Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Train
Amtrak
( 800-872-7245;
www.amtrak.com
)
has an extensive rail system throughout
the USA, with several long-distance lines traversing the nation east to west, and even
more running north to south. These link all of America's biggest cities and many of its
smaller ones. In some places, Amtrak's Thruway buses provide connections to and from
the rail network.
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Compared with other modes of travel, trains are rarely the quickest, cheapest or most
convenient option, but they turn the journey into a relaxing, social and scenic all-American
experience.
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Rail services are busiest in the northeast corridor, where high-speed Acela Express
trains run from Boston, MA, to Washington, DC (via New York City, Philadelphia and Bal-
timore).
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Other busy routes include NYC to Niagara Falls, Chicago to Milwaukee and Chicago to
St Louis.
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Free wi-fi is available on many, but not all, trains. The wi-fi speed is fine for email and
web browsing, but not suitable for streaming videos or music.
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Smoking is prohibited on all trains.
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Many big cities, such as NYC, Chicago and Miami, also have their own commuter rail
networks. These trains provide faster, more frequent services on shorter routes.
Classes
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Coach Class buys you a basic, if indeed quite comfortable, reclining seat with a head-
rest. On some routes you can reserve seats.
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Business Class is available on many trains, especially on shorter routes in the north-
east. Seats are more spacious and have outlets for plugging in laptops. You also get re-
served seating and access to quiet cars (no cell-phone usage etc).
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First Class is available on Acela Express trains only, and adds an at-seat meal to the
mix.
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Sleeper Class is available on overnight routes. Sleeping cars include simple bunks
(called 'roomettes'), bedrooms with en-suite facilities and suites sleeping four with two
bathrooms. Sleeping-car rates include meals in the dining car, which offers everyone sit-
down meal service (pricey if not included).
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Food service on commuter lines, when it exists, consists of sandwich and snack bars.
Bringing your own food and drink is recommended on all trains.
