Before we get to the routes across America let's have a look at what to expect ..
Well before that let me ask you a question.
Why do kids wave at trains?
Films, Legends, Scandals, Stories and Songs are among those that have created a sense of adventure with train travel. And that is the adventurous side of us. So kids wave at trains. You most probably did the same as a child.
I remember doing it with trains but not buses or planes.
Cross the Mississippi. Call in at Dodge City. Watch the steers on the Kansas Plains. Ride along the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Explore the Rockies. Watch a movie. Go to the bar for a drink. Cross deserts and rivers and you can do this all by train.
On top of that. Stretch your legs, have a walk right down the train to the front or back. Enjoy a meal. Have a snooze. Read a book and spend quality time with your children. Kids just love trains. Think about that one.
Last night 3rd December 2006 I was returning from France on Eurostar. I noticed a family, Mom Dad 5 kids, various ages. The eldest with headphones on but not in the least bit bothered about the siblings asking him questions. They were either writing, drawing, talking to Mom or Dad.
Mom dishing out the food and very organized. Dad holding the little one and feeding him bits. And that was coming to the end of only a 5 hour journey. How much did they learn?
We all know travels broadens the mind.
Amtrak is known to be extremely helpful. Their attendants pamper you no end. You have spacious reclining seating in air conditioning carriages, which even have observation domes.
Your whole journey becomes a magnificent picture. Framed in your memory. I know I still remember my travels across America so many years later and know they will never leave me.
I have advocated train travel for years and years.
It's fun.
It's an adventure.
Its learning.
It's an experience.
You will not suffer from jetlag.
It's a holiday on its own. Spend a day here and there. As you choose.
Here's more. There's a lot less pollution from trains, especially from planes
On a more sombre note. I hope that any of you reading this, who have a bad experience with other forms of travel, realize by reading the articles on my site now know …….
You can travel the world without a plane
Let the train take the strain.
All Aboard
All name trains preceded by the word "The" ie "The Cardinal"
Adirondack New York – Montreal
California Zephyr Chicago – Emeryville (For San Francisco)
Capitol Limited Washington – Chicago
Cardinal New York – Chicago
City of New Orleans Chicago – New Orleans
Coast Starlight Seattle – Los Angeles
Crescent New York – New Orleans
Empire Builder Chicago – Seattle
Empire Builder Spokane – Portland
Lake Shore Limited Boston / New York – Chicago
Maple Leaf New York – Toronto
Northeast Corridor Boston – Newport News
Northeast Corridor Boston – Washington
Northeast Corridor New Haven – Springfield (for Boston)
Pacific Surfliner Los Angeles – San Diego
Pennsylvanian New York – Pittsburgh
San Joaquin's San Francisco – Bakersfield
Silver Star New York – Miami
Silver Meteor New York – Miami
Southwest Chief Chicago – Los Angeles
Sunset Limited Orlando – Los Angeles
Texas Eagle Chicago – San Antonio (for Los Angeles)
Vermonter Washington – St Albans (for Montreal)
Wolverine