Completing the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 — the first rail link from coast to coast — marked a pinnacle in America’s fascination with trains. By 1910, railways accounted for roughly 90% of intercity journeys, a share that remained fairly steady until the 1970s.
Today, most travelers favor cars and airplanes for long hauls. The Federal Aviation Administration reports more than 2.9 million air travelers each day, while Amtrak’s daily ridership averaged about 90,000 passengers in 2024. Still, with airfare and fuel costs climbing, many Americans are looking to cut expenses by opting for rail travel.
Amtrak, the primary rail carrier nationwide, is aiming to win back riders by offering deeply discounted fares for budget-conscious travelers. For spring break and summer getaways, groups of up to eight people on the same reservation can get discounts up to 60% off. Travelers can also try the autotrain for bigger savings — bring your car along to avoid rental or ride-share costs. And that’s just the beginning of what to know about taking the train.
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Benefits of Traveling by Train
Trains deliver comfort and convenience for long-distance trips. Amtrak coach seats provide about 39 inches of legroom, compared with the 28–32 inches typical in airline economy cabins. Many Amtrak services also include dining cars accessible to all passengers, offering a variety of meal choices. Some trains feature lounge or observation cars that give riders extra space and excellent views of some of the country’s most scenic routes.
Train travel also reduces many of the restrictions and extra fees tied to air travel, like baggage charges. While airlines often levy fees for checked bags and even some carry-ons, Amtrak permits two carry-on items up to 50 pounds each, two personal items up to 25 pounds each, and the first two checked bags are free.
For travelers who can’t or prefer not to fly for health reasons — such as pregnant passengers — trains can be a preferable alternative. There are no protracted security lines or elaborate screening procedures, and Amtrak staff generally complete boarding efficiently.
As you take in the landscape along certain routes, you can also feel better about your environmental footprint: rail travel produces about 72% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than flying.
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Drawbacks to Keep in Mind When Traveling by Train
Despite their advantages, trains have limitations. Chief among them: if you’re pressed for time, rail travel may not be for you. A direct flight from New York City to Los Angeles lasts around six hours, while the same journey by train can take roughly 2 days and 18 hours — and that’s before accounting for frequent delays. In spring 2024, only about 60% of long-distance Amtrak trains arrived on time, with setbacks ranging from minutes to several hours.
Another constraint is the limited coverage. While it’s obvious trains can’t reach Hawaii, even large mainland states such as Wyoming and South Dakota lack Amtrak stations. Amtrak’s network of roughly 500 stations is small compared with the more than 5,000 airports across the U.S.
In short, rail travel works best for short- to mid-range trips or vacations where you’re comfortable traveling at a relaxed pace.
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Top Ways to Save on Train Travel
Amtrak has introduced several low-cost fare options. For night travelers, “Night Owl” fares between major cities can start as low as $10. Specific routes and regional services offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and students, typically between 5% and 15% off. Amtrak’s Share Fares program can reduce costs by up to 60% for groups of eight traveling together under one reservation.
When you travel can affect ticket prices. Demand peaks on weekends, so midweek travel — Tuesday through Thursday — often yields lower fares. For the best rates, buy tickets at least 14 days in advance.
For multi-day trips, upgrading to a private room or sleeper car can bring both comfort and savings. Though sleepers often carry an extra charge of at least $100, meals are typically included and the overall cost can undercut paying for a hotel overnight. Frequent riders can also join Amtrak’s rewards program: members earn two points per dollar spent and can redeem savings through partnered food, hotel, and car-rental discounts.
Beyond Amtrak, regional rail operators can offer competitive fares. For instance, Brightline connects Orlando and Miami for just $39 — cheaper than many low-cost airline fares. Brightline is also expanding service, including plans for a Los Angeles to Las Vegas route.
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