This Amazing Train Trip Across The Entire US Will Only Cost You 213

What if we told you that you could see some of the most beautiful places in the United States for just $213 (around £150) and without ever having to set foot on a plane?

Welcome to train travel, where for less than the cost of most return flights and with complete lack of airport hassle, you can check out the best of America, travelling 5,500 kilometres (approximately 3,400 miles), all while feeling like a citizen of a bygone era.

Recently, travel blogger Derek Low shared his tips for an exceptionally scenic and fabulously budget coast-to-coast train ride on Amtrak.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZgtY-0ntbk/?taken-by=dereklow

Starting in San Francisco and ending up in New York, Low gives us a blow-by-blow of his experience and accounts for every dollar spent, meals ordered and interesting people encountered along the way. The experience is quite different from a plane journey and not just for the obvious reasons. For example, because you move into the dining car to eat and there is not enough seating for everyone to dine on their own, you will end up sharing company with different people at every meal, which is a fantastic way to socialise.

The first step of the journey will take you from San Francisco to Chicago for the cool price of $130 (£93) on the California Zephyr. From there, hop aboard the Lakeshore Limited for an additional $83 (£60) to get yourself to the Big Apple. This complete journey will take you approximately four days in total and you’ll see some of the most stunning sites the country has to offer, including San Francisco Bay, the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Colorado River, the Great Plains, Lake Michigan and the Finger Lakes region to name but a few.

But if you don’t mind spending about twice the above cost, you can buy a 15-day rail pass from Amtrak like Low did and spend just over two weeks train hopping all across the US. You will see the entire country in what is probably the best way possible. In the words of Quad City DJ’s, ‘Come on, ride the train.’

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.