Surprising Things About Train Travel, From Frequent Amtrak Traveler

From taking a bullet train in Japan to backpacking round Europe, I’ve visited 43 nations thus far, and I attempt to journey by rail every time doable.

Nonetheless, after I reviewed the states I’ve visited within the US through the years, I discovered that I nearly at all times flew to get from level A to level B, bypassing a lot of the nation within the course of.

So, I lately determined to give attention to flight-free journey to be able to see as many states as I may from the bottom.

Amtrak has been the proper method for me to try this. In simply three months, I’ve traveled greater than 4,500 miles, crossing by means of two nations and 17 US states, in addition to Washington, DC.

Right here are some things which have shocked me most concerning the rides.

There aren’t any center seats on Amtrak trains

One of many predominant attracts of Amtrak is that passengers won’t ever get caught with a dreaded center seat. As a substitute, all of the seats in coach are organized in pairs.

That is particularly nice when the route is much less crowded and I can have an entire row to myself.

I really get pleasure from sitting subsequent to strangers

Though it is good after I get a row to myself, I’ve actually loved sitting with strangers as nicely. The truth is, I’ve by no means booked one among Amtrak’s private cabins, partly as a result of I benefit from the serendipity of getting to fulfill different passengers.

It might appear as if being in shut proximity to a whole stranger could be uncomfortable, however I’ve gotten fortunate and have by no means had main points.

Usually, my seatmate and I begin the journey formally, however by the tip, we’re swapping meals and tales.

Practice journey offers me a glimpse into life in several elements of the nation

Certainly one of my favourite elements about train travel is passing by means of so many distinctive areas of the nation.

Out the window of the practice, I’ve seen hazy sunsets and sunrises, steep mountain peaks, and lakeside cities. I’ve additionally caught glimpses of on a regular basis life — households out strolling their canines, mates sitting at a beer backyard close to the tracks, and youngsters holding their moms’ arms whereas waving frantically on the passing practice.

It is is a good way to see what life is like in different elements of the US, a few of which I’ve added to my very own journey bucket record.

To maintain monitor of all of them, I create a Google map earlier than boarding that lists all of the stations I will be passing by means of. This permits me to visualise the route and add notes alongside the best way. If I see a cute railroad city or a fairly view I might wish to discover, I add a brand new pin to my map.

Amtrak has a joint partnership with the Nationwide Park Service

Generally, my practice route coincides with the Trails and Rails program, a joint partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service.

On these journeys, a volunteer from the Nationwide Park Service will board the practice and share tales and details about the parks as you cross by means of them.

Throughout a current trip from Washington, DC, to Chicago, we had been handled to views of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The volunteer instructed us concerning the park and different notable locations we handed by means of, and got here by means of the practice automobiles to reply questions.

She additionally instructed us tales about rising up in West Virginia, which made the trip additional particular. To me, it is not simply the surroundings, however the tales that make sluggish journey additional particular.

Every practice station affords a singular expertise

One thing that is struck me on my travels is how distinctive every practice station is. For instance, at Moynihan Practice Corridor in New York, I used to be impressed by the large skylights casting shadows and patterns on the ground under.

Distinction that with Newark Penn Station in New Jersey, the place the Artwork Deco particulars of the ready corridor draw your eye as much as globe chandeliers within the ceiling and the intricate metallic work across the doorway. Visiting appears like stepping again in time.

However regardless of which station I am in — or which practice I am on — touring with Amtrak has been a good way to see extra of my very own nation.

This story was initially revealed on October 9, 2025, and most lately up to date on August 25, 2026.