5 Ways British and American Train Travel is Very Different

In which I recount the ways British and American rail travel is very different.

[LostinthePond]

UPDATE: I did not know there was a rail strike unfolding in the US when I posted this video. Didn't want you to leave confused as to why I didn't mention it.

[TheOriginalJphyper]

To be fair to Amtrak, federal law requires that freight service make way for Amtrak trains, not the other way around. The freight companies don't care and the law is rarely (if ever) enforced. Thus, the passenger service is needlessly and illegally held up through no fault of its own. I'm sure Amtrak has other issues that cause problems, but this one in particular is not their fault.

[jovanweismiller]

When I was a boy, 70 years ago, the US had a much more comprehensive passenger rail network. I lived in a small town, with a population of about 4, 000, in northern Kansas. There was a 'local' that went through town twice a day. It went to two larger cities, one at each end of the route. People regularly rode it to one of the two, did their shopping, went to a doctor's appointment or something similar, and returned the same day.

[T-]

There was a very comprehensive passenger rail network in the US well into the 1950s. It was mostly dismantled over the following decades because, as you point out, the government built the world’s largest automobile expressway system and kept motor fuel taxes ( and therefore prices) some of the lowest in the world and also supported the great expansion of passenger airlines.

[Tokahfang]

Took Amtrak today! It is really funny going from the super-fast part of the Northeast Regional, zipping past cities, to the slow section poking through Virginia countryside. Definitely the nicest way to do a trip from New York to Virginia, though.

[kenbrown]

a tip for yanks planning to visit the UK: if you're going to be hopping city to city, look into the britrail pass. it's a multiday pass especially for visitors to the UK, and IIRC, we paid $100.00 (US) each for first class tickets for two days.

[Jeff_Lichtman]

I once rode Amtrak from Washington, D.C. to Oakland. It was a nice trip, but it took four days and five nights. It's a great way to travel cross-country if you have time, but not if you're in a hurry.

California is working on a high-speed rail system through the central valley that eventually is supposed to connect Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It's very far behind schedule and over budget.

[kennykendall]

I take my kiddos on Amtrak to nearby cities on occasion. While it is less stressful than driving (as others have pointed out), Amtrak travels so slowly, and is so often behind schedule, that no time is saved. I miss European trains!!!

[carolyntemple]

When I was a child my mother and I traveled from New York to Los Angeles by train and back twice. Loved it.

[DOSBoxMom]

That price you found for the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle would have been for a seat in coach. For sleeping car accommodations, you'd be looking at closer to $500-$1, 000, but you'd have a bed for 2 nights & free meals in the dining car (so think 2 nights in a hotel + 2 days' worth of restaurant meals, plus you're not having to drive a car cross-country).

[furrysfunnies]

we took the Empire Builder (amtrak) from Wisconsin to Seattle last spring. While you can do it in a Coach seat, if you can (catch a sale) get a sleeper room! it's much more comfortable and meals are included. going through Glacier Nat. Park at sunset was amazing!

[levonbullard]

I've taken Amtrak a few times. I really enjoy it if time isn't an issue. Bring all the food you want with you and plenty of space to chill often

[tomhalla]

In the US, outside the Northeast Corridor, passenger rail is an adult amusement ride.

[rodneygriffin]

I love the train.
I live in South Carolina, but I love to visit my home state of Connecticut at least once a year for holidays or as time and pandemics allow.
16 hrs.
But, it's cheep and you don't have to take your shoes off.
The view is nothing you would see driving in a car.
Plus, there is a bar and somebody else is driving.
🤣

[qbertq]

The problem is in the US, many people believe public transportation is for poor people with the possible exception of the NE Corridor.

[ruthsaunders]

My parents used to love to take the train from VT to PA. It was a nice ride and they didn't have to switch trains. We used to do from Baltimore too. It was so much nicer than flying.

[mirandarights]

Hello! American Lady here. I usually fly if I have to go out of state. Jets are much faster and cheaper than passenger trains. I only wish our railways were halfway decent and economical.

[cpcva]

There is an amtrak train called the auto train. It runs from Lorton VA just south of DC to Stanford Florida just east of Orlando. It's non-stop other than a stop in Florence South Carolina to change crews. It is slower than a regular amtrak since the train is about half a mile long in the back is where your car is stored. It takes about 16 to eighteen hours. It parallels Interstate 95 for the most part then Interstate 4 the rest of the way.

[jilllindberg]

I loved the trains when I visited Britain. So much easier to get around. Love your channel.

[kathyjones]

I live in the UK and have travelled a lot in the US while on vacations and would always choose to travel by train, if possible. City to city has not usually been a problem. I have been Denver to Washington DC, DC to Seattle, Chicago to LA and have always had a sleeper compartment with shower facility, plus meals are included. It does cost a lot more than flying and takes hours longer, but if I’m on vacation and not in a rush to get anywhere, it is a wonderful way to travel and to see the country. I am flying to Canada shortly and will taking a train journey from Nova Scotia to NYC, via Montreal and Niagara. Then by train from NYC to the Florida Keys. I can hardly wait!