Travelling the United States by rail is an often-overlooked adventure that combines comfort, sustainability and unbeatable scenery. In 2018, I embarked on a two-month cross-country adventure on Amtrak from New York to San Francisco, hopping off at dozens of fascinating stops, supplementing my rail route with Greyhound buses and occasional coaches for even more discovery. Here’s how to plan your own US rail odyssey, why the train should be your first choice, plus day-trip ideas for every stop.
Why plan a cross-country adventure on Amtrak
- Comfort & space: Say goodbye to cramped aeroplane seats. Amtrak’s Superliner sleepers and roomy coach cars let you stretch out, walk around and even dine in style.
- Scenic routes: The vistas are unforgettable, from the Hudson Valley’s autumn colours to the Rocky Mountains on the California Zephyr.
- No airport hassles: Skip long security queues and baggage fees. You board minutes before departure, and your luggage travels securely in the baggage car.
- Sustainability: Trains have a far smaller carbon footprint per passenger than planes or cars.
- Local connections: Rolling into both small towns and big cities alike, you’ll encounter authentic communities and off-the-beaten-track gems.
Observatory car bliss
One of my absolute favourite spots on an Amtrak train is the observatory car—I spent most of my journey there, gazing out at ever-changing vistas through its oversized panoramic windows. It’s wonderfully practical, too, because downstairs you’ll usually find a small bar and mini-market for snacks and essentials. Plus, every carriage is equipped with handy dispensers for coffee, chilled water and ice, so you’re never far from a pick-me-up. Compared to the sleek, high-speed trains of Europe, Amtrak is delightfully slow, with retro stations and nostalgic carriages that add a special charm. The scenery is truly unparalleled: since the railway was laid before modern roads, the tracks always run “front and centre” through the landscape, offering unbeatable views at every mile.
Planning your journey: passes, booking & packing
- Choose a Rail Pass: Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass allows 15 segments within 30 days (or 12 segments in 45 days), ideal for multi-stop trips. Compare fares on the Amtrak website and book at least 3–6 months in advance for the best prices.
- Reserve accommodations: Night trains (e.g. Lake Shore Limited or Sunset Limited) offer roomettes and bedrooms. These sell out quickly—reserve early if you want privacy and a bed.
- Supplement with buses: Greyhound, Megabus and FlixBus can fill in gaps or whisk you to destinations not directly served by rail. I took a Greyhound coach from Savannah to Nashville, unlocking a week of live music and cowboy-boot shopping.
- Pack smart: A soft-sided bag fits easily into luggage racks. Bring layers, a refillable water bottle, earplugs, and a power bank for long stretches without outlets. Check out my packing tips!
- Download apps: Amtrak’s app for e-tickets and real-time updates, plus Greyhound’s app for coach bookings, keep your trip on track.
Detailed itinerary & day-trip inspirations
1. New York
Having visited New York 41 times—for both work and leisure—I still find its energy infectious. From Broadway lights to waterfront parks, the city never grows old.
Day trips:
- Hudson Valley wineries (train to Poughkeepsie + local taxi)
- The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park (subway + stroll)
- Day cruise to Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty
2. Philadelphia
Philadelphia, America’s birthplace of liberty, blends colonial history with a lively arts scene. Don’t miss the Liberty Bell or the murals scattered around town.
Day trips:
- Historic Brandywine Valley gardens
- Longwood Gardens (regional rail + shuttle)
- Amish country tour by bus
3. Washington, DC (Surroundings)
The nation’s capital is a treasure trove of monuments, museums and political intrigue. Even its suburbs—rich in Revolutionary War sites—are worthy of exploration.
Day trips:
- Mount Vernon & Georgetown (Potomac Riverboat)
- Annapolis Colonial walk + seafood lunch
- Great Falls Park hiking (Metropolitan Branch + local shuttle)
4. Colonial Williamsburg
Step back in time in America’s largest living-history museum, where costumed interpreters bring 18th-century life to vivid reality. Colonial Williamsburg is pure magic!
Day trips:
- Jamestown Settlement ferry & museum
- Yorktown Battlefield & Riverwalk
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg for thrills
5. Savannah
I rolled into Savannah on an Amtrak night train from Williamsburg as part of my cross-country rail adventure, then met my friend Abbie, whom I’d first met on Lake Titicaca, for a charming city tour by car. With its mossy squares and Southern grace, Savannah feels like stepping into a storybook.
Day trips:
- Tybee Island sunrise & lighthouse
- Fort Pulaski ghost tour
- Ruins of Old Sheldon Church picnic (my unforgettable spot with Abbie!)
6. Nashville (by Greyhound)
Music City USA is a symphony of live honky-tonk, barbecue smoke and cowboy-boot chic. Every corner throbs with a melody.
Day trips:
- Franklin’s Civil War sites & antique shopping
- Grand Ole Opry backstage tour
- Jack Daniel’s distillery excursion
7. Memphis
Birthplace of the blues and rock ’n’ roll, Memphis is where soul meets Southern hospitality. From Beale Street to Graceland, tunes are woven into the very air.
Day trips:
- Graceland pilgrimage
- Blues trail down to Clarksdale, Mississippi
- Sun Studio guided recording session
8. New Orleans (plantations & surrounds)
New Orleans is a carnival of culture—jazz drifting through the French Quarter, Creole spice on every plate, and centuries-old plantations silent along the riverbanks. I experienced it during Mardi Gras, and it’s crazy!
Day trips:
- Oak Alley & Whitney Plantations tour
- Swamp airboat adventure
- French Quarter walking ghost tour
9. Houston
Space City is as cosmopolitan as it is cosmic—museums, a NASA tram tour, and Tex-Mex flavours that’ll set your taste buds alight.
Day trips:
- Space Center Houston tram tour
- Galveston Island beaches
- Kemah Boardwalk carnival fun
10. San Antonio
From the historic Alamo to the serene River Walk, San Antonio’s blend of Spanish mission history and modern charm is impossible to resist.
Day trips:
- The Alamo & River Walk boat cruise
- Hill Country wineries near Fredericksburg
- Natural Bridge Caverns spelunking
11. Yuma
Yuma feels like a desert oasis: sun-baked by day, star-filled by night. It’s a gateway to outdoor adventures and Old West lore.
Day trips:
- Colorado River kayaking
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Imperial Sand Dunes off-road sunrise
12. Tombstone (week at the Tombstone Dude Ranch)
At the heart of Old West legend, the Tombstone’s dude ranch offers horseback rides, cowboy cook-outs and nightly campfire tales under endless skies.
On-site fun:
- Daily horseback rides across the wild plains
- Cowboy cook-outs and campfire stories
- Historic O.K. Corral reenactments
13. Los Angeles (Studios)
The City of Angels is not my cup of tea, but it dazzles with Hollywood glamour, beach vibes and world-class studios. A single day can feel like a dream sequence.
Day trips:
- Warner Bros. Studio Backlot tour
- Getty Center museum hilltop vistas
- Malibu surf lessons
14. Las Vegas
Beyond the neon lights lies a world of red-rock canyons, slot canyons and starlit skies—Antelope Canyon’s swirling sandstone is worth the coach ride.
Day trips:
- Monument Valley small-group coach tour
- Antelope Canyon
- Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter flight
- Valley of Fire State Park Jeep safari
15. San Francisco (Napa Valley, Yosemite & surrounds)
Fog-shrouded hills, cable cars and a bridge that needs no introduction: San Francisco is a love letter to explorers. Nearby, Napa’s vineyards and Yosemite’s granite cliffs await.
Day trips:
- Historic Napa Valley Wine Train excursion
- Yosemite National Park 3-day hike (train + bus combo)
- Muir Woods redwood grove shuttle tour
- The picturesque seaside towns, such as Sausalito
…and that’s just the beginning of the story. I’ll be publishing a dedicated, in-depth blog post for each of these 15 stops, packed with insider tips, transport hacks and unmissable day-trip ideas. Stay tuned!
Final tips & tricks
- Flexibility is key: With a rail pass, you can adjust your route on the fly.
- Stay connected: A travel e-sim or portable Wi-Fi keeps you updated on schedules.
- Savour the journey: Train travel is as much about the ride as the destinations—take time to watch the world drift by.
- Share & connect: Strike up conversations in the dining car or lounge; you never know where you’ll discover your next travel tip.
Ready to swap airport lines for scenic platforms? Embrace the romance of the rails, bet on the bus for extra detours, and create a coast-to-coast story you’ll treasure forever. All aboard for your American rail adventure!
