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.
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.
Once you know where you want to go, you'll want to book tickets well in advance.
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.
Keep a cardie or jumper to hand - the temperature in Amtrak's coaches is uniformly regulated year-round.
If travelling overnight, you have a few accommodation options to consider - either book a roomette or bedroom, or rough it in coach.
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.
Statistically speaking, rail travel is still one of the safest modes of transport, and providing you take all the usual common-sense precautions.
Stations vary in size from huge complexes with multiple bars, shops and cafés to a single platform with a station sign and a bench.
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.
Most trains will have a Bar Car. They’re usually next to the dining car, with tables and comfy leather booths.
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.
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.
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