I traveled first class on Amtrak for the first time. The most luxurious perk wasn't even on the train.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
A first-class meal on Amtrak.
A first-class meal on Amtrak.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I rode Amtrak's new Acela train, the fastest in the US. The 6 most surprising parts had nothing to do with speed.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Inside a first-class train car on an Amtrak Acela train
Amtrak NextGen Acela is the train line's new fleet serving express stops in the Northeast corridor.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
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

The top 10 fastest trains in the world, ranked

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
nextgen acela train
The new Amtrak Acela fleet will run at a top speed of 160 mph.

SAUL LOEB / AFP

I traveled in business class on Amtrak's high-speed Acela train and thought it was worth the $120 price tag

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A MacBook opened on a tray table in a business-class Amtrak Acela train car
The reporter rode in business class on an Amtrak Acela from Baltimore to New York City.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak last year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Kylie holds a bag on top of a suitcase on a train platform.
My travel bag is one of my favorite things I pack for train rides.

Kylie Stoltzfus

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

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