Amtrak National Train Day May 10th
Celebrate Passenger Train Travel: An Affordable Way to See Sites
Amtrak celebrates National Train Day on May 10th, to commemorate rail travel in America. Explore the many Amtrak routes available for travel to popular U.S. destinations.
National Train Day May 10th
Amtrak, America's passenger railroad service, will celebrate National Train Day for the first time on May 10th, 2008. May 10th was chosen as National Train Day, to commemorate the "nation’s first transcontinental railroad" which began on May 10, 1869.
Amtrak will also be celebrating success, with increased passenger numbers and passenger enjoyment over the past several years. The event will consist of six weeks of festivities including musical performances, trip giveaways, exhibits and VIP appearances such as Al Roker and the New York Mets. On National Train Day, Amtrak will also offer special discounts on train fare.
Amtrak History
Amtrak began service in May 1971, after Congress created the passenger train corporation to take over the rail lines, previously run by private freight lines. In 2007, more than 25.8 million passengers traveled aboard Amtrak trains. The rail lines operate across the country, with over 500 stations and destinations.
Amtrak Routes
Amtrak offers a variety of routes and destinations across America. Here are a few of the most popular Amtrak routes:
- Amtrak Cascades - This route travels from Vancouver, B.C. Eugene, Oregon, with stops in Seattle, Tacoma and Portland. Passengers enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains, Mt. St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge. European-style trains, with comfortable recliner seats helps passengers feel relaxed. Bike racks are a special amenity for the most adventurous travelers. This route takes just over 10 hours.
- Acela Express - This route connects Boston and Washington D.C. with stops in New York and Philadelphia. This route is considered the faster, as the train travels up to 150 mph during a 35 mile spans. Travelers can enjoy upscale amenities in Business Class and First Class seating, including a Quiet Car and a Snack Car. This route takes a total of 7 hours to complete.
- California Zephyr - Traveling across a vast part of the country, this route travels from Chicago to San Francisco, with stops along the way in Denver. Passengers delight in sights of the grand Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevadas and canyons of Colorado. For additional amazement, passengers can view the scenery from the Sightseer Lounge, with large windows. Travelers also enjoy the convenience of roomettes or bedrooms located in the Sleeping cars. This route is completed in 51 hours.
- Coast Starlight - Rightly named as a majority of this route takes place during night hours, the Coast Starlight route travels from Seattle to Los Angeles, with stops in Portland and Eugene, and throughout California. Passengers enjoy the incline through the Cascade Mountains and down through the heart of California. This route travels by the Bay Area, with stops in Oakland. Train amenities include a dining car, arcade room and coffee bar. This route takes 35 hours from start to finish.
- Empire Builder - This route begins in Chicago and ends in either Portland or Seattle, depending on destination. Covering the majority of the country, passengers enjoy a ride through the Mid-west and Rocky Mountains. This route takes just under 2 full days of travel to complete.
- Sunset Limited - Considered the most southern Amtrak route, the Sunset Limited begins in New Orleans, travels along the U.S./ Mexico Border and ends in Los Angeles. Many passengers take advantage of the popular destinations along this route, stopping in San Antonio or Phoenix for vacation. This route is completed in 2 full days.
