Coast Starlight vs Amtrak Cascades

Amtrak Cascades train in Portland, Oregon

The Coast Starlight and Amtrak Cascades routes travel along the beautiful Pacific Northwest coast. But that's where the similarities end. The Coast Starlight is a long-distance train with a sleeper car and sightseer lounge while the Amtrak Cascades is a European-designed train that travels a shorter distance (and into Canada). Learn more about the differences … Continue reading Coast Starlight vs Amtrak Cascades

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Empire Builder vs California Zephyr

Empire Builder in the Rocky Mountains

The Empire Builder and the California Zephyr are two of Amtrak's most popular routes. Both travel in the western half of the United States through the Rocky Mountains. The main difference is that the Empire Builder offers additional views of forests and rivers in the Pacific Northwest while the California Zephyr has more mountain views … Continue reading Empire Builder vs California Zephyr

Coast Starlight vs Pacific Surfliner

Pacific Surfliner in Del Mar, California

The Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner are California's two coastal Amtrak routes. Both provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and stop in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. But that's where the similarities end. The Pacific Surfliner route is much shorter than the Coast Starlight and can be used to commute between cities in Southern … Continue reading Coast Starlight vs Pacific Surfliner

Southwest Chief vs California Zephyr

Southwest Chief in Laguna, New Mexico

The Southwest Chief and California Zephyr are two of Amtrak's long-distance routes. Both travel between Chicago and California, but the scenery is very different. The Southwest Chief has more desert landscapes and the California Zephyr has more mountain views. Additionally, the Southwest Chief is a shorter route and starts/ends in Los Angeles while the California … Continue reading Southwest Chief vs California Zephyr

Best Amtrak trips from San Antonio

New Orleans Canal streetcar

The long-distance Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited Amtrak trains stop in San Antonio and travel to Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona and California. There are options for day trips and overnight adventures, and whether you travel to a destination near or far, you can book private accommodations in the sleeper car or choose … Continue reading Best Amtrak trips from San Antonio

Chicago to San Francisco on Amtrak: 7 things to know

California Zephyr at Book Cliffs

The long-distance Amtrak trip from Chicago to San Francisco is one of the most popular in the United States. Trains travel through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada via the California Zephyr route, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Here's what you need to know when planning your trip. Amtrak trains don't travel to San … Continue reading Chicago to San Francisco on Amtrak: 7 things to know

U.S. states with the worst Amtrak arrival times

Coast Starlight at night

Long-distance Amtrak trips can be a great adventure, but one downside is that it is impossible for good arrival and departure times at all stations along the route. At most there is only one train each day in each direction, which means some states are literally left in the dark during overnight hours. To prepare … Continue reading U.S. states with the worst Amtrak arrival times

10 best stops on the Coast Starlight

Monterey Bay beach

Not only is Amtrak's Coast Starlight route one of the most scenic in the United States, it also stops in many beautiful and interesting places along the West Coast. There are beaches, wineries, landmark attractions and national parks to explore if you get off the train for a night or longer. To get ideas for … Continue reading 10 best stops on the Coast Starlight