The Revival of the Classic American Train Vacation
Travelers are trading stressful airport security lines for the slow, scenic beauty of cross-country railways. Amtrak long-distance routes are experiencing a major comeback right now. If you want to see the United States from a fresh perspective, booking a cross-country train journey offers an unforgettable and comfortable adventure.
Why Slow Travel is Winning Over Flyers
The return of the classic train vacation is driven by a desire for comfort and a rejection of modern air travel hassles. When you fly, the journey is just a stressful obstacle between you and your destination. On a train, the journey is the actual vacation.
Amtrak offers incredibly generous luggage policies compared to major airlines. Every passenger can bring two personal items and two carry-on bags for free. You can also check up to two bags for free. There are no middle seats on Amtrak, and the standard coach seats offer more legroom than domestic first-class airline seats. You also have the freedom to get up, stretch your legs, and walk between cars whenever you want.
Top Amtrak Cross-Country Routes to Book Right Now
Amtrak operates several long-distance routes, but the western routes offer the most dramatic terrain. Here are the three most popular cross-country trips available today.
The California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco
Many train enthusiasts consider the California Zephyr to be the most beautiful train ride in North America. This 51-hour journey covers over 2,400 miles. Starting in Chicago, the train crosses the plains of Nebraska before hitting the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
The highlight of the trip occurs just west of Denver. The train climbs directly into the Rockies, passing through the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel and winding along the Colorado River. On the second day, you cross the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains and Donner Pass before descending into Emeryville, California, just outside of San Francisco.
The Empire Builder: Chicago to the Pacific Northwest
If you want to retrace the path of Lewis and Clark, the Empire Builder is your best option. This 46-hour route travels from Chicago through the northern plains of North Dakota and Montana.
The undisputed highlight of this route is the passage through Glacier National Park in Montana. During the summer, you can see deep valleys and jagged peaks right from your window. When the train reaches Spokane, Washington, it splits into two sections. You can choose to head south to Portland, Oregon, or continue west to Seattle, Washington.
The Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
While not a true coast-to-coast route, the Coast Starlight is a premier 35-hour long-distance journey that covers the entire West Coast. You board in Seattle and travel south past the snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta in Northern California.
As you move further south, the train hugs the Pacific Ocean. The stretch between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara offers miles of unobstructed, breathtaking ocean views that you simply cannot get from a highway.
Decoding Amtrak Accommodations: Coach vs. Sleeper Cars
Choosing your ticket type will drastically change your experience and your budget. Amtrak offers a few distinct tiers for long-distance travel.
- Standard Coach: This is the most affordable option. A one-way coach ticket from Chicago to Denver often costs between $100 and $150 if booked early. The seats recline deeply and feature a footrest, making it possible to sleep overnight. However, you will be sleeping in a public space.
- The Roomette: This is the entry-level private accommodation. Roomettes are small private cabins with two comfortable facing chairs that fold down into upper and lower beds at night. Roomettes typically cost between $500 and $900 for a two-day trip. This price covers one or two passengers and includes all your hot meals in the dining car. Bathrooms and showers are shared and located down the hall.
- The Bedroom: If you want maximum comfort, the Bedroom offers twice the space of a Roomette. It features a wider lower bed and an in-room private toilet and shower. Bedrooms are expensive, often ranging from $1,200 to over $2,500 depending on the route and season.
What to Expect on Board: Food and Viewing Cars
The true magic of an Amtrak vacation happens outside of your specific seat or cabin. The trains are designed for socializing and sightseeing.
The Sightseer Lounge is the social hub of all western long-distance trains. This car features floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap upward into the ceiling, giving you panoramic views of the passing mountains and canyons. Seating in this car is open to all passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.
For dining, Amtrak has restored traditional dining services for sleeper car passengers on western routes. You sit at tables with white linens and order from a real menu. Dinner options currently include Amtrak’s signature flat iron steak, pan-roasted salmon, and vegetarian chili. Coach passengers cannot access the traditional dining car for free but can purchase hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks from the lower-level Cafe Car.
How to Plan and Save on Your Amtrak Trip
Train prices fluctuate just like airline tickets. Amtrak releases its schedules 11 months in advance. Booking as early as possible is the best way to secure the lowest fares, especially for high-demand sleeper cabins in the summer.
If you want to take a massive cross-country trip on a budget, look into the USA Rail Pass. For a flat rate of $499, this pass gives you 10 travel segments over a 30-day period. You can ride from New York to Chicago, then down to Los Angeles, and back up to Seattle using this pass. Keep in mind that the USA Rail Pass is only valid for standard coach seats, and upgrading to a sleeper car requires paying the standard out-of-pocket fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cross-country train trip cost? Costs vary widely based on your accommodation. A basic coach ticket across the country can cost as little as $150 to $250. Booking a private sleeper cabin like a Roomette will cost between $600 and $1,200.
Is there Wi-Fi on Amtrak long-distance trains? Wi-Fi is notoriously spotty or entirely absent on the western cross-country routes (like the California Zephyr and Empire Builder) because the trains pass through highly remote areas with no cell towers. You should download your movies, music, and podcasts before boarding.
Can I get off the train and explore a city, then get back on? Standard Amtrak tickets do not allow hop-on, hop-off travel. If you buy a ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles and get off in Denver, your ticket terminates there. To explore multiple cities, you must book a multi-city ticket or purchase the USA Rail Pass.