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This new, tenth edition of Bradt’s USA by Rail guidebook remains the pre-eminent source of information for exploring North America via its ruggedly charming, unabashedly romantic, reassuringly eco-friendly and pleasingly inexpensive train network. The grandeur of North America’s scenery – from its never-ending prairies, the Mojave Desert’s Joshua trees and the Rocky Mountains’ saw-toothed peaks to the pounding surf of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans – is one of our greatest attractions, and there is no better way to enjoy it than by train. Pampered by helpful attendants, you can travel from coast to coast, explore the Rocky Mountains and ride alongside two oceans. You can cross rivers, lakes and deserts, often seeing places that cannot otherwise be visited. You can choose your companions, read a book, let your thoughts unfurl, take a snooze, and enjoy most of the comforts of home. Through 30 chapters, 35 maps and 40 colour photos, Bradt’s USA by Rail showcases 26 long-distance train journeys across the United States plus 12 in Canada, including iconic routes like the California Zephyr or Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. These are complemented by sightseeing highlights for 38 major cities among 500 featured destinations. World-renowned locations such as Disney World, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls nestle alongside regional hidden gems, a history of North American railroads, and details of current steam train operators, tourist railways and museums. Originally written by John Pitt, who traveled 80,000 miles by train in North America before his death in 2023, this extensive update from train-travel expert Jill Dutton reflects the latest developments in rail travel across North America, including the new Rocky Mountaineer route in the US, new high-speed sections of major routes, and changes to Amtrak routes and services. Throw in route plans, advice on onboard amenities, suggestions for accommodation options from cheap to chic, tips for solo and family travelers, thoughts on seasonal attractions and help navigating unfamiliar train stations, and this unparalleled guidebook offers everything you need to make the most of a rail pass. Bradt’s USA by Rail remains the essential companion for smooth and successful train travel across North America.
List of contents
Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1 From Horsepower to Amtrak 2 Train Practicalities 3 Practical Information PART TWO TRAINS AND ROUTES IN THE UNITED STATES 4 The Coast Starlight Seattle–Los Angeles 5 The California Zephyr Chicago–Emeryville (for San Francisco) 6 The San Joaquin San Francisco–Bakersfield (via Emeryville/Oakland) 7 The Pacific Surfliner Los Angeles–San Diego 8 The Empire Builder Chicago–Seattle 9 The Empire Builder Spokane–Portland 10 The Southwest Chief Chicago–Los Angeles 11 The Sunset Limited New Orleans–Los Angeles 12 The Texas Eagle Chicago–San Antonio (for Los Angeles) 13 The City of New Orleans Chicago–New Orleans 14 The Northeast Corridor Boston–Washington, DC 15 The Northeast Corridor New Haven–Springfield (for Boston) 16 The Crescent New York–New Orleans 17 The Silver Star New York–Miami 18 The Silver Meteor New York–Miami 19 The Northeast Corridor Washington–Newport News 20 The Cardinal New York–Chicago 21 The Adirondack New York–Montreal 22 The Vermonter Washington, DC–St Albans (for Montreal) 23 The Lake Shore Limited Boston/New York–Chicago 24 The Capitol Limited Washington, DC–Chicago 25 The Pennsylvanian New York–Pittsburgh 26 The Maple Leaf New York–Toronto 27 The Wolverine Chicago–Pontiac 28 Other Routes 29 US Steam Today PART THREE ON CANADIAN RAILS 30 Canada’s Trains Today Appendices: Useful Addresses, Ticketing Agents, Further Information Index
About the author
John Pitt
