Visiting USA
- Thread starter boleamj
- Start date
Ian_Coleman
New member
Re Visiting USA
I think you would need to give some information concerning the places in the US that you intend to visit!
Ian
I think you would need to give some information concerning the places in the US that you intend to visit!
Ian
The largest bus line in the US is Greyhound (http://www.greyhound.com/home/)
Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/) is the national rail line, though in specific regions there may be other options as well.
For airlines, your best bet is to look at the website for the city you will be staying in, to see which airlines service that area.
Curtis
Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/) is the national rail line, though in specific regions there may be other options as well.
For airlines, your best bet is to look at the website for the city you will be staying in, to see which airlines service that area.
Curtis
Yea, depending on where you are in the US, Railtravel, Buses, or Airtravel can very greatly from place to place.
A basic rule that is if you are planning on going anywhere by rail Crosscountry, Amtrak is what you will take. That simple. It is the only Passenger company that runs from coast to coast.
A basic rule that is if you are planning on going anywhere by rail Crosscountry, Amtrak is what you will take. That simple. It is the only Passenger company that runs from coast to coast.
If you want to go by train. You will have to do some research to get the best tix price. As the Amtrak ticketing system is somewhat different than airplanes or buses. However that being said if you book enough in advance their prices are in good competition with the Airlines.
A quick reminder if you plan to go cross country on Amtrak or Greyhound: the US is really quite big! A Pacific coast to Chicago train trip will take about 3-4 days. Chicago to East coast is another 1-2 days.
Basically how Amtrak ticket prices work (its more complex than this) is all coach seats start at a bucket price for your route (say Chicago to Seattle) this bucket rate varies depending on when the train is traveling (more expensive around weekends & holidays) as well as when Amtrak thinks the train is more likely to fill up. Then as the train fills up & you get closer to your depature date the bucket price rises. Additionally if you wish to travel in First Class (Sleepers) they then will add an additional flate rate fee on top of your ticket.
It is highly suggested that if you travel overnight that you get a sleeper. A sleeper passenger gets access to the First Class/ Metroploitan Lounges in the station; as well as special lounge cars on some trains. Meals in the dining car (they can be brought to your room as well) are included. You get a "proper" bed to sleep in; as well as a more secure place to stow your carry-ons (your room). It's really a nice way to travel.
peter
A quick reminder if you plan to go cross country on Amtrak or Greyhound: the US is really quite big! A Pacific coast to Chicago train trip will take about 3-4 days. Chicago to East coast is another 1-2 days.
Basically how Amtrak ticket prices work (its more complex than this) is all coach seats start at a bucket price for your route (say Chicago to Seattle) this bucket rate varies depending on when the train is traveling (more expensive around weekends & holidays) as well as when Amtrak thinks the train is more likely to fill up. Then as the train fills up & you get closer to your depature date the bucket price rises. Additionally if you wish to travel in First Class (Sleepers) they then will add an additional flate rate fee on top of your ticket.
It is highly suggested that if you travel overnight that you get a sleeper. A sleeper passenger gets access to the First Class/ Metroploitan Lounges in the station; as well as special lounge cars on some trains. Meals in the dining car (they can be brought to your room as well) are included. You get a "proper" bed to sleep in; as well as a more secure place to stow your carry-ons (your room). It's really a nice way to travel.
peter
Take it from a guy who has gone twice from Texas to Illinois and once from DC to florida and back on all 3 tripsin coach on amtrack, the coach seats are rather comfy, alot better than a bus of airline coach. And if you realy dont want to sleep in the reclinable seats, you can always go to the Sightseerer lounge and sleep there. No joke! People sleep in there instead of coach seats! But coach isnt all that bad, but if you have the money, I would go 1st class.
Oh don't get me wrong Coach is fine (I traveled from Chicago to Portland, OR in coach; sleeping in the SSL) but the sleeper is even better! A bit a fair warning tho if you sleep in the SSL; some attendants & Conductors do not like you to do so and will kick you out if you do. Also if your train is visited by the Border Patrol or DEA they won't like it either if your sleeping there instead of your seat.
peter