You’ve probably heard a lot about Amtrak—from the good to the bad to the utterly baffling. Love it or leave it, Amtrak is the US’s most expansive public transportation system.
Is it cheap? Not especially.
Is it functional? Most days.
Is it worth opting for this summer? I think so—especially if you want to travel throughout California.
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of the Amtrak Rail Pass and its two most popular rail options: the USA Rail Pass and the California Rail Pass.
The USA Rail Pass ($499)
The USA Rail Pass is Amtrak’s no-holds-barred offer on nationwide travel. If you plan on jumping around from state to state, the USA Rail Pass should be your focus.
There are a few notable conditions: USA Rail Pass holders can only take 10 rides within a 30-day segment, for an average of around $50 per journey. Unless you’re a rambling man like Jack Reacher, those ten journeys (aka segments) should be more than enough to fulfill your travel needs.
The USA Rail Pass lasts for 120 days, which starts on the day of purchase. Simply download the app to start scheduling your trips. But keep in mind that any connections count as a trip ‘segment’, which means a two-leg journey will cost you two rides within that 30-day period.
A few other interesting restrictions apply. I’d recommend taking a close look at these before you purchase the USA Rail Pass and start packing your bags. As the only transport rail option in the US, Amtrak has little impetus to be flexible. The more you know, the better you can use this rail pass.
California Rail Pass ($159)
Amtrak has decided to highlight its Californian railways with a special rail pass—and I’m not complaining. California is one of the most beloved destinations in the US thanks to its myriad of coastal cities. Those who want to see them all either face dozens of hours on the road or a few trips to the airport.
Unless, of course, you opt for the California Rail Pass.
This pass is valid for seven days with a 21-day period. That means you can take one journey a day a total of seven times during a three-week period—which should be more than enough time to see the Golden State.
Once again, there’s some fine print you’ll want to zero in on. This pass is only eligible for certain train corridors, some of which involve bus service connections. Though these trains hit all the hotspots, they might not allow you the freedom you seek. Another consideration is booking ahead of time, as many journeys fill up thanks to California’s popularity.
A look inside the trains
As someone who has traveled on trains throughout Europe and Asia, I can tell you that every rail line offers its own unique experience. I’ve found my trips on Amtrak to be pretty good. I’m not the biggest fan of their seat upholstery (it smells), but the chairs and overall setup work for me.
According to Amtrak’s website, its trains offer limited Wi-Fi (for general purposes), baggage services, onboard dining options, a designated ‘quiet car’, bicycle storage, and even limited pet services. Off the record, however, I would expect a fast train and a functional bathroom for those with standard tickets—and that’s about it.
Is it right for you?
I might not have oversold either Amtrak option here—but I would still consider both for summer travel. First and foremost, I’m a tree-hugger. Amtrak is by far the ‘greenest’ way to explore the vast continental US, including its smaller towns.
Second, it’s a lot more affordable than a plane or a road trip. Even cheap plane tickets tend to incur high costs once you factor in travel to and from the airport, upcharges on luggage, and unexpected delays. I don’t need to tell you how pricey gas is.
Amtrak has one other thing working in its favor: views. Unless you want to hit the road driving, you won’t have access to the same vistas as an Amtrak rider. Even the humble trip between Saint Louis and Chicago (which I’ve taken several times), offers an unexpected surprise or two. (It’s the billboards—they’re wild.)
That being said, I wouldn’t recommend Amtrak for first-time travelers. It can be hectic to find the trains on the platforms. It’s also not unheard of to encounter some strange characters on board. And you’ll definitely need to dig deep if something goes awry, as Amtrak isn’t known for its customer service.
Still, if you’ve been eyeing either Amtrak rail pass, take this as your sign to try it out—especially if you’re heading to California.