You Can Travel Across The U.S. By Train For Just Over $200

Gas is still pretty expensive in most places, and air travel is full of ridiculous TSA delays, so train travel is starting to look pretty good to travelers who want to go places without hassles or headaches.

Riding the rails can be a relaxing and romantic way to see the country, as you travel down routes well over 100 years ago, and you can take an Amtrak train across the country for a mere $213.

Travel blogger Derek Low loves to travel by train, so he figured out a way to make the 3,400 mile long trip without breaking the bank via Amtrak's California Zephyr and Lake Shore Limited routes.

The trip takes 4 days without stopovers and takes you through Denver, Salt Lake City and Chicago, but if you want to see it all you can buy a 15 day pass for around $429 and stop all you like.

And if you can, Derek recommends riding in the Sightseer Lounge car, which features floor to ceiling windows and super comfy seating.

You could look through a small cabin window or sit in one of our observation cars. Your choice. #amtrak #adventure #500Destinations #travel @schoonmaker3
A post shared by Amtrak (@amtrak) on Nov 4, 2016 at 8:29pm PDT

-Via Popular Mechanics

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That's impressive. I was under the impression that Amtrak is expensive.

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I wish the train went where I want to go.
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We've used the Auto-Train from FL to VA and back a few times. It cuts out a lot of the boring/tedious I-95 driving. MrsO likes that she can bring more clothing options in the car, but does not care for sleeping in the upper bunk of a roomette. Being 6'3", I like the 6'4" bottom bunk. Lately we fly up and rent a car.

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We've done a couple trips by Amtrak; Durham-Philadelphia and San Diego-Albuquerque. It's nice to not have to worry about traffic. Both routes had wifi; when we pulled into Rocky Mount, NC I pulled it up on Wikipedia and learned Thelonious Monk was born there. Half of the San Diego/LA route was right by the sea at sunset - gorgeous! LA to ABQ was overnight in a sleeper. I slept lightly because of the rocking but my wife had no problems. She also adored the observation car. We decided on trains because it was cheaper than renting a car one-way and staying in a motel. Would do it again. Just remember that it isn't all that fast, US long-distance trains are often delayed, and unlike European trains, all luggage (except a single carry-on each) is checked and goes in the baggage car.

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