Amtrak: traveling the USA by train
America’s passenger railroad is two different products. On the Northeast Corridor between Washington, New York and Boston, frequent fast trains beat driving and flying. On the long-distance routes across the West, trains run once a day, slowly, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country — a trip, not a transfer.
The best routes
| Route | Between | Time | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Regional / Acela | Washington – New York – Boston | 3 h (DC–NY), 3 h 30–4 h (NY–Boston) | Fast, frequent, city center to city center |
| California Zephyr | Chicago – Denver – San Francisco Bay | ~51 h | The Rockies, Glenwood Canyon, the Sierra Nevada |
| Coast Starlight | Seattle – Portland – Los Angeles | ~35 h | Cascades, Mount Shasta, Pacific coast |
| Empire Builder | Chicago – Glacier – Seattle/Portland | ~46 h | Stops at Glacier National Park |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago – Albuquerque – Los Angeles | ~43 h | Follows much of Route 66 |
| Adirondack | New York – Montreal | ~11 h | Hudson Valley, Lake Champlain |
Tickets and sleepers
Fares rise as trains fill up: book early on amtrak.com or the app. Coach seats on long-distance trains are wide and recline deeply. A roomette has two seats that convert to bunks, with meals in the dining car included; a bedroom adds a private bathroom.
The USA Rail Pass gives 10 rides over 30 days and pays off on long trips with several stops; it covers coach seats only.
Questions travellers ask
Is Amtrak worth it?
On the East Coast, yes: it is fast and convenient. Long-distance trains are worth it for the scenery and the experience, not for speed.
How long is the train from New York to Washington?
About 3 hours on the Northeast Regional, 2 h 45 on the Acela.
Can you cross the USA by train?
Yes, by changing in Chicago: for example the Lake Shore Limited from New York, then the California Zephyr to the San Francisco Bay Area, about 3 to 4 days in total.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026.