USA by Rail: Plus Canada's Main Routes

My yearly travel on Amtrak starts with the most recent copy of this book. I have traveled every Amtrak route and for knowing what to look for and when, it's indispensible. I might have missed some of the best sites or picture opportunities had I not had this companion by my side. Easy to read and with times to look out of which side of the train you're ready to see some of the most interesting sites of this beautiful country and also capture them on film. I read ahead and highlight the sites I'm most interested in, then just have to look for my highlights as I travel. I discovered this book by accident, now I won't leave home without it.

This is fine as an armchair read as well as to take on a cross-country trip. There are chapters that will fascinate the railroad buff but it's also a great guide for the general visitor, with very pertinent advice.

Some books are indispensable and this is definitely one of them. Lots of people are traveling by train now who are new to the experience and this guide is practical as well as highly inspirational, making it a great companion on any train journey.

Traveling by trains can be a lot of fun and is an inexpensive, romantic and relaxing way to travel. This guide can help you plan your trip and will save you money, too. It has a good index and resource listing.

An excellent book which tells you all you need to know. I travelled all over North America by train last summer and found "USA by Rail" terrifically useful, especially for its clear and detailed route guides. These add so much to a journey by telling you in advance what to look out for and explaining the background to the things you are seeing. The chapter for visitors from overseas was very helpful and there's fascinating information about railroad history as well as lots of practical tips for finding accommodation, booking tickets and making reservations. The previous reviewer must have been looking at an earlier version of the book because I found the third edition (published last year) to be fully up to date so far as Amtrak routes are concerned. This edition also has a competition inside to win free rail passes. I can recommend USA by Rail to anyone visiting North America and thinking of travelling by train as it will add hugely to your enjoyment and understanding. An inspiring read in every way.