travel across the us by train

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

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You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States.  You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains.  The USA has an excellent rail network for visitors, it may only be a skeleton network by European standards but it'll take you to almost all the towns & cities a visitor wants to see, in comfort at affordable prices.  It'll take you to many of the U.S. national parks, too.  Long-distance trains in the USA are operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, www.amtrak.com .  This page explains what you need to know to plan and book a memorable cross-country trip by train.

Train service in the USA, at a glance    See detailed map

This route map shows where Amtrak trains run.  Each of the very long-distance transcontinental routes shown in blue has one daily train, except for New York to Florida with 2 trains a day and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans-San Antonio-Los Angeles) which runs 3 times a week.  Important short distance routes (for example, Washington-New York-Boston or Los Angeles-San Diego) have regular intercity services and are shown in red.  It's easy to check Amtrak train times at www.amtrak.com , just use their online booking system.  Click here for the official large-scale Amtrak route map .

Useful country information

Cross-country by train.

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.  Free route guides are available on board each train, telling you what to look out for from the window, and the scenery on many routes is world class. 

In a nutshell

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.  I explain the most scenic routes below with train times & description.  You can stop off on the way, but remember that a separate ticket/reservation is needed for each stage.

It takes one night from New York, Boston or Washington DC to Chicago where you change trains, then two nights from Chicago to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle on a superb double-deck Superliner train .  You can also travel coast to coast via New Orleans , this takes an extra night as you need to spend a night in New Orleans.  Most of the trains run daily all year round, although the New Orleans-LA train only operates three times a week.

Check out the cross-country train packages at www.amtrakvacations.com , they can sort packages with tickets, private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers & hotels included.

If you book regular tickets online at www.amtrak.com , cross-country fares from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle start at just $236 in a spacious reclining seat, surely one of the world's greatest travel bargains.  A private sleeper for 1 or 2 people can be added to your booking, the extra cost is often quite hefty but the sleeper room charge includes all meals as well as tea, coffee & fruit juice throughout the trip. Amtrak's spacious trains also have cafe & lounge cars, open to both seat and sleeper passengers.  See descriptions of the trains here .

On-time performance .  Bear in mind that these trains run for over 2,000 miles, although they often arrive on time or perhaps half an hour late, they can sometimes arrive an hour or two late or more, so don't book any tight connections.  You can see how your chosen trains have performed the last few weeks using www.amtrak.com/historical-on-time-performance and you can also see real-time train positions & performance at www.asm.transitdocs.com .

Which is the best cross-country train route?

I've crossed the United States multiple times by train, using every major cross-country train except the Texas Eagle.  Each transcontinental route has its own distinctive character even if the trains themselves are the same, but one stands out as the most spectacular for both scenery & historical significance:  I recommend the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco, which you can take in connection with the Lake Shore Limited between New York or Boston and Chicago, or the Capitol Limited between Washington DC and Chicago.

The California Zephyr is one of world's greatest train journeys, in around 48 hours you will leave Chicago, roll over the vast farmlands of Nebraska, cross the Mississippi, scale the Rockies out of Denver over breakfast in the diner, snake through lovely Colorado canyons, and pass through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area.  The route covers much of the very first historic trans-continental railroad route, and there's a commentary for the most significant section.  To give you an idea of what a cross-country train ride is like on this route, see the California Zephyr page . 

However, all Amtrak's cross-country train routes are scenic, and the Southwest Chief is another favourite.  It'll take you from Chicago to Los Angeles over the Santa Fe railroad (which used to operate the famous Super Chief) , alongside the equally famous Route 66, through Navajo Indian country.  This is another amazing trip, with a chance to stop off at the Grand Canyon .

Cross-country westbound 2024

* The California Zephyr terminates in Emeryville and an Amtrak Thruway bus transfers passengers across the Bay Bridge to the Temporary Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco.  Tickets can be booked through to (and luggage checked through to) San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

** The Chicago-Los Angles portion only runs 3 times a week, departing Chicago on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Daily Chicago-San Antonio.

Use these times as a guide, always check current times & fares at www.amtrak.com as they change from time to time.

Cross-country eastbound 2024

* The California Zephyr starts in Emeryville.  An Amtrak Thruway bus links the Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco with Emeryville across the Bay Bridge.  Tickets can be booked through from (and luggage checked in at) the Amtrak station at San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

*** The Los Angles to Chicago portion only runs 3 times a week, leaving LA on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.  Daily San Antonio-Chicago.

Facilities on each train

What are the trains like.

Click here to see what the trains are actually like inside & out, and to understand the sleeping-car, lounge & dining facilities.

How much does it cost?

3,000 miles coast-to-coast overland for as little at $236 has to be one of the world's greatest travel bargains!  Railpass options .

Amtrak fares are dynamic, so you'll see various prices on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are the cheapest examples I have found.

Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare, children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

There's a 10% discount for seniors over 65 on some fares.  The discount applies to the base fare but not to saver fares, flexible fares, roomette/bedroom charges.

If you choose to travel in a sleeper, the premium fare column on the Amtrak website will show the total cost for all passengers travelling in a roomette or bedroom.  This is calculated as a basic fare for each passenger plus one charge covering the whole roomette or bedroom.  The roomette or bedroom cost is the same whether it's occupied by one person or two.  So a sleeper is a lot better value if there are two of you!  The two people price in the table above is the total you pay for two people sharing a roomette or bedroom.

Tip :  You can save 10% on the basic travel fare (but not on accommodation supplements) by becoming a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which at the time of writing costs $35 for an individual or $50 for a family.  It can pay for itself on one coast to coast trip.  See www.narprail.org for full details and online sign-up.

Can I stop off on the way?

Yes of course, but if you want to stop off you'll need to buy separate tickets for each leg.  To book a cross-country trip with stopovers at any cities you want, simply look for the 'Multi-City' link at top right of the booking form on www.amtrak.com .  This allows you to book a trip with up to 4 segments, and of course you can book additional segments as separate bookings.  However, if you buy a through ticket at the cheapest price between an East Coast city such as New York and a West Coast city such as Los Angeles, then no, you cannot stop off, you must travel direct on your assigned trains.  Although the several hours between trains in Chicago is often time enough to climb the Sears Tower (now owned by the Willis corporation, see theskydeck.com ) and get great views over the city, it's only 5 minutes walk from Chicago Union Station!  As you can see from the fares table above, separate tickets New York to Chicago and Chicago-Los Angeles (so you can stop off in Chicago) work out about $35 more expensive than a New York to Los Angeles through ticket.

Want to stop off at the Grand Canyon?  See the Grand Canyon section

All the trains shown here offer checked baggage.  All passengers (both coach & sleeper) are entitled to check in up to 2 large items of luggage free of charge, plus an additional 2 large items for $20 each.  Maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, maximum total linear dimension (length + height + width) = 75".  Oversize bags (up to a total linear dimension of 100") $20 per bag.  A name and address label must be attached to each item.  Hand luggage is limited to two items per passenger, maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, dimensions 28" x 22" x 14".  See www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

You can check bags through to your final destination, so for example if you have a New York to San Francisco ticket you can check your bags in at New York all the way to San Francisco Transbay Terminal.  They will be transferred for you from train to train in Chicago and from train to bus at Emeryville, leaving you free of it until you arrive.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.amtrak.com

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com , which sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Booking opens 11 months in advance.  An e-ticket will be emailed to you, you can print it out or show it on your phone.

Or call Amtrak 24 hours a day on 1-800-USA RAIL.  From outside of the USA, Amtrak's international desk is + 1-215-856-7952.  Open Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00 Eastern Time.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You print out your ticket or can show it on your phone.

Let Amtrak Vacations arrange your trip

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner for vacations, tours & packages.

Amtrak Vacations can put a package together from anywhere to anywhere to your specification, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.

They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.  

Click here for Amtrak Vacations' cross-country packages

Lines are open 09:00-22:00 Monday-Friday & 09:00-17:30 Saturday, Eastern Time (5 hours behind the UK).

Let Railbookers arrange your trip

Railbookers are train travel specialists with offices in the UK, Australia & United States.  They can arrange coast to coast tours by train to your own specification, with trains, stopovers, hotels, transfers and (if necessary) flights all sorted.

Escorted tours with Great Rail Journeys

Using a usa railpass.

A USA Railpass is available covering the whole Amtrak network or just parts of it, see advice on USA Railpasses here .

See it in pictures: Cross-country by train

See an illustrated journey from New York to San Francisco on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr.

Back to top

Cross-country via New Orleans

This is the Southern cross-country route, a whole different flavour from the routes via Chicago.  Coast to coast via New Orleans takes 4 nights, making it slower than the more usual transcontinental route via Chicago, as you need to spend a night in New Orleans - but a stopover down south is hardly a burden!  For a taste of the deep south, this is the way to go.

Amtrak fares vary dynamically, so you'll see various fares on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are just typical examples, assuming you book ahead.

Luggage arrangements .  Railpass options .   Can I stop off?

New York to Florida

Introducing Amtrak's Silver Service from New York & Washington DC to Orlando, Tampa & Miami.

Facilities on board

Silver Meteor:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car .

Silver Star:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car.

Luggage arrangements .

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com .  This sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You just print out your ticket or show it on your phone.

Boston - New York - Washington

A fast and frequent inter-city service links Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.  There are two types of train: Acela Express 150mph high-speed trains with 1st class & business class (premium fares apply) and regular trains with coach class and (in most cases) business class.  There are also services from Boston to Portland (Maine) and from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. See www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking, or try Omio.com .

How long does it take?

New York to Washington takes as little as 2h48 by Acela Express.

New York to Boston takes 3h30 by Acela Express.

Fares vary like air fares, with cheaper prices available the further ahead you book.  Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare (except on Acela Express where there is no discount for children on weekdays), children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

Luggage on Washington-New York-Boston trains:   These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  You can take 2 items up to 23Kg each, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg - pretty generous, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Omio.com sells Amtrak tickets quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  You just print your ticket or show it on your phone.

Acela Express

Acela Express is Amtrak's very own high-speed train, reaching 150 mph on certain sections of upgraded line.  It has first class & business class, there's no economy coach class.  Premium fares apply, with no discounts for children on weekdays.

Northeast Regional trains

Cheaper but slower than Acela Express, with coach class & business class between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington DC.

Other Amtrak routes

New york - niagara falls.

Three daily trains link New York via Albany with Niagara Falls.  Journey time is a leisurely 8 hours 30 minutes, a relaxing journey along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See either Omio.com or www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking.

New York - Toronto, Montreal (Canada)

A daily train called the Maple Leaf links New York with Toronto via Niagara Falls, and another daily train called the Adirondack links New York with Montreal via the scenic Adirondack mountains.  Both trains travel along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See the Train travel in Canada page for train times .

Chicago - Memphis - New Orleans

Amtrak's daily City of New Orleans links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Intercity trains in California

Regular trains link Los Angeles, Anaheim (for Disneyland), and San Diego.  Regular trains link San Francisco (Oakland) with Sacramento, Bakersfield and San Jose.  A daily train links Los Angeles with San Francisco (Oakland).  See either Omio.com , www.amtrak.com or www.amtrakcalifornia.com for times, fares and online booking.

Seattle - Portland - Oakland (San Francisco) - Los Angeles

Amtrak's daily Coast Starlight links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Portland - Seattle - Vancouver

Amtrak runs an inter-city service between these cities, see www.amtrakcascades.com - Some of these services use European-design Talgo trains.

Luggage on trains without checked baggage:   Some of these trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  Generous limits apply - 2 items each up to 23Kg, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

What are Amtrak trains like ?

Short distance trains come in various types, all with comfortable air-conditioned seating and often with a café car.  On the Boston-New York-Washington DC route, there is now the premium fare, 150mph Acela Express high speed train, based on French TGV technology, but running on conventional tracks.

(1)  Long distance trains in the east

Long-distance trains east of Chicago (such as the New York-Chicago Lake Shore Limited , the New York to Florida Silver Star & Silver Meteor or the New York to New Orleans Crescent , but not the Washington to Chicago Capitol Limited ) have Viewliner sleeping-cars , Amfleet reclining seat cars and an Amfleet cafe/lounge car serving snacks and drinks.  If you have paid for a sleeper, meals are included in the fare.

Amfleet reclining seats

These distinctive stainless-steel coaches have comfortable reclining seats with loads of legroom, drop-down tables & 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  Drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.

Dining cars, cafe cars & flexible dining

Most long-distance trains have a cafe/lounge car serving hot & cold drinks and snacks, with an area with seats & tables for socialising.  The cafe/lounge car can be used by both sleeper and seats passengers.

Traditional dining-cars on all the 1-night long-distance trains east of Chicago were discontinued in 2018-2019.

Amtrak now offers sleeper passengers what it calls Flexible Dining on these trains.  Sleeper passengers are served pre-packed reheated or microwaved meals delivered to their sleeper compartments, or meals can be served in the table area of the cafe/lounge car.   The New York-Florida Silver Star and Silver Meteor retain dining-cars of the new Viewliner II type with an impressive double row of windows, but only to serve the pre-packaged Flexible Dining meals to sleeper passengers.

Latest update:   In March 2023 full dining has been reinstated on the Silver Star between New York and Florida.

Viewliner sleeping-cars

Long-distance trains in the East have Viewliner sleeping cars.  The distinctive double row of windows on these cars makes them light & airy during the day, and gives both upper & lower berths a window for star-gazing at night.  Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car,  and a 'coffee station' provides complimentary tea/coffee & fruit juice in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  A hot shower is available at the end of the corridor if you're travelling in a roomette, or en suite if you are travelling in a bedroom.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Viewliner sleeping-cars have:

(2)  Long distance trains in the west

Long-distance trains between Chicago & Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle/Portland, also the New Orleans-Los Angeles Sunset Limited , Seattle-Los Angeles Coast Starlight and Washington DC-Chicago Capitol Limited use impressive double-deck Superliner cars.  Superliner trains have coach class reclining seats , sleeping-cars , a dining car & an observation-lounge car .  A route guide is available free on these trains, telling you want to look out for along the way.  Watch a video guide to Amtrak Superliner trains .

Superliner reclining seats

Coach class reclining seats are spacious with lots of legroom, comparable with business class on an airliner.  Don't worry if you can't afford a sleeper, these seats recline to about 40 degrees, and are quite easy to sleep in, in fact if there is any train in the world where I wouldn't much mind not having a sleeper, Amtrak trains are the ones I'd choose.  There are 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles at each seat, and drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.  You can either bring a blanket or buy an Amtrak blanket from the lounge car.  Panorama photo of Superliner coach class .

Superliner Sightseer Lounge car

On the upper deck is an observation lounge with armchairs & tables and huge windows for sightseeing.  On the lower deck is a cafe selling drinks & snacks.  All passengers can use the lounge car, whether they are travelling in coach class or in the sleepers.  You end up spending most of your day here, watching America unfold in front of you!   Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis, but it's not usually too difficult to find a seat or two free.  However, they do fill up for the most scenic sections of the journey!  See panorama of a Superliner lounge car .

Superliner dining car

Trains west of Chicago retain a proper dining-car with freshly-cooked food.  During the pandemic, the dining-car was only open to sleeper passengers, but in 2023 coach seat passengers were allowed to use the diner again on most routes.  The dining-car serves breakfast, lunch & dinner.  All the tables in a Superliner dining-car are on the top deck for great views while you eat - the kitchens are downstairs.

Meals are included in the fare if you have a sleeper, although drinks are extra.  In the sleepers, the dining-car manager comes down the train asking each passenger which sitting for lunch or dinner they'd like, and issuing table reservations.  An announcement is made at the start of each sitting. 

Note that couples and singles don't get a whole 4-seater restaurant table to themselves, you'll normally be seated with other passengers. This is a great chance to meet people, even if you're travelling solo.  Panorama photo of Superliner dining-car .

What's the food like?   The food is surprisingly good:  The Angus Steak Burger is great for lunch, for dinner the herb-roast chicken & rice is good and the garlic butter marinated New York Strip Steak is excellent.  A beer costs around $6, a half bottle of very good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot costs around $15.  For breakfast next morning a freshly-cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon & potatoes hits the spot.  There is also a children's menu.  Credit cards are accepted.  You can find sample menus on the Amtrak website www.amtrak.com , click 'plan' then look for 'meal & dining options'.

Since 2018, sleeper passengers on the Lake Shore Limited  (NYC-Chicago) & Capitol Limited (Washington-Chicago) get a pre-packed meal either served in their compartment or eaten in a lounge area.

Superliner sleeping-car s

Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary breakfast, lunch & dinner in the dining car,  and each sleeping-car has a 'coffee station' with complimentary tea/coffee and fruit juice available in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  Superliner sleeping-cars are double-deck, with 10 very compact 2-berth roomettes and 4 larger 2-berth bedrooms on the upper deck, whilst the lower deck has another 4 roomettes, 1 family bedroom & 1 special accessible bedroom.  The bedrooms have a private shower & toilet, for roomette passengers there are toilets on both upper and lower decks, and a hot shower on the lower deck.  The gangways to the adjacent cars are on the upper deck.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Superliner sleeping-cars offer:

Video guide: Riding a Superliner train

The grand canyon connection.

There are two main ways to reach the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country train trip, after you get off Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff Arizona.  The first is to use a bus between Flagstaff and the South Rim of the Canyon, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes each way.  The other is to take a connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to the nearby town of Williams and use the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the Canyon, journey time 2 hours Williams to the South Rim.

Option 1, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon by bus

Scheduled buses link Flagstaff's Amtrak station (which also incorporates the excellent local Visitor Centre) with the Grand Canyon's South Rim, with an 8am bus departure from Flagstaff conveniently connecting out of Amtrak's Chief from Los Angeles arriving at the Grand canyon around 1 hour 45 minutes later.  A bus returns from the Grand Canyon at 6.15pm (also at 4.15pm from March to October), arriving back in Flagstaff 1 hour 45 minutes or so later.  It can easily be done as a day trip, returning to Flagstaff in time for the evening Chief to Los Angeles, although you can of course choose to stay overnight at the hotels at the Grand Canyon.  For bus times see groometransportation.com/grand-canyon .  The bus fare is around $34 each way.

Grand Canyon Tours from Flagstaff:   Alternatively, take a tour.  A company called The Grand Canyon Store http://grandcanyoncustomtours.com   offers 1-day tours from both Flagstaff & Williams to the Grand Canyon, including a tour to the Grand Canyon Village & South Rim, and the more extensive Inner Canyon Tour that actually takes you to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, not merely to the South Rim as with other tours and the scheduled bus - not surprisingly the Inner Canyon Tour is their most popular!  They also do a tour from Flagstaff to the South Rim using the Grand Canyon Railway, see the section below.

www.amtrakvacations.com can put together an Amtrak coast-to-coast package for you with a stopover at the Grand Canyon, or a tour from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon and back, customised you your specification.  See Grand Canyon packages .

Option 2, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway

The more interesting way to reach the Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Canyon's South Rim.  This is the original Santa Fe railroad branch line, Williams Junction just outside Williams town is where the line diverges from the Chicago-LA main line.  However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief no longer calls at Williams Junction (it called there at uncivilised times in any case), you now use Flagstaff as the stop for the Grand Canyon with Amtrak bus connection to Williams.

To reach the Grand Canyon by train, get off the Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff and take the connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to Williams.  The buses are timed to connect with train's arrival & departure to and from both Chicago and Los Angeles.  Williams is a pleasant town with plenty of motels, shops & diners.  The Grand Canyon Railway runs a daily morning train some 65 miles over the Santa Fe's historic railway from Williams station to Grand Canyon South Rim station in the Grand Canyon Village, right on the edge of the Canyon's South Rim.  The train returns in the afternoon, arriving in time to have dinner then catch the shuttle bus to Flagstaff for Amtrak's Chief onwards to Los Angeles.

The Amtrak reservation system at www.amtrak.com will actually let you buy through tickets between Los Angeles and Grand Canyon in either direction, although if you want to book through tickets between New York or Chicago and Grand Canyon this involves an overnight stay in Williams so you'll need to use the multi-city booking feature.  But you can book your Amtrak trains at www.amtrak.com then book the Grand Canyon train at the GCR official website, www.thetrain.com .

You can also book Chicago-LA packages with Amtrak travel and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway at www.amtrakvacations.com , Amtrak's official partner for tours and packages involving Amtrak travel.  See Grand Canyon packages .

The fare includes entry to the Wild West show at Williams station in the hour before departure, and some Wild West entertainment on board!

USA rail passes

One of the best ways to see America is with an Amtrak USA rail pass, but be aware of its limitations before you invest in one.

A 30-day 10-segment rail pass costs around $499.

That's 10 train rides, enough to travel coast to coast 5 times, at €49.90 per train ride!  Children aged 2-12 get passes for half price, under 2's travel free.

Segments:   Sadly, since 2008 Amtrak's USA railpass no longer gives unlimited travel, it only covers a maximum of 10 'segments'.  This is the maximum number of individual train rides you can take during your 30 day pass duration.

A segment is one train ride on one train:  So a 2-day 2,200-mile trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief counts as one segment, and a 30-minute ride on a Northeast Regional train is also one segment.  Go figure!  A journey involving a change of train (for example, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited then Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr ) counts as two segments.

Will a railpass save you money?   Very probably, if you intend making 8, 9 or 10 long-distance train rides.  10 rides for $499 is €49.90 per train ride, if (say) you only used 7 segments it'd work out at $71 per train ride.  Now use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to see what normal fares would be, to compare.  But read the bit about passholder quotas below!

Reservations, upgrades & quotas

Railpasses are valid for any Amtrak train in the USA except Acela Express high-speed services and the Auto-Train car-carrying service.

Reservations are required!   The railpass is not a ticket, you must make a (free) reservation before boarding any train.  You can make reservations online at www.amtrak.com after buying your pass.  Alternatively, you can make them at stations as you travel around or by calling Amtrak's 24 hour freephone number, 1-800-USA RAIL (from outside the States call Amtrak on (001) 215-856-7953, not free).

Upgrading to a sleeper is no longer possible:   It used to be possible to upgrade to a private sleeper when using a pass, simply by paying the appropriate room charge.  For an idea of sleeper room charges, see the fares section above .  However, in 2021 this has changed, though it's not clear if this is permanent or temporary.  At present you cannot upgrade to a sleeper (or to business class) with a pass.  So only buy a pass if you're happy using a seat, even overnight.

Warning about passholder quotas:   After buying your pass, you can make reservations online, or at stations as you go, or by calling Amtrak.  However, with a pass you can only book trains on which a Value or Saver fare is available.  If only the most expensive Flexible fare is showing, you cannot use your pass on that train, even if there are seats still available for customers paying cash.  Many trains have Value or Saver fares available even on the day before departure, and sometimes even on the day of travel itself, but not always.  Trains get busy in summer, Value and Saver fares have limited-availability and often sell out.  When they sell out, you can't use your pass on that train.  So don't buy a pass only to find you can't travel on the trains you need.  Before buying the pass, use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to get a feel for how fares work, and to see if your chosen trains have Value or Saver fares left.

How to buy an Amtrak Railpass

Check prices in pounds & buy a USA railpass (UK-based company, but passes sent to addresses worldwide)

Check prices in Australian dollars & buy a USA railpass (Australia & NZ residents)

Tours by train across America

Amtrak vacations, www.amtrakvacations.com.

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner.  They can put a package together to your own specification, from anywhere to anywhere, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.  They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.

Railbookers

Train travel specialist Railbookers have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.  They can arrange a tour by train across the United States on Amtrak, starting any date you like, to your own specification with hotels and train reservations all made for you, hassle-free.  They know what they're doing, and take good care of their clients, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Escorted coast-to-coast tour with www.greatrail.com , 01904 527 120

G uidebooks, click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in the USA

New York:  The Algonquin is New York's oldest operating hotel, opened in 1902, and a designated New York City Historic Landmark.  Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, a block or two from Times Square one way and Grand Central the other, with a lovely wood-panelled lobby and even its own hotel cat, which you may find wandering the corridors or sitting on the reception desk.  To check prices & book, click here .  For the Algonquin's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Hotel .

Washington DC:   Phoenix Park Hotel .  A great choice, directly across the road from Union Station so handy for arrivals and departures by train, with an excellent Irish Pub doing great food & Irish beer on the premises, and just 2 minutes walk from the capitol.  From around $154 for a double.

Los Angeles:   Hotel Queen Mary (closed for refurbishment in mid-2022, but reopened in April 2023).  This has got to be of the most fascinating places to stay, anywhere.  If you go to Los Angeles, consider making the Hotel Queen Mary your base to explore the Los Angeles - Hollywood - Disneyland area.  The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station (about a $90 taxi ride), and it's undoubtedly the most wonderful place to stay in LA.  The hotel consists of most of the original first class cabins on board the Queen Mary, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too.  Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board (and yes, from my own experience there is something going on aboard that beautiful ship!).  Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and (as we worked out from a historic deck plan) in some cases two of the Queen Mary's original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor.  She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.

Backpacker hostels in the USA: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places across the States at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to the USA

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com .  I have found that having lounge access with complimentary tea, coffee, food and wine makes all the difference to an economy flight.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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• Bus and Train Travel

What You Need to Know Before Booking a Cross-country Train Ride

Thinking about taking a cross-country train trip? Here's what you need to know.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you're an avid traveler, you've probably read stories about people taking trains across the United States, passing some of the nation's famous cities and national parks along the way. Maybe you've even thought about embarking on the same journey to take in America's great landscapes from the car of an Amtrak train.

Although planes are speedier and cars offer independence, there's something special about a slow-paced train ride that you just can't find on other types of transportation. A cross-country Amtrak train ride is a leisurely, scenic way to explore the United States, but before you embark on your multiday adventure, there are a few things you should know.

From picking the best seats to packing everything you'll need, there's a lot to consider before booking your trip. We asked the experts at Amtrak for their best tips for cross-country train rides — here's what you should keep in mind.

What to Know About Taking a Cross-country Train Ride

When it comes to picking the best seat for an overnight journey , you can't beat the seclusion and comfort of a private room. The sleeping car offers the best layout for getting a good night's sleep, so you can arrive at your next stop refreshed and ready to go. Plus, it comes with perks like complimentary meals, lounge access at major stations, and help from the car attendant. Travelers in all fare classes should brief themselves on the dining options before they depart, too, as there's a variety of snack, drink, and meal services on Amtrak trains.

Another benefit of train travel is Amtrak's generous luggage policy — you can bring up to two checked bags, two carry-ons, and two personal items (we recommend keeping a personal item stocked with all your travel essentials, including masks, which are currently required at all times on the trains and in stations, within reach during your trip).

Download the Amtrak app before you go for easy, contactless travel. In the app, you can book tickets, find your eTicket, get information about the trains, stations, and routes, and more. And don't forget to bring your charger to keep your batteries full — there are outlets in private rooms and at the seats (you may want to invest in an extra-long charging cord for added convenience). While you cruise along, you're bound to pass some picture-perfect views , so bring a camera to document your trip and binoculars to get a better look.

Finally, you'll want to pick an excellent route — and thankfully, there are plenty to choose from.

Cross-country Train Routes

If you're ready to book your cross-country journey , there are a few route options. Pick the route with 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 legs to make the most of your journey. We're highlighting a few of the main destinations, but we recommend researching where each train stops to see which places are most appealing to you. ( A mtrak Vacations also sells cross-country trip packages for those seeking a more robust itinerary.)

New York City to San Francisco is one of the classic cross-country routes. From New York, you'll travel to Chicago via the Lake Shore Limited, then you'll take the California Zephyr to San Francisco via Denver. You could opt for a more southerly route from Washington, D.C. to Los Angles via New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas, on the Crescent and Sunset Limited routes. A northerly option from New York City to Seattle on the Lake Shore Limited and Empire Builder includes stops in Chicago and Glacier National Park . Of course, you can extend or shorten your journey to best fit your start and end locations and desired excursions, so this really is a DIY travel adventure.

Can you travel in a loop around the US by train for less than $1000?

Feb 12, 2020 • 2 min read

The train journeys wull take passengers through beautiful countryside © Amtrak/Emily Moser

If the idea of travelling in a loop around the US by train appeals, a new itinerary has been published that outlines exactly how you can do it.

Travel booking platform Wanderu has compiled the epic trip using Amtrak's rail network at an average cost of just under $1000 (€915.80). To complete the journey, passengers will travel about 6586 miles, pass through 27 states and ride seven different Amtrak services, including the iconic Coast Starlight and Empire Builder lines. They will travel along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts as well as the northern and southern borders and will see some of the most magnificent scenery in the country. In total, the journeys add up to seven days, four hours and 39 minutes of travel time.

Beginning in Boston , passengers travel south to Washington, DC passing through seven other states. From Washington, DC, they take the Amtrak Crescent through seven more states to New Orleans , and from there it's on to Los Angeles , a journey that takes 46 hours and passes through four other states. The Amtrak Coast Starlight line from Los Angeles to Seattle passes through one other state –  Oregon   –and the section that traces Highway 101 from Oxnard to San Luis Obispo is among the most gorgeous train rides they’ll ever take.

The Amtrak Empire Builder trip from Seattle to Chicago cuts through five other states, and the journey from Chicago to Cleveland takes six hours and passes through Indiana . The journey begins to wind down after passengers travel from Cleveland to Albany, and then the final journey is the four hours and 47 minute trip from Albany to Boston, at which point, travellers will have passed through 27 states.

You can check out the entire route on Wanderu here.

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16 tips for travelling by train in the USA 2021

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• how-to-travel-the-usa-by-train

written by Joanne Owen

updated 6.02.2024

Travelling by train in the USA is an excellent way to see vast swathes of this vast country, especially if you're on a budget. While the USA 's national rail operator Amtrak won’t get you everywhere, it's pretty darn extensive, with thirty routes throughout travelling to over 500 destinations across 46 states. What's more, travelling in the USA by train offers the exhilaration of seeing incredible landscapes zoom by, with tasty slices of Americana served up when you slow through quirky little towns. There’s also no better way to meet (or people watch) the huge range of locals who'll hop on and off during your journey. Tempted? Then read on for our 16 tips for travelling by train in the USA, covering everything from what to know before travelling to the USA for a railroad adventure, to practical booking advice - all of them top tips for USA train travel.

1. Research routes

2. research rail passes, 3. book ahead, 4. relish road-trip reads, 5. pack like a pro, 6. consider kipping options, 7. plan for delays, 8. safety first, 9. check in your bags, 10. chow down and chat, 11. chill in the bar car, 12. discover the dome car, 13. stretch without stress, 14. lounge around, 15. map transit options, 16. get more guidance.

Amtrak’s  interactive route planner  will help you choose a route - checking out this tool is definitely one of our most useful tips of USA train travel. But even before you get into the nuts and bolts of route-planning, you'll probably want to dig deeper into where you might want to end up - while the journey can sometimes be the destination, you won't want to miss out on the good stuff once you get wherever you're going. Here's an overview of a few of  many route examples  to consider:

City of New Orleans route - music-lovers might want to investigate the 19-hour Chicago-Memphis-New Orleans route that takes in 900 miles of US music heritage. Our guide to New Orleans will fill you in on what to see and do once you arrive.

Bourbon St, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Texas Eagle route - this epic 32-hour-trip from Chicago to San Antonio crosses the Mississippi River, traverses the piney woods of East Texas, and passes through Dallas before winding up in stunning San Antonio .

Pacific Surfliner route - at under six hours, this 351-mile route takes passengers through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles , Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with portions of it tracking Southern California's coastline.

If, having done your route research, you decide to take a seriously long-distance trip, it will be worth looking into booking a USA Rail Pass . These start from $499 for a maximum of ten journeys (called segments in Amtrak speak) taken over 30 days to over 500 destinations. For comparison, here are some sample one-way fares:

Atlanta - New Orleans $39

Chicago - Washington $84

New York - Chicago $90

Los Angeles - Seattle $101

New York - Orlando $123

Chicago - Los Angeles $146

The Pacific Surfliner serves up seriously stunning views © Hilo Pictures/Shutterstock

Once you know where you want to go, you'll want to book tickets well in advance - all passengers must have seats, and some trains (especially those travelling between major East Coast cities) can be booked solid. In addition to the rail passes covered above, here's a run-down of the different ticket types:

Saver Fares: the lowest available fares, with limited availability, so book early to secure the best deals.

Value Fares: available on all routes, with some change and refund options, limited availability.

Flexible Fares: fully refundable with no cancellation fees, with reservations easily modified. This is your best option if you're given to travelling by instinct and on impulse - you might want the flexibility to hop off and explore those must-visit nuggets shared by locals during your journey.

Business Fares: located in a dedicated car or section of the train, Business Class offers an "affordable, enhanced travel experience", as Amtrak describe it. These enhancements vary by train and route, but include the likes of extra legroom and complimentary (non-alcoholic) drinks.

Premium Fares: there are two premium services - Acela First Class (complimentary onboard food and beverage services, plus privileged access to Club Acela lounges) and Sleeper, with rooms and roomettes available on most long-distance routes. Prices for these accommodations are included in your Premium Fare.

Going on a solo trip? Check out our guide to the best places to travel solo in the USA .

OK, so you might not be on the actual road, but reading novels about adventures across the US will do wonders to fire up your pre-trip excitement. In fact, this is one of our favourite general  USA travel tips - whether you’re travelling by train or not.

Read to ready yourself © Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

While we're not going to run through everything you might need (we have a whole feature dedicated to packing ), we do want to share one of our top practical tips for USA train travel - take your own climate control. That is to say, keep a cardie or jumper to hand - the temperature in Amtrak's coaches is uniformly regulated year-round, meaning that even if you're winding through the scorching Arizona desert, your car is likely to be on the chilly side. You can thank us later. 

In addition, depending on what you decide to do about accommodation options (see below), you might also want to pack a pillow and something to snuggle under.

If travelling overnight, you have a few accommodation options to consider - either book a roomette or bedroom, or rough it in coach. Having said that, if you've packed like a pro, it needn't be that rough.

Roomettes are compact double cabins, some of which include an in-cabin toilet – only recommended for those who are very well acquainted with their travel partners.

Bedrooms are significantly bigger with more room to stretch out when the seats are arranged for day travel. They also have a more conventional, private enclosed toilet. Some even have showers.

Coach seats, despite being the cheapest option, have generous proportions, ample legroom (often superior to many airlines' business class seats) and recline pretty far back. Plenty of people do sleep in coach cars - you'll see whole families preparing to camp down with their own duvets and pillows.

When visiting the USA while travelling by train, it's worth knowing that Amtrak trains often share their tracks with massive, mile-long freight trains that are given priority. This means that delays on longer routes are pretty much inevitable. To be notified of delays on the move, get the Amtrak App or sign up for email notifications, which could save you from kicking your heels at your departure station.

The Rough Guides to USA and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Also bear in mind that your two-hour journey might just be a small section of a much longer, multi-day route, so try to avoid any tight connections - one of the most essential tips of USA train travel if you want to avoid any unexpected bumps in the road (or tracks).

Don't get left behind - plan your connections and be mindful of delays © Shutterstock

Statistically speaking, rail travel is still one of the safest modes of transport, and providing you take all the usual common-sense precautions, travelling in the USA by train is generally safe, but it pays to be vigilant at major stations, especially at night. As always, having insurance is a smart idea too.

Be sure to keep an eye out for your bags, stowing away all valuables. If you're using night trains it might be worth investing in a basic bike lock to tether your luggage to something sturdy for total peace of mind, as opportunistic bag theft is probably the greatest threat you'll face. Alternatively...

Stations vary in size from huge complexes with multiple bars, shops and cafés to a single platform with a station sign and a bench. Most cities will let you check your baggage for free - get to your station 40 minutes before departure to take advantage of this. Having said that, all coach cars have ample overhead storage if you prefer to keep your case with you.

Checking your bags is certainly worth it on longer journeys - it frees you up to wander off to the dining car, Bar Car or vestibules without worrying about your valuables.

Check-in to be able to check-out the train with peace of mind © Shutterstock

Feasting on a whole lot of  food  is an essential experience of travel to the USA, so it goes without saying that when travelling in the USA by train, a meal in the dining car is a must-have Amtrak experience. The Dining Car opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and usually for multiple sittings. To reserve in advance, keep an eye out for attendants.

That said, don't expect fancy Pullman-style dining. Options are fairly limited and the menu changes about as often as the timetable. But it's not all about the food - if you're travelling solo or as a pair, you'll likely be seated with fellow passengers, offering the chance to chat with locals and fellow travellers, exchange travel tips, and make new friends, with a backdrop of all-American scenery providing plenty to talk about.

US railway station with rustic charm © Pixabay

Most trains will have a Bar Car. They’re usually next to the dining car, with tables and comfy leather booths for four where you can play cards, enjoy a coffee, and chat to fellow passengers, which makes visiting the Bar Car one of the best tips for USA train travel if you're the gregarious type.

The Bar Car is also where you'll find the National Park Guides, who ride the trains in their smart Scout-like uniforms during the summer months as part of Amtrak's Trails on Rails programme. They'll happily give you educational leaflets about the journey and point out interesting aspects of the passing landscapes.

Be sure to head to the bar car for coffee and chat © Shutterstock

Some of the more scenic routes will also have a Dome Car, with seats facing out with views through panoramic windows designed to make the most of the sublime scenery you'll be passing through.

These tend to fill up quickly on iconic routes like the California Zephyr, which passes through spectacular and otherwise inaccessible stretches of the Colarado Rockies , so be sure bag a seat early.

Not all stops are created equal. If you're a smoker, or just fancy stretching your legs and sampling the air outside on longer journeys, it pays to know if a stop is a designated 'rest stop', which means you're allowed to get off. If it's not, don't even try it - this rule is strictly enforced across the Amtrak network.

Sit back and soak it up © Khanh Le/Shutterstock

If you're travelling in a sleeper cabin (or in business class), you can make use of lounges in some of the bigger city stations, which offer complimentary wi-fi, newspapers, drinks and snacks before or after your train.

It's a great way to relax if you get to the station early, or want to kill a bit of time after 'detraining' (as Amtrak call it) on routes that arrive in the small hours of the morning.

Amtrak stations aren’t always slap-bang in centre of town. Most will have metropolitan transport links, of course, but some - like Atlanta , for instance - will be a cab ride away, so plan your accommodation and onward travel accordingly.

Map it out to make the most of your trip

Lastly, if you’re wondering how to travel to the USA in the first place, or keen to plan where to go and what to see in more detail, check out our  USA guide book , and read our USA travel tips for getting around more generally - by train, plane, automobile, bus and bike.

Alternatively, if you prefer to skip the planning all together, our  tailor-made USA trips might be exactly what you’re looking for.

At Rough Guides we’ve always taken pride in telling it like it is - whether we’re updating details in our guide books, or researching emerging destinations. With that in mind, we want you to know that when you click on links that lead to our affiliate partners’ sites, we can earn a small commission (at no cost to you). This is one of the ways we’re able to keep doing what we do best - provide you with travel advice and inspiration you can trust. Speaking of which, you can trust what we link to - our travel writer experts are exactly that (experts) and have highlighted them to share ideas that might make your trips all the more satisfying.

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 8 best amtrak cross-country trips to travel coast to coast.

Ready to travel across the United States by train? To travel coast to coast, you’ll need to ride more than one train, plan for a multi-day trip and choose from a variety of departure and arrival cities.

Keeping in mind the best travel direction and time of year to ride different Amtrak routes, we have put together a list of the best cross-country Amtrak trips — including the shortest, most scenic and an option for visiting the top music cities in America.

Trips are listed in order of Amtrak travel time from shortest to longest (times listed do not include layovers). For current schedules and ticket prices, visit Amtrak.com.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.

Washington D.C. to Los Angeles

When to Ride : Summer to see the most scenery (late spring or early fall next best options)

The shortest cross-country Amtrak trip is on the Capitol Limited and Southwest Chief routes for travel between Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. It is over 60 hours of train travel, three nights on a train and a layover in Chicago with time to sightsee. Scenery highlights include the Appalachian Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado and the New Mexico desert.

We recommend starting the trip in Washington D.C. and traveling west, which means getting to the best scenery on the East Coast faster, more mountain views and travel into the desert sunset on the Southwest Chief.

New York City to Los Angeles

When to Ride : Fall (great foliage on East Coast), summer or spring

The Lake Shore Limited and Southwest Chief routes provide a cross-country option between New York City and Los Angeles. Enjoy views of Hudson River Valley, Sangre de Cristo Mountains and New Mexico desert on this 63-hour trip, plus you’ll have time to eat a meal or sightsee in Chicago if no major delays.

Westbound travel is recommended, although you can also start the trip in Los Angeles. October is a great time to book a trip to see the fall colors in the Hudson River Valley or to visit some of the destinations along the route, including Albuquerque , Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon . Avoid winter travel as you will have limited views of the Hudson River.

Pacific Northwest to New York City

When to Ride : Summer for most scenery, fall for foliage

The Empire Builder is a scenic Amtrak route with trains that travel through the Pacific Northwest, Montana Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park and the Upper Midwest. Start the trip in Portland to travel through the Columbia River Gorge or in Seattle to see Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The next morning you’ll have many hours of beautiful scenery in the Rockies (when traveling in the opposite direction, there is risk of nightfall before or when entering the mountains).

This trip includes a layover in Chicago and then the Lake Shore Limited will take you to New York City via the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Train travel time is about 66 hours.

Pacific Northwest to East Coast (multiple city options)

When to Ride : Summer for most scenery, late spring and early fall also good times

One of our favorite cross-country Amtrak trips, the journey from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast on the Empire Builder and Cardinal has stunning scenery and is at least 70 hours of train travel. Start in Portland to travel through the Columbia River Gorge or in Seattle for views of Puget Sound and the Cascades before reaching the Montana Rocky Mountains.

After travel through the Upper Midwest and along the Mississippi River, you’ll have a layover in Chicago before boarding the Cardinal for a trip through the Appalachian Mountains and the New River Gorge. You can end the trip in charming Alexandria, Virginia (near Washington Reagan Airport and the shortest trip option) or in nearby cities including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.

Note that the Cardinal only operates three days each week, so plan your trip around the Cardinal schedule (Empire Builder runs daily). We also recommend staying one night in Chicago as the layover time is short when traveling eastbound (which is the best direction for both trains).

New York City to the Bay Area

When to Ride : Fall for foliage, summer also great for daylight

Ride one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes on a train trip between New York City and the Bay Area. Travel time is 71.5 hours on the Lake Shore Limited and the California Zephyr with a layover in Chicago. You’ll see the Hudson River Valley and travel through the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Ruby Canyon and Sierra Nevada. We recommend traveling west to have guaranteed daylight in the mountains.

Emeryville is the end-of-the-line station in California, which is near San Francisco. If you book your ticket with San Francisco as your start or end destination, Amtrak will provide bus service. Oakland and the Oakland International Airport are also a short drive away from Emeryville (reachable via rideshare or taxi) or start or end this trip in Sacramento .

East Coast to Northern California

When to Ride : Summer (westbound), April-September (eastbound)

Our vote for most scenic and flexible cross-country trip is on the Cardinal and California Zephyr . We recommend a summer trip if starting on the East Coast — choose from cities including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington D.C. or Alexandria. You’ll travel through the New River Gorge in West Virginia and arrive in Chicago the next morning.

The western half of trip will take you through the Great Plains, Colorado Rockies along the Colorado River, Ruby Canyon and the Sierra Nevada. You can end the trip in Sacramento (home of the California State Railroad Museum ) or in Emeryville near San Francisco and the Oakland International Airport. At both stations you can transfer to the Coast Starlight train for more beautiful scenery on the West Coast.

Los Angeles to East Coast (via New Orleans)

When to Ride : Winter, spring, fall (avoid July, August and September due to hurricane season and hot weather)

If you prefer to travel across the country through the Southern United States, book tickets on the Sunset Limited and Crescent . You’ll travel through deserts and Louisiana wetlands before arriving in New Orleans . There is a unique opportunity to spend some time in the city as you won’t be able to transfer to the Crescent until the following day. You’ll need to book accommodations for at least one night — two or more if you want to sightsee.

Eastbound travel from Los Angeles is recommended so you can see Lake Pontchartrain in the daylight once you transfer to the Crescent. You can also choose where to end the trip on the East Coast, including Alexandria or Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. Although not technically on the coast, you can also start or end the trip in Atlanta for many flight options and shorter travel time.

America’s Music Cities

For an epic cross-country Amtrak trip, visit America’s top music cities by train: New York City , New Orleans , Memphis , Chicago , Austin and Los Angeles . It’s a long adventure (minimum six nights), but you can stay in all or some of these cities to break up the travel and enjoy the live music scenes.

If starting in New York, ride the Crescent to New Orleans. You’ll arrive in the evening and need to stay in the city at least one night. From New Orleans, ride the City of New Orleans train to Chicago with the option to stop for a night or longer in Memphis along the way. In Chicago you’ll board the Texas Eagle for travel to Austin. Spend a night in Austin or stay on board to reach Los Angeles.

All trains operate daily except for the Texas Eagle between Austin and Los Angeles. We recommend planning your trip around that segment, including staying for a night or more in Chicago or Austin if needed.

More Information

• 5 best Amtrak sleeper car routes
• 7 things to pack for an Amtrak trip
• Best Amtrak route to ride in each month of the year
• Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go

Top photo credit: Loco Steve/Flickr.com (Empire Builder at Marias Pass)

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Across the United States by train

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 Find time
• 2.2 Plan for Delays
• 2.3 When to go
• 2.4.1 Coach class
• 2.4.2 Sleeper classes
• 2.5 Checked baggage
• 2.6 Bring enough small change for tipping
• 3.1 Lake Shore Limited
• 3.2 California Zephyr
• 4 Alternative routes

While today most Americans drive to travel between nearby cities, or fly to travel longer distances, the country is still home to the world's longest rail network, a legacy of the golden age of rail travel prior to World War II, albeit primarily used by freight trains these days. Nevertheless, it is still possible to travel between the East Coast and the West Coast of the contiguous United States using Amtrak , the government-owned passenger rail company of the United States, and the route from New York City to the San Francisco Bay Area is widely regarded as one of the world's classic rail journeys.

Understand [ edit ]

Prior to the advent of the automobile and commercial air travel after World War II , trains were the dominant mode of long-distance travel in the United States, with many rail companies competing on price, luxury and speed. One of the most significant events in the history of rail travel is the driving of the final spike at Promontory , Utah in 1869, marking the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, and making coast-to-coast travel by rail across the North American continent possible for the first time. Railways played a key role in the industrialization of the United States and in the colonization of the Old West . The classic coast-to-coast journey from San Francisco to New York City was perhaps most notably featured in French writer Jules Verne's novel Around the World in Eighty Days .

As private car ownership and commercial air travel became more popular in the Postwar era , passenger rail in the United States went into a steep decline from which it never fully recovered, driving the rail companies to the brink of financial ruin, and forcing them to severely curtail passenger services. This prompted the nationalization of passenger rail service in the United States, and the formation of Amtrak in 1971 as a quasi-government body to take over the operation of passenger rail services, while the private rail companies retained the highly-profitable freight rail services. Even though the passenger rail network in the United States is far less extensive than what it used to be a century ago, coast-to-coast travel in the United States remains possible using Amtrak's network, with its trains passing through some of the most scenic regions in the United States.

This itinerary describes the most common route taken by rail passengers between the two cities, and describes some alternative routes you can take, including alternative starting points on each coast.

Prepare [ edit ]

Find time [ edit ]

There are no high-speed rail lines in the United States, and Amtrak's long-distance services are primarily designed for tourists who wish to take their time to enjoy America's stunning landscapes at a leisurely pace. The upside of this is that Amtrak generally times their trains to pass through the most scenic stretches in the daytime, provided there are no delays of course.

Plan for Delays [ edit ]

If you are planning any onward trips after your train journey, be sure to give ample time to make any transfers, preferably at least overnight. If you are from Europe or East Asia and used to having your trains running more or less on time, you might be in for a rude shock in the United States as delays of up to several hours are common on Amtrak's longer routes. This is due in large part to the fact that most trackage used by Amtrak is owned by private rail companies, who generally accord priority on the tracks to their freight trains. As such, delays of a few hours are quite common on Amtrak's longer routes.

When to go [ edit ]

Most of Amtrak's services run throughout the year, though, travellers typically opt for the spring to see the flowers in bloom, or autumn to see the beautiful autumn colours on the trees.

How to book [ edit ]

There is no single train that travels the entire route from the East Coast to the West Coast. Thus, getting from coast to coast will usually require you to change trains at Chicago , the main railway hub of the United States.

Fortunately, Amtrak's web-site is designed in a very user-friendly way; just input your origin and destination, and the system will present you with a series of options, including different connecting trains. Keep in mind that Amtrak's trains are not hop on hop off, so you will need to plan in advance for all intermediate stops you wish to make, and book each leg separately.

Coach class [ edit ]

All Amtrak trains feature coach class, which is the most economical way to travel, but might be somewhat uncomfortable if you are spending a few nights on the train. First and business class seats are only available on Amtrak's shorter routes, and not on any of their overnight trains

Sleeper classes [ edit ]

Amtrak offers sleeper cars on most of its long-distance trains. All sleeper tickets include meals in the dining car, and access to the business class lounge at Amtrak's larger stations. Two types of sleeper cars are generally used; double-decker Superliner cars, which feature sightseeing lounges with glass-domed roofs, on most routes west of Chicago, and single-deck Viewliner cars on most routes east of Chicago.

• Roomette — Amtrak's most basic sleeper accommodation, in private cabins for one or two passengers. The upper berth lacks a window on the Superliner cars. They do not come with their own showers, and passengers travelling in roomettes need to share the common shower with other sleeper car passengers.
• Bedroom — Offer somewhat more privacy than roomettes, with more space than roomettes, and their own attached toilets and showers.
• Bedroom suite — Consisting of two adjoining bedrooms, with space for up to four passengers.
• Family room — As the name suggests, designed with families in mind, with space for two adults and two children aged 2-12.

Checked baggage [ edit ]

Most of Amtrak's longer routes permit checked baggage at major stations. If you are changing trains at a major station, the bags are automatically transferred for you, and you only need to pick them up at your final destination. However, you will not have access to your checked bags on the train, so bring a smaller suitcase where you can store all the items you will need for the journey.

Bring enough small change for tipping [ edit ]

On Amtrak trains, it is customary to tip your dining car servers and sleeping car attendants in cash, so be sure to bring enough small change to do so. If meals are including in your ticket price, you are expected to tip your server about $2-3 per person for breakfast, $3-5 per person for lunch, and $5-10 per person for dinner. If meals are not included in your ticket and you are paying for them, then a tip of about 15-20% of the meal cost would be customary. If travelling in the sleeping car, you are expected to tip the attendant $10-20 per person per night, and you can just hand the tip to your attendant when you get off the train.

Main Route [ edit ]

For this itinerary, we will take the Lake Shore Limited from New York City to Chicago, before changing to the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area. This itinerary will take you at least 4 days and 3 nights; 1 night aboard the Lake Shore Limited , and 2 nights aboard the California Zephyr .

Lake Shore Limited [ edit ]

• 40.7 -74 1 New York City — The Lake Shore Limited departs Penn Station in the Big Apple at 3:40PM, and emerges from the tunnels in Queens, making its way up to Albany along the east bank of the Hudson River. The stretch along the Hudson River between New York City and Albany is regarded as the most scenic stretch of the Lake Shore Limited; for the best views, be sure to reserve seats or sleeper cabins on the left side if heading out of New York City, or on the right side in the opposite direction.
• 41.2042 -73.8861 2 Croton-on-Hudson
• 41.705278 -73.930556 3 Poughkeepsie
• 42.65 -73.766667 5 Albany — The state capital of New York . The train pulls into Albany–Rensselaer station, which is in Rensselaer across the Hudson River, at around 7:05PM, where the train cars coming from Boston are joined with the train cars coming from New York City to continue onward to Chicago as a single train. In the opposite direction, this is where the New York City-bound and Boston-bound train cars are separated. From Albany onwards, most of the best views are on the right side heading towards Chicago as the train travels along the shores of the Great Lakes. However, as this portion of the trip happens overnight, this limits what you can see; going on this trip in the summer will maximize your daylight hours and hence, maximize the amount of scenery you are able to see.
• 42.804167 -73.929167 6 Schenectady
• 43.100833 -75.2325 7 Utica
• 43.046899 -76.144423 8 Syracuse
• 43.165556 -77.611389 9 Rochester
• 42.886389 -78.878056 10 Buffalo — second largest city in New York state, located close to Niagara Falls . Buffalo is in many ways a typical Rust Belt city. The train leaves New York state behind and crosses the border into Pennsylvania after leaving Buffalo.
• 42.129561 -80.085214 11 Erie — along the shores of the eponymous Great Lake, this is the only stop the train makes in Pennsylvania before crossing the border into Ohio .
• 41.482222 -81.669722 12 Cleveland — largest city in Ohio, perhaps best known for being the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where basketball star LeBron James made his professional debut, as well as being home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• 41.373333 -82.101667 13 Elyria
• 41.4467 -82.7092 14 Sandusky
• 41.666667 -83.583333 15 Toledo
• 41.472778 -84.551944 16 Bryan — after stopping at Bryan, the train leaves Ohio and crosses the border into Indiana .
• 41.6831 -85.9689 18 Elkhart
• 41.676389 -86.250278 19 South Bend — home to the University of Notre Dame, the most prestigious Catholic university in the United States, and known for its beautiful campus. The train crosses the border from Indiana into Illinois after leaving South Bend
• 41.85003 -87.65005 20 Chicago — arrive in the Windy City at the magnificent Chicago Union Station at around 10:12AM. If the train is on time, you have just under 4 hours to kill before your next train is scheduled to depart at 2PM. The Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower), Chicago's tallest building and the tallest building in the world from 1974 until the completion of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, is within walking distance from Chicago Union Station if you fancy having a view from the top.

California Zephyr [ edit ]

See the main article for the list of all stops on the California Zephyr. We just describe some of the major ones here.

• 41.85003 -87.65005 21 Chicago — the California Zephyr , Amtrak's longest and arguably most scenic route departs the magnificent Chicago Union Station at 2PM, crossing the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains as it makes its way to the West Coast.
• 41.258611 -95.9375 22 Omaha — perhaps best known as the hometown of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Also the hometown of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Perhaps of most interest to travellers will be the Old Market area with its well-preserved historical buildings.

• 39.739167 -104.984722 23 Denver — the capital and largest city of the state of Colorado . If the train is on time, feel free to step out to marvel at the magnificently-restored Denver Union Station, including from the inside. After leaving Denver, the train traverses the Rocky Mountains in what is widely regarded as the most scenic section of the route, and arguably of Amtrak's entire network. The observation car is usually packed to the brim on the Denver-Salt Lake City segment, so be sure to go there early to snag a seat if you want the best views.
• 40.75 -111.883333 24 Salt Lake City — the capital and largest city of the state of Utah , it is best known for being home to the headquarters of the Mormon church at Temple Square. The Mormon Temple itself can only be entered by practicing Mormons, but people of all faiths are welcome to have a look at the exterior, or to attend a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. After leaving Salt Lake City, the train travels along the banks of the Great Salt Lake, but since this part of the journey usually takes place at night, you typically do not get to see it unless your train is severely delayed. Following that, the train crosses the Great Basin Desert as it makes its way towards Reno.
• 39.526111 -119.812667 25 Reno — often liked to a "mini Las Vegas ", Reno is also a gambling destination, albeit on a smaller scale, but is also close enough to serve as a base to visit the ski resorts of Lake Tahoe in the winter. After leaving Reno, the trains passes through the scenic Sierra Nevada mountains on its way towards the California coast.
• 38.575278 -121.486111 26 Sacramento — the state capital of California , with a well-preserved old town at the waterfront that evokes the feel of the cowboys and the Old West. The westbound train only stops to drop off passengers, and does not permit new passengers to board.
• 37.831389 -122.285278 27 Emeryville — the terminus of the California Zephyr, Amtrak provides a connecting bus service onward to San Francisco which can be booked when booking your train ride. Alternatively, if you want to complete the entire journey by train, book a spot on one of Amtrak's southbound trains (either the Capitol Corridor or Coast Starlight ) to San Jose , where you can then transfer to the Caltrain commuter rail bound for San Francisco.

Alternative routes [ edit ]

From the East Coast, you may also opt to begin your journey from Boston or Washington, D.C. . Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited also has an alternative starting point in Boston , and passengers from Boston will join their counterparts who boarded in New York City at Albany. There is another longer and less frequent Amtrak route from New York City to Chicago called the Cardinal , which follows a more southerly route through Philadelphia , Baltimore , Washington, D.C., Charlottesville , Cincinnati , and Indianapolis instead. The Capitol Limited travels between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, stopping at Pittsburgh along the way before following the same route as the Lake Shore Limited from Cleveland onwards.

On the West Coast, you can also opt to end your journey in Los Angeles , Portland or Seattle instead. Amtrak's Southwest Chief makes the journey from Chicago to Los Angeles via Kansas City and Albuquerque , while the Texas Eagle takes a longer circuitous route via Saint Louis , Dallas , San Antonio and Albuquerque. The Empire Builder travels from Chicago to Seattle or Portland via Milwaukee and Saint Paul , with the Seattle-bound and Portland-bound cars being split at Spokane .

If you do not wish to go though Chicago, your only option is Amtrak's Crescent , which travels from New York City to New Orleans , where you can transfer to the Sunset Limited onward to Los Angeles.

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The Travel Women

How to travel across america by train with amtrak.

One of the best ways to really see the diverse landscapes and personalities of the U.S. through a train window as you travel coast to coast. This summer I partnered with Amtrak to travel from New York City to San Francisco and back, traveling over 7,000 miles across 20 states in about 143 hours of train time. I took six different train routes over 12 total days including a two day layover in Chicago and a two day layover in San Francisco.

When one thinks of traveling across the U.S., driving is usually front of mind, followed by flying, but train travel is a perfect alternative for travelers looking to see more than the road in front of them or the clouds around them. Trains across the U.S. are a very popular option for short trips between nearby cities. For example, from New York City to Washington DC, three times as many passengers choose Amtrak than all of the airlines combined! Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network in the U.S. serving over 500 destinations over 46 states with about 30 million customers in FY 2016. However, only 1/6 of Amtrak’s customers traveled long distance, between 764 miles and 2,438 miles. ( Source ) I was one of the minority, traveling not just long distance but across the entire country, and back! I traveled from New York – Washington DC – Chicago – Los Angeles – San Francisco – Chicago – New York. Read on for more about my route, the people I met, and the steps I recommend to make a cross-country dream trip like this a reality!

• Plan the route: Taking the scenic route is all about the views and the stops along the way. Think about where you want to visit and which scenic routes you are most interested in seeing. When planning my journey, I wanted to visit Chicago and San Francisco and see different routes, so I prioritized the most scenic routes, like the California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight. If you’re not sure where to start, read our article which breaks down the Most Scenic Routes .
• Buy tickets: Once you know which routes you want to take and cities you want to visit, head to Amtrak.com to buy your tickets. I also called to ask questions about specific routes and suggested layover times between trains. I recommend you give yourself at least 4 hours in between different train routes to make sure you have plenty of time, if not a few days layover in cities you want to explore.
• Pack: Make sure to pack a carry-on with your necessities easily accessible and bring things like a power strip and a deck of cards. You can bring two smaller personal items and two larger carry-on items. For my 12-day journey, I brought one personal item of a backpack and one carry-on rolling bag. Bring comfortable layers and clothes that do not wrinkle. I lived in different yoga pants each day. Bring toothpaste, Tylenol and motion sickness medicine if you need them since they do not sell these essentials. It is also helpful to bring flip flops or shower shoes and easy slip-on shoes or slippers. Check out our packing list and packing videos here .
• Disconnect: One of the best reasons to take a long train journey is the view. There will be areas where you might lose service or Wi-Fi, but embrace the opportunity to disconnect and do simple things like sit and watch the world go by through the large observatory car windows.
• Stops: Depending on how far you are going, take your time and extend your journey by staying a few nights exploring a new city. During my cross-country train trip, I stopped in Chicago for two nights and San Francisco for two more nights before traveling back to Chicago and New York. If visiting historic architectural stations is your thing, check out our Most Beautiful Train Stations .

• Talk to people: When you’re traveling with someone it is easy to only talk with each other. One of the best ways to meet other travelers is over a deck of cards or by introducing yourself in the dining or observatory cars. I had the pleasure of meeting so many different people, who were traveling on the train for a variety of reasons: to go home, to visit family, to take care of family, at the end of a business trip, to take a few days off, to show their spouse or kids the train. I met a man who was a proud model railroader. He and his wife finally splurged to take a trip across the country because of his love of trains.

I also met one of the most wonderful, strong women travelers I’ve ever met who shared her story: “My husband and I had been planning this trip for eight years, but he had a stroke and his health prevented him from taking the trip. When I turned 70 I decided I needed to do this, I couldn’t wait, my friends chipped in so we could do it, I couldn’t have done it without them.” It was so amazing to hear how her friends came together to help her travel across the country to visit family and friends so that even without her husband, she was never really alone during her journey!

• Talk to the staff: Some of my favorite stories and moments along my cross-country trip came from conversations with the staff. A friendly smile goes a long way. We even got extra pillows from one helpful attendant. It is also recommended to tip your sleeper car attendants. Many attendants went above and beyond. They shared stories, and some even had DVDs and games so that we were always entertained. Scroll down to read some of my favorite quotes from the staff I met.
• Look for where there is glare so you can avoid it. Although I love the observation deck for enjoying the views, glare from the many windows make it much harder to take photos there than at your seat.
• Put your camera or phone directly up to the glass to avoid glare.
• On your camera adjust your shutter speed so it’s fast enough to capture the moving scenery.
• Make sure to focus on the scenic background and not the blur of moving trees closer to you.
• Get creative and include the glare or train in your shot for perspective!

Train staff quotes (These are anonymous quotes from different staff members who preferred to not be photographed or mentioned by name):

“Who gets this office window?”

“I had a dream of blue seats and when I went through training I had deja vu. Sixteen years and I’m still here.”

“I took my first adult vacation on Amtrak and applied, and here I am”

“The train. This is where I’m going to live the rest of my life.”

“We’re like the train therapists.”

“If you want to work at a passenger railroad – you have to like people and have a heart for them”

“Most rewarding and fun – meet lots of new people from all over the world.”

“Real people with real issues traveling to family emergencies or a couple from the U.K. and it’s on their bucket list. There are even more diverse people on a route like Zephyr.”

“Don’t want the hassle of the airport, neither has to drive, both can enjoy the journey together.”

“So relaxing to be a passenger, it makes them slow down and unplug.”

“It’s like a land cruise.”

“Treasure this as a family way to travel.”

“I’m glad there are no separate dining cars, mixing is good.”

“We wouldn’t have time zones without trains.”

“Pack a sense of adventure and leave your watch.”

“Independently wealthy with experience.”

“Enjoy the unexpected.”

“Recognize when you have no control” – over the timing or delays and “let go.”

When passengers ask what time we will arrive, she says, “Can’t tell you an exact time, but things are going well today.”

“You have to sacrifice a lot. You can’t plan vacations, birthdays. Train goes 365 days a year.”

“Beautiful views for sightseeing, but driving you have to pay attention to the road, on the train it takes you to your final destination without having to look at the road.”

“Never have enough trains, even on a vacation I take the train.”

“I love to talk to people, joke with people, make their trip good and interesting so no one is bored.”

“I love my job because you get to see the world.”

“Every day is a favorite day. Same route, different people.”

“Wherever I go, I take the train.”

Women Conductors: There are 1,782 Passenger Conductors. About 19% of those identify as female.

Train Portraits: I was lucky enough to meet some really dedicated train staff who often live half their year on an Amtrak long-haul train. Despite a unique work schedule which sometimes means four days on and five days off shifts and missing holidays or birthdays, almost everyone I met was so in love with their jobs and the trains that they couldn’t imagine any other path. Some went above and beyond to tell me their favorite train stories or tips on getting a great photo. One amazing conductor even informed me when the herd of buffalo would pass by so I could get “the shot.” A friendly smile and conversation goes a long way. Some employees who didn’t want to share a quote, allowed me to take their photo, here are some of my favorite train portraits!

Rachael (pictured above) “People like it, customers like it, no one wants to come to a boring café.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What are the different seating options? Coach is the most affordable option and is much more comfortable than most other forms of transportation. Compared to flying, you have more legroom, bigger seats and often your own power outlet. It is the cheapest option but on an overnight train means you will be sleeping sitting up. Business class comes with more amenities and a comfier seat for only a little more than the coach seat. First class on Acela includes at-seat service, complimentary meals, beverages and hot towels. There are three main types of sleeper car accommodations. The base Roomette Superliner includes two seats that fold into two bunk beds, with no in-room toilet, but a shared toilet down the hall. On certain trains you might have a Roomette Viewliner, which does include an in-room toilet. For extra luxury, the bedroom for two people comes with an in-toilet room and in-room shower. There are also bedroom suites for four adults, family bedrooms and accessible bedrooms, read more here .
• What are the bathrooms like? The bathrooms are compact but they are better than most airplane bathrooms.
• What are the showers like? The showers/changing rooms are a separate room complete with towels and individually packaged soap. Tip: If you don’t feel being adventurous taking a shower on a moving train, try to time your shower during a stop that includes a smoke break, so you have about 20 minutes when the train is not moving.
• What is the food like? Amtrak serves full, cooked-to-order meals, including a vegetarian selection, which are a substantial improvement on microwaved plane meals. Dinners even include a salad and dinner roll. Everything is served with nice disposable plastic plates or shiny silver disposable utensils. Many routes feature seasonal and local dishes. My favorite meal was the signature steak, which I had multiple times.
• What is like to sleep on the train? Sleeping on the train does take getting used to, but depends on how light a sleeper one is. It was difficult for me to sleep the first night while the train was moving, and you could hear the train horn at night, but I got used to it with time. I slept on the top and bottom bunk of a roomette. The top bunk seems a bit scary at first, but there is a harness on the side so that you feel secure at night and avoid rolling over.
• Will the train be late? Delays happen and I experienced a number of delays, one which made me miss a connecting train. My number one piece of advice is to allow extra time just in case a train is late. Give yourself around four hours between long-haul connections just in case there are delays, so that you don’t feel rushed to get to your connection and can have a relaxed meal in between trains.
• Is it safe as a woman traveling solo? Yes, I traveled half of the trip with a friend and traveled solo for the other half of my trip and felt more comfortable and safe than I’ve felt on some buses or flights. Train travel is perfect for solo travelers who are comfortable traveling alone and meeting others over meals. Having my own roomette was very helpful, as I had my own space for my things and a lock for privacy. Note that the roomette doesn’t lock from the outside, only while you’re inside can you lock it at night, for example. Nonetheless, I felt like my things were always safe while leaving them for meals or to look out in the observatory car. There are also a number of staff members around if you ever need something.
• Are my things safe? Yes, I had no issues or concerns with the safety of my things. To make more room we sometimes put our larger rolling bags on the main cargo shelves. You can also bring a lock for your carry-on to be extra safe. If you prefer to have your things with you at all times, there are ways to stack bags in a roomette, but keep in mind that space is limited.

Read on to the end to see if I would recommend this cross-country journey!

Fun Facts about Amtrak:

• The name “Amtrak” comes from combining the two words “America” and “track.”
• Trains with even numbers travel north and east. Trains with odd numbers travel south and west. (The only exception is that the Pacific Surfliner train numbers are opposite.)
• The Auto Train, between Lorton, VA and Stanford, FL, is the longest passenger train in the world, with 40 cars for both passengers and automobiles.
• Train travel is the most energy-efficient mode of long distance travel more efficient than flying and driving.
• The ten busiest trains stations in order are New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, LA, Boston, Sacramento, Baltimore, Albany-Rensselaer and San Diego. Most of these are also the prettiest stations, read more here .
• Miles: 7,095 miles
• Travel Time: 143 hours, 50 minutes – about 6 days
• States: 20 states: NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, DC, WV, OH, IN, IL, IA, MO, KS, CO, NM, AZ, CA, NV, UT, NB
• Miles: about 200 miles
• Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
• Stops: New York – Washington DC
• Highlights: Enjoy the Northeast views from New York City to Philadelphia to Washington DC.
• Miles: 764 miles
• Travel Time: 18 hours
• Stops: Washington DC – Pittsburgh – Cleveland – Chicago
• Highlights: Travel through the Potomac Valley and pass Frank Lloyd Wright’s home “Fallingwater.”
• Miles: 2,256
• Travel Time: 40 hours
• Stops: Chicago – Kansas City – Albuquerque – Flagstaff – Los Angeles
• Highlights: Highlights include the Arizona rock formations, Sedona Red Cliffs and the snowy mountain peaks in Colorado.
• Miles: 469 miles
• Travel Time: 12 hours
• Stops (on my trip): Los Angeles – Emeryville/San Francisco
• Highlights: Sit back and relish California coastline views.
• Miles: 2,447 miles
• Travel Time: 51 hours, 20 minutes
• Stops: San Francisco – Salt Lake City – Denver – Chicago
• Highlights: Travel through the Rockies, Continental Divide, Glenwood Canyon, Utah Desert and High Sierras. The best part is the volunteers discussing history between Sacramento and Reno, including the Donner Pass and the storied Transcontinental route.
• Miles: 959 miles
• Travel Time: 19 hours
• Stops: New York – Albany – Cleveland – Chicago
• Highlights: Enjoy shorelines along Lake Michigan and the Finger Lakes to name a few.

For more about these routes, their frequency and what you can see along the way, read our Most Beautiful Amtrak Train Routes.

Would I recommend a cross-country train trip?

I loved my cross-country train journey! Despite delays and having trouble sleeping at first on the trains, I would definitely take a long-haul train route again, one that I haven’t taken yet, like the Empire Builder. Depending on your budget and timing, I would highly recommend taking one of the most scenic long-haul train routes. Traveling on these long-haul trains or going across the U.S. is a bucket list experience that I think everyone should try! If you have limited money and vacation days, consider doing a shorter leg of a longer trip, like the almost 6-hour Pacific Surfliner train or the National Park Service narrated 5-hour portion of the Zephyr from Sacramento to Reno. These train trips are perfect for people who don’t like flying or driving or who just want to sit back and enjoy the journey. It really is a meditative experience looking out the window and seeing so much of the country that you don’t normally get to see any other way! I would highly recommend it and I believe that taking a long-haul train should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Would you take a train across America? Any questions about the journey? Comment below!

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11 thoughts on “How to Travel Across America by Train with Amtrak”

Oh wow! I’m a 72 year old women who will be going with a male friend cross country. Thank you so much for such valuable information. I’m nervous, but so excited about our trip, but I do have medical issues. Im hoping I won’t cause problems for my friend. But, I’m STILL going anyway! You are inspiring!

Hi Wilkie, I am so happy for you that you are going and hope you have a wonderful trip! 🙂

Jennifer, what was the total cost of the train portion of your trip? I think you were traveling for 12 days and used a roomette. Thanks for publishing this information.

My husband and I have taken trips from Albuquerque to Seattle, Rochester NY, and Santa Barbara CA several times. We are going again this summer. Can’t wait. Love the train! It’s always an adventure.

Oh sounds wonderful, yes love the train too, it is always an adventure! Happy travels!

Wow, thanks a lot for the tips. My wife and I and 2 friends have been dreaming to do an Amtrak cross country travel.

Look’s like we got a travel consultant for free.

Yes, we will consider doing what you just did. God bless.

Yes, happy to help! Loved taking Amtrak across the country and back, hope you have the most wonderful trip!

I have gone though usa several times in amtrak here’s the trains in would take for the 8 segment. Sell her to Chicago southwest chief to la get coast starlight same day you arrive in la to Portland Oregon get empire builder same day back to Chicago take Webber next day to Reno then take we’ll get to th co where I began my trip. San Francisco goes straight to Chicago l Chicago Chicago to dc dc to Miami i did it all . I loved the Pioneer best of all when they had it from Denver to Seattle or Portland Oregon they should never had removed it’s service What a shame on congress. I loved congratulations union Pacific when I was a child going to micigan in the 50s. Amtrak can never compare with the union Pacific those trains were awsome

Thank you so much for your comment, what amazing routes you have taken, wow! Thank you for sharing and happy travels!

We fell in love with train travel when we took our first trip about 7 years ago when our 2 children were 6 and 4. We did Alton to Chicago roundtrip on the Texas Eagle. We were nervous that our kids would drive us nuts with boredom. Not the case at all. They loved it! My husband plays guitar and leads a band and we researched ahead of time that acoustic instruments can be played in the cafe/lounge car. So, we brought it and played and sang music and it was the most awesome experience! People joined in and told us repeatedly how much they enjoyed it. Since then, we’ve traveled as a family of 4 to Montana on Empire Builder, again roundtrip to Seattle on Empire Builder and several other Texas Eagle trips to Chicago. We always bring the guitar. I’ve now learned acoustic bass guitar so bring that along as well. I also love to sew; the natural lighting in coach seats and especially in Sightseer Lounge cars (Superliners only) are ideal for sewing. I find myself not wanting to get to the destination each time.

Oh wow what amazing memories for your children! I also didn’t know about the guitar, how wonderful, wish I was on your train to hear it! Yes I completely agree and felt that too that the journey was the best part and each time I arrived I almost didn’t want to leave the train! 🙂

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Travel The US By Train: Here's How Much A Coast-To-Coast Train Trip Will Cost

From DC to San Francisco, Amtrak has a train route offering travelers a unique way to experience the United States from 'sea to shining sea.'

• Amtrak offers an East Coast to West Coast train package that allows travelers to explore the United States by train, providing a scenic and relaxing experience.
• The package includes a planned itinerary crossing the northern route of the country, with stops in cities like Chicago and San Francisco, as well as visits to attractions like Glacier National Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.
• The trip costs between $1,250 and $3,000 per person for 10 days and 4 destinations, but considering the inclusions, it offers excellent value for a cross-country journey.

The United States may not be the first place people think of when it comes to train travel. However, there is a rather extensive network of interlinked destinations via train, thanks to Amtrak. Not only is there an array of reachable destinations by train, but it's possible to travel from coast to coast.

Amtrak offers an east-to-west coast train package that allows travelers to experience the expansive contrasts of the United States all by train, and it could be a truly scenic and relaxing way to discover the heart of the U.S.

Amtrak's East Coast To West Coast Train Experience

Amtrak offers a tour package from dc through chicago and ending in san francisco.

For those seeking the adventure of a lifetime, traveling by train could present the ultimate way to discover the unexplored pockets of a country with so much to offer. Much is often missed by travelers coming to the United States, where planes are the most common way to get between the east and west coasts. This experience could be considered one of the best ways to see the U.S., thanks to the modern amenities and comforts Amtrak offers onboard their trains.

The East Coast to West Coast Rail Experience is a package tour that offers passengers a planned itinerary crossing the northern route of the country. Starting in the U.S. capital of Washington DC , the train will embark on an overnight journey to Chicago. Travelers will then get to spend the night exploring the great city and have the chance to indulge in some of Chicago's famous deep dish pizza .

The following day, the train runs across the great plains, through the Rocky Mountains, and even passes by the beautiful Glacier National Park . Passengers will spend two more nights onboard, enjoying Amtrak's comfortable cabins and complimentary meals provided in the dining car , all while soaking up the stunning scenery.

Related: 10 Best Historic Hotels In Chicago You Should Book

Arriving in Seattle the next morning, passengers will get to spend the whole day and night in the Emerald City, which has so much to offer (including free adventures) , with some iconic foods to try at the famous Pike Place Market .

From Seattle, passengers will board the Coast Starlight train , Amtrak's line between Seattle and Los Angeles. The journey will continue for one more night through its final stretch to San Francisco, California.

What makes this experience truly unique is, it doesn't end there. After a night exploring the great city of San Francisco , the tour includes a day trip, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, into the Muir Woods National Monument to experience the serene redwood forest. From there it continues to the quaint seaside village of Sausalito , where visitors will get to have lunch and explore the lovely town with beautiful views of the bay, before taking a 30-minute cruise back to Fisherman's Wharf for one last night in San Fran.

For the ultimate U.S. experience, travelers could fly into New York City and take the train down to Washington D.C. before embarking on the coast-to-coast train adventure. To go a step further, after landing in San Francisco, travelers could continue on the Coast Starlight down to Los Angeles before flying home.

How Much Does The Coast-to-Coast Train Cost (& What Is Included)

For 10 days and 4 destinations, travelers can expect to pay between $1,250 and $3,000 usd.

Because of what is included in this epic package deal, the price may seem high, but it comes down to an excellent cross-country value.

Passengers can expect to pay between $1,249-$3,000 USD per person for the entire trip, depending on the time of year . This may sound like a hefty sum, but it's worth considering what the price includes on this ten-day, four-destination, 3,565-mile journey across the entire country.

• Day 1: Journey begins in Washington DC
• Day 2: Overnight Onboard Amtrak
• Day 3: Overnight in Chicago, IL
• Day 4: Overnight Onboard Amtrak
• Day 5: Overnight Onboard Amtrak
• Day 6: Seattle, WA
• Day 7: Overnight Onboard Amtrak
• Day 8: San Francisco, CA
• Day 9: Muir Woods & Sausalito
• Day 10: Journey Ends in San Francisco.

Related: 10 Scenic Train Rides Throughout East Coast With The Best Views

What's Included:

• One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Washington, DC to Chicago; Chicago to Seattle; Seattle to San Francisco on the Capitol Limited, Empire Builder and Coast Starlight
• 5 nights' hotel accommodations; 4 nights onboard Amtrak

Highlights:

• Monuments by Moonlight tour in Washington, DC
• Architecture cruise in Chicago
• Admission to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibit
• Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco
• Sightseeing tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito with Bay Cruise
• Accommodation: Private sleeping rooms
• Meals and Dining : Complimentary meals
• Accessibility: Provides additional services for those with disabilities

Booking the Trip:

To book the trip, travelers can visit Amtrak's website to select the desired day and month of departure, as well as fill out the details of all specific needs and desires for the trip.

Amtrak will then send a quote of how much the total cost will be.

• Passengers also have the option of speaking directly with one of Amtrak's travel advisors by calling: 1 (800) 268-7252.

Other Possible Cross-Country Routes In The US

Amtrak offers northern, central, or southern coast-to-coast routes.

While the East Coast to West Coast Rail Experience makes the whole traveling process easier and more convenient, it is possible to travel by train coast-to-coast via other routes.

For those wanting to be more independent and see different areas of the country, the Amtrak Network crosses through 46 of the 48 contiguous states, opening up an array of desirable destinations, with Chicago serving as the major hub.

Related: These Are The Cheapest Scenic Train Rides To Take Around The U.S.

From Chicago, routes are available across the central United States, passing through Colorado, Utah, and into San Francisco. Another possible route dips down through the heart of the southwest through enchanting New Mexico, across Arizona, and ending in Los Angeles.

The last possible coast-to-coast route is the southernmost route. From Chicago, the train heads into the heart and soul of the deep south, landing in the great city of New Orleans , where travelers can continue westward through Texas, ending once again, in Los Angeles.

If planning on traveling coast-to-coast independently, tickets will have to be booked separately for each leg of the journey.

Related: 10 Things That Are Actually Worth Buying On The Amtrak Train

From getting to see some of the country's most stunning scenery to exploring some of the best cities — while sampling an array of the best food the country has to offer — The East Coast to West Coast Experience is the ultimate way to discover the United States.

How much does it cost to travel across America by train?

It’s many people‘s dream to go on a cross country road trip. To see all the sites that the USA has to offer could be an expensive and time consuming trip if you plan on driving all the way but you might be surprised at how much cheaper it could be if you take a train.

So, How much does it cost to travel across America by train? It costs $499 for the cheapest rail to take you from one coast to the other via an Amtrak Train. However, more expensive trips are priced at $3,499-$6,649 which include more destinations, amenities and stops.

There are a lot of reasons why taking a train to travel across America is a great option. Read on to find out what kinds of trips are available, how much it’ll cost you, and how to make the most of your next vacation.

How You Can Travel Cross Country

Trains are a great way to travel that often aren’t as well acknowledged as they should be. After all, you see commercials every day for car rentals or cheap airline flights, but you never really see train rides advertised and as a result most people don’t even know that there are some pretty good options out there if you choose to travel this way. One such option is going on a cross country trip from one side of the country to another.

Why Trains Are a Good Option

Going on a cross-country road trip can be pretty expensive and stressful if you plan on driving. First of all, there’s the fact that you would probably have to be behind the wheel the entire time. Driving across your city is one thing, but driving thousands of miles would probably take a lot out of you. Then there’s the cost of gas, paying for room and board, and being out of luck if something happens to your car.

On the other hand, taking a flight would be prohibitively expensive and it would severely limit your options as to where you can go because you can’t just keep hopping on planes every day to visit a different city.

That’s why trains are a better option. They can bring you the convenience of a flight with the larger variety of options that you couldn’t get otherwise. There are trains that go on specific routes that will take you cross country and stop at each of the best destinations that you would want to visit, all that with the perk of having everything scheduled for you so that you can relax on the way and enjoy unlimited fun once you get there.

What Kinds of Cross Country Trains Are There

There are no shortages of options when it comes to trips across the United States. Amtrak is one service that provides a cross country line that stops in many exciting destinations. You could go for a single Pass, or you could go for a guided tour that will help you make the most out of your trip. Here are a few options.

• USA Rail Pass . This is the cheapest option to get from one coast to another. This pass will let you jump on and off wherever you desire at a fixed price of $499, over a period of 30 days. You will have 10 segments, meaning you can board and disembark 10 times throughout the trip.
• The All American . This is a 15 day trip with 6 destinations, taking you through Chicago, IL, New York City, NY, New Orleans, LA, San Francisco, CA, Denver, CO, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, back to Chicago, IL. Priced at $6,649 it includes a sightseeing tour of New Orleans and the Rocky Mountain National Park, 8 nights of accommodations, and 2 meals.
• Coast to Coast Across the USA . This trip is 16 days and covers 7 destinations from New York City, NY, Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, Williams, AZ, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, and San Francisco, CA and is priced at $3,499. It features sightseeing tours, 12 nights accommodations and coach accommodations aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.
• Great American Majestic Landscapes. It’s a 12 day, 6 destination trip that includes a voyage from New York City, NY, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, San Francisco, CA, Napa Valley, CA, to San Francisco, CA. It will cost $2,399 and includes sightseeing tours, as well as a Chicago CityPASS, which gives you access to destinations like Shedd Aquarium or the Museum of Science and Industry.

No matter which tour or pass you choose, and no matter which destination you’re looking to visit, there are plenty of options that can get you from one corner of the map to the other. These tours all vary in prices, but the adventures and memories will be surely worth it.

Why It Costs This Much

The reason these tours cost as much as they do is because of everything that is included within them. This means amenities like room and board, as well as meals which will be taken care of while you are on your trip.

This also includes guided tours of each destination and some trips even give you passes or discounts, like the Chicago city pass which will let you visit popular destinations that you might have gone to regardless.

So while on the surface the cost might seem a lot, if you look at what you’re getting traveling America by train may be a much cheaper option compared to you doing everything yourself.

When you factor in the cost of hotels every night, paying for each meal individually, paying for each individual destination or attraction, and of course the cost of getting yourself there with gas money or plane tickets, you might find that these numbers rack up and you’ll probably end up paying more and having to do a lot more work than if you just get a single tour that will take care of it all for you.

Ways to Save

You might get a little sticker shock from looking at the price of a long and detailed tour or cross-country trip, but when you break down the cost, there are a lot of savings involved.

Let’s say you wanted to drive from San Francisco to New York. This is approximately 46 hours of driving, at 2908 miles. Also considering the fact that the trip will be a round trip, you could be looking at $500 for just gas. Now you will also need to include the cost of two or three nights in a hotel or motel, which could add a few hundred dollars to your total and that’s if you don’t feel like stopping anywhere.

So as you can see, the total cost of a trip across the United States can get pretty pricey, but now when you look back at the prices of a train ride that will probably cover your night stay, as well as saving you the trouble of actually having to drive yourself you can see how taking a train is probably the better and more cost efficient option overall. You could end up saving a lot more money than you thought if you go this route.

How Far the Trip Is

The distance from one end of the United States to another, San Francisco to New York, is approximately 2902 miles. Of course if you were taking a train or even a car there will be a considerably longer amount depending on where you stop since it’s unlikely you’ll be going in a straight line the entire time without any detours.

The actual distance you will cross on your voyage depends on the locations you start and how far apart they are from each other. For example some trips will take you from San Francisco down to Los Angeles and up to the Grand Canyon which could add a considerable amount to your trip.

How Long Will it Take

The amount of time is similar. While you could go from one end of the map to another in close to 48 hours, that’s without stopping and without seeing anything on your way.

This is the reason most of the tours and trips take multiple days like the 16 day coast to coast across the US trip from Amtrak. This time is meant to account for enough time for you to stop and see the sights in each destination like New York or DC and ensures that you won’t be rushing or missing anything along the way.

When planning a cross country trip it’s a good idea to take a look at your itinerary to see how long it will actually take you when you consider everything you want to do.

Planning Your Trip

Going cross country on a train is a big adventure, so you’ll want to make sure that you bring everything you need to ensure that you make the most of your trip and avoid paying unnecessary costs that will add to your total.

What to Bring

It is important to remember the essentials when preparing for a trip across the US so that you don’t have to spend extra money later. This can include things like toiletries and phone chargers and of course, a laptop or a book for entertainment on the ride.

Included in certain tours are meals like breakfast and dinner with the cost included in your tour. It’s a good idea to check what amenities are included and be prepared so that you can cover whatever isn’t, like extra meals or a motel and hotel but when the train is stopped and the night is not covered on your tour. When you book a train ride, it will include details exactly on what is and is not part of the cost so that you can be prepared ahead of time to travel.

What are Destinations to Stop At

There is no shortage of great destinations that you can see when you travel across America by train. San Francisco includes the Golden Gate Bridge and sloping streets, if you head down to Los Angeles you will be able to visit Hollywood and then head to the majestic vistas of the Grand Canyon. Chicago is a huge diverse city with places like Willis tower and the millennium Park. You could conclude your trip in New York City and visit Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

These are just a few of the main attractions that you can see while you take a train ride across the United States. Most tours have designated days where they stop at major cities which can give you time to see the sights and explore to your heart’s content before moving onto the next destination. Some of the services will even give you guided tours that will walk you around the city and ensure that you don’t miss the best stuff.

Ideal Places to Begin and End

Services like Amtrak have over 500 stations across the country so that you can start your trip convenient for you from anywhere. However it might be a good idea to visit one side of the country like San Francisco or New York and officially start your cross country tour from there.

This is to ensure that you don’t miss anything and that the places will have tours accessible that you can begin from those locations. So you could start from Oklahoma City, travel to San Francisco and then take a San Francisco to New York cross-country tour before heading back to Oklahoma City.

Concluding Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s a lifelong dream for many people to go cross country on a trip and most people don’t even know that there are options to go via train. This way you could potentially save a lot of money and enjoy popular destinations across the map. Cheaper options exist where you get on and off where you please, or you could spring for more expensive tours that will cover your whole journey , and will likely even save you money that you would spend doing it all yourself.

So the next time you decide to take a trip, or if you’ve been wondering how to have that dream vacation, a train ride across the United States might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Lifelong Rail Enthusiast and Owner of Worldwide Rails

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Across the USA by Train for Just $213

Turns out, you don’t need a car to see America.

Traveling coast-to-coast across the United States by train is one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. Amazingly, it’s also one of the world’s greatest travel bargains — the 3,400-mile trip can cost as little as $186.

The American railroads are reminiscent of a bygone era. These were the trains that tamed the Wild West, fueled the Gold Rush, and served as the backbone of the Industrial Revolution. At its peak, it was the most luxurious mode of transportation that money could buy. Alas, the golden age of American railroads came to an end. Automobiles arrived and the airplane industry took off. Soon, many railroad companies had to cut losses and ceased their passenger services.

Today, the USA still has an excellent rail network for visitors that’ll take you to almost all the towns and cities a visitor would want to see. Arguably, the most scenic and historic of all the train routes in America is the cross-country journey from San Francisco to New York. As you climb through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, and further east through the heart of the Rockies, you may find it hard to disagree.

In December 2011, I traveled from San Francisco to New York by train. This is my trip in pictures.

Keep up with my latest adventures

The 3,400-mile coast-to-coast train ride takes 4 days if you do it without stopovers. Of course, you should make stopovers, but you’ll need to buy separate tickets for each leg.

The train doesn’t technically depart from San Francisco but 20 minutes away in Emeryville.

I arrived at the station and found my train — the famous California Zephyr, a direct train traveling 2,438 miles from San Francisco to Chicago over 3 days.

At 9:10 am, I boarded the train to begin my journey across America.

San Francisco to Salt Lake City

The train begins its journey running alongside the tranquil waters of the San Francisco Bay Area for some fabulous coastal views.

At some parts, the train was literally a foot from the water.

In the distance, I saw something that wasn’t too inviting.

The famous fog of San Francisco was rolling in, and it rolled in fast.

Before long, the splendid bay view became this.

It appeared that we may have made a wrong turn into the enchanted forest, and life around us started dying.

The window eventually became a smokescreen of white. I fell asleep soon after.

I woke up some hours later and noticed that people were drawn to the scenery outside.

No doubt that it was something worth looking at.

I moved to the Sightseer Lounge car, fitted with enormous windows that wrapped upward into the ceiling.

At Sacramento, an expert from the California State Railroad Museum came onboard to give live commentary of the scenery.

As we passed Donner Lake, he retold the story of the Donner Party who were stranded here in the winter of 1846. Some of the party of 87 resorted to cannibalism; only 48 survived.

Strangely enough, this made me hungry. So I went down to the cafe and bought myself some lunch.

As the train climbed into the Sierra Nevada, the temperature dropped quickly and we were suddenly surrounded by snow.

Another few hours later, the landscape turned into a vast, barren desert. If you fall asleep and wake up, it’s almost like you were transported to a different planet.

With a gleaming casino in the distance, it became clear — we have crossed into Nevada. The train calls at Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World.

Somewhere in the middle of the desert, I lost cell phone data signal.

So I resorted to taking selfies to pass the time.

In the evening, we were treated to a view so sublime, you begin to wonder if people who fly across the country and never take the train are quite possibly insane.

As the sun set, it was time for dinner.

There’s some luck of the draw involved with dining on an Amtrak train. There are usually insufficient seats for dinner, so passengers are seated with random strangers at the tables.

You never know who your dinner companion would be. It’s awkward for the first time, but many frequent train passenger actually find it to be one of the joys of train travel — meeting people from all walks of life.

As for me? I enjoyed a half rack of baby back ribs with a man who didn’t like talking very much.

An hour later, at a small Nevada town, there was a scene of confusion as the train pulled into the station with police cars standing by. The police boarded the train and arrested my dinner companion on suspicion of possessing firearms.

During the night, the train crossed from Nevada into Utah. Entering a new time zone, the clocks are adjusted an hour forward.

At 3 am in the morning, the train pulls into my first stop, Salt Lake City.

I spent a day exploring its Mormon heritage before moving on.

Salt Lake City to Denver

The journey between Utah and Colorado is regarded to be the most spectacular train ride in all of the United States.

We spent the morning chugging through the American Wild West.

The train follows the southern rim of the astonishing Book Cliffs.

We crossed into Colorado, marked by the sign “Utah-Colorado” painted on the wall of Ruby Canyon straddling the two states.

The California Zephyr climbs into the Rocky Mountains and snakes for hours through beautiful Colorado canyons.

For much of its journey through Colorado, the train follows the path of the Colorado River.

You’ll get a chance to see a particularly odd breed of Colorado wildlife indigenous to the area.

It’s long been a tradition for rafters to salute the passing train, giving this area the highly appropriate nickname of “Moon River”.

There were also dozens of Amish folks traveling on the train. They tend to avoid technology and not use cars or airplanes. Occasionally, they resort to taking the train.

Soon, it was my favorite time of the day: lunch.

Once again, it was a game of “social roulette”. I was assigned to sit with two elder ladies, who may or may not have heads.

I ordered a bacon cheeseburger, which looked surprisingly good for something that was cooked on a moving train.

The train passed the Byers Canyon Rifle Range, and I found myself hoping that the guns were not pointed in the wrong direction.

The train eventually emerged from the Rockies onto the Great Plains as we approach Denver.

The train pulls into Denver, the Mile High City. Despite its location on a vast flatland, Denver still stands at 5,280 feet above sea level.

Denver makes a lovely stop for exploring the city and its surrounds. I spent two days there before moving on.

Denver to Chicago

Today’s journey would bring me through 4 states — Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. I slept through most of the journey as the train traveled through the night.

Sleeping on the train is surprisingly comfortable.

The seats are spacious with plenty of legroom and they recline a good 40 degrees. They’re more comfortable than economy class seats on planes; perhaps something more like business class on a crappy domestic airline.

Sleeper cabins are also available, albeit at a significantly higher cost.

The California Zephyr completes its journey at Chicago’s Union Station, a historic landmark in its own right.

A noteworthy attraction for movie fans is the stairway from the famous stroller scene in ‘The Untouchables’ .

I spent a day exploring the city. The view from John Hancock Tower is particularly impressive at sunset.

Chicago to New York

The California Zephyr gets you as far as Chicago. To complete the journey to New York, you’d need to transfer to the Lake Shore Limited.

The many hours on the train makes for a fantastic time to write.

Amtrak actually offers a writers’ residency program where they provide free train rides just for you to sit and write.

The train travels through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, before entering New York state.

As soon as you see the Hudson River, you feel a sense of exhilaration that airline passengers will never know. We’ve almost crossed America by train!

The train finally pulls into New York Penn Station, ending my journey on the east coast of the United States.

Well, that concludes it — an epic 3,397-mile journey across America. It took me through 11 states and 4 time zones to cross the entire North America continent from coast to coast. In just four days, I’ve seen both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean without taking a flight. Some people have told me that I’ve already seen more of the country than most Americans.

Traveling by train gives you a glimpse into the soul of America. The experience rewards you with far more stories and experiences and sights than you could ever witness alone in a car, eyes fixed on the road, or on a five-hour flight across the country.

If you want to see tourist America, rent a Cadillac, get on Route 66 and stop off at a few cutesy diners and motels. If you want to see the real America in all its spectacular, crazy, kooky glory, get on the train.

How much did it cost me?

I paid $429 for a 15-day rail pass. You can do it for much less.

The rail pass includes 8 train rides which I used to explore other cities after my cross-country journey. If you’re thinking of stopping at a few cities, a rail pass can be a great value. Note that a 3-day journey counts as one ride, but so does a 30-minute one! If you work out the math, each ride is $54 on the rail pass. In comparison, most long-distance journeys cost upwards of $80.

For some people, buying the direct California Zephyr and Lake Shore Limited tickets should suffice in getting you from San Francisco to New York. Tickets for the entire journey are available from just $186 .

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President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Washington. (AP)

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President Joe Biden has a history of commuting by car and rail from his home in Delaware to Washington, D.C.

In comments following the disaster, Biden said he had been over the Francis Scott Key Bridge “many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car.”

Learn more about PolitiFact’s fact-checking process and rating system.

President Joe Biden came under criticism following his remarks about the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

"#BREAKING," read a screenshot of an X post shared on Facebook on March 26. "Joe Biden says he’s commuted over the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore many times via train. The problem is that the bridge features no train tracks."

Some news coverage also focused on Biden’s comments about taking trains. And former President Donald Trump’s campaign cited it as evidence that "Biden (confused — again) claims to have gone over the Francis Scott Key Bridge by train ‘many times.’" 

Before it collapsed, the four-lane bridge spanned 1.6 miles — and, no, the bridge does not have train tracks.

But these social media posts did not present Biden’s full statement that allowed for some ambiguity; he mentioned commuting by car.

Here’s what he said March 26 at the White House:  "At about 1:30, a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which I’ve been over many, many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car."

The White House clarified Biden’s comments to the New York Post, which ran a story headlined: "Biden claims he commuted over collapsed Baltimore Key Bridge by train’ many times’ —  but it doesn’t have any rail lines."

"The President is clearly describing driving over the bridge while commuting between Delaware and (Washington) D.C. during his 36-year Senate career," the New York Post quoted White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson saying in a statement.

Biden has a long history of commuting to the capital. 

On the White House website , a section recounting the president’s history says that after he was sworn into the U.S. Senate, he "began commuting from Wilmington to Washington every day, first by car, and then by train, in order to be with his family. He would continue to do so throughout his time in the Senate."

In 2023, The Associated Press called him "arguably the nation’s biggest Amtrak fan." 

PBS NewsHour said in 2021 that, as a senator, Biden "was a fixture on Amtrak trains between his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., when the Senate was in session. He continued riding Amtrak as vice president. He has sometimes been referred to as ‘Amtrak Joe.’"

Our Sources

Facebook post , March 26, 2024

The White House, Joe Biden , visited March 27, 2024

The Associated Press, ‘Amtrak Joe’ Biden visits Delaware to promote $16 billion for passenger rail projects , Nov. 6, 2023

PBS NewsHours, WATCH: Biden celebrates Amtrak’s 50 years on the rails , April 30, 2021

The White House, Remarks by President Biden on the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge , March 26, 2024

The New York Post, Biden claims he commuted over collapsed Baltimore Key Bridge by train ‘many times’ – but it doesn’t have any rail lines , March 26, 2024

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Joe Biden said he commuted by train and car as a senator, including over the Baltimore Key Bridge

Biden claims he commuted over collapsed Baltimore Key Bridge by train ‘many times’ – but it doesn’t have any rail lines 

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President Biden on Tuesday was fact-checked by social media users after claiming that he’s commuted over Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge “many, many times …  either on a train or by car.” 

Numerous people on X noted that the bridge, which fell into the Patapsco River early Tuesday after it was struck by a massive cargo ship, has never had rail lines attached to it. 

“At about 1:30 [a.m.], a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which I’ve been over many, many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car,” Biden said in his first public remarks on the catastrophe. 

“I’ve been to Baltimore Harbor many times,” he added. “And the bridge collapsed, sending several people and vehicles into the water — into the river.” 

Biden, who claims to have traveled over 1 million miles aboard Amtrak over the course of his 36 years in the Senate and eight years as vice president, was skewered for “inserting himself” into yet another tragedy. 

“So many lies! He lies just to lie,” one X user argued . “There is no value to him inserting himself into this situation.”

“Ummm…what train tracks is he referencing? Because there are none on the Francis Scott Key bridge,” radio talk show host Alan Sanders tweeted . 

“Oops here goes Joe AGAIN,” another person on the social media platform tweeted .

Several users also questioned the president’s mental acuity in light of his most recent gaffe . 

“Biden’s train is OFF THE TRACKS,” one X user chimed in . 

“Just another example of his mental derailment,” conservative podcast host Chad Prather tweeted . 

The White House told The Post that Biden was only making reference to having driven over the bridge.

“The President was clearly describing driving over the bridge while commuting between Delaware and D.C. during his 36-year Senate career,” White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson said in a statement.

Biden, the oldest-ever commander-in-chief, has a decades-long propensity for embellishing personal stories. 

Several of his misstatements have been related to national disasters.

The president has falsely claimed that he was at Ground Zero the day after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — when he states in his own book that he was in Washington, DC, on Sept. 12 — and he’s also erroneously said he “watched” a Pittsburgh bridge collapse when in fact he visited the disaster site hours afterward. 

Search and rescue crews are still searching for six people missing after the Baltimore bridge collapse.

The missing are all construction workers from a crew that was patching potholes on the major roadway at the time of the collapse.

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A grand tour of Europe by train with Eurail: the ultimate “Superloop” adventure

UK & EU travel writer

• Go contactless with digital tickets on your phone
• Compare ticket prices from hundreds of train companies
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We’ve got a wild idea—how about hitting up the most stunning cities across seven European countries in one epic trip? 

It sounds like a dream, but with Eurail, it’s totally doable.  

Let’s break down how to plan this “Superloop” European train adventure to max out on the gorgeous views and fun, all on one ticket. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, SCStock . Image Location: Brussels, Belgium

Crafting your grand tour of Europe itinerary: the cities you can’t miss 

Our “Superloop” kicks off in Paris, the City of Light, before weaving through Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Venice, Milan, Chambéry, and Lyon, finally circling back to Paris. 

1. Paris to Brussels: from Mona Lisa smiles to Manneken Pis winks 

Start in Paris , where croissants melt in your mouth with buttery goodness, and the Eiffel Tower twinkles like a giant disco ball when night falls. Next, make your way to Brussels , a city where chocolate flows freer than water, the Atomium astonishes even the most well-traveled folks, and the streets come alive with the thrilling adventures of Tintin . 

Travel time from Paris to Brussels by train : from 1h 19m 

2. Brussels to Amsterdam: from Belgian bites to Dutch delights 

Wave goodbye to the land of divine chocolate and hello to the world of cheese that dreams are made of. Amsterdam awaits with its arms wide open, canals ready to charm you, and bikes that outnumber people. This leg of your journey is a seamless switch from savoring pralines to pedaling past Van Gogh’s favorite places. 

Travel time from Brussels to Amsterdam by train : from 1h 52m 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Kryssia Campos. Image Location: Frankfurt, Germany

3. Amsterdam to Frankfurt: from Dutch masters to German markets 

Trade those wooden clogs for some comfy sneakers because Frankfurt ’s skyline is calling. Here, apple wine is the local potion, and sausages are served with a hearty helping of history. Whether you’re here for the finance or the frankfurters, this city knows how to blend business with pleasure. 

Travel time from Amsterdam to Frankfurt by train : from 3h 53m 

4. Frankfurt to Berlin: walls down, party up! 

Next up, Berlin —where history meets hipsters in a head-on collision. Graffiti is the city’s love language, and the nightclubs are so cool, even the bouncers wear avant-garde thrift finds. It’s a city that tells its tales through bullet holes and beats, so tune in! 

Travel time from Frankfurt to Berlin by train : from 4h 13m 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Prague, Czech Republic

5. Berlin to Prague: castles, Clementinum, and Czech Pilsners 

Step into the real-life fairytale that is Prague . This city is like your favorite childhood storybook, but with… ahem… beer. Wander from spire to spire, get lost in the labyrinth of the Old Town, and don’t forget to marvel at Prague Orloj, a striking medieval astronomical clock. 

Travel time from Berlin to Prague by train : from 3h 51m 

6. Prague to Vienna: from Bohemian Rhapsodies to Imperial Waltzes 

Vienna ’s up next, with more layers than a Sachertorte . Here, every street corner has got a story, and the coffee houses serve up a slice of culture with their cakes. It’s where you can go from admiring Klimt’s golden phase to feeling like royalty in Schönbrunn Palace . 

Travel time from Prague to Vienna by train : from 4h 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Buena Vista Images. Image Location: Venice, Italy

7. Vienna to Venice: from Danube blues to Grand Canal views 

Say “ Auf Wiedersehen ” to Vienna and “ Buongiorno ” to Venice . This city is where maps are useless, and getting lost is part of the charm. Glide through canals, dodge pigeons in St. Mark’s Square, and dive into a fun mission: ranking the best cicchetti spots in town. 

Travel time from Vienna to Venice by train : from 8h 18m on the fastest night trains  

8. Venice to Milan: from gondolas to glamor 

Venice might have the canals, but Milan ’s got the catwalks. This fashion powerhouse knows a thing or two about style, and even the Duomo is dressed to impress. Welcome to the city where espresso shots are a prelude to shopping sprees and art isn’t just in the galleries. 

Travel time from Venice to Milan by train : from 2h 6m 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Borisb17.  Image Location: Chambéry, France

9. Milan to Chambéry: from catwalks to cobblestones 

Next up is Chambéry in France —a slice of alpine heaven. This hidden gem is snug between lakes and mountains, with a castle that’s straight out of a watercolor painting. It’s the perfect pitstop for those who like their air fresh and their camera full of mind-blowing shots. 

Travel time from Milan to Chambéry by train: from 3h 48m 

10. Chambéry to Lyon: from alpine air to gastronomic flair 

Before looping back to Paris, indulge in Lyon , an underrated city that takes its grub seriously. Here, every meal is a masterpiece, and even the bouchons (that’s local for “bistro”) are UNESCO-worthy. 

Travel time from Chambéry to Lyon by train : from 1h 24m 

11. Lyon to Paris: because goodbyes are so passé 

Back to Paris, because let’s face it, one round was never going to be enough. It’s time for seconds of everything: another Mona Lisa glance, another Seine stroll, another “ooh la la” as you discover a new hidden café. Paris is always a good idea, twice over. 

Travel time from Lyon to Paris by train : from 1h 56m 

Pro tip: While this whirlwind can whirl by in two weeks, who wants to rush beauty? Extending your journey to three or four weeks lets you truly immerse in each city’s unique splendor—more croissants, more canals, more castles! 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Paris, France

Train travel across Europe made easy: tips for the Eurail explorer 

• Plan smart, not hard . Stick to places that are easy to hop between. Think about hitting up countries like Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg . They’re all snuggled up close, so you get more bang for your travel buck. 
• Be ready to roll with it . Stuff happens, plans change. That’s where the Eurail Global Pass comes in clutch. Missed a train? Catch the next one with the same all-access ticket. 
• Sleeper trains for the win . Save your cash and snooze while you move. It’s a no-brainer: skip the hotel for a night and wake up fresh in a new spot. 
• Pack like a pro . You’re exploring a new continent, not moving house. Bring what you need and nothing more. It makes zipping around so much easier, and you won’t be that person struggling with three suitcases on a crowded railway station. 
• Use the Trainline app . It’s like having a travel buddy who's always on the ball. This app keeps you in the loop with train times and updates, so you're always a step ahead. 
• Keep a travel diary . Log your train adventures in Eurail’s Travel Diary. It’s handy for hassle-free ticket inspections. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, StockByM.  Image Location: Lyon, France

FAQs: A grand tour of Europe with the Eurail Global Pass 

What’s the eurail global pass, and why should i consider it for traveling through europe .

The Eurail Global Pass is your golden ticket to exploring Europe by train, offering flexible access to the rail networks of up to 33 countries. It’s perfect for adventurers who want the freedom to hop on and off trains without the hassle of buying individual tickets. Ideal for both short sprints and epic journeys, it's a cost-effective and immersive way to soak in the diverse landscapes and cultures of Europe. 

How do I plan a 2-week Europe itinerary by train? 

Planning a 2-week Europe itinerary with your Eurail Pass is all about balance. Choose a mix of must-see capitals and hidden gems. A classic route could start in Paris, glide through the Swiss Alps , dip into Italy for a taste of Rome and Venice , then loop back north through Germany , wrapping up in Amsterdam. Remember, it’s not just about the destinations but the scenic journeys in between! 

Can I really do a grand tour of Europe by train? How does that work? 

Absolutely! The grand tour is all about embracing the breadth of Europe, from the sun-kissed Mediterranean to the rugged landscapes of Scandinavia . With a Eurail Global Pass, you can chart a course that spans multiple countries and regions. Think London to Lisbon , Paris to Prague , and beyond. The key is to prioritize your must-visit spots and ensure you have enough travel days on your pass. Overnight trains are great for covering long distances without losing a day of exploration. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Manchan. Image Location: Belvedere Palace, Vienna, Austria

What’s the best route for traveling Europe by train? 

The best route is subjective and depends on your interests. For history buffs, a journey through the heart of old Europe—think Rome or Vienna—is unbeatable. Nature lovers might prefer a route that showcases Europe’s natural beauty, like the fjords in Norway or the Alps. Foodies? Don’t miss out on Barcelona , Bologna , and Bordeaux . The Eurail Pass offers the flexibility to tailor your journey as you go. 

How do I travel around Europe by train effectively? 

Traveling around Europe by train is all about smart planning and flexibility. Here are some tips: 

• Use the Eurail timetable to plan connections. 
• Book reservations for popular routes in advance, especially during peak season. 
• Pack light for easy mobility. 
• Stay near train stations to maximize your sightseeing time. 
• Consider night trains to save on accommodation and cover long distances. 

What’s the best way to travel around Europe by train? 

The best way combines planning with spontaneity. Use your Eurail Pass to its full potential by mixing in advance bookings for must-see spots with impromptu day trips based on local recommendations or your mood. The beauty of train travel is the journey itself, so choose scenic routes when you can, and don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known destinations. 

Need more Eurail info? Check out our  comprehensive guide to all things Eurail .  

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Noppasin Wongchum. Image Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: April 1, 2024 / 8:13 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on the morning of March 26  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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