All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide

This book was very informative about Amtrac and was helpful in preparing for a train trip across the US. I still had to go to the local AMTRAC station to buy the pass, but I knew what to ask and expect, and may have been more knowable than the ticket agent. Next train trip I plan to get the private sleeper car at least for a night. II was not impressed by the Cardinal, but it does have fewer stairs.

We are about to embark on a nearly two-week train journey almost coast to coast and there is a lot we don't know and a lot of opinions online, and a lot of negativity. I read an article that recommended this book very highly for a comprehensive guide to all things train, and I am glad I listened. Not only does the author give a very detailed guide for virgin riders but also gives a lot of very interesting history about trains in general. I would second the article writer's advice to get this book as your train travel bible.

The book is really not bad. It is quite comprehensive and I definitely recommend it (together with the book about the Amtrak travel pass) for first time Amtrak travel pass travellers. However, keep in mind that this book was written by someone who - it seems - was traveling mostly alone or maybe with one other adult and did apparently have a lot of money for his trips (he seems to have frequented the restaurant car regularly). He does not give advice on how to travel with a family (neither kids nor teens) or on where best to make cuts (which snacks to bring with you are great substitutes for an actual meal, what is actually worth buying in the cafe car or similar). I am also slightly surprised that in this quite long book there isn't a longer explanation on how to actually get from the station on a seat in the train. For Europeans, this Amtrak reality will likely be one of the major surprises when travelling on a long distance train in the US for the first time.

I purchased this book to begin planning a thirty day trip exploring the USA by train. I got what I was hoping for, the nuts and bolts of train travel. The book is much more than just good logistical information. I enjoyed the historical and operational highlights. I have taken a couple of overnight train trips in the past, but now I will have a greater appreciation for the the crew that serves us and ensures that we get to our destination safely.

He's really enjoying reading this book. He doesn't otherwise read much.

We were trying to find a train trip for the two of us. This book was full of interesting places to go.

I have not finished reading the book. It is in five editions, chronologically updated. A Seller sent me the Fourth Edition, which is nearly a decade old. I wanted the Fifth. It lacks information about the Rocky Mountaineer tourist day trip trains. Otherwise, it appears informative.

Great book! I gave it to my father as a Christmas gift last year. It inspired a train trip from Chicago to New Orleans!!