The $213 Train Journey Across America That Travelers Can’t Stop Raving About

Traveling across the United States is often imagined as a road trip on the open highways, but there’s another way to see the country—by train. Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, offers coast-to-coast journeys that allow travelers to sit back, relax, and enjoy stunning scenery. With careful planning and flexible schedules, it’s possible to ride across the USA for just over $213, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience the country’s diverse landscapes.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan your own cross-country Amtrak adventure, including routes, ticketing, costs, travel tips, and what to expect along the way.

Why Travel Across the USA by Train?

Scenic Views: Trains pass through mountains, deserts, rivers, and cities that highways and flights miss.

Budget-Friendly: With advance booking, fares can be surprisingly affordable compared to flying.

Comfort: Wide seats, legroom, and the ability to walk around make train travel less stressful than air travel.

Eco-Friendly: Trains are a greener way to travel, producing fewer emissions per passenger than cars or planes.

Adventure Factor: A rail journey feels like stepping back into a slower, more romantic era of travel.

The Classic Route: San Francisco to New York

The most iconic cross-country train journey starts on the West Coast and ends on the East Coast.

1. California Zephyr (San Francisco/Emeryville → Chicago)
   • Distance: 2,438 miles
   • Duration: About 51 hours
   • Scenery: Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains
   • Highlights: Crossing the Colorado River, the Rocky Mountain tunnels, and the vast Midwestern farmlands.
2. Lake Shore Limited (Chicago → New York)
   • Distance: 959 miles
   • Duration: About 20 hours
   • Scenery: Great Lakes, upstate New York, Hudson River Valley
   • Highlights: Skirting the southern edge of Lake Erie, passing through Albany, and finishing along the Hudson River into Manhattan.

Total Distance: ~3,400 miles
Total Travel Time: ~4 days

How to Get Tickets for $213

The $213 figure became famous thanks to Derek Low’s viral travel blog. While prices have increased since 2011, budget fares are still possible with the right strategy.

Tips to Find Cheap Tickets

• Book Early: Amtrak fares rise as departure dates approach. Booking 3–6 months in advance saves the most.
• Travel Off-Peak: Mid-week departures are cheaper than weekends.
• Be Flexible: Different departure cities (Oakland, Emeryville, or even Sacramento) may affect price.
• Segmented Trips: Instead of one continuous ticket, sometimes breaking the trip into separate tickets costs less.
• Use a Rail Pass: The Amtrak USA Rail Pass allows 10 segments in 30 days for around $499, which can still be excellent value.

What Is It Like on Board?

Amtrak trains are designed for long-distance comfort.

Seating

• Reclining seats with leg rests
• Tray tables and power outlets
• Ample overhead storage

Food Options

• Café Car: Snacks, sandwiches, drinks
• Dining Car: Hot meals served at set times (included for sleeper passengers)

Sleeper Options (Extra Cost)

• Roomette: Private cabin for 1–2 people
• Bedroom: Larger cabin with private bathroom
• Family Bedroom: Sleeps up to four

Amenities

• Restrooms on every car
• Wi-Fi on some routes (not always reliable)
• Lounge cars with wide windows

Highlights Along the Way

Traveling cross-country by train isn’t just about the destination. It’s the landscapes you’ll witness through the window:

• Sierra Nevada (California): Snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
• Rocky Mountains (Colorado): Dramatic canyons, tunnels, and river valleys.
• Great Plains (Nebraska, Iowa): Endless farmland and open skies.
• Chicago Skyline: A mid-journey urban contrast.
• Hudson River Valley (New York): Rolling hills, river views, and a dramatic entrance to New York City.

How to Prepare for the Journey

• Pack Light but Smart: Bring a small carry-on with essentials (snacks, water, charger, neck pillow).
• Bring Entertainment: Books, podcasts, or downloaded shows help pass the hours.
• Stretch Often: Walk to the lounge car to avoid stiffness.
• Adjust Expectations: Trains may run late, so allow flexibility in your onward plans.
• Travel Insurance: Recommended for long-distance trips.

Pros and Cons of Cross-Country Train Travel

Pros

• Affordable (if booked wisely)
• Scenic and relaxing
• No airport hassles
• Flexible passes for stopovers

Cons

• Long travel times (4+ days)
• Possible delays
• Wi-Fi and cell service can be unreliable
• Sleeper cars are expensive if you want extra comfort

Who Should Try This Trip?

This type of adventure is perfect for:

• Budget Travelers: Students, backpackers, or digital nomads.
• Slow Travelers: Anyone who values the journey as much as the destination.
• Photography Enthusiasts: Constantly changing landscapes make for endless photo ops.
• Eco-Conscious Travelers: Train travel has a smaller carbon footprint compared to planes.

Alternative Routes

If you want to mix it up, other Amtrak routes also provide epic cross-country experiences:

• Empire Builder: Seattle/Portland → Chicago → New York
• Sunset Limited + Crescent: Los Angeles → New Orleans → New York
• Texas Eagle: Los Angeles → Dallas → Chicago → New York

Each route offers unique scenery, from deserts to bayous.

Final Thoughts

Traveling across the USA by train for around $213 is an unforgettable way to see the country. While prices have increased since Derek Low’s journey, with smart planning, flexible dates, and the use of rail passes, it’s still possible to cross the country affordably. More importantly, the train journey itself is the reward—the chance to watch the landscape shift from coast to coast in comfort, without touching a steering wheel or setting foot in an airport.

For those seeking an adventure that combines affordability, sustainability, and a slower pace of life, a coast-to-coast Amtrak journey remains one of the best options available.