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Train it don't plane it: Rail vs Flying in the USA

Unless you live under a rock, chances are you saw the dangers of flying in the USA with the recent United Airlines kerfuffle. Ok so dangerous is a term used loosely, but have you ever considered alternative ways of getting from point A to B other than flying?

Unless you live under a rock, chances are you saw the dangers of flying in the USA with the recent United Airlines kerfuffle. Ok so dangerous is a term used loosely, but have you ever considered alternative ways of getting from point A to B other than flying?

Self-drive holidays are a great way to explore more on the ground otherwise missed when flying, but that can also be dangerous. There is the risk of meltdowns between driver and fellow passengers over which direction to take and when to take much needed toilet breaks. GPS malfunctions could lead you to places you would rather not be in, and worst of all, there is the gruelling choice of what music or radio station will be played.

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Enter train travel.

The USA is one of the greatest countries in the world to be explored by passenger train. There are a number of private operators who offer exclusive and luxurious packages on private passenger trains, but it is onboard the trains of the state owned and subsidized Amtrak that most tourists and travellers experience America by rail.

It is becoming a more popular way to experience the country, according to Rail Plus, who recorded a whopping 36 percent year-on-year increase in AU & NZ travellers exploring the USA by rail in 2016, with families and groups making up a large part of the bookings.

Rail Plus Commercial Director, Ingrid Kocijan, said it is well-known that train travel is much less stressful than air travel, with bonus factors including the luxury of space, comfortable seats with legroom and no set baggage limits adding to the stress-free experience. Other benefits include not having to endure long queues or waiting time at check-in and baggage claim, being able to go from city centre to city centre without additional transportation costs and journey time, and best of all, travellers can take comfort in knowing that there is absolutely no chance of seat overbooking on trains.

“Peak travel times would usually see an increase in capacity via additional carriages on selected trains; otherwise passengers would be informed straight away of seat availability and alternatives when making their seat reservations,” Kocijan said.

Cardinal river crossing NYC-Chicago service via Washington_Photo Credit Amtrak Chase Gunnoe

Cardinal river crossing NYC-Chicago service via Washington. Photo Credit: Amtrak Chase Gunnoe

While train travel is best suited to travellers with the luxury of time, it is also an undeniably great way for travellers to see the vast and varied landscape of the USA during a relaxed journey, as apose to missing it during a flight or self-drive journey.

So where are the top destinations and just how much will it set you back? According to the rail provider, the most popular point-to-point destinations and journeys being booked include:

New York City – Washington DC, a 2h 53m journey starting at AUD72

New York City – Boston, a 4h 30m journey starting at AUD72

Seattle – Vancouver, 4 hours of travel starting at AUD47

Los Angeles – Grand Canyon, a 12 hour journey starting at AUD159

Universal Studios: Miami – Orlando, a 7h18m journey starting at AUD67

Disneyland: Los Angeles to Anaheim, a 39min journey starting at AUD37

For those well-planned travellers who prefer to spend more time in fewer destinations during their short visits, point-to-point tickets are a popular option. However, for travellers who prefer to take things at a slower pace and don’t travel to set plans, there is even a choice of passes allowing travellers to hop around the country on longer visits of up to 45 days.

Travellers deciding to see the USA by train can equip themselves with some useful tips and considerations suggested by the experts at Rail Plus to help with their itineraries and bookings.

Would you consider a rail holiday over flying or self-drive?