Peter Greenberg: Train Travel: Illinois to Washington State

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-03-23

My sister and I are going on a trip which will take us first to Rockford, Ill. Then we want to go by train to Washington state. We need help with finding the best way to do this. Can you help us? Thank you.
–Ruth, Pt. Jeff Station, N.Y.

A: I am so glad you asked this question, because I LOVE train travel and think that more people should do it—as long as you’re not in a big hurry to get to your destination. Riding the rails can often be much more pleasant than flying. You get more legroom, scenic vistas, and you won’t have to deal with TSA security hassles.

The Empire Builder line, the most of northerly of Amtrak’s routes, would be perfect for you, because it goes from Chicago to Seattle via Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho. It’s a 41-hour trip that’s best taken in the warmer months, unless you prefer wintry landscapes. Amtrak even lets you break your journey if you want and make a scheduled overnight stop to tour Glacier National Park. The price of this trip, during peak season in a full-size, private sleeper car with “en suite” bathroom, is about $700 per person, one-way. If you travel in a smaller “roomette,” without a private bathroom, you’ll pay about $400 per person. Seniors age 65 and above get an additional 15 percent off.