All aboard! Get ready to experience the US with our comprehensive guide to train travel, promising comfort, culture, and captivating views. If you're an international traveler, catching a ride on an American train may seem a little intimidating—but never fear! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about train travel in the US, from why it’s a great choice to what essentials to pack for your journey. Let’s get started!
10 Reasons to Travel by Train
So, why should you choo-choo-choose to travel by train? Allow us to fill you in:
1. Better for the Environment
If you want to leave the US better than you found it, train travel is a great way to do so. Trains are one of the most eco-friendly transportation options; the Pacific Surfliner uses American-made Siemens Charger locomotives that are 16% more fuel efficient and generate 90% fewer emissions than previous models. It also operates on renewable diesel from raw renewable materials like cooking oil. Click here to learn more about how the Pacific Surfliner makes it easy to travel green!
2. Convenience and Flexibility
Trains offer unmatched convenience and flexibility—you can quote us on that! Forget the stress of coordinating connecting flights or wondering which exit to take in your rental car—train travel can be as seamless as you want it to be. Frequent departures and centrally-located stations mean you can plan your trip around destinations, not the other way around.
3. Save Your Money
When you factor in the cost of flights, accommodation, and transportation, an international trip can get pretty expensive, pretty fast. Not so with train travel! Pacific Surfliner fares have the reputation of being reasonable and affordable, plus we offer countless ways to save with year-round discounts and promotions. Click here to check out current deals.
4. Classic Road Trip Vibes
How do you capture the nostalgic, adventurous vibes of an American road trip without actually getting on the road? By riding a train, of course! Train travel harkens back to those golden moments of exploration and freedom without the stress and monotony of driving. Sit back, relax, and let yourself rediscover the joy of adventure.
5. Scenic Routes and Sights
Those big picture windows aren't just for show; one of the best parts of train travel is soaking up the gorgeous scenery from the comfort of your seat. Train routes often wind through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see, from lush forests to dramatic mountain ranges to rugged coastlines. The Pacific Surfliner offers particularly beautiful ocean views, hugging the California coastline for 350 scenic miles!
6. Experience the US Like a Local
As an out-of-towner to the United States, you may be looking for ways to immerse yourself in some of the local culture— train travel is a great way to do it. Pass through bustling cities and towns off the beaten track that you may have missed otherwise! You'll also have plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations with fellow passengers, sample local cuisine, and experience some of that good ol’ American charm.
7. Cruise in Comfort
Skip the cramped seats of a rental car and long security lines of a plane ride. Train travel offers plenty of seating and legroom, plus the freedom to move around at your leisure. On top of that, you don't have to do anything except enjoy the ride! Stretch out with a good book, catch up on work, or admire the passing scenery.
8. Explore Vibrant City Centers
Trains like the Pacific Surfliner often have stations in the heart of city centers, making it easy to step off the train and into the action. Whether you're in a hotspot like Los Angeles or a smaller beach town like Ventura, trains offer easy access to some of the most culturally rich destinations in America.
9. Need for Speed
While trains may not reach the speed of planes quite yet, modern rail systems can still take you from one city to the next in record time. Quickly covering these long distances means you have even more time to explore and enjoy these stunning destinations.
10. Accessible to All
Trains can provide a convenient, safe, and inclusive method of transportation for passengers with mobility issues. The Pacific Surfliner accommodates wheelchairs and offers accessible seating and restrooms on the lower level of our bi-level cars.
What is Train Travel in the US Like?
Let’s set the scene – you're relaxing aboard the Pacific Surfliner, gliding along the California coastline, on a journey where every mile offers a postcard-worthy view:
See
A world of kaleidoscopic color whizzing past. Urban sprawls giving way to untouched wilderness. A flash of sunshine through large picture windows.
Smell
An intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee, wafting through the train car. The salty freshness of coastal air, carried by a gentle sea breeze.
Hear
A rhythmic click-clack as wheels roll over tracks. The murmur of conversations blending with the hum of the train's engine— a man-made lullaby.
Taste
Local flavors that leave lifelong impressions. The full-bodied richness of a California Cabernet Sauvignon. The taste of anticipation on your tongue.
Touch
Your body sinking into the comfort of plush upholstery. The gentle sway and vibration of the train as it rumbles down the tracks.
How Does US Train Travel Work?
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, traveling by train in the US is easier than you may think. Trains across the US have different processes, but here is a simple guide to booking your journey on the Pacific Surfliner:
Step 1: Choose Your Destination
From cultural capitals to sleepy beach towns, the Pacific Surfliner can take you where you want to go. It covers 351 miles (about 565 kilometers, for our friends across the pond) of California coastline from San Luis Obispo in the north to San Diego in the south, serving 29 destinations in total. The only question is: Which one will you explore first?
Step 2: Book Your Ticket
Booking your Pacific Surfliner ticket couldn't be easier; head to Amtrak's online booking tool and input the necessary information. The tool will then find trips that match your specifications. Choose from a Coach or Business Class seat, and add the ticket to your cart. Select "Continue," and you'll be taken to a trip summary page where you can see your trip's details and add additional items like bicycles or pets. Select "Continue" again and enter your personal and payment information— another click, and you're all set!
Step 3: Get Ready for Your Trip!
After you've booked your ticket, it's time to get excited! You're probably wondering what to bring on your train trip— don't worry, we've got you covered with our next section.
Essentials for your Ultimate Train Adventure
Documents
You won't get very far without these! Make sure you have your ticket, ID, and any other necessary travel documents for your train trip, whether digital or printed.
Entertainment
In between chatting and looking wistfully out the train window, you'll probably want some entertainment options to fall back on. Bring a book, an e-reader, a tablet, a portable game console, or anything else you want to enjoy during your journey. Remember that all Pacific Surfliner trains are equipped with Wi-Fi that supports web browsing, but not streaming or downloads. Click here to learn more about our onboard Wi-Fi.
Chargers/Adapters
Remember to bring chargers for all your devices! Since you'll be in America, you may also need a North American power plug adapter—either type A or type B. We recommend going with a Type B power adapter or a global adapter that fits all plug types.
Snacks + Water
Don't forget to fuel up during your journey! Pack snacks and water for your train trip, or plan on exploring your train's onboard options. The Pacific Surfliner's Market Café offers snacks, light meals, drinks, and more that passengers can easily grab and go. Pacific Surfliner passengers can also bring their own food and drinks (excluding alcohol) and enjoy them at their seats.
Camera
Trust us when we say you'll want to capture every moment of your scenic trip. Whether you're snapping pics of loved ones, the beautiful landscape, or delicious meals, you'll never regret bringing a camera to document every step of your journey.
Sun Protection
Shield yourself from the sun by bringing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses! You won't need these much on the train, but once you step out into that blazing American sun, you'll be happy you came prepared.
Comfy Essentials
Remember to pack any extra comfort items, such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, earplugs, an eye mask, or a travel pillow.
Next time you’re planning a trip to the USA, consider the tracks less traveled! With an unbeatable combination of convenience, comfort, and charm, a ride on a train like the Pacific Surfliner is the perfect way to experience the scenic wonders of the United States like never before. Whether you're a seasoned rail rider or embarking on a first-time adventurer, let this article guide you to an unforgettable experience with the Pacific Surfliner.
There are no dead ends in marketing! Where are we driving our target audience with this blog
post?All aboard! Kick off your train trip by exploring Pacific Surfliner’s destinations.