I spent 57 hours on Amtrak trains from Montana to New York City and never got bored. Here's how I made the 2,000-mile journey fly by.

Jordan Parker ErbApr 30, 2023, 16:44 IST

Insider's reporter had to find ways to stay busy on her 57-hour train ride.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

In January, I spent 57 hours on Amtrak trains from Whitefish, Montana, to New York City.
I don't get bored easily, but the thought of spending three days stuck on a train was daunting.

I'm not one to get bored easily. Even so, as I was preparing for my recent cross-country train trip, I felt certain I'd lose excitement somewhere along the 57-hour ride.

Amtrak's Empire Builder train sits outside the train depot in Whitefish, Montana, where my journey started.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I'm not one to get bored easily. Even so, as I was preparing for my recent cross-country train trip, I felt certain I'd lose excitement somewhere along the 57-hour ride.

I took daily naps, which were made more comfortable by bringing comfy clothes, as well as an eye mask and blanket.

Packing a sleep mask made it easy to block out light while napping during the day.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Using a hotspot, I was able to do a little work and spend time online.

When the WiFi was unreliable, Insider's reporter used a hotspot to get work done.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Anticipating the spotty WiFi, I also downloaded several Netflix shows ahead of my departure.

Pre-downloaded Netflix shows helped the time fly by.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I connected with my inner child by bringing a coloring book (and my inner adult by bringing a regular book).

Books — both coloring and regular — were a necessity on the trip.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Best of all, I got to spend time doing nothing — alone.

The sunset along the Hudson River, the final leg of the trip.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

My husband and I went on a 22-day cruise for $108 per person per day. Here's what our 212-square-foot room was like.

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I spent 57 hours on Amtrak trains from Montana to New York City and never got bored. Here's how I made the 2,000-mile journey fly by.

I'm not one to get bored easily. Even so, as I was preparing for my recent cross-country train trip, I felt certain I'd lose excitement somewhere along the 57-hour ride.

I took daily naps, which were made more comfortable by bringing comfy clothes, as well as an eye mask and blanket.

Using a hotspot, I was able to do a little work and spend time online.

Anticipating the spotty WiFi, I also downloaded several Netflix shows ahead of my departure.

I connected with my inner child by bringing a coloring book (and my inner adult by bringing a regular book).

Best of all, I got to spend time doing nothing — alone.