Surprising Things About Train Travel, From Frequent Amtrak Traveler

From taking a bullet train in Japan to backpacking around Europe, I’ve visited 43 countries so far, and I try to travel by rail whenever possible.

However, when I reviewed the states I’ve visited in the US over the years, I found that I almost always flew to get from point A to point B, bypassing most of the country in the process.

So, I recently decided to focus on flight-free travel in order to see as many states as I could from the ground.

Amtrak has been the perfect way for me to do that. In just three months, I’ve traveled more than 4,500 miles, crossing through two countries and 17 US states, as well as Washington, DC.

Here are a few things that have surprised me most about the rides.

There are no middle seats on Amtrak trains

One of the main draws of Amtrak is that passengers will never get stuck with a dreaded middle seat. Instead, all the seats in coach are organized in pairs.

This is especially great when the route is less crowded and I’m able to have a whole row to myself.

I actually enjoy sitting next to strangers

Although it’s nice when I get a row to myself, I’ve really enjoyed sitting with strangers as well. In fact, I’ve never booked one of Amtrak’s private cabins, partly because I enjoy the serendipity of getting to meet other passengers.

It may seem as if being in close proximity to a complete stranger would be uncomfortable, but I’ve gotten lucky and have never had major issues.

Typically, my seatmate and I start the trip formally, but by the end, we’re swapping food and stories.

Train travel gives me a glimpse into life in different parts of the country

One of my favorite parts about train travel is passing through so many unique areas of the country.

Out the window of the train, I’ve seen hazy sunsets and sunrises, steep mountain peaks, and lakeside towns. I’ve also caught glimpses of everyday life — families out walking their dogs, friends sitting at a beer garden near the tracks, and children holding their mothers’ hands while waving frantically at the passing train.

It’s is a great way to see what life is like in other parts of the US, some of which I’ve added to my own travel bucket list.

To keep track of them all, I create a Google map before boarding that lists all the stations I’ll be passing through. This allows me to visualize the route and add notes along the way. If I see a cute railroad town or a pretty view I’d like to explore, I add a new pin to my map.

Amtrak has a joint partnership with the National Park Service

Sometimes, my train route coincides with the Trails and Rails program, a joint partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service.

On these trips, a volunteer from the National Park Service will board the train and share stories and information about the parks as you pass through them.

During a recent ride from Washington, DC, to Chicago, we were treated to views of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The volunteer told us about the park and other notable places we passed through, and came through the train cars to answer questions.

She also told us stories about growing up in West Virginia, which made the ride extra special. To me, it’s not just the scenery, but the stories that make slow travel extra special.

Each train station offers a unique experience

Something that’s struck me on my travels is how unique each train station is. For example, at Moynihan Train Hall in New York, I was impressed by the huge skylights casting shadows and patterns on the floor below.

Contrast that with Newark Penn Station in New Jersey, where the Art Deco details of the waiting hall draw your eye up to globe chandeliers in the ceiling and the intricate metal work around the doorway. Visiting feels like stepping back in time.

But no matter which station I’m in — or which train I’m on — traveling with Amtrak has been a great way to see more of my own country.

This story was originally published on October 9, 2025, and most recently updated on August 25, 2026.