Bradt Travel Guide: USA by Rail Plus Canada's Main Routes

About this book

The American train journey has always had a strong hold on the imagination. Ever-changing landscapes pass by on the other side of the glass, from the primeval-looking Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert and the saw-toothed peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the pounding surf of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

And in these ecologically-conscious times, rail travel offers a peace of mind that cannot be matched by a stressful domestic flight. Now in its eighth edition, this book covers all the major routes across the United States and Canada. Perfect for the well-planned traveller and the whimsical day-dreamer alike, it contains both practical information and background on the places that you'll see.

Whatever the route, sit back, relax and watch a breathtaking continent unfold. This title features: 37 long distance routes in the USA and Canada; Sightseeing highlights for 38 major cities; Accommodation - cheap to chic; Area maps and detailed route plans; History of trains in North America; and, Information about steam railways and museums.

Contents

Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 From Horsepower to Amtrak The Iron Horse, The golden age, The 20th century Chapter 2 American Trains Today Amtrak trains today, Amtrak facilities and services, Non-Amtrak services Chapter 3 Practical Information When to visit, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Sightseeing, Student card, Time zones, Media and communications, Working PART TWO TRAINS AND ROUTES IN THE UNITED STATES Chapter 4 The Coast Starlight Seattle-Los Angeles Chapter 5 The California Zephyr Chicago-Emeryville (for San Francisco) Chapter 6 The San Joaquin 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 General information, The trains Chapter 29 US Steam Today Trains, routes and museums PART THREE ON CANADIAN RAILS Chapter 30 Canada's Trains Today VIA Rail, The routes, Steam trains in Canada Appendix 1 Useful Addresses Appendix 2 Ticketing Agents Appendix 3 Further Reading Websites Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Since 1990 John Pitt has travelled extensively in North America, including 80,000 miles by train. He contributes to various magazines and newspapers and is the author of the previous seven editions of USA by Rail.