Us Passenger Train Map
Are you planning a trip to the United States and want to explore the country by train? Look no further than the US Passenger Train Map, a comprehensive network of rail lines that can take you to some of the country’s top destinations. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a guide that covers everything from top attractions and hidden gems to budget-friendly tips and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
When traveling by train in the US, there are plenty of must-see destinations to add to your itinerary. Some of the most popular include New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. In New York, make sure to visit the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. In San Francisco, check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. In Chicago, take a stroll through Millennium Park, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, and go up to the Willis Tower Skydeck. Finally, in Washington, D.C., explore the National Mall, see the White House, and visit the Smithsonian museums.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are a must-see, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover while traveling by train. For example, in New Orleans, take a stroll through the French Quarter and try some beignets at Cafรฉ Du Monde. In Seattle, visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and the Pike Place Market. In Portland, check out Powell’s City of Books and the International Rose Test Garden. Finally, in Denver, explore the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Art Museum.
Food Scene
The US is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, and traveling by train is a great way to experience it. In New York, try a slice of pizza from Di Fara Pizza or a bagel from Russ & Daughters. In New Orleans, sample some gumbo or jambalaya from Coop’s Place or Willie Mae’s Scotch House. In Portland, indulge in some Voodoo Doughnuts or a food cart meal at the Alder Street Food Cart Pod. Finally, in San Francisco, savor some seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf or a burrito in the Mission District.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling by train in the US can be affordable, especially if you plan ahead and take advantage of discounts. For example, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for students, a 10% discount for AAA members, and a 10% discount for military personnel. You can also save money by booking your tickets in advance and traveling during off-peak times. Additionally, consider packing your own food and drinks to save money on meals while on the train.
Outdoor Adventures
The US is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, and traveling by train is a great way to experience them. For example, in Colorado, take the Amtrak Winter Park Express to go skiing or snowboarding. In California, ride the Coast Starlight train to see the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. In Montana, take the Empire Builder train to see Glacier National Park and the Rocky Mountains. Finally, in New Mexico, ride the Southwest Chief train to see the red rocks of the Rio Grande Gorge.
Historical Landmarks
The US has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical landmarks to visit while traveling by train. For example, in Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. In Boston, visit the USS Constitution Museum and the Paul Revere House. In Atlanta, explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Finally, in St. Louis, see the Gateway Arch and the Missouri History Museum.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling by train can be a fun and educational experience for families. For example, in Chicago, visit the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. In Washington, D.C., explore the National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum. In New York, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and visit the American Museum of Natural History. Finally, in San Diego, see the animals at the San Diego Zoo and visit LEGOLAND California.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
While the top attractions are popular for a reason, there are also plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover while traveling by train. For example, in Arizona, ride the Verde Canyon Railroad to see the red rocks and canyons. In Utah, take the Heber Valley Railroad to see the mountains and wildlife. In West Virginia, ride the Cass Scenic Railroad to see the fall foliage and the Cheat Mountain Salamander. Finally, in Oregon, take the Mount Hood Railroad to see the Columbia River Gorge and the Hood River Valley.
Natural Wonders
The US is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, and traveling by train is a great way to see them. For example, in Alaska, ride the Alaska Railroad to see the glaciers and the Denali National Park. In Colorado, take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to see the Animas River and the San Juan Mountains. In Arizona, ride the Grand Canyon Railway to see the Grand Canyon and the Kaibab National Forest. Finally, in Washington, take the Amtrak Cascades train to see the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains.
Vibrant Nightlife
Traveling by train doesn’t have to mean missing out on the nightlife. For example, in New Orleans, listen to live jazz music on Frenchmen Street or visit the Bourbon Street bars. In Las Vegas, explore the casinos and the nightclubs on the Strip. In Miami, dance the night away at the nightclubs on South Beach or Little Havana. Finally, in New York, see a Broadway show or visit one of the city’s many bars and clubs.
Local Markets
One of the best ways to get a taste of local culture is by visiting the markets. For example, in Seattle, check out the Pike Place Market and the Ballard Farmers Market. In San Francisco, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace and the Alemany Farmers’ Market. In Portland, explore the Portland Saturday Market and the Portland Farmers Market. Finally, in New York, see the Union Square Greenmarket and the Chelsea Market.
Beaches and Mountains
The US has it all, from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, and traveling by train is a great way to see them. For example, in California, ride the Pacific Surfliner train to see the beaches and the Santa Ynez Mountains. In Florida, take the Silver Meteor train to see the beaches and the Everglades. In Washington, ride the Amtrak Cascades train to see the beaches and the Olympic Mountains. Finally, in Maine, take the Downeaster train to see the beaches and the White Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
The US is a melting pot of cultures, and traveling by train is a great way to immerse yourself in them. For example, in Chicago, visit the Pilsen neighborhood to see the Mexican murals and taste the Mexican food. In New York, explore the Chinatown neighborhood and try some dim sum. In New Orleans, listen to jazz music and try some Creole cuisine. Finally, in San Francisco, visit the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and see the hippie culture.
Art and Music Scene
The US is home to some of the most vibrant art and music scenes in the world, and traveling by train is a great way to experience them. For example, in Nashville, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. In Memphis, see the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. In New York, explore the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Finally, in New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Frenchmen Art Market.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore a city is on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours to take while traveling by train. For example, in Washington, D.C., take a walking tour of the National Mall and the monuments. In New York, explore Central Park and the neighborhoods on a walking tour. In San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge and the neighborhoods on a walking tour. Finally, in Chicago, explore the architecture and the neighborhoods on a walking tour.
Architectural Marvels
The US is home to some of the most impressive architectural marvels in the world, and traveling by train is a great way to see them. For example, in New York, see the skyscrapers and the bridges on a boat tour. In Chicago, explore the skyscrapers and the historic buildings on a walking tour. In San Francisco, see the Victorian houses and the modern buildings on a walking tour. Finally, in Washington, D.C., explore the monuments and the government buildings on a walking tour.
Historical Sites
The US has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical sites to visit while traveling by train. For example, in Philadelphia, see the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. In Boston, visit the Paul Revere House and the USS Constitution Museum. In Atlanta, explore the Martin Luther King Jr.