🚂 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 you to reference for your upcoming trip:
💰 Cost & Tickets (Booking)
Just go directly to the website www.amtrak.com to hunt for tickets.
The 24-hour long leg I took in coach 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 far. You can recline the seat deeply backward without worrying about affecting the person behind.
There is a fancy 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 go up here to sit, read books, and admire the majestic mountains of the American Northwest completely free.
Two-story car: American trains are very big and usually have 2 levels. The upper level for passengers to sit/lie, the 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 lockers for suitcases, safe and convenient. You can bring as much stuff as you want without spending extra.
💡 A few "small but powerful" tips:
Food: Coach class means you have to self-cater. The train has a car selling fast food but prices are a bit high, best to prepare some bread, cup noodles, or snacks to bring for savings.
Speed: Train max speed about 120 km/h. Not too fast but enough to "chill" and capture every beautiful frame along the way.
Travel: The US train system connects regions very well. You can take the train to the station, then catch Uber or bus to transfer home very easily.
In general, long-distance travel by Amtrak is a "slow" but extremely worthwhile experience. Instead of looking at clouds through the tiny airplane window, you get to 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? 🌲🏔️
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