Riding The Rails: Is It For You?

Traveling by train can be a good compromise between the increasing complexities of air travel and the physical toll of driving. While there are certainly advantages, there are also considerations to take into account when deciding on train travel.


Unlike airports, Amtrak train stations have less security procedures. It is not necessary to go through metal detectors to endure searches of one’s property or of oneself. In many cases, all one needs to do is line up at the time of boarding. Amtrak is also more lenient with the amount of luggage that can be stored for no additional fee.

For those who may need assistance with boarding the train as well as stowing one’s belongings, Amtrak staff is available to help. Advance notice may be beneficial in some cases.

Compared to the average airline coach seating width of 15-19 inches, Amtrak coach seating is more generous starting at about 20 inches. Upgraded seats are as wide as 23 inches. Purchasing an additional seat or sharing a third seat may still be beneficial.

For those traveling overnight – or many nights – a sleeping car room can be advantageous for its privacy. Showers are also available in most rooms. Note that as sleeping car rooms often consist of bunk beds, passengers who would be sharing space may want to assess the viability of such an arrangement. There are accessible bedrooms as well for those who utilize wheelchairs but they should be reserved well in advance.

Train travel can often save time that you would have otherwise spent on the highway. With as much ground as Amtrak covers, however, the train service is most frequent along the coasts and east of the Mississippi. On the other hand, some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery can be found along the routes in the heartland. Not unlike an airline’s connecting flights, a train itinerary may sometimes travel an indirect route as well. For example, a trip from Philadelphia to Memphis would require a change of trains in Chicago.

Overall, traveling on Amtrak can be a memorable experience, especially if planned in advance. Canada’s VIA Rail system is even more highly regarded. And in many other countries, particularly in Europe, train travel is more popular and efficient than flying or driving.