‘How did I get to Hollywood? By train.’ - John Ford.

Train travel in America

Trains in the United States have always had a strong hold on the popular imagination, inspiring countless railroad stories, songs, films and legends. A rugged charm sets them apart from more mundane means of transport and their ecological soundness means that rail travel is again in vogue. Amtrak trains (not ‘Amtrack’) pollute less, rarely suffer from weather delays and won’t give you jet lag. On a train holiday you can choose your companions, read a book, have a snooze, sleep horizontally and enjoy most of the comforts of home while on holiday. One reason for travelling by train in the USA is especially compelling - it’s much more fun.

Train holidays will take you to almost all big US cities as well as to Disney World, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. Pampered by helpful attendants, you can travel by railway from coast to coast, explore the Rocky Mountains and ride directly alongside two oceans. You cross rivers, lakes and deserts and see places which can’t be visited any other way. Less expensive than flying, more comfortable than the bus, train travel keeps you relaxed and in touch with an ever-changing landscape. See here for some of Amtrak’s best routes.

Amtrak coaches have generous reclining seats, observation domes, air-conditioning and snug bunks - perfect for a rail vacation. This may not be the fastest way to travel but the civilised pace is perfect for sightseeing, and if the scenery palls you can go for a stroll, enjoy a meal in the dining car, make friends in the bar or watch a movie. At night a gentle rocking and the steady rhythm of the wheels are sure to lull you to sleep. Not many people would mourn buses if they became obsolete, and even fewer entertain fond thoughts about airports, but children still count freight cars and wave as the train goes by. Instead of leaving you exhausted and surly, trains create a sense of adventure and romance. No wonder people still find the plaintive sound of a locomotive horn at midnight a sure sign that it’s time to move on. As the bell clangs and the conductor calls out ‘All aboo-aard!’ you’ll soon discover why Amtrak train travel remains so beguiling.

The USA by Rail guide book has all you need for train travel with Amtrak, VIA Rail and tourist railroads in North America. This definitive rail touring guide includes details of all Amtrak train routes in the US and VIA trains in Canada, as well as steam railroads, railway museums and links to train travel websites in the United States, Canada and around the world. The brand new Eighth Edition of USA by Rail also has information about rail passes and cities and attractions across the US and Canada, plus advice for visitors from overseas, so whether you are planning a holiday vacation or a round the world trip, this is the complete guidebook for seeing North America by train. find out more

Favourite Amtrak trains in the USA

Many great long-distance trains operate in the United States, often travelling through wild, spectacular scenery not easily accessible any other way. Ideal for a holiday or as part of your round the world journey. Maps and complete guides on how to travel by train can be found in USA by Rail where the following are among the most highly recommended routes.

The Coast Starlight

This is one of Amtrak’s most scenic trips for travel by train and a particular favourite with young people. A party atmosphere frequently develops, starting in the lounge car and spreading throughout the train as it journeys between Seattle and Los Angeles. You see snow-covered mountains, forest valleys and long stretches of the Pacific shoreline.

The California Zephyr

One of the world’s great journeys, taking two days and nights to travel by train between Chicago and San Francisco, crossing farmland, prairie, deserts, rivers and the Rocky Mountains. Western pioneers came this way, as did gold prospectors, the Pony Express and the first telegraph line. The Zephyr follows America's earliest transcontinental rail route for much of its 2,420-mile journey.

The Southwest Chief

Amtrak’s fastest rail journey from Chicago to the Pacific is along part of the Santa Fe Trail first used by Native Americans then by Spanish conquistadors, mule caravans, wagon trains and stage-coaches. You travel 2,230 miles through eight states, passing wheat fields, ranches, missions, pueblos, mountains and deserts. Sometimes the canyons you go through are only a few feet wider than the train.

The Sunset Limited

The only way to travel from coast to coast on a single train. After going north from Orlando to Jacksonville in Florida the train heads west into two sunsets. You see the swamps of bayou country and flirt with the Mexican border before crossing Texas ranges to the mountains, deserts and orange groves of California.

Purchase discount Orlando Theme Park tickets at Best of Orlando

Buy discount Disney World Tickets at Orlando Fun Tickets

Find the best new music CD reviews and win a free CDs, books and DVDs at New Classics.

Wolves Beat for the best of Wolverhampton

BootsnAll Independent Travel