I've traveled over 4,500 miles on Amtrak trains. My rides have been better than expected and filled with surprises.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Malia stands in front of the Amtrak logo on a train.
After traveling over 4,500 miles on Amtrak, I've learned some surprising things about train travel.

Malia Yoshioka

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 spent $35 on a business-class train ticket in Malaysia. My trip was a wildly good value, from the private lounge to the tasty food.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
Train with
I had a great experience trying out business-class seats on my train ride in Malaysia.

Alice Levitt

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 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 rode a train that rolls aboard a ferry. For just $30, it was a unique way to see the beautiful Italian coast.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Tammy Barr posing with train on a boat
I was surprised to learn that taking a singular train all the way from Sicily to Naples was even an option.

Tammy Barr

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 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

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