey includes stops in Sudbury, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops. Throughout the trip, guests can look out onto the changing landscape, which includes city and forest views, rivers and mountain peaks, and everything in between. Passengers on board for the overnight journeys can find cabins for up to four guests, which come with private bathrooms and are converted into lounge spaces during the day. Though guests never need to leave their rooms, they may want to head to the train's dining room for a delicious meal and a toast to a well-deserved adventure.

The Ghan: Adelaide to Darwin

The Australian outback is calling your name, and The Ghan Expedition from Adelaide to Darwin will help get you there. The four-day, three-night trip will take guests on a cross-continental adventure, with off-train excursions in towns like Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, as well as plenty of activities on board, too. While riding across Australia, guests will dine on a regionally inspired menu and sip on locally sourced wines as they watch some of the most remote landscapes on the planet pass by outside. To make this trip as spectacular as possible, book at the platinum level, which comes with the largest suite and personalized service.

Eastern & Oriental Express: Singapore to Bangkok

Come spend three perfect days aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express as it makes its way from Singapore to Bangkok . The luxury train comes decked out in antique-style furnishings, including floral upholstery and polished wood paneling on every wall. On board, guests can mingle in the bar car, which harkens back to a time when jazz reigned supreme, and where stewards serve Champagne like it's going out of style. For a more subdued moment, head to the observation car to admire the scenery. The rooms and suites, meanwhile, come with more gorgeous furnishings and slippers, so you can kick back and relax. Suites are converted into private lounges during the day, and feature a sofa and rattan chairs, along with a window-side desk, just in case inspiration strikes to write the next great romance novel while aboard.

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The Best Luxury Sleeper Car Train Trips in the World in 2024

Indulge yourself in the world of sleeper train travel.

There’s something uniquely enchanting about train travel. Overnight train rides with sleeper cars provide an authentic air of romance above and beyond other forms of transport. Sleeper car train vacations are as much about the journey as the destination. Many travellers choose a train with sleeper cars as the highlight of their holiday. They’ll reach their final destination, turn around, and return home. Today, enthusiasts of train vacations with sleeper cars are spoilt for choice.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Luxury Sleeper Cars on a Train Journey from London to Venice

Almost everyone has heard of the Orient Express in some form, and the Belmond-owned Venice Simplon-Orient Express represent the company’s most famous and luxurious route. As luxury sleeper car train trips go, this is a special one. Many of its luxury train sleeping cars date back to the late 1920s, and passengers fortunate enough to experience this high-end rail journey are treated with extraordinary grandeur. From lavish interior soft furnishings and natural dark wood walls, each luxury train car is fit for royalty and a reminder of a sumptuous golden era of rail travel. After a day of sipping champagne, off-train excursions, and marvelling at breathtaking landscapes, retiring for a peaceful night’s rest in the finest train sleeper cars isn’t the worst way to end your day.

Belmond Andean Explorer: Embark on a Train with Sleeper Car Adventures from Cusco to Arequipa

The Belmond Andean Explorer is world-famous for having perhaps the best sleeper cars of any South American rail journey, and moving through Peru on a trip from Cusco to Arequipa gives those onboard an experience to remember. The interior of this sleeping car train is light, bright and airy and leans heavily on radiant colours, thanks to traditional Peruvian textiles. Being a Belmond-owned service, guests onboard this train with sleeper cars are spoilt with a wonderful selection of dining experiences designed with locally sourced ingredients, as well as the opportunity to take some time out at the bar before retiring at the end of the day to their cabin in one of the luxury train sleeping cars.

Maharajas’ Express: Experience a Train Sleeper Car Odyssey from Delhi to Mumbai

The Maharajas’ Express boasts train vacations with sleeper cars that are praised by many fortunate enough to spend time onboard as the most luxurious train with sleeper car cabins available. The Delhi to Mumbai route is world-renowned as being the most expensive rail journey, but with spectacular levels of onboard luxury, including a presidential two-bedroom suite, impeccable service, world-class fine dining, and stops along the way that help create a lifetime of magical memories, this truly represents the best of high-end train trips with sleeper cars and should be experienced by all rail lovers at least once.

The Blue Train: Sleeper Car Train Trips Redefined from Pretoria to Cape Town

South Africa’s famous Blue Train is renowned as among the continent’s best-in-class overnight train rides with sleeper cars. Operating since 1946, passengers get a revealing glimpse into South Africa’s spectacular landscape on this 36-hour mini vacation. The train offers the best sleeper cars for guests to relax when not enjoying a meal in the dining car or making the most of the observation deck. Sleeper cars on trains provide a luxury oasis for passengers, and with a short journey from Pretoria to Cape Town, it’s priceless to have a quiet space to withdraw to. The Blue Train can also be chartered to experience Kruger National Park and the country’s “Big Five”.

Belmond Royal Scotsman: The Epitome of Luxury Train Travel with Sleeping Cars from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands

For those looking to pamper themselves on one of the world’s most famous trains, the Belmond Royal Scotsman ticks all the boxes when searching for the train with the best sleeper cars. Passengers fortunate enough to spend four nights onboard this stunning sleeping car train are treated to quite an experience. From a 24-hour steward, optimising local ingredients for exceptional fine dining, access to superb wines and whiskeys, and off-train excursions at each stop before returning to your train sleeping car to retire for the evening and have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Danube Express: Transylvania’s Sleeper Train Car Experience Awaits

Transylvania is synonymous with Count Dracula, and on a week-long rail vacation through the region, the famed Bran Castle is one of the destinations passengers experience during this luxury train travel. With sleeping cars that feature superbly comfortable king-size beds and all the other luxury amenities you would expect, The Golden Eagle Danube Express delivers on and off-train entertainment that’s hard to beat. Passengers can enjoy walking tours and other sightseeing excursions before climbing back on board their luxurious sleeping railroad car for a well-earned rest and prepare for what the stunning itinerary holds for them the next day.

The Canadian: A Train Sleeping Car Adventure Spanning from Toronto to Vancouver

Few countries can boast a more spectacular landscape than Canada, and an adventure onboard The Canadian never fails to deliver. Passengers can climb onboard and relax in the sleeping train car for the journey from Toronto to Vancouver on the four-day and four-night route. Making stops along the way in Sudbury, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops, guests in these train sleeper cars are treated to fabulous destinations along with the incredible scenery that changes from dense forests and winding rivers to snow-covered mountain peaks and cityscapes.

The Ghan: A Sleeper Train Car Expedition Through the Australian Outback from Adelaide to Darwin

Nothing says adventure more than cross-continental sleeper car train vacations. As trains with sleeper cars go, Australia’s Ghan provides a spectacular glimpse into the interior of this magical country. Each luxury train car offers unmatched levels of comfort as you set off from Adelaide on your way to Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. During the 1800-mile trip, guests can enjoy a fabulous regionally inspired menu and a great selection of wines as the train meanders through the isolated landscape. Each sleeping railroad car allows for total luxury and comfort between off-train excursions, including visits to Coober Pedy and Alice Springs.

Eastern & Oriental Express: The Ultimate Sleeper Car Train Vacation from Singapore to Bangkok

The Orient Express is a name that even non-lovers of train travel will have heard of. The Eastern & Oriental Express is a stunning sleeper car train that operates a route between Singapore and Bangkok. With a breathtaking interior design that utilises actual wood panelling and plush soft furnishings, passengers can while away the hours by sipping champagne in the bar or the observation car. The suites within your sleeping train car will be transformed during the day into private lounges that allow you to kick back and relax in your complimentary slippers as the train winds its way toward Thailand’s capital city and your final destination.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Luxury trains with sleeper cars faqs, what are some of the most luxurious sleeper car trains around the world.

Having sleeper cars on trains has long been a component of long-distance rail travel, but it’s fair to say that not all can be described as luxurious. That said, some owners and operators have set themselves apart and provided world-class luxury accommodations on their trains with sleeper cars. Belmond is one operator that offers exceptional sleeper car train trips. The Orient Express, whichever route you take, is an incredible experience.

Are any sleeper car train journeys offering unique cultural or scenic experiences, such as the Maharajas’ Express in India or The Ghan in Australia?

If you’re looking for a sleeper car train offering superb luxury and cultural experiences, you’re a little spoilt for choice. The Maharajas Express will take you from Delhi to Mumbai, and you’ll get immersed in this unique country’s rich history and traditions. The Ghan in Australia offers quite a different experience in many ways—still an extremely luxurious train with the best sleeper cars on the continent. The breathtaking scenery here provides a glimpse of some of the world’s most remote and desolate landscapes.

What amenities and services can travellers expect when booking these luxury sleeper car trains?

There is probably a certain level of luxury you would expect when staying on a sleeping car train, but the world’s most exclusive luxury trains do things slightly differently, and they go above and beyond. Depending on which sleeper car train vacations you go on, you can expect opulent cabins with everything from the most sumptuous soft furnishings to luxury en suite bathrooms. On some trains, you even get a personal butler. Trains with sleeper cars are often running journeys between 2 and 7 days in length, and during that time, guests can experience fine dining that uses regional ingredients prepared onboard by top-class chefs. Fine wines and cocktails, onboard entertainment, observation cars, and many amenities are available to make your stay onboard genuinely unforgettable.

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Top 5 Amtrak Sleeper Car Routes

In this list of top 5 Amtrak sleeper car routes you will find the most popular cross country routes. Each of these routes has something special to offer. You can find more details for each of these routes in the corresponding route guide for each one. There is nothing more quintessential about America than a cross country train trip . You get the feel of a road trip without all the hassle of driving and having to make arrangements. Prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime .

1. California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is known as one of the most scenic train routes in the USA. This route travels from Chicago to Emeryville, California near San Fransisco. The journey from the Heartland to the West Coast. This journey is 2,440 miles from terminus to terminus stations. After taking in the corn fields of Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska you will start to head into the most dramatic scenery of this route. This train route will take you through mountains, tunnels, under the Continental Divide and dramatic canyons. The Sierra Nevada Mountains will signal the change in scenery. You will traverse Donner Pass and Donner Lake as you descend into the valley. The gorge section of Colorado is the best scenery available in the USA by train.

2. Empire Builder

The Empire Builder is a 2,200 mile journey through the Wild West. This route leaves from Chicago and quickly takes you across the Mississippi River where you’ll begin retracing the famed Lewis and Clark trail across the Plains of North Dakota and into Big Sky Country in Montana. You will be treated to the panoramic view of Glacier National Park and crossing the Continental Divide. The Empire Builder takes you from Chicago to either Seattle or Portland. Depending on which terminus you choose you will either see the Cascade Mountains or the Columbia River Gorge. This journey is not one to be missed. It’s not hard to see why the Empire Builder is on the list of the top 5 Amtrak sleeper car routes.

3. Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle

One route that often gets left off the top 5 Amtrak sleeper car routes is the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. These trains come together in Texas to complete the journey to Los Angeles. On the Texas Eagle you will start in Chicago and meet up with the Sunset Limited in San Antonio where the trains are put together and continue as the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles Union Station. Together they comprise the longest train journey in the USA covering 2,728 miles. The Sunset Limited begins it’s journey in New Orleans. This Amtrak’s southernmost route running parallel the the Mexico border as it travels through Texas and New Mexico, giving you some very interesting views.

4. Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight has definitely earned it’s spot in the top 5 Amtrak sleeper car routes. It is certainly in the running for one of the most scenic routes in the USA. The gleaming waters of the Pacific Ocean is enough to entrance you on this journey of 1,440 miles. Starting the journey in the famed Los Angeles Union Station , this journey brings all the glitz you would expect of a journey up the California Coast . On the other end of this journey you will arrive into King Street Station in Seattle, Washington. If the waves crashing on the shore is not enough to move this route to the top of the list then the views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens will certainly do the trick. You will not want to miss a single second of this gorgeous journey north.

5. Southwest Chief

Last but certainly not least on our list of the top 5 Amtrak sleeper car routes is the Southwest Chief . This route is often overlooked as the scenery is mostly through the American southwest. But if you look closely you will see you are following Route 66 for a good portion of your journey. The Southwest Chief runs between Chicago and Los Angeles. If you love Route 66, you will truly enjoy this journey. This route also crosses the Mississippi River as well as rushing past eight states. The views in the west are dramatic and will certainly draw your attention. This journey is not one to be missed.

It is easy to see how each of these routes earned their spot on the top 5 Amtrak sleeper car routes. It’s hard to choose a favorite route but the California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight are certainly at the top of the list. Each route has something special for the passengers.

Allie Marmion

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Journey on the Trans-Siberian: Moscow to Yekaterinburg

This is the second part of a series about my trip across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway in the summer of 2018. I’ll cover the overnight ride from St Petersburg to Moscow, the 16 hours I spent in the Russian capital, and the two-day ride from Moscow to Yekaterinburg.

After a few days in St Petersburg I boarded the overnight train to Moscow. The sleeper train “Red Arrow” departs at 11:55pm. I read (but didn’t confirm) the departure time was set in Soviet times to leave before midnight so travelers could get reimbursed for two working days.

There were three people already in the cabin when I walked in: In one of the top bunks was a girl who looked 20-something, and on the two bottom bunks, two Brazilian men who looked like soccer fans. (It was World Cup summer.)

We exchanged muted hello’s and filled out our breakfast order forms. Without wasting time I followed the process of settling into an overnight cabin:

• Examine and unpack the supplied bedding.
• Make the bed.
• If foreigners are in the cabin, motion to them to follow your lead.
• Exit the cabin to give others room to make their bed and, if they wish, to change into sleeping attire.
• Return when appropriate, and begin smalltalk to spark a deep and cross-cultural conversation that’ll grow richer and bring you closer together with every mile of track until the morning golden hour.

Except the Brazilian men didn’t speak English, and the girl, probably on-guard, remained silent. I went to sleep.

It wasn’t the rocking that stirred me awake every hour, but the impressive guttural symphony coming from the man below me. The snores came in different tones and rhythms, transforming mid-breath with no particular pattern, which made them difficult to ignore. (A few days later, Tatiana, another cabin-mate, refuted my story by telling me sound doesn’t travel upwards. “Then he cheated physics,” I said.) I forced my earplugs deeper and felt relief that this is only a seven-hour trip.

By morning the Brazilians still didn’t speak English but the girl was more inviting. She’s a mother of two—which surprised me—and was headed to Moscow for a meditation seminar. I made whatever smalltalk I could fit between bites of fried cheese fritters until we arrived in Moscow.

It was early morning, and my first objective was to find a quiet part of the city where I can rest until some nearby coffeeshop opens. I took the metro to the nearest patch of green on Google Maps—a park called “Clean Ponds.”

The only available bench was next to a group of Russian men still drinking from the night before. One of the men was slumped over, another was drying in the sun after taking a dip in the pond, another was throwing fists at the wet one, and the rest were fighting to stay upright—only because it’s easier to keep drinking when upright. I decided against napping, and instead enjoyed the scene unfolding to my left.

A woman approached and sat next to me, holding her small dog, and complained about the park’s occupants. Following a light conversation, she lit a cigarette, told me about her (deceased) husband’s medical invention, and proposed I introduce the product to the US market in return for a cut of the profits. She did this while parrying advances from one of the men. (“I have a job and own an apartment in a good location, behind the McDonald’s,” he said.) She gave me her phone number before leaving, probably dreaming of business ventures in America that will not happen.

When the woman left, the party group noticed me. “Where the f— did you come from?!” one of them said. I was prepared to give (and take) a few hits and run, but managed to ease the tension with some jokes and handshakes.

I gave up on rest and went in search of coffee and breakfast.

Irina and Red Square

Irina is a lawyer living in Moscow who’s trying to improve her English. We met on a language-learning website, and arranged to meet in person to walk through the Red Square and practice English/Russian.

The Red Square was staged for the World Cup and crowded with tourists. It felt like the Russian version of Times Square, which I found intolerable. I snapped some shots and hurried us to lunch.

We found a Georgian restaurant just off the main boulevard and spent the next hour chatting about Russia’s legal system, language exams, graduate school, and how long could it possibly take to cook chicken.

In 2007 I was supposed to visit St Petersburg aboard my college’s training ship. My cousin warned me I should brush up on my Russian: “We have smart relatives there, don’t embarrass yourself.” I searched for Russians to chat with online and found Polina.

We spoke every other day in the months leading up to my voyage that summer. I started to like her. We made unrealistic plans for her to travel from Moscow to St Petersburg to meet me for the few days I’d be there. It never happened. Just days before my ship’s scheduled arrival, the captain diverted us to Estonia after failing to get the proper docking permits or visas for Russia. Polina and I exchanged only a few emails over the next decade.

This time, the plan worked.

We met and crisscrossed the Moskva river over bridges as we spoke of life in Russia, her newborn son, traveling, her dreams of returning to freelancing, the things we still do and those we don’t… I don’t remember where we walked or what we passed.

Is this what Captain Smith made me miss? I imagined myself at 19, and Polina getting permission from her mom to take the overnight train to St Petersburg, and my needing to return to the ship by midnight, and maybe ending up like my shipmate and the Croatian girl he fell in love with on the first day in port in Dubrovnik…

The thought made me happy but also underscored the passage of time. We were far from 19, and we both found love on native soil, and she became a mom, and I had to catch the train to Yekaterinburg before midnight.

After saying goodbye to Polina, it was time for the next segment of the Trans-Siberian Railway: A one-and-a-half-day ride to Yekaterinburg. I stocked up on ramen noodles and tea, and made my way to the train.

Riding the Trans-Siberian Railway is interesting for two reasons: The train itself, and the people on it. Life aboard the train doesn’t differ much from one segment to another, so I will write a separate article of observations and survival tips learned throughout the entire trip.

The people, however, did change with each segment. On this segment from Moscow to Yekaterinburg, as urban sprawl gave way to dense forests and wooden villages, I got to know a family from the Far North.

Tatiana, Nastia, and Sasha

My roommates for the 27-hour trip from Moscow to Yekaterinburg were Tatiana and her two children, Nastia and Sasha.

Within minutes of departure I took off my shoes to get comfortable and waited for the hallway activity to calm down before preparing for bed. Tatiana, somehow sensing my inexperience with long-distance train travel, pointed at the blue disposable slippers that came with the provided bedding and gently suggested I put them on. I thought they were silly and not for someone who’s used to rough traveling, so I responded that I’m alright in my socks. She tried to convince me a bit longer before giving up.

Moments later, I went to the bathroom—there’s one at each end of every car—and learned they’re just like airplane bathrooms: small and wet, and you don’t know from what . I returned to the cabin, changed my socks, and donned the blue disposable slippers. Tatiana looked on with approval.

They were traveling from their small military town near the Russia-Finland border (where her husband is stationed) to Novosibirsk — over 3,000 miles away — to visit her parents, as they do every summer. Airfare would cost them three months’ worth of income (by my own calculation), so they took the train, like many Russian families traveling to or from Siberia.

Our conversations spanned life in Russia, life in the US, Nastia’s college ambitions (she’s undecided between medicine and chemistry), traveling (because of the husband’s position in the military, the family is not allowed to travel outside of Russia), drawing, Russian literature, and more… We talked without end for two days while sharing food and drinking tea by the liter.

Tatiana teaches literature and Russian at their local school. She told me about life inside the arctic circle and showed me photos of polar lights, fields of flowers, her shirtless husband stepping out of a bania (a Russian sauna) and jumping into the snow, and other everyday scenes. She worried about what will happen after her husband’s military contract ends next year. She’ll miss Nastia when she stays behind in Novosibirsk for one final year of school and then university.

Tatiana also worried about my safety. She advised me to tell people I’m a local: “Your Russian is good enough,” she said, “that people will believe you and assume that your slight accent and slower pace is due to—” and she raised her fingers to her temple and did a twisting gesture. I nodded, thought for a moment, and decided that was a compliment.

Nastia is a straight-A student interested in chemistry and medicine. She’s not sure which of the two she’ll study in university, but she has another year to decide. She’ll stay with her grandparents in a small village outside of the city for another year until it’s time to attend Novosibirsk University. Although she studied english in school for several years, she never felt comfortable enough to speak it. (The faculty at their local school is made up of military spouses with little or no teaching experience.)

Nastia earns money on the side by painting custom designs on her clients’ nails. Her designs—from cartoon characters to landscapes to sunsets, all painted on half-inch-wide keratin canvases—are remarkable and belong in high-end nail salons of New York. I offered her some advice based on my consulting experience (she should charge more for more the elaborate designs). Her entrepreneurial spirit made me happy for her, maybe because it reminded me of my teenage years when I drew cartoons for money.

Sasha is just beginning to learn English, and this was his first encounter with a native speaker. He was nowhere near conversational English, so he engaged the only way he could: shouting out Russian words from his language workbook to see if I could respond with the right translation. “How do you say, um, ‘lion?’” he asked, and looked at me with a wide smile and alert eyes, waiting to hear a word that matched his notes. “Give Greg a break,” Tatiana said, more than once, after many animals were correctly translated, but I gave Sasha an approving smile to signal it’s alright. “Crocodile!?” he continued…

The next day, as the train approached Yekaterinburg in the early morning, I nudged Tatiana and Nastia awake to say “goodbye,” as they requested the night before, when we exchanged longer goodbyes and I told them how wonderful it was to meet and spend time with them. “Goodbye, Greg,” they replied, and both gave me a smile that I didn’t expect from anyone whose sleep was interrupted, who’s been on the road for weeks, who wouldn’t see her daughter (or mother) for a year, whose future was so uncertain… And still they smiled in the way that only good people do.

Previous chapter: St Petersburg Next chapter: Yekaterinburg

My family tried traveling by train instead of car, and I get the hype. Here are 6 ways rail travel is better.

Posted: May 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 12, 2023

• After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried traveling by Amtrak train instead. 
• My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.
• Trains aren't the answer for every trip, but I've begun to incorporate them into more of my travels.

Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway . There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness. 

To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

The smooth, nine-hour journey offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.

Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to return to rail travel .

Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales.

When it comes to spectacular views , there's a lot to see from train windows. 

Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels. 

Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.

As someone who's generally the designated driver on road trips , I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.

Some trains also stop in underrated destinations I wouldn't have otherwise visited.

Amtrak offers picturesque long-haul journeys through the Rockies , the American Southwest, and beyond.

The prospect of gazing at snowcapped mountains and soaring red-rock formations is exciting, but these journeys also offer a compelling opportunity to stop and explore less-touted areas along the way — ones that I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.

Though some of the highlights from my road trips have been stumbling upon hidden gems in locales often labeled as flyover states (like spots in the US' heartland), driving through the Midwest's flatlands can feel like a bit of a slog.

However, I find stretches of farmland infinitely more charming when I view them out of a train window instead of a car dashboard.

Depending on the itinerary and season, traveling by train can be more affordable than driving.

Between gas prices and rental-car charges, road trips can be expensive ventures.

When it comes to Amtrak trains, you can expect to pay a premium for a private room in a sleeping car or a coveted last-minute ticket. However, you can usually find reasonably priced tickets with some advance planning.

On a trip my family recently took from New York to Pennsylvania, all three of our tickets for the Amtrak Keystone Service cost me a total of $47.50 — an absolute steal considering our trip fell during a peak travel period.

In many major cities, I probably would've paid the same amount for a few hours of parking. 

I feel safer traveling by train than by car, especially in poor weather conditions.

It gives me peace of mind to know that taking a train is statistically safer than driving a car . Plus, Amtrak has a lot of safety standards in place .

Though I feel confident in my driving abilities, I prefer not to be behind the wheel in certain situations, like when I have to navigate Manhattan streets or battle icy road conditions.

Trains are usually less impacted by weather, making them a solid transportation option in less-than-ideal conditions.

Amtrak's seats feel wider and more comfortable than the ones in most cars.

It's no surprise that traveling can make you feel a bit cramped, especially if you're constricted to a car seat for a long drive.

Regardless of how I travel, I'm always very eager to reach my destination and stretch my legs. In my experience, I've found that even the most bare-bones Amtrak trains offer wider seats than I've seen in most cars and a reasonable amount of legroom.

The trains' observation and dining cars are a real treat for my family since they allow us to enjoy peaceful moments, play a rousing game, or simply take advance of the freedom that comes with not being strapped in one place.

Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest.

Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive .

As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.

I obviously can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to knock out work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.

Trains aren't the right option for every trip, but I look forward to incorporating more of them in my future travels.

Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible. 

The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.

I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.

I adore the spontaneity and impulsiveness that comes with traveling by car  and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand. 

I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and on the road.

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http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en

Note that trains pass through Belarus, so you'll need to factor in the cost of a transit visa for that country.

http://www.mfa.gov.by/en/visa/

You probably can fly the route more cheaply - and certainly more quickly! Have a look at http://www.skyscanner.net for your options, but try to book a ticket directly with the airline involved rather than a third-party agency.

Yes, take the overnight train, it's time-effective and saves a hotel bill.

If you want to avoid Belarus, simply take a sleeper Moscow -Kiev, have a look round Kiev for a day, then buy a ticket on the sleeper Kiev to Warsaw.

Buy tickets at the station or through an agency.

Depending on when the OP is looking to travel, not sure I would advise them to have a look around Kiev - if the protests are going on, at least one of the main areas one might well want to visit could be occupied.

Thanks for all the advise. I have checked that I will need a visa for Belarus :)

My option now will either be fly or as Man in seat 61 suggested stop over at Kiev.. I will check and see how the protest goes in Kiev...

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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