Exploring America: Rail Travel Across 50 States

is it possible to travel all fifty states by rail

Train travel in the United States offers a unique and fantastic opportunity to explore the country. With the exception of some services in California, Chicago, and Pennsylvania, Amtrak-operated trains are slower, less reliable, and less frequent than those in other developed nations. However, the experience can make up for the high cost and long ride. The social atmosphere, environmental benefits, spacious design, scenic routes, and overall comfort make train travel in the US a popular choice for many.

Amtrak, the quasi-government-owned passenger rail company, is the only operator of regularly scheduled long-distance trains in the contiguous United States. It offers services over 35,000 km of track, serving more than 500 communities in 46 states. While Amtrak has stops in 46 states, visiting all of them in a single trip would require backtracking due to the hub-and-spoke model, with many trips originating from main hubs like Chicago and cities on the northeast coast.

Despite the limitations, it is possible to travel to all fifty states by rail, although it will require a combination of Amtrak trains and other private rail services. Private operators offer exclusive and luxurious packages, while heritage lines have been maintained or rebuilt as tourist attractions, providing a unique experience.

For those seeking a true cross-country experience, a coast-to-coast journey from San Francisco to New York City is one of the world's great rail trips, known for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance. This trip can be done in 3 nights without stopovers, offering a chance to chill out and experience America at ground level.

So, is it possible to travel to all fifty states by rail? Yes, it certainly is, but it will require careful planning, a combination of different rail services, and perhaps even some road trips or flights to reach certain states.

Characteristics Values
Is it possible to travel to all 50 states by rail? Technically, yes, but not all states have Amtrak stations.
Number of states with Amtrak stations 46
Number of states without Amtrak stations 4
States without Amtrak stations Hawaii, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska

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The pros of travelling by rail: comfort, affordability, environmental benefits, and the social atmosphere on board

Travelling by rail is a great way to get around, offering a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and environmental benefits. Here are some of the pros of choosing rail as your preferred mode of transportation:

Comfort

Rail travel provides ample legroom and the freedom to move around, making it ideal for long-distance exploration. Unlike flying or travelling by bus, you can easily stretch your legs, walk around the train, or even strike up conversations with fellow passengers. This level of comfort and relaxation is hard to come by in other forms of transportation.

Affordability

Rail travel is often more affordable than other modes of transportation, such as flying or driving. For example, a trip from Delhi to Kashmir in India would cost significantly less by train than by plane. In the United States, you can travel across the country from New York to San Francisco by rail for as little as $236 if you book in advance. This makes rail travel a cost-effective option, especially for long-distance journeys.

Environmental Benefits

Rail transport is widely recognised as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. It is one of the most energy-efficient ways to travel, with greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre being up to five times less than that of car transport. By choosing rail over car or plane travel, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against global warming.

Social Atmosphere

Travelling by rail offers a unique social atmosphere that is hard to find in other modes of transportation. On a train, you have the opportunity to interact with fellow passengers, strike up conversations, and even make new friends. This social aspect of rail travel can turn a solitary journey into a fun and engaging experience. Additionally, the presence of other passengers can provide a sense of security and camaraderie, especially on long-distance trips.

In conclusion, travelling by rail offers a host of benefits, including comfort, affordability, environmental sustainability, and a vibrant social atmosphere. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider choosing rail as your preferred mode of transportation and enjoy the unique pros it has to offer!

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The cons of travelling by rail: it can be more expensive and slower than flying or driving

The Cons of Travelling by Rail in the USA

While travelling by rail is an excellent way to see the USA, there are some drawbacks. For one, it can be more expensive than other forms of transport, such as flying or driving. This is especially true if you are travelling long distances and need to book a sleeper cabin. The cost of a sleeper can be quite hefty, and if you are travelling alone, you will be paying for the whole room, as the price is the same whether it is occupied by one or two people.

Another downside of rail travel in the USA is that it can be slower than flying or driving. The trains often share tracks with freight trains, which are given priority, so delays are common, especially on longer routes. For example, the 3,000-mile coast-to-coast train ride takes three nights without stopovers, whereas a flight would be much quicker.

Additionally, if you want to stop off along the way, you will need to book separate tickets for each leg of the journey, which can be inconvenient and costly.

Finally, some parts of the USA are not accessible by train at all. For example, you cannot take a train to Hawaii, South Dakota, or Wyoming.

So, while travelling by rail can be a great way to see the country and meet locals, it does have some disadvantages in terms of cost, speed, and accessibility.

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The best routes for scenery: the California Zephyr, the Coast Starlight, the Adirondack, and the Empire Builder

The California Zephyr, the Coast Starlight, the Adirondack, and the Empire Builder are four of the best routes for taking in the scenery of the United States.

The California Zephyr travels from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area, showcasing the best of the Midwest. The route covers towering cornfields, the mountain passes of the Rockies, and the desert valley landscape of Utah before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. The journey is around 2,440 miles long and takes approximately 48 hours. It passes through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and California. The best views can be seen from the sightseer lounge.

The Empire Builder takes passengers on a journey through the "Wild West", following the Continental Divide from Chicago. This route offers breathtaking sights of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota plains, Montana's Big Sky Country, the mountains of Glacier National Park, the Cascade Mountains, and the Columbia River Gorge. The journey is approximately 2,200 miles long and travels through Chicago, North Dakota, Montana, Oregon, or Seattle. Passengers can enjoy the views from any window seat on the train.

The Coast Starlight runs along the Pacific Coast, offering views of the ocean and the forested mountains. This route covers roughly 350 miles of the Pacific coastline, with the first half of the journey showcasing California's seaside coast and the second half taking passengers inland through forests and valleys. The train ends its journey in Seattle, Washington, with majestic views of Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, and Mount Shasta. The entire route is approximately 1,440 miles long, crossing through California, Oregon, and Washington. Passengers can enjoy the views from any seat on the train.

The Adirondack route takes passengers through the Hudson Valley and along the shore of Lake Champlain. This route offers beautiful scenery, especially during the snow season.

These routes provide a unique and nostalgic way to travel across the United States, allowing passengers to sit back, relax, and take in the diverse and captivating landscapes of the country.

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The best routes for history: the California Zephyr, the Southwest Chief, and the Capitol Limited

The California Zephyr, the Southwest Chief, and the Capitol Limited are three of the most popular routes for those interested in history.

The California Zephyr is a 2,438-mile route between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, with stops in Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. It is Amtrak's longest daily route and is considered one of its most scenic, offering views of the upper Colorado River valley in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. The route takes approximately 51 and a half hours to complete. The modern California Zephyr follows the same route as the original, which was inaugurated in 1949, between Chicago and Oakland, until Winnemucca, Nevada. The original California Zephyr was operated by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, and Western Pacific Railroad.

The Southwest Chief is a 2,265-mile route between Chicago and Los Angeles, passing through the Midwest and Southwest via Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. The route is considered one of the most scenic, with views of the Painted Desert, the Red Cliffs of Sedona, and the plains of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. The Southwest Chief is the successor to the Super Chief, which was inaugurated in 1936 as the flagship train of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway.

The Capitol Limited is a 1,230-mile route between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, passing through Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The route was inaugurated in 1981 and was named after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Capitol Limited, which ended in 1971 upon the formation of Amtrak. The Capitol Limited typically consists of two GE P40 or P42 locomotives, a Viewliner II baggage car, a Superliner transition sleeper, two Superliner sleepers, a Superliner dining car or diner-lounge, a Superliner Sightseer Lounge, a Superliner coach-baggage car, and two Superliner coaches.

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The best routes for speed: the Acela, the Northeast Regional, and the Northeast Corridor

The Acela, the Northeast Regional, and the Northeast Corridor are three of the best routes for speed when travelling by rail.

The Acela

The Acela is Amtrak's high-speed rail option in the Northeastern corridor, reaching speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. It offers luxury options and perks like seat selection, at-seat meal service, and access to station lounges. The Acela travels between Boston and Washington D.C., making 13 stops across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

The Northeast Regional

The Northeast Regional is a more affordable option that covers the approximately 700 miles between Virginia Beach and Boston. It makes 55 stops across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. While the Acela is faster and makes fewer stops, the Northeast Regional offers greater accessibility to passengers.

The Northeast Corridor

The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is an electrified railroad line in the Northeast megalopolis of the United States, owned primarily by Amtrak. It runs from Boston in the north to Washington, D.C., in the south, with major stops in Providence, New Haven, Stamford, New York City, Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. The NEC carries over 2,200 trains a day, making it the busiest passenger rail line in the United States by ridership and service frequency.

While the Acela and the Northeast Regional are two distinct train lines with different offerings, the Northeast Corridor refers to the broader network of tracks and infrastructure that enable these and other trains to operate.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is possible to travel to all 50 states by rail, but it will require some serious backtracking. Amtrak, the main rail company in the US, has stops in 46 states.

The California Zephyr, which runs from Chicago to San Francisco, is considered one of the most scenic routes in the US. The Coast Starlight, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle, also offers beautiful views of the Pacific Northwest coastline and pine forests. The Adirondack route from New York City to Montreal is particularly stunning in the fall, as it passes through the Hudson River Valley and the Adirondack Mountains.

Travelling by train allows you to see areas that are inaccessible by car and doesn't require any gas station stops. Trains in the US are known for their breathtaking scenery, comfortable design, and social atmosphere on board.

Trains in the US are often more expensive and slower than travelling by car or plane, especially when travelling between major cities. Amtrak services are generally less reliable and less frequent than those in other developed nations.

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