USA by Rail, 8th Plus Canada's Main Routes

by Pitt, John

• ISBN13: 9781841623894
• ISBN10: 184162389X
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-01
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Summary

American trains have had a strong hold on the popular imagination, inspiring countless stories, songs, scandals, films and legends. Their rugged charm sets them apart from more mundane means of transport and their low environmental impact is of particular current interest. Pampered by helpful attendants, you can travel from coast to coast, explore the Rocky Mountains and ride directly alongside two oceans. Author John Pitt, describes more than 37 routes crisscrossing the USA and shows how to make the most of your rail pass. Maps, sightseeing and accommodation tips make this guide essential reading for anyone travelling by train in North America.

Author Biography

Since 1990 John Pitt has traveled extensively in North America, including 80,000 miles by train. He contributes to various magazines and newspapers.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Author Acknowledgements Chapter 1 From horsepower to Amtrak Chapter 2 American Trains Today Chapter 3 For the Visitor from Overseas Chapter 4 The Coast Starlight Seattle-Los Angeles Chapter 5 The California Zephyr Chicago-Emeryville (For San Francisco) Chapter 6 The San Joaquins San Francisco-Bakersfield (via Emeryville/Oakland) Chapter 7 The Pacific Surfliner Los Angeles-San Diego Chapter 8 The Empire Builder Chicago -Seattle Chapter 9 The Empire Builder Spokane-Portland Chapter 10 The Southwest Chief Chicago-Los Angeles Chapter 11 The Sunset Limited Orlando-Los Angeles Chapter 12 The Texas Eagle Chicago-San Antonio (for Los Angeles) Chapter 13 The City of New Orleans Chicago-New Orleans Chapter 14 The Northeast Corridor Boston-Washington Chapter 15 The Northeast Corridor New Haven-Springfield (for Boston) Chapter 16 The Crescent   New York-New Orleans Chapter 17 The Silver Star  New York-Miami Chapter 18 The Silver Meteor New York-Miami Chapter 19 The Northeast Corridor Boston-Newport News Chapter 20 The Cardinal  New York-Chicago Chapter 21 The Adirondack New York-Montreal Chapter 22 The Vermonter  Washington-St Albans (for Montreal) Chapter 23 The Lake Shore Limited Boston/New York-Chicago Chapter 24 The Capitol Limited Washington-Chicago Chapter 25 The Pennsylvanian  New York-Pittsburgh Chapter 26 The Maple Leaf New York-Toronto Chapter 27 The Wolverine  Chicago-Pontiac Chapter 28 Other Amtrak Trains Chapter 29 US Steam Today Chapter 30 Canada’s Trains Today Appendices and Index.

Excerpts

‘Ever since they came on the scene, American trains have had a strong hold on the popular imagination, inspiring countless stories, songs, scandals, films and legends. Their rugged charm sets them apart from more mundane means of transport and their ecological soundness is again in fashion. Trains pollute less, rarely suffer from weather delays and won’t give you jet lag. You can choose your companions, read a book, let your thoughts unfurl, take a snooze, sleep horizontally and generally enjoy most of the comforts of home. One reason for travelling by train is especially compelling: it’s much more fun.

American passenger trains go to most big cities as well as to Disney World, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. Pampered by helpful attendants, you can travel from coast to coast, explore the Rocky Mountains and ride directly alongside two oceans. You cross many rivers, lakes and deserts, often seeing places which cannot be visited any other way. Less expensive than flying, more comfortable than the bus, trains keep you relaxed and in touch with an ever-changing landscape as the world becomes a moving picture, framed.’

 

‘Not many people would mourn buses if they became obsolete, and few entertain fond thoughts about airports, but children still count freight cars and wave as the train goes by. Instead of leaving you exhausted and surly, trains create a sense of adventure and romance. No wonder many still find the sound of a locomotive whistle at midnight a sure sign that it’s time to move on. As the bell clangs and the conductor calls out ‘All aboo-aard!’, you soon discover why North American rail travel remains such a beguiling experience. ‘