A few months ago, I stumbled across a post about someone traveling across the U.S. by train for around $200 and they called it Amtrak cross country trip. At first, I thought, no way — must be outdated or clickbait. But after digging a little deeper and checking prices myself, I realized: it’s totally possible.
So, I booked it. A full amtrak cross-country trip, train ride from the San Francisco Bay Area to New York City. No flights, no car rentals, just me, two Amtrak trains, and one of the most beautiful slow-travel experiences I’ve ever had — all for just $213.
Here’s how it went, how to book it yourself, and what to expect if you’re thinking about doing the same.
Table of Contents
🗺️ The Route I Took (And Why It Works)
To get from coast to coast on a budget, I pieced together two Amtrak routes:
1. California Zephyr
- From: Emeryville, CA (just outside San Francisco)
- To: Chicago Union Station
- Time: About 52 hours
- Cost: $130
- Scenery: Sierra Nevada, Utah canyons, Rocky Mountains, endless plains
2. Lake Shore Limited
- From: Chicago, IL
- To: New York Penn Station
- Time: About 20 hours
- Cost: $83
- Scenery: Lake Michigan, Upstate New York, Hudson River
I spent around 4 days total riding the rails. You could probably do it in a little less time, but I built in a short layover in Chicago to catch my breath — and some deep-dish pizza.
💸 Why It Only Cost $213
The secret isn’t a promo code or travel hack — it’s just about booking the right routes in coach, and doing it a few weeks in advance. Prices can jump if you’re too close to departure day, so I booked about 5 weeks ahead.
Here’s the breakdown:
- California Zephyr: $130
- Lake Shore Limited: $83
- Total: $213
That’s it. No extra baggage fees. No hidden “seat selection” charges like on budget airlines. Just the base fares.
🧳 What Coach Class on Amtrak Is Actually Like
Coach class gets a bad rap — but it’s honestly pretty great for what you pay. It’s nothing like airplane coach.
You get:
- Tons of legroom
- Seats that recline almost flat
- Power outlets at your seat
- Big windows
- Free carry-on and checked bags
- Access to the café and observation cars
I brought my own snacks (saved a lot that way), a travel pillow, and downloaded some shows to my phone. That covered me for the long stretches.
Sleeping? Not like a hotel, obviously. But I did sleep. You just have to accept the rhythm of the rails and lean into the vibe.
If you’re wondering what coach class on Amtrak is really like, I wrote a separate piece about that experience here.
🌄 The Best Parts of the Ride
Some moments seriously blew me away. No joke.
- Crossing the Sierra Nevada at sunset — snow on the trees, pink skies
- The Rockies in Colorado — jaw-dropping views through winding canyons
- Nebraska’s open skies — not much out there, but it was peaceful
- Hudson River Valley at dawn — the light bouncing off the water was surreal
If you’re a window-seat type, this trip will spoil you.
🛑 Quick Chicago Stop? Worth It
Instead of rushing through, I gave myself a 12-hour layover in Chicago. I grabbed coffee, walked the riverwalk, and had enough time to relax before boarding the Lake Shore Limited.
You could make it an overnight stop, too — lots of budget hotel options nearby Union Station.
🎟️ How to Book It (Step-by-Step)
You don’t need a travel agent. Just go to Amtrak.com and follow this:
- Book Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL – look for the California Zephyr.
- Then book Chicago, IL to New York, NY – take the Lake Shore Limited.
- Choose Coach Class for both.
- Play around with your dates to get the best price. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper.
That’s all it takes.
“Maximize your savings by joining Amtrak’s free rewards program.”
✍️ A Few Honest Tips
- Bring food. The café car is fine, but expensive and repetitive.
- Dress in layers. It’s warm inside, but it gets chilly at night.
- Download everything. Wi-Fi isn’t available on all trains, and cell service disappears in the mountains.
- Be flexible. Trains can run late — it’s part of the deal.
✈️ So… Why Train Instead of Flying?
I could’ve flown the same distance in 6 hours. But here’s the thing: this trip was the journey itself, not just the destination.
- I didn’t have to take my shoes off for TSA
- I saw parts of the U.S. you can’t see from a plane
- I met travelers from all over the world
- I had time to breathe
And honestly? It was cheaper than most one-way flights.
❓Quick FAQ (For Curious Travelers)
Q: Is $213 the usual price?
A: It depends on when you book — but yes, it’s often possible if you plan ahead and stick to coach class.
Q: Can you sleep in coach?
A: Yep. Not luxury-sleep, but with a neck pillow and blanket, you’ll be fine.
Q: Is it safe?
A: I felt totally safe the entire trip. The staff are around, and stations have security.
Q: Can I stop along the way?
A: Not on a single ticket, but you could break up the trip and book it in segments.
Final Thoughts
This was one of the most rewarding travel experiences I’ve had — and easily the most budget-friendly way to see the entire country. If you’ve got a few days to spare and an adventurous spirit, give the Amtrak cross-country trip a shot.
You’ll come back with stories, photos, and a new appreciation for just how big and beautiful the U.S. really is.