Traveling on the Rail
By Josh April 22, 2008
Rail travel is often not an option for U.S. based travelers. Well, thanks to Amtrak, it is an option, but train travel in the US is nowhere near as popular as it is in most other parts of the world. Why would I spend $200 on a road trip to Chicago with Amtrak when I can book a round trip flight for half that much and save seven hours on each end of the trip? If I want to go dirt cheap, I’d go Greyhound. Why bother with rail travel, then? Here’s why:
There are some places in the continental US where rail is cheaper and more convenient. Traveling within the state of California, say from San Fran to Sacramento is best done via regional rail. The same could be said for visiting New York from the surrounding areas of Connecticut and New Jersey.
Eurail is different than anything in the US. Travelers can buy an unlimited pass for $800, a regional pass for about $400, and an one country pass for $200. These passes are flexible and offer a great way to see the countryside. That kind of flexibility can’t be found if one is traveling only by plane.
Australia boasts a similar rail pass. Some, like the Backtracker pass, are quite a bit cheaper than Europe if one considers the distances traveled and stops offered.
Train is also a great way to get around many parts of Asia. A three week pass in Japan costs less than $500 US. Travelers can jump on the train right at Narita and ride around the country without having to ever set foot in a taxi.
Perhaps, someday, the US will catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to rail travel. It is cheaper to maintain, cleaner, and, if run properly, more convenient than almost any other form of transit. There will always be a place for planes in the world, but many times, travelers will find that rail is the way to go.
Topics: Budget Globe Trotting News, Budget Travel Tips |
One Response to “Traveling on the Rail”
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It is unfortunate that they don't have better rail services in North America. I understand that distances are larger but they should at least have it in highly-populated areas such as North East United States and South Ontario/Quebec. If there were high-speed trains in the North East just like in parts of Europe, domestic travel would likely increase.
Every time I go to Europe I use the train as it is so fast, convenient and affordable. Maybe one day it will be like that in certain parts of North America as well.
Dennis
http://europetraveltours.net/