I spent 77 hours traveling from California to DC by train. It was worth it, but there are a few things everyone should know before hitting the rails for a long ride.

I rode two Amtrak trains to get from California to Washington, DC.Diana Kruzman

• I took Amtrak trains from California to Washington, DC, which took 77 hours over four days.
• Bring a book, pillow, coat, and snacks, but there will be hot water for instant meals and tea.

A few years ago, when flight prices were awfully expensive, I saw an Amtrak ticket from California to Washington, DC, for just $250 and snapped it up.

First, I hopped on the California Zephyr for a 53-hour ride from Emeryville to Chicago. Then, I transferred to the Cardinal line, which took me through the Appalachian Mountains to the nation's capital in 24 hours.

I'd traveled by train numerous times before, but there were still some parts of the experience that surprised me — and some parts that I was glad I was prepared for.