This is part two of a three-part series regarding Amtrak’s Long Distance Trains. If you are completely new to the idea or are looking for the following trains: Sunset Limited, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, Empire Builder or Coast Starlight, check out part one (linked below)! Part two will include the Crescent, Texas Eagle, Capitol Limited, Lake Shore Limited and Cardinal routes.

Ever contemplated a new method of travel? A way to break up all of the traffic-filled roadtrips or miserable treks to the airport, only to wait 2-3 hours for a flight? Fed up with the same old highway views (or lack of views from the plane)? If so, this guide is for you! From the very first time I boarded an Amtrak Long Distance (LD) train in 2016 in Oakland, CA, I was immediately overcome with excitement, which quickly morphed into a passion. I have yet to go on a trip and not catch myself in a trance staring out the window on multiple occasions, failing to read/watch all of the books/shows I thought I would need or having a deep conversation with a complete stranger in the observation car. These experiences are the reason why I write this guide, to share and hopefully inform prospective travelers. If you are not familiar with Amtrak’s LD services, fear not! I intend to offer as much information about the train options, destinations, schedules and anything else I can think of to lead your potential adventure. If for some reason, I don’t cover something, feel free to reach out! This is just part one of a three-part guide and will cover the intro as well as the first five long-distance trains (numerically). Be sure to check out the other two sections, the individual more in-depth route guides, as well as 20 Questions for an Amtrak LD First Timer (all coming soon!).

Welcome! This guide is geared toward newcomers (and returners) to Amtrak’s long-distance trains, especially those who have never ridden overnight. We’ll cover what to expect on-board based on the equipment and accommodations as well as discuss staff, their hours, the dining car, the cafe and Sightseer Lounge and more!

This is the final section of a three-part series regarding Amtrak’s Long Distance Trains. In this part, we will cover the Auto Train, City of New Orleans, Palmetto, Silver Star and the Silver Meteor. If you are completely new to the idea or are looking for different trains, see the links in the section below: Part 1: Sunset Limited, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, Empire Builder or Coast Starlight. Part 2: Crescent, Texas Eagle, Capitol Limited, Lake Shore Limited and Cardinal routes.