Guides
Rail travel guides
Practical advice for train travel in North America: passes, sleeping cars, booking, luggage, food, accessibility, border crossings and more.
These guides answer the questions people ask before their first long train trip in the USA or Canada. They are written from official operator information and public sources, checked in October 2026. Rules on fares, baggage and pets change, so each guide points you to the official page to confirm. Also see the rail travel glossary.
Tickets and planning
- USA Rail Pass explainedHow the pass works, what a segment is, what it does not cover, how to plan a pass trip, and when buying point to point t
- VIA Rail passes and discountsWhat kinds of passes and discounts VIA Rail offers, how fare classes work, and how to save on Canadian rail trips
- Amtrak and VIA booking tipsPractical tactics: when to book, fare tiers, flexible dates, sleeper pricing, discounts, and how to read an itinerary wi
- Best time of year for train travelSeason by season advice, daylight planning, which routes suffer in winter, holidays.
- Train vs plane vs carWhen the train wins (Northeast Corridor, scenic routes, city centre to city centre), when it does not (long distances in
- Travel insurance for rail tripsWhat travel insurance can cover for rail trips, refund rules on tickets, healthcare costs for visitors
On board
- Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explainedExplain each private room type on Superliner and Viewliner trains, who it suits, what is included, and how to choose.
- VIA Rail sleeper classesEconomy, Sleeper Plus berths and cabins, and Prestige class explained, with what each includes.
- Sleeping in coach overnightCoach seats on long distance trains, how to get the best seat, what helps you sleep, when a sleeper is worth it.
- Food on Amtrak and VIA trainsDining car styles, café cars, what is included with sleepers, dietary needs, and bringing your own food.
- Observation and dome carsWhere to find the best viewing cars: Amtrak Sightseer Lounges, VIA domes and Park car, Rocky Mountaineer, Alaska GoldSta
- Wi-Fi and staying connected on the trainWhere on-board Wi-Fi exists, where it does not, mobile coverage gaps, charging, offline preparation
- Tipping on the trainWho people usually tip, when it is optional, and how to handle it
Practical
- First time on AmtrakStep by step for first timers: arriving, boarding, seats, onboard life, fresh air stops, arrival.
- Luggage rules on Amtrak and VIACarry on allowances, checked baggage, what to keep with you overnight, and special items.
- What to pack for a long train tripA practical, explained packing list for overnight coach and sleeper travel.
- Accessible train travelAccessible seating and bedrooms, boarding assistance, discounts, service animals, and how to arrange help.
- Train travel with kidsWhy trains work for families, fare discounts, choosing accommodation, keeping kids busy, safety.
- Bikes on trainsRoll on bike service, reservations and fees, boxed bikes, and popular bike and rail trips.
- Pets on trainsRules for small pets in carriers, fees, trip length limits and service animals.
- Train delays explainedFreight railroad host issues, weather, schedule padding, what to do about connections, and realistic expectations.
- Crossing the US and Canada border by trainWhich trains cross the border, where inspections happen, documents, and practical tips
- Visitor information for the USAEntry requirements in general terms, money, tipping culture, sales tax, time zones, safety at stations, emergency number
- Visitor information for CanadaEntry requirements in general terms, currency, bilingual signage, time zones, distances, emergency numbers.
Inspiration and background
- 7 great train journeys in the USA and CanadaA curated list of seven: California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, The Canadian, Adirondack, Jasper to Prince
- National parks by trainWhich parks can be reached by train, which station to use and how to get from station to park.
- Great US train stationsArchitecturally and historically important stations still used by passengers, what to see in each, and which trains serv
- Amtrak vs VIA RailHow the two national operators differ in network, trains, classes, booking and style.
- History of passenger rail in North AmericaFrom early railroads and the transcontinental lines to the streamliner era, decline, Amtrak and VIA, and today's revival
- Books about North American rail travelA neutral reading list: travel guides, rail travel writing and railroad history