🚂 EXPERIENCE TRAVELING ACROSS AMERICA BY TRAIN (AMTRAK): WHY NOT? 🇺🇸
If you're tired of long lines at the airport or exhausted from long-distance driving, try boarding an Amtrak train once. This is an extremely interesting experience to see a very different America – much more majestic and peaceful.
Below is a real review of the trip from San Jose to Seattle (exactly 24 hours) for your reference for your upcoming trip:
💰 Cost & Tickets (Booking)
Just go directly to the website www.amtrak.com to hunt for tickets.
For the 24-hour long route, I took economy class (Coach Class) for only 126 USD. Compared to flying, this is an extremely good deal for a cross-state journey.
🛋️ Seats "far superior" to airplanes
The thing I like most is the seats.
Seats are wide and the distance between rows is very spacious. You can recline deeply backward without worrying about affecting the person behind.
There's a great footrest, just pull it up and the seat turns into a quite comfortable lying bed. 24 hours on the train passed more easily than I imagined.
🏞️ Sightseeing car & Amenities
Sightseeing car (Observation Car): This is the "soul" of American trains. This car has huge glass windows from ceiling to floor. You can come here to sit, read books, and admire the majestic mountains of the American Northwest completely free.
Two-story car: American trains are very large and usually have 2 levels. Upper level for passengers to sit/lie, lower level is usually restroom area or bar/café.
Hygiene: Even though it's public restrooms, they are cleaned very cleanly, I give this 9/10.
🧳 Luggage: Absolute plus!
If flying domestic in the US, you usually pay about 40 USD for a 50lb (~23kg) checked bag, overweight incurs extra fines.
On Amtrak, it's FREE! Between cars there are large compartments for suitcases, safe and convenient. You can bring as much stuff as you want without extra cost.
💡 A few "small but powerful" tips:
Food: Economy class means you have to handle your own meals. There's a snack car on the train but prices are a bit high, best to prepare sandwiches, cup noodles, or snacks in advance to save money.
Speed: Train max speed about 120 km/h. Not too fast but enough to "chill" and capture every beautiful frame along the way.
Transportation: US train system connects regions very well. You can take the train to the station, then easily catch Uber or bus to transfer home.
In general, long-distance travel by Amtrak is a "slow" but extremely worthwhile experience. Instead of looking at clouds through tiny airplane windows, you immerse yourself in American nature right up close to the window.
Do you want me to share more about the most beautiful train routes in America to plan for this summer? 🌲🏔️
#Amtrak #TravelUSA #USA #TrainTravel #TravelTips #SanJose #Seattle #TravelTips
