Plan Your Amtrak Train Travel (2024)

FAQs

What are the good things about Amtrak? ›

Quick and Green Travel

Trains consume less energy and produce less harmful pollutants than either car or air travel. Hopping on an Amtrak train will save you gas and daily wear and tear on your car. It also reduces the ever-increasing traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies.

To make a booking, please call Amtrak Vacations at 1-800-268-7252.

With more than 30 train routes throughout the United States, and some in Canada, Amtrak travels to over 500 destinations in 46 states, giving you the best views North America has to offer.

Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales. When it comes to spectacular views, there's a lot to see from train windows. Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes.

Unlike during a flight, train rides are not only relaxing and turbulence-free, but under most circ*mstances, it is stress-free. There are no take-off, landing, or seat belt signs, and for most of the journey, you are free to get up and walk around instead of being stuck in your seat for endless amounts of time.

On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view. On long-distance journeys, you will find extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.

Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.

Storing Items

Personal items such as a small bag or backpack must fit under the seat. Carry-on bags must be kept with you, and need to fit in the overhead racks or luggage tower. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you.

The 16-17 year olds may travel without restriction. The 13-15 year olds must travel as unaccompanied minors because no one is 18 or over. The Unaccompanied Minor Policy applies. The children under 13 may not travel because no one is 18 or over.

What is Canada's version of Amtrak? ›

Similar to Amtrak, Via Rail is Canada's main railroad system and is one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel by train in Canada.

Travel during peak travel periods will usually see you paying more as there is more demand for tickets. For that reason, the best days to buy tickets are generally in the middle of the week between Tuesday and Thursday, the former considered the best of all by several sources.

For shorter trips, it is definitely cheaper to take Amtrak than it is to fly. There is also a much smaller chance your Amtrak trip will be negatively impacted by bad weather. Last, you'll be able to redeem your Amtrak points as opposed to your Delta Skymiles sooner.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, is the nation's only intercity passenger railroad, and was created by Congress in 1970.

Travelers ride the rails to save money (and the planet) as Amtrak chases pre-Covid ridership. As domestic travel rebounds from pandemic lows and prices soar, some travelers opting for trains over planes. Trains are often cheaper, provide more leg room and are better for the environment than air travel.

Amtrak's nationwide rail network serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states and the nation's capital; approximately 70 percent of the miles traveled by Amtrak trains are on tracks owned by other railroads (primarily Class I freight railroads).