How Much A US Coast-To-Coast Train Trip Costs
America's Amtrak runs coast to coast and tip to tail in a variety of fashions. Anyone bored of the bus or tired of planes can, therefore, look to this often-overlooked rail system to meet their travel needs and/or wanderlust fantasies. The train is certainly not the fastest option, but it is probably the most romantic and relaxing. No other mode of transportation allows for freedom of movement, oral indulgences, and grounded (but not grid-locked) views of the United States' diverse landscape. But how much does the train cost these days? And is it worth it? Let's look at some sample cross-country itineraries (both the penny-pincher and big-spender seats) as a frame of reference, and then I'll fill you in on my own recent experiences aboard the overnight City of New Orleans line.
Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA
Last-Minute (Off Season)
Coach: $364
Private: $1,597
Advanced Booking (Peak Season)
Coach: $299
Private: $1,701
Trip Details:
As with many of the continental United States long-distance train routes, getting from LA to Boston, that is, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, or from the Southwest to the Northeast, involves a transfer through Chicago, Illinois. One glance at Amtrak's general service map shows that The Windy City's Union Station is indeed the star of the show. This means that (if heading East), LA passengers can take the Southwest Chief (a 43-hour journey) before waiting out the Lake Shore Limited (22 hours) to bridge the gap to Boston. With just shy of a seven-hour layover, the entire trip is projected to take three days.
Alternatives:
A pro of Amtrak travel is that buying individual tickets in order to break up the journey (whether for sanity or sightseeing purposes) doesn't increase the total price by very much, if at all - a welcomed contrast for anyone who has tried this strategy while flying. For example, if you want to bypass the moderate layover and instead spend a few days exploring Chicago, the peak-season scenario shown above costs the exact same for both coach and private. So, in that case, why not check out Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Cleveland, New York City, or any of the other highlight locations en route?
Los Angeles, CA to New Orleans, LA
Last Minute (Off Season)
Coach: $176
Private: $719
Advanced Booking (Peak Season)
Coach: $120
Private: $801
Trip Details:
All aboard the Sunset Limited - the oldest continuously operating, long-distance passenger train in the United States. This 1,995-mile, approximately 48-hour journey runs three days per week and connects The City of Angels with The Big Easy, as well as the Pacific Coast with the Gulf of Mexico in the process. Ironically, in between these major bodies of water, desert landscapes constitute much of the scenery. Significant stops include Palm Springs, Tucson, and San Antonio. I myself jumped on this line in the small West Texas town of Alpine, which along with the artsy community of Marfa (known also for the mysterious Marfa Lights) highlight the quiet appeal of this minimally-populated part of the Lone Star State.
Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA
Last-Minute (Off Season)
Coach: $151
Private: $581
Advanced Booking (Peak Season)
Coach: $102
Private: $866
Trip Details:
This third and final LA-based train (there are others, but you get the idea) covers the Pacific Coast from bottom to top (and, conversely, top to bottom). Daily departures of the aptly-named Coast Starlight take Hollywood types to the Starbucks-drinking, plaid-shirt-wearing Emerald City over the course of 35 hours. Hop off in Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, San Francisco (i.e. Emeryville), Eugene, Portland, or any of the other popular coastal(ish) destinations. After a tour of Seattle, those itching for an international extension can also board the last leg of the Amtrak Cascades line to Vancouver, British Columbia - a four-hour add-on that costs approximately $64 for coach or $111 for Business Class.
New York, NY to Miami, FL
Last-Minute (Off Season)
Coach: $258
Private: $903
Advanced Booking (Peak Season)
Coach: $139
Private: $614
Trip Details:
Let's now venture the inverse of our last coast-hugging trip by taking the daily Silver Meteor line from The Big Apple to Vice City. Particularly pleasing in the wintertime, one might board at New York's Penn Station dressed in jacket and gloves, only to strip down to a bathing suit and sandals upon arrival in mainland Florida's southernmost major city. Talk about a paradigm shift! And all the while, the mighty Atlantic watches on from out the east-facing window for much of the 28-hour southbound excursion. Pause to peruse the nation's capital, chew the scenery in Charleston, South Carolina, or indulge in some of Florida's other hotspots on the way down.
New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
Last-Minute (Off Season)
Coach: $137
Private: $402
Advanced Booking (Peak Season)
Coach: $113
Private: $373
Trip Details:
This straight shot up the heart of the US is still, technically, a "coast to coast" undertaking. The City of New Orleans line bridges the gap between the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes (namely, Lake Michigan) via New Orleans and Chicago. I rode this very train the other day (as of the writing of this article) - opting for a roomette to make the 19-hour, overnight affair more amenable. It included a private nook with seats that morphed into beds, two free meals in the 1st Class dining car, access to the panorama viewing car, and use of the shared shower facilities. Since I was able to split the fee with my girlfriend, I would say it was worth the extra fare. But if I were rolling solo, I would save the $300+ (note: we traveled during the inflated week of Thanksgiving) by going coach and simply packing some snacks. For a more detailed breakdown of the 900-mile journey, as well as some other highlights from Texas, check out my recent article on traveling across America by train.
Why Choose Amtrak for Your Next Journey?
I know the train might seem a bit anachronistic, time-consuming, and needlessly expensive. Still, if you opt for Amtrak, you will get to see America at a more deliberate and introspective pace. Plus, with so many appealing stops, it truly becomes about the journey rather than the destination (pardon the cringe cliché). Shoestring-budget backpackers and well-to-do retirees alike can hop on and off as they please - absorbing the magic of famous big cities and the charm of understated small towns. The Amtrak hides in plain sight. So keep it in mind while planning your next cross-country adventure.
