Top Train Travel Tips

Last updated on 08/05/2024

If you're looking for a cross-country trip, within the United States or abroad, there are more ways to travel than by car alone. Consider, for instance, the train. With a longer ride (and a more leisurely journey, since you wouldn't have to drive), a cross-country train ride could be the best option for taking in natural beauty as it passes by, fitting more destinations into your vacation, and enjoying a unique, luxurious travel experience.

Being unique, however, means there are a few things to consider making sure your vacation goes off without a hitch. To help, we've gathered some of our favorite train travel tips for you to use.

Plan for Both the Destination and the Journey

The first of our train travel tips is all about choosing your route. As with any other vacation, the destinations you choose should be ones that excite you, relax you, help you learn—whatever you want most to get from your trip.

When traveling by rail, however, you also want to get the full train experience. That's why you'll want to pick routes with beautiful scenic views (the better to admire from your compartment or coach seat), or routes that take a little longer to reach a destination (so you can benefit from your train's dining car). You might also want to plan a route that has multiple shorter stops on the way to your ultimate endpoint, which could help you fit more adventure into your trip and give you a little more bang for your buck.

Ensure Your Access

When embarking on a cross-country train ride, a rail pass might be the best way to make sure you have all the access to transportation that you'll need. Rail passes ensure unlimited travel on a specific rail network, meaning you always have a ride, no matter where you need to get to.

Rail passes are a cost-effective option, but there are a few types to choose from. If you're traveling outside the United States, you might need a national pass, a regional pass, or a multi-country pass.

Inside the United States, however, you'll need to think a little differently. In America, Amtrak is the only passenger rail service with a nationwide service, but it doesn't have one rail pass that covers the entire network. Instead, it offers several options that you can choose from to meet your travel needs, including the Amtrak USA Rail Pass and passes for specific regions across the country.

When buying your pass, make sure it lasts for the number of days you expect to be traveling, and double check that all trains you'll need to ride will be included in the pass you purchase (some routes require reservations and payment beyond the pass' base price).

Be Ready for Anything

One of the best things about a cross-country train ride is the variety of people you can meet, locations you can find yourself in, climates you can experience, and more. That's why we recommend making sure you're ready for whatever could come your way.

As you plan your trip, read up on the communities you might immerse yourself in. What are the music and the food like? Are there any popular vantage points to take photos (or any off the beaten path)? In addition, make sure you're aware of the weather. Will you find yourself passing through colder regions? Pack layers. By planning ahead, you can enjoy your trip no matter where it takes you.

Keep Your Vacation on Track with Travel Insurance

One of our most important train travel tips, however, is the last one: enjoy yourself. There's so much to see and do that the last thing on your mind should be concerns about the obstacles that could arise on your vacation. That's why we recommend looking into train travel insurance for your railroad journey.

When you find the right coverage for your needs, you may be financially protected in the event of several setbacks, including delayed or canceled flights, lost or damaged luggage, the need for medical attention while you're away, and more.

Finding the right train or domestic travel insurance can be difficult, though—unless you use InsureMyTrip.com. As the world's first travel insurance comparison website, we are an unbiased source of information that you can use to compare train travel insurance plans from top providers side by side. With help from our Customer Care team of licensed professionals, you can also get answers to your coverage-related questions.

To begin finding the right train or domestic travel insurance for your needs, begin a quote on our site today.