I have traveled over 4,500 miles on Amtrak trains. My rides were amazing and full of surprises.

From taking one bullet train in Japan For backpacking Europe I have visited 43 countries so far and I try to travel by train as much as possible.

However, when I looked at the states I’ve visited in the US over the years, I found that I almost always flew to get from point A to point B, bypassing most of the country.

That’s why I recently decided to focus on flight-free travel, to see as many states as possible from the ground.

Amtrak is the perfect way for me to do that. In just three months I traveled more than 7,000 kilometers, through two countries and seventeen American states, and Washington, DC.

Here are a few things that surprised me most about the rides.

There are no middle seats on Amtrak trains

One of the main advantages of Amtrak is that passengers never get stuck in the dreaded middle seat. Instead, all seats on the coach are arranged in pairs.

This is especially useful if the route is less busy and I have an entire row to myself.

I actually like sitting next to strangers

Although it’s nice when I get into arguments for myself, I also really enjoy dealing with strangers. In fact, I’ve never booked one Amtrak’s private cabinspartly because I enjoy the serendipity of meeting other passengers.

It may seem like it would be awkward to be around a complete stranger, but I’ve been lucky and never had any major problems.

Usually my seatmate and I start the trip formally, but toward the end we exchange food and stories.

Train travel gives me a glimpse into life in different parts of the country

One of my favorite parts about train travel runs through so many unique areas of the country.

From the train window I’ve seen hazy sunsets and sunrises, craggy mountain peaks and lakeside towns. I also caught glimpses of everyday life: families walking their dogs, friends sitting in a beer garden near the train tracks, and children holding their mother’s hand as they wave frantically at the passing train.

It’s a great way to see what life is like in other parts of the US, some of which I’ve added to my own travel bucket list.

To keep track of them all, I create a Google map of all the stations I’m going through before boarding. This allows me to visualize the route and add notes along the way. Whenever I see a cute railroad town or scenic view that I’d like to explore, I add a new pin to my map.

Amtrak has a joint partnership with the National Park Service

Sometimes my train route coincides with the Trails and Rails program, a joint partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service.

During these trips, a National Park Service volunteer boards the train and shares stories and information about the parks as you ride through them.

On a recent drive from Washington DC to Chicago we were treated to views New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The volunteer told us about the park and other notable places we passed through, and came through the train cars to answer questions.

She also told us stories about growing up in West Virginia, which made the ride extra special. For me, it is not just the landscapes, but also the stories that make slow travel extra special.

Each train station offers a unique experience

One thing I have noticed during my travels is how unique each train station is. In New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, for example, I was impressed by the enormous skylights that cast shadows and patterns on the floor below.

Compare that to Newark Penn Station in New Jersey, where the art deco details of the waiting room draw your attention to ball chandeliers in the ceiling and the intricate metalwork around the doorway. A visit feels like a step back in time.

But no matter what station I’m at – or what train I’m on – traveling on Amtrak has been a great way to see more of my own country.

This story was originally published on October 9, 2025 and last updated on August 25, 2026.