Have you ever thought about hopping a train and going across the country to explore a new city? Amtrak offers a USA Rail Pass that is great for travelers with an open and flexible schedule.
How to Get the Most Out of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass
Pick an Area and Stick to It
It’s easy to imagine yourself doing a circuit of the entire United States of America on a train in 30 days. With the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, that is possible. However, it’s best to pick one area of the country and stick to it. The premise of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass is to access all parts of the country on a train. The price of the Amtrak USA Rail Pass is $499. With the USA Rail Pass, riders can book ten one-way tickets during a thirty-day window. The thirty-day window begins once you take your first trip.
Note: your pass does not activate once you book your ticket, only once the ticket has been scanned for use. This means you can lay out an itinerary to see multiple cities ahead of time and have time to plan out your accommodations and other arrangements. Also important to note: the USA Rail Pass is only valid for coach seats. Upgrades are available for purchase.
Where to Start
One place to start is the West Coast. California has a bunch of cities that are worth visiting, including destinations like San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego. We have hostels in all four locations and each city has unique qualities. Starting in a city like Los Angeles is a good idea since it accesses all different parts of the country. There are plenty of great national parks that you can access from Southern California via Amtrak, such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite.
If you’re trying to cruise through the desert and see the vast American West, consider booking a ticket from Los Angeles to San Antonio. For another scenic ride that starts in Southern California, we recommend riding the entire West Coast by going from San Diego to Portland, Oregon. Take it a step further and go as far north as Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, Canada. With how expansive Amtrak’s network is on the West Coast, we recommend looking at routes in this area. By sticking to one part of the country, you can have more time to experience the vibe of a city and take in the culture. Those ten rides can go quickly!
Options for the Ambitious Travelers
If you’re an ambitious traveler, you can maximize the USA Rail Pass by booking ten rides in all different parts of the country. One route that we recommend is taking the train from Portland to Chicago. This ride lasts over 40 hours, so it is not for everyone. Since all rail passes are only valid for coach seating, that means sleeping in your seat and strapping in for the ride. On the other hand, that’s part of the journey. On this ride, you’ll carve through some of America’s most beautiful landscapes like Glacier National Park. To break up the trip, consider staying in Whitefish, Montana. Whitefish is a halfway point between Portland and Chicago. Whether it’s summertime or in the middle of winter, this ride from Portland to Chicago is one we highly recommend for travelers using the USA Rail Pass.
The East Coast is another part of the country that has spectacular sights and historic landmarks. Amtrak services several cities and towns on the East Coast, making it a popular place for travelers taking the train. They have routes to Boston, Niagra Falls, New York City, and Philadelphia, among other destinations. Plan even bigger and go south to hot spots like Savanah, Georgia, or Miami, Florida.
One last travel hub that we recommend visiting through Amtrak is New Orleans. This iconic city can be accessed by train through multiple routes. We suggest looking at routes along the Sunset Limited!
The USA Rail Pass makes visiting multiple cities in a short time economical. If you’ve got an open schedule, purchasing a USA Rail Pass can be an incredible and unique way to experience the different cultures and vibes across the country.
Things to Know Before You Ride
All Amtrak trains have a cafe car, which sells sandwiches, snacks, and beverages like coffee and alcohol. While the cafe car is a good resource, we advise purchasing some snacks beforehand so you can save money and have more control over your experience.
Another piece of advice we have to offer is to pack layers. When you’re going from city to city, the weather can change and leave you in a pinch if you don’t prepare. Also, Amtrak trains tend to get cold at night during the summer and warm during the winter. Having an extra blanket or sweater to cover up with is one thing we can’t suggest enough!
Hostels We Recommend Along Amtrak Routes
West Coast
- Green Tortoise – Seattle, Washington & San Francisco, California
- NW Portland Hostel – Portland, Oregon
- ITH – San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego
East Coast/Midwest
- Apple Hostels – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Hi Hostels – New York City (Has other USA locations)
- Getaway Hostel – Chicago
The South
- Madame Isabella’s House – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Freehand Hostel – Miami, Florida (Has other USA locations)
- Firehouse Lounge – Austin, Texas
While traveling the West Coast, we recommend stopping at one of our many ITH properties. With train access to New Orleans and Canada, Southern California is a prime hub for travelers using Amtrak for transportation.
Want a better look at what it’s like to tour the United States by train? Check out this video!
Before booking a room at one of our hostels, make sure to sign up for our Traveler’s Club! Members receive discounts on all future bookings, and it’s free to sign up.
