When people talk about US train travel, the network of passenger rail services across the United States, primarily operated by Amtrak. Also known as rail travel in America, it’s often misunderstood as slow, outdated, or irrelevant. But for those who’ve ridden the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles or the Empire Builder across the northern plains, it’s one of the last ways to truly see the country—without rushing, without crowds, and without a rental car. Unlike Europe or Japan, where trains zip between cities like clockwork, US train travel is more about the journey than the destination. It’s not always the fastest option, but it’s often the only one that lets you watch sunsets over the Rockies, hear the whistle echo through the Great Plains, or feel the rhythm of the rails as you cross state lines with nothing but a window and a cup of coffee.
What most travelers don’t realize is that Amtrak, the national passenger railroad company serving over 500 destinations in 46 states. Also known as the US passenger rail system, it’s not one service—it’s a patchwork of routes, each with its own character. Some, like the California Zephyr, are scenic masterpieces. Others, like the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., are surprisingly fast and reliable. Then there are routes that run once a day, through towns that barely have a gas station. That’s not a flaw—it’s the point. This isn’t a commuter system. It’s a slow-motion adventure. And if you’ve ever wondered why luxury train journeys like the Pride of Africa, a high-end, multi-day rail experience across southern Africa with private suites and gourmet dining. Also known as luxury rail travel, costs over $12,000—you’re not alone. But the truth is, you don’t need to fly to Africa to experience something special. Amtrak’s Superliner cars, with their panoramic windows and private bedrooms, offer a quiet kind of luxury that no airline can match. You get your own room, meals included, and the freedom to walk around, read, or just stare out at the landscape changing beneath you. The cost of train travel in America? It’s surprisingly flexible. A ticket from Chicago to New Orleans can cost less than a flight. A sleeper car from San Francisco to Chicago? It’s often cheaper than a hotel night in either city. And you don’t need to book months ahead. Many routes still have walk-up availability.
What you won’t find in US train travel is the nonstop efficiency of high-speed rail. You won’t find trains every 15 minutes. But you will find something rarer: time. Time to think. Time to talk to strangers who’ve been on the same route for days. Time to notice how the light changes over the Mississippi, or how the desert turns gold just before sunset. The posts below aren’t about schedules or ticket prices—they’re about the stories behind the rails. From what to pack for a multi-day ride, to why some routes are better at night, to how to turn a simple train trip into a real adventure. You’ll find guides on where to sit for the best views, how to eat well on board, and why some of the most unforgettable moments in American travel happen when you’re not in a hurry to get anywhere.
