Coast to Coast by Train: My Cross-Country Journey on Amtrak

Eleven years ago, I embarked on a road trip that changed my life. I traveled from coast to coast, crossing the United States via Interstate 10. That trip, which I completed a few months before my 30th birthday, felt like a rite of passage—an opportunity to reflect on where I had been and where I was going. The journey was transformative, and I promised myself that every ten years, I would undertake another cross-country adventure.

In 2023, I had planned to fulfill that promise, but life had other ideas. The timing wasn’t right. So, I waited until 2024 to embark on my next adventure. This time, though, I wanted something different. Instead of driving, I decided to take the scenic route—via Amtrak.

Cross-Country Amtrak Trip

The Journey Begins in Seattle

On July 1st, 2024, my wife and I found ourselves in Seattle, Washington, at the starting point of my cross-country trip. Seattle is a city that offers a perfect blend of urban life and stunning natural beauty. I spent about 40 hours checking out the sights and views of Seattle. Pike Street Market was one of the highlights. The market, which overlooks the waterfront, is filled with vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, flowers, and artisan crafts. The sight of the workers tossing fish from one end of the stall to the other was a spectacle in itself.

While in Seattle, I also had the opportunity to attend a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park. The stadium’s energy was contagious, and the view of the game with the city’s skyline in the background was unforgettable. As I soaked in the sights and sounds of Seattle, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next leg of my journey: a train ride from Seattle to Minneapolis.

Seattle to Minneapolis on the Empire Builder

On July 3rd, I boarded the Empire Builder, an Amtrak route that runs from the Pacific Northwest to Chicago. My wife stayed behind. She was going to fly and meet me in Minneapolis a day later. 

This iconic train journey would take me across some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, covering the route from Seattle to Minneapolis over two days (July 3rd–5th).

As the train departed from Seattle, I settled into my room, excited to experience the journey ahead. The Empire Builder is known for offering stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, the vast plains of Montana, and the spectacular badlands of North Dakota. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was passing through Glacier National Park.

The towering peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests made for a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. The train’s observation car provided a panoramic view of the scenery, and I found myself glued to the window, watching as the rugged wilderness unfolded before my eyes.

The ride also gave me a sense of the vastness of the American landscape. As the train traveled through the Great Plains, I marveled at the endless fields of wheat and corn, stretching out to the horizon in every direction. The train’s gentle rhythm and the wide-open spaces offered a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Exploring Minneapolis

On July 5th, I arrived in Minneapolis, a city that balances urban sophistication with natural beauty. My wife met me at the hotel. We spent three days (July 5th–8th) exploring the city’s cultural and recreational attractions. One of the highlights was attending a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field. The ballpark, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, offered incredible views of the city skyline, and the excitement of the game added to the overall experience.

Another unforgettable stop was Paisley Park, the former home and recording studio of the legendary musician Prince. As a fan of his music, visiting Paisley Park felt like stepping into a musical time capsule. The tour took me through Prince’s private recording studios, his performance spaces, and even his personal wardrobe. The space was a tribute to his creativity and legacy, and it was fascinating to learn more about the life and work of such an iconic artist.

Of course, no trip to Minneapolis would be complete without a visit to the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. The mall is more than just a shopping destination—it’s an entertainment complex with an amusement park, an aquarium, and numerous dining options.

I also spent some time checking out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Two of my favorite sculptures were the Spoonbridge and Cherry and the Hahn/Cock.

Chicago: A Brief Stop

On July 8th, I boarded another Amtrak train, this time bound for Chicago. (My wife went back home). I purchased a ticket for the Borealis Train. The journey was a shorter one compared to my previous leg, but it still offered some great views of the Midwest. I arrived in Chicago on July 8th and spent a little over 24 hours exploring the city before catching my next train. 

Thankfully, this was not my first time in Chicago. I made sure to visit Millennium Park, home to the famous “Cloud Gate” sculpture, also known as “The Bean.” The park is a hub of activity, with people snapping photos, enjoying the art installations, and soaking in the views of the city’s impressive skyline.

I also took a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian-friendly path that runs along the Chicago River, offering stunning views of the city’s architecture. The combination of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers created a striking contrast, and it was easy to see why Chicago is often called the “Windy City.”

Since I like sports, I checked out the Draftkings Sports Book at Wrigley Field. I also went to the Ballys Casino.

Boston: The Grand Finale

After the brief stop in Chicago, I boarded the Lake Shore Limited on July 9th, which would take me from Chicago to Boston. The train ride was 22 hours, and I arrived in Boston on July 10th in the evening. The Lake Shore Limited travels through the scenic landscapes of upstate New York, skirting along the shores of the Great Lakes and passing through the beautiful Hudson River Valley. The lush greenery and tranquil waterways provided a relaxing atmosphere as the train made its way eastward.

Boston marked the final stop of my cross-country journey, and I spent a few days (July 10th–13th) exploring this historic city. One of the highlights was attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the country’s oldest and most iconic ballparks. The atmosphere was electric, and it was an incredible experience to watch a game in such a storied venue.

In addition to the baseball game, I visited Boston’s Chinatown and wandered through the vibrant streets filled with shops and restaurants. A trip to Carson Beach was the perfect way to unwind, with its sandy shores and views of the Atlantic Ocean providing a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

On my final night in Boston, I visited the Encore Boston Casino just outside the city. While I didn’t win anything, it was a fun way to cap off my trip, and the casino’s lively atmosphere was a great contrast to the more historical and cultural experiences I’d had during the day.

The Superliner Roomette on the Empire Builder

On the Empire Builder, I stayed in a Superliner roomette designed for long-distance routes through the western United States. The Superliner cars are double-decker, and my roomette was on the upper level, offering even better views of the magnificent landscapes along the route. As the train wound through the Cascade Mountains, across Montana’s Big Sky Country, and past the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, the elevated position made the experience all the more breathtaking.

The roomette itself was cozy and functional, with two seats that converted into a lower bed and a fold-down upper bunk. I slept on the lower bunk each night. The Superliner is known for its spaciousness compared to other Amtrak trains, and even though the roomette was compact, it felt comfortable for the journey. Additionally, the Superliner cars have restrooms and shower facilities conveniently located just down the hall, which made freshening up during the two-day trip much easier.

Dining was another highlight of the journey. As a roomette passenger, I enjoyed complimentary meals in the dining car, which were a great part of the overall experience. The Empire Builder’s dining car serves full meals, and I was able to choose from a variety of dishes, including options like grilled salmon, chicken breast, and a classic steak. Breakfasts were hearty, too, with choices like scrambled eggs, french toast, and oatmeal.

Dining with the panoramic views from the large windows of the Superliner train made each meal even more memorable. The meals were better than I expected. I enjoyed sitting with other passengers, exchanging stories of our travels while watching the landscape pass.

The Viewliner Roomette on the Lake Shore Limited

On the Lake Shore Limited, I stayed in a Viewliner roomette, which is slightly different from the Superliner. Viewliner trains operate on routes in the eastern United States, and unlike the double-decker Superliner, the Viewliner is a single-level car. However, the roomette was still comfortable and well-equipped for an overnight journey.

One unique feature of the Viewliner roomette is the inclusion of a sink and toilet within the private space, which adds an extra layer of convenience. As the train traveled along the shores of Lake Erie and through the scenic Hudson River Valley, I found the roomette to be a cozy and quiet retreat, perfect for relaxing after a day in Chicago and preparing for my arrival in Boston.

Meals on the Lake Shore Limited were also complimentary, and the quality matched my experience on the Empire Builder. The dining car served similar similar food. Even though the Viewliner is a single-level train, the large windows in the dining car still provide excellent views, making every meal feel like part of the adventure. Dining on the train was not just about the food—it was about the experience of enjoying good meals while traveling across such diverse and beautiful landscapes.

How Much Did It Cost?

The Empire Builder – I purchased the ticket in February of 2024 for $796.I saw online that if the price goes down, you can rebook your ticket and get refunded the difference. I checked weekly. The price finally went down in June. I got a refund of $161, making the final price for this leg of the trip $635.

The Borealis – $77

The Lake Shore Limited – I purchased this ticket for $147 in May. In July, I was awarded an upgrade for another $280. Something happened the day of the trip, and I was refunded the $280, but I was able to keep the room. So, my total still ended up being $147.

The total price that I paid for train tickets was $859. That was a fantastic deal, considering I had a roomette and meals for three of the days.

I also paid $481.82 for 13 days worth of Uber & Lyft rides. That was much cheaper than having to pay for rental cars, gas, and parking at each destination.

Hotels: Seattle – Free, Minneapolis – $237.08, Chicago – Free & Boston – $234

Food & Drink – Approximately $600

I spent approximately $2412. I kept it under $2500. I call that a HUGE win.

Reflection on the Journey

As I look back on my 2024 cross-country trip, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences I had. Traveling from Seattle to Boston via Amtrak allowed me to see the United States in a way I never had before. The slower pace of train travel gave me the chance to truly appreciate the vastness and diversity of the country’s landscapes, from the rugged mountains of the West to the rolling plains of the Midwest and the charming towns of the Northeast.

This journey was not just about the destinations but the journey itself. Each leg of the trip, whether it was the Empire Builder, the Borealis, or the Lake Shore Limited, offered its own unique perspective on the beauty of America. From the bustling cities to the quiet, open spaces, I was reminded of how much there is to explore and appreciate in this vast country.

Having completed my second cross-country trip, I’m already looking ahead to the next one. Who knows where the road—or the tracks—will take me in another nine years? One thing is for sure: the spirit of adventure will continue to guide my journeys, and the memories of this trip will stay with me for a lifetime.

Resources

I used Tickpick or Stubhub to purchase tickets to the games I attended in Seattle, Minneapolis, and Boston.

I purchased a few items for my trip, including soap, towels, and more. Check out this list that I created on Amazon.

Check out my Instagram and YouTube accounts to see pictures and videos of the trip.