I took a $249 round-trip Amtrak from New York City to Rochester. Here are 9 things that surprised me.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A side-by-side of a selfie of a woman in a seat and an Amtrak train.
I was surprised by some elements of my Amtrak journey from NYC to Rochester.

Samantha Pettyjohn/Business Insider

I rode in coach on an Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle for $50. It was cheaper and less stressful than flying.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The exterior of a coach Amtrak train car with an attendant stepping out a door on the right
Business Insider's reporter took the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver to Seattle.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took a 16-hour Amtrak ride in a roomette. Here are 4 things I wish I packed and 7 I'm glad I brought.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer journals on Amtrak while train passes by trees
I'm happy with the items I packed for my 16-hour Amtrak trip but I wish I had brought a few more things.

Molly Allen

I spent 60 hours on Amtrak trains with a carry-on bag and a backpack. Here are 7 things I regret not packing and 9 items I'm glad I brought.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
the author hold Poo pouri on the left, her open duffel is on the right
The author traveled 60 hours on Amtrak trains. Here's what she did and didn't pack.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent $1,000 for a 30-hour Amtrak ride in a private bedroom. Take a look inside the 45-square-foot space with a full bathroom.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.
Business Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I've been going on 20-hour Amtrak rides for over 7 years. Here are 9 things I need to pack for every trip.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
The writer and snacks in shopping cart
I've learned exactly which items I can't go on a long Amtrak trip without.

Sam White

I paid $168 for a 10-hour Amtrak business-class ride. Next time, I'll stay in coach and save $100.

Tech Insider : Travel
People in backpacks walk towards a train stopped at a platform
Business Insider's reporter booked a business-class ticket for a 10-hour trip on an Amtrak train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I've been riding trains across the US and UK for 26 years. I wish I'd known a few things before my first trip.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
people sitting in an observation car with lots of windows on a train
I love traveling by train.

Idealphotographer/Shutterstock

I've spent hundreds of hours on long-haul Amtrak rides. Here are my 10 best tips for first-time riders.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
An Amtrak train on a set of rails in a rural landscape.
I've been on many Amtrak rides. I'm a travel writer who's found ways to make long-haul train rides more enjoyable and comfortable.

Laser1987/Getty Images

The best Amtrak booking is the private bedroom with 2 beds, a couch, and full bathroom for $1,000. Here's a look inside.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
The author sits on the train and plays her Nintendo with the sun peering through the window on the left
Business Insider's reporter took a 2021 overnight Amtrak train from Miami to New York City in a bedroom accommodation.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Subscribe to Amtrak