From taking a bullet train in Japan to backpacking round Europe, I’ve visited 43 nations to date, and I attempt to journey by rail every time attainable.
Nevertheless, after I reviewed the states I’ve visited within the US over time, I discovered that I virtually all the time flew to get from level A to level B, bypassing a lot of the nation within the course of.
So, I lately determined to concentrate on flight-free journey with a view to see as many states as I might from the bottom.
Amtrak has been the right approach for me to do this. In simply three months, I’ve traveled greater than 4,500 miles, crossing by way of two nations and 17 US states, in addition to Washington, DC.
Right here are some things which have shocked me most in regards to the rides.
There are not any center seats on Amtrak trains
Dragos Asaftei/Shutterstock
One of many essential attracts of Amtrak is that passengers won’t ever get caught with a dreaded center seat. As a substitute, all of the seats in coach are organized in pairs.
That is particularly nice when the route is much less crowded and I can have a complete row to myself.
I really take pleasure in sitting subsequent to strangers
Though it is good after I get a row to myself, I’ve actually loved sitting with strangers as effectively. The truth is, I’ve by no means booked one among Amtrak’s private cabins, partly as a result of I benefit from the serendipity of getting to satisfy different passengers.
It could appear as if being in shut proximity to a whole stranger could be uncomfortable, however I’ve gotten fortunate and have by no means had main points.
Sometimes, my seatmate and I begin the journey formally, however by the top, we’re swapping meals and tales.
Prepare journey offers me a glimpse into life in several elements of the nation
Malia Yoshioka
One in every of my favourite elements about train travel is passing by way of so many distinctive areas of the nation.
Out the window of the practice, I’ve seen hazy sunsets and sunrises, steep mountain peaks, and lakeside cities. I’ve additionally caught glimpses of on a regular basis life — households out strolling their canine, pals sitting at a beer backyard close to the tracks, and youngsters holding their moms’ palms whereas waving frantically on the passing practice.
It is is an effective way to see what life is like in different elements of the US, a few of which I’ve added to my very own journey bucket checklist.
To maintain monitor of all of them, I create a Google map earlier than boarding that lists all of the stations I will be passing by way of. This enables me to visualise the route and add notes alongside the best way. If I see a cute railroad city or a fairly view I might wish to discover, I add a brand new pin to my map.
Amtrak has a joint partnership with the Nationwide Park Service
Malia Yoshioka
Typically, my practice route coincides with the Trails and Rails program, a joint partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service.
On these journeys, a volunteer from the Nationwide Park Service will board the practice and share tales and details about the parks as you cross by way of them.
Throughout a latest experience from Washington, DC, to Chicago, we had been handled to views of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The volunteer advised us in regards to the park and different notable locations we handed by way of, and got here by way of the practice automobiles to reply questions.
She additionally advised us tales about rising up in West Virginia, which made the experience further particular. To me, it isn’t simply the surroundings, however the tales that make sluggish journey further particular.
Every practice station affords a singular expertise
Malia Yoshioka
One thing that is struck me on my travels is how distinctive every practice station is. For instance, at Moynihan Prepare Corridor in New York, I used to be impressed by the large skylights casting shadows and patterns on the ground under.
Distinction that with Newark Penn Station in New Jersey, the place the Artwork Deco particulars of the ready corridor draw your eye as much as globe chandeliers within the ceiling and the intricate steel work across the doorway. Visiting looks like stepping again in time.
However irrespective of which station I am in — or which practice I am on — touring with Amtrak has been an effective way to see extra of my very own nation.
This story was initially revealed on October 9, 2025, and most lately up to date on August 25, 2026.
