I spent $2,200 for a private bedroom on a 53-hour Amtrak ride. Here are 7 reasons I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of a train parked outside with snow on the ground and the author sitting in an Amtrak bedroom with a window behind her
A Business Insider reporter took Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville, California.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took the longest train ride in the US. 6 things surprised me about the 53-hour adventure across the country.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author sits in an Amtrak bedroom with a mirror on the left back wall and a window on the right
A Business Insider reporter spent 53 hours on Amtrak's California Zephyr train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I booked a bedroom and a roomette on the same overnight Amtrak train. The bedroom is worth the splurge for longer rides.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of a train seat with pillows on them inside an Amtrak roomette accommodation and the author standing smiling in the Amtrak bedroom with a bunk bed in the background
The author stayed in a roomette and a bedroom on the California Zephyr, an overnight Amtrak train.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent 53 hours on the longest train ride in the US. Here are 10 ways I made the 2-night Amtrak trip more bearable.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author sits looking out a window to the right in the Amtrak bedroom
The author took Amtrak's California Zephyr train from Chicago to Emeryville, California.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent 53 hours in a bedroom on an Amtrak train for $2,200 and made 5 mistakes

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author sits looking out a window to the right in the Amtrak bedroom
The author made some mistakes on board the California Zephyr.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I paid $2,200 for a bedroom on a 53-hour Amtrak train. The 50-square-foot space with a full bathroom was worth the price.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author standing smiling in the Amtrak bedroom with a bunk bed in the background
Business Insider's reporter spent 53 hours on Amtrak's California Zephyr train in a bedroom accommodation.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I booked the cheapest accommodation on an overnight train in Europe. I'll never do it again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A close up of the exterior of a blue sleeping car on a train
Business Insider's reporter got no sleep in a reclining seat on an overnight train through Europe.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I booked a private bedroom on a 30-hour Amtrak ride for $1,000. Check out the 45-square-foot space with a full bathroom.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author wakes up to morning light in the train bed.
Business Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I paid $500 for a private room with 2 beds and a toilet on a 30-hour Amtrak ride. Take a look inside.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of the author sitting in a roomette with a window on the left side and a duffel on the right and a close up of the exterior of a silver train sleeper car with a red stripe and a white stripe.
Business Insider's reporter traveled by train down the East Coast from New York to Miami in an Amtrak roomette.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I booked the nicest room on the Caledonian Sleeper train to Scotland for $587. The overnight ride was luxurious but not perfect.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
View of room on Caledonian sleeper train from doorway
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Emily Garnham

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