A few questions about train travel in the United States.?

Question

How fast are they? I am traveling to a place that would take about eight hours by car, would it be slower or faster than that?

What does the average train look like on the inside, like a bus?

Are they comfortable? Is their a bathroom in the average train, a place to get water?

I obviously haven't been on a train before, so thanks for answering these questions!

Answer 1

Well, in the U.S. you certainly aren't going to find much in the way of super high speed like in Europe and Asia, save for the Northeast and the Acela Express.  My guess is that on average a trip by train (the intercity, long distance variety) takes something like 25%+ longer than by car.  

Having said, Amtrak is usually very comfortable with plenty of space (it's nothing like a bus) and the option of purchasing a sleeper (which, in your case you probably won't need).  Yes, bathrooms are available on board as are beverages.  Some trains like the luxurious (well, much more luxurious than compared to most other Amtrak trains) Empire Builder still serves on board sit-down, prepared, meals.

In any event, if time isn't of extreme importance train travel is usually very relaxing and an enjoyable experience.

Answer 2

I've been on Amtrak and it was a good experience. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I recommend it to someone else. Only if they wanted to see the country side and were in no hurry to get to their destination. Typically the route is very isolated so you have a wonderful opportunity to see things you wouldn't see from the highway.  If it takes 8 hrs by car, expect about 14 hrs on the train.  The number of stops made will deternine  your destination arrival. When the train reaches full speed, its probably going 90 Mph. The problem is going through towns, the train slows down to a crawl.

Trains can be very comfortable or worse than a Bus. Just depends on where your going.

Answer 3

Go to the Amtrak website. There you will find all your answers.