After trying travel in America by plane and bus, I became curious about what it’s like to ride a train here. I often see Amtrak ads on Facebook and Instagram stories with the tagline “the best way to see American scenery.” Driven by curiosity, I decided to take the Amtrak train from New York to Chicago last weekend.
Traveling by train in America is definitely not the fastest way to get around, nor is it the cheapest. If speed is a priority, flying is better. If budget is key, there are several bus companies offering competitive fares. But since I’ve always enjoyed my train journeys, both in Indonesia and abroad, I naturally gravitate towards trains—they’re simply more comfortable than buses.
In the United States, there’s only one passenger rail company, Amtrak. This government-owned company connects cities and states across the country, though not all, as some places are not serviced by Amtrak trains. Each train has several classes to choose from, starting from standard coach seats (similar to those on Indonesia’s railways), quiet cars where passengers must avoid conversations and phone use, to sleeper trains with beds for long journeys.
I bought a ticket from New York to Chicago for $110 in the coach class. The trip was quite long—19 hours and 10 minutes! But since I had the time, I decided to give it a go. Initially, I didn’t have high expectations, but to my surprise, I slept comfortably through the 19-hour journey! If you ask whether I’d take a train in America again, my answer is definitely yes.
Here are a few reasons why train travel in America is enjoyable:
1. Spacious and Comfortable Seats
Though the train itself looked a bit old from the outside, the interior wasn’t bad. Amtrak seats are large with ample legroom, making it easy to stretch out. There’s even a footrest that can be raised by pressing a button on the armrest. During my ride, the train wasn’t crowded, and the seat next to mine was empty, which made it nice for lying down without needing to chat with a neighbor.
2. Available Wi-Fi
Both times I took Amtrak—long-distance and short-distance trips—Wi-Fi was available, and it was fast! Besides Wi-Fi, each seat is equipped with a power outlet.
3. Airline-Style Baggage
If you’re carrying a lot of luggage and don’t want to haul it all onboard, you can check in your bags at the station. This service is complimentary with your Amtrak ticket. I opted to check my suitcase at Penn Station in New York rather than drag it around while waiting for my departure. It’s very convenient! Additionally, there’s spacious overhead storage above each seat (larger than an airplane cabin) and at the back of each car (near the restroom). Checked baggage can be picked up at the destination station, just like on a flight.
4. Scenic Views
A significant advantage of train travel in America over bus travel is the route. Trains often pass through rural and coastal areas, offering more natural scenery. On my journey from New York to Chicago, the views were pretty nice—we passed through plains, open water, and lovely early spring landscapes. It was a relaxing way to daydream and enjoy the scenery.
Train travel in America is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the journey and scenery and aren’t in a hurry. But if you’re on a tight schedule, flying is a better choice. Also, Amtrak tickets aren’t as cheap as bus fares, often costing two to three times more. For example, a bus from Washington, DC, to New York is around $17, while the train is about $60. But if you’re curious to try the train, consider a shorter route. My second Amtrak trip was from Chicago to Milwaukee, which cost $25. Tickets can be purchased on the Amtrak website.