Train travel is one of the best ways to experience breathtaking landscapes on a budget, particularly if you take an overnight train journey.
Train seats offer more spaciousness and relaxation while taking in the scenery than airplane seats do. Here are a few tricks and tips that could save money on your next train vacation.
Train travel provides travelers with a special way to experience scenic routes while appreciating their journey. Although many assume train trips are costly, scenic routes can often be found without breaking the bank.
To save money on train travel, consider traveling during less busy times. Peak train travel times tend to occur on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon when people are heading off or back from weekend getaways; so try planning your journey for a weekday afternoon or evening travel instead.
Another great way to save on train tickets is by booking them using a discount code or promotional deal. Online booking platforms like Wanderu enable you to quickly compare prices, schedules, routes, and special fares at once; search terms such as "group travel" or "off-peak seasons" when searching for deals can help narrow your search further. Similarly, choosing second-class seating over first may result in even further savings.
Train travel can be an affordable way to see the country, but booking early can save money. In particular, booking for peak seasons should be done as early as possible, and midweek train tickets tend to be less costly than weekend ones.
Train companies frequently provide budget-minded travelers with budget fares, offering discounts to seniors, students, and active military personnel. Furthermore, some trains allow passengers to bring in their food and beverages which can save even more money.
Book train tickets to nearby stations instead of downtown locations to save on train travel costs, then grab ride share or taxi services into the city for much less cost.
Train travel may not offer as many convenient amenities, but it does allow plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Furthermore, train travel allows for breaks along your journey that let you appreciate nature for longer than just one day at a time.
Empire Builder provides stops at three stations surrounding Glacier National Park's border where you can disembark and spend some time taking in its breathtaking mountain beauty before rejoining your train for your onward journey. This offers you an ideal way to witness America's wilderness without renting a car or booking flights!
On certain routes, such as the Coast Starlight that winds its way over snow-capped peaks and through stunning California canyons, passengers can enjoy stunning views from Dome Cars. As these cars can fill quickly, be sure to book yours early if you want the full effect of this iconic route!
First-class carriages also offer more spacious seats and may provide extra perks like wifi and beverages/snacks; however, on most regional routes these upgrades don't make much of a difference and may not warrant paying an upgrade fee.
Finding the appropriate gear can help ensure that you find rest on long train journeys. In addition to comfortable clothing without wrinkles and wrinkle-resistant footwear, consider packing earbuds/headphones/neck pillows to aid relaxation or watch movies after dinner - or both! Bringing these devices can also reduce noise from other passengers in nearby sleeping accommodations.
Pack a travel pillow and blanket, along with slippers for late-night bathroom visits. A small trash bag may also come in handy on trains with small bins that fill quickly.
Bring a reading lamp or headlamp for dark conditions, or prepare to use your phone flashlight on longer trips. Cards, books, crossword puzzles, or knitting projects can help pass the time during long stretches of silence or darkness and reduce spending money on snacks or beverages onboard. By providing yourself with entertainment during long trips you may save both time and money by providing yourself with entertainment rather than buying it onboard.
Train travel can be an ideal way to experience smaller European cities, towns, and villages. From skiing in St Anton or Zermatt, visiting Italy's Cinque Terre, or stopping off in remote Scottish Highland villages - trains often prove the cheapest mode of transport between destinations.
Long-distance train travel can be both relaxing and exciting; however, without proper planning, it can also become expensive. Here are a few tips for budget-conscious train travel itineraries.
As part of your planning, when selecting your rail pass, keep in mind how many train segments (round-trip journeys between two stations) it will allow. An Amtrak USA Rail Pass allows 10 segments every 30 days; if traveling between close locations, consider booking one-way tickets instead as this may save money.