About USA by Rail

USA by Rail is an independent guide to passenger train travel in the United States and Canada. We describe routes, stations, scenic railroads and the practical side of travelling by train, using official operator information and public sources.

Who we are not

This site is not affiliated with Amtrak, VIA Rail Canada, Brightline, Rocky Mountaineer, the Alaska Railroad or any other railroad or tour company. We do not sell tickets.

The domain usa-by-rail.com was previously used by a different website connected with the guidebook USA by Rail by John Pitt, published by Bradt Travel Guides. That website closed. We have no connection with the former website, the book, its author or its publisher, and this site is not a continuation or a new edition of it. The current site was written from scratch in 2026.

What we do

We aim to answer the questions travellers ask: which train goes where, how long it takes, what you see on the way, what the classes are like, and what to watch out for. We give approximate times and dated facts rather than copying timetables that change several times a year, and we tell you where to confirm details on the operators' own websites.

Money

The site has no advertising, no sponsored content and no affiliate links. We do not accept payment from railroads or tour companies. Read how we research for our sources and standards.

Contact

Corrections and suggestions are welcome: see the contact page.