
Тraveling by train across North America
Traveling across North America by train can be an unforgettable experience. From the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the lush forests of the Northeast, train travel provides a unique way to see the continent. Whether you’re taking a leisurely journey across the country or exploring a particular region, traveling by train allows you to sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning scenery that surrounds you.
One of the most popular train routes in North America is Amtrak’s cross-country journey from New York to San Francisco, known as the “California Zephyr.” This route takes you through the heart of the country, passing through the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along the way, you’ll see some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colorado River, the Mississippi River, and the Donner Pass.
Another popular option is the “Coast Starlight,” which takes you from Seattle to Los Angeles along the West Coast. This route travels through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, including the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of California’s most popular cities, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Barbara.
If you’re looking for a more regional experience, there are plenty of train routes to choose from. For example, the “Adirondack” takes you through the stunning wilderness of upstate New York, while the “Cascades” travels through the Pacific Northwest, from Vancouver, BC to Eugene, Oregon. You can also explore the rugged terrain of the Southwest on the “Southwest Chief,” which takes you from Chicago to Los Angeles through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico.
One of the biggest advantages of traveling by train is the opportunity to relax and enjoy the journey. With comfortable seating, ample legroom, and stunning views out the window, train travel is a far cry from the cramped conditions of air travel. Many trains also offer amenities like dining cars, lounges, and observation decks, so you can make the most of your journey.
Another advantage of train travel is the ability to stop and explore along the way. Unlike air travel, where you’re limited to specific airports, train stations are often located in the heart of cities, making it easy to step off and explore a new destination. Plus, with longer journey times, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and explore the towns and cities along the way.
Of course, train travel isn’t perfect. One of the biggest drawbacks is the longer journey times compared to air travel. While it might take only a few hours to fly from New York to San Francisco, the “California Zephyr” takes three days to complete the journey. However, many travelers see this as a positive aspect of train travel, as it allows them to slow down and appreciate the journey.
Overall, traveling by train across North America can be a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or exploring a particular region, train travel offers stunning views, comfortable amenities, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. So why not consider taking the train on your next adventure?
The best routes for train travel across North America
Train travel across North America offers some of the most scenic and unforgettable journeys in the world. From the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the stunning vistas of the Southwest, there are countless routes to choose from. Here are some of the best routes for train travel across North America:
- California Zephyr: This cross-country route takes you from Chicago to San Francisco, passing through the heart of the country. You’ll see some of the most iconic landmarks in the US, including the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado River, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
- Coast Starlight: This route takes you from Seattle to Los Angeles along the West Coast. You’ll pass through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, including the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains, and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
- Southwest Chief: This route takes you from Chicago to Los Angeles through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. You’ll see some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southwest, including the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert.
- Empire Builder: This route takes you from Chicago to Seattle, passing through the rugged terrain of Montana and the Cascade Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park.
- Rocky Mountaineer: This luxury train takes you through the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll see snow-capped peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and stunning vistas of the Canadian wilderness.
- Adirondack: This route takes you through the stunning wilderness of upstate New York, from New York City to Montreal. You’ll see the stunning Adirondack Mountains and the shores of Lake Champlain.
- Cascades: This route takes you through the Pacific Northwest, from Vancouver, BC to Eugene, Oregon. You’ll see the stunning Cascade Mountains and the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest.
- Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor: This route takes you from Boston to Washington DC, passing through some of the most historic cities in the country, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
No matter which route you choose, train travel across North America offers stunning views, comfortable amenities, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. So why not consider taking the train on your next adventure?
How much does it cost to cross North America by train?
The cost of crossing North America by train can vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of the journey, the route, the class of service, and the time of year. Generally, train travel can be more expensive than other modes of transportation, such as flying or driving, but it can also offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
For example, a one-way ticket on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which runs from Chicago to San Francisco, can cost anywhere from $150 for a coach seat to over $1,000 for a sleeper car, depending on the time of year and the level of service. Similarly, a one-way ticket on the Coast Starlight, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, can cost anywhere from $100 for a coach seat to over $1,000 for a sleeper car.
Keep in mind that train travel can also be more time-consuming than other modes of transportation, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of accommodations, meals, and other expenses while you’re on the train. However, many travelers see the cost of train travel as a worthwhile investment, as it allows them to see some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in North America.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are some ways to save money on train travel. For example, Amtrak offers a variety of discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel, as well as for booking early or traveling during off-peak times. You can also consider booking a coach seat instead of a sleeper car, which can be more affordable but still offer comfortable amenities like large seats and access to dining cars.
Overall, the cost of crossing North America by train can vary widely depending on a number of factors, but with some planning and research, you can find a route and price point that works for you.