USA By Rail

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View books by John Pitt.

All aboard! - Rated
This guide gives a complete description of passenger train services in the United States and Canada. The book covers all Amtrak and VIA Rail train routes, commuter routes, special trains such as the American Orient Express, steam powered trains and lots more, including a fascinating history of North American railways. Each modern-day train route is illustrated by a map followed by a list of the cities along the way with mileage and times between them. Each town or city is briefly described, together with points of interest in between that you can see from the train. The book is published jointly in the UK and in the United States, so it has a chapter designed for vistors from abroad with helpful advice about US currency, food, hotels, etc. Altogether, an indispensable guide.

Extremely informative - Rated
I think this book is brilliant. If you've never been on an American train it makes you want to go there. It has all the advice you need and some nice pictures - all very detailed and informative. Your trip wouldn't be nearly as good without this book.

A great companion - Rated
If you are new to American trains - they are a different experience to anything found in the UK - you really need this book to show you the ropes. It's practical as well as highly inspirational and makes a great companion as you travel around.

Brilliant! - Rated
Apart from all the information about Amtrak and VIA Rail the book summarises recommended places to stay, what to see and how to find your way on local transport in all the big cities along the way. This saves you having to lug around lots of city guides as well. Brilliant maps, too.

Tremendous all in one travel companion - unbeatable! - Rated
"I've used this book as a guide on several lengthy Amtrak journeys, including a tremendous cross-country route from Florida to Los Angeles, and also on VIA Rail trains in Canada. The tips for accommodation and sightseeing were particularly useful as it meant I didn't have to lug around too many other books as well. USA by Rail gives all kinds of information for the journey and to help when planning routes and bookings in advance. The amount of detail is truly impressive. There are even articles about the building of the railroads and about steam trains you can ride now. The maps are very good, too. More photographs would have been nice but this is a minor point. The book is essential for travelling by train anywhere in North America, especially if this is a new experience for you."