Train Travel in the United States

Amtrak's "Cardinal" in the Station at Ashland, Kentucky

J. Stephen Conn

Railroads built America, and were once to principal way to travel in this great country. Unfortunately, during the last four decades the powers-that-be in our country have devoted billions of dollars to building our highways and airports while neglecting the railroad. In my opinion, this is to America's shame.

America still has a railway system, although it is but a faint shadow of its former self. For the adventurous traveler, it is still, in my mind, the most romantic and most pleasant way to travel about the United States.

Three sections of the country are best for train travel, as far as connections are concerned. These are: The Northeast - especially the area between Washington, DC and Boston, Chicago and the surrounding region, and the West Coast.

There are also still four train routes that travel coast-to-coast across America's western mountains, plains and deserts and a few that cross the country from north to south through the heartland. All of these pass through incredibly beautiful scenery and traveling them is reward enough, even if you had no particular destination.

Except for short hops, the train takes longer than flying, but you'll see so much more, experience shorter lines ,have fewer hassles and a much more comfortable seat, plus the ability to get up and walk around, even enjoy the lounge car or the diner. And I promise you'll meet more interesting people on the train than you ever will on an airplane, or even on a bus.

There are some incredibly good deals offered from time to time on the Amtrak website. I have taken the train from Cincinnati to San Francisco and back for as little as $140.00, round trip, on a special fare sale. Click on the web site below, go to "Hot Deals," and you just may be amazed at some of the travel bargains you will find. In addition to a hot deal, you just may have an adventure you will always remember.