My family's been to 44 states by car. It was nice, but now we pick train travel because it's superior in many ways.
Amanda Adler
- After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried traveling by Amtrak train instead.
- My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.
Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway. There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness.
To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oakland to Santa Barbara.
The smooth, nine-hour journey offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.
Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to return to rail travel.
Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales.
When it comes to spectacular views, there's a lot to see from train windows.
Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels.
Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.
As someone who's generally the designated driver on road trips, I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.
Some trains also stop in underrated destinations I wouldn't have otherwise visited.
Amtrak offers picturesque long-haul journeys through the Rockies, the American Southwest, and beyond.
The prospect of gazing at snowcapped mountains and soaring red-rock formations is exciting, but these journeys also offer a compelling opportunity to stop and explore less-touted areas along the way — ones that I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.
Though some of the highlights from my road trips have been stumbling upon hidden gems in locales often labeled as flyover states (like spots in the US' heartland), driving through the Midwest's flatlands can feel like a bit of a slog.
However, I find stretches of farmland infinitely more charming when I view them out of a train window instead of a car dashboard.
Depending on the itinerary and season, traveling by train can be more affordable than driving.
Between gas prices and rental-car charges, road trips can be expensive ventures.
When it comes to Amtrak trains, you can expect to pay a premium for a private room in a sleeping car or a coveted last-minute ticket. However, you can usually find reasonably priced tickets with some advance planning.
On a trip my family took from New York to Pennsylvania, all three of our tickets for the Amtrak Keystone Service cost me a total of $47.50 — an absolute steal considering our trip fell during a peak travel period.
In many major cities, I probably would've paid the same amount for a few hours of parking.
I feel safer traveling by train than by car, especially in poor weather conditions.
It gives me peace of mind to know that taking a train is statistically safer than driving a car. Plus, Amtrak has a lot of safety standards in place.
Though I feel confident in my driving abilities, I prefer not to be behind the wheel in certain situations, like when I have to navigate Manhattan streets or battle icy road conditions.
Trains are usually less impacted by weather, making them a solid transportation option in less-than-ideal conditions.
Amtrak's seats feel wider and more comfortable than the ones in most cars.
It's no surprise that traveling can make you feel a bit cramped, especially if you're constricted to a car seat for a long drive.
Regardless of how I travel, I'm always very eager to reach my destination and stretch my legs. In my experience, I've found that even the most bare-bones Amtrak trains offer wider seats than I've seen in most cars and a reasonable amount of legroom.
The trains' observation and dining cars are a real treat for my family since they allow us to enjoy peaceful moments, play a rousing game, or simply take advance of the freedom that comes with not being strapped in one place.
Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest.
Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive.
As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.
I can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to finish work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.
Trains aren't the right option for every trip, but I look forward to incorporating more of them in my future travels.
Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible.
The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.
I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.
I adore the spontaneity and impulsiveness that come with traveling by car and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand.
I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and the road.
This story was originally published on May 11, 2023, and most recently updated on August 30, 2024.
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