- 1). Visit Amtrak's Web site (amtrak.com). Amtrak, the government-owned railroad that travels across the United States, offers detailed schedules and itineraries for all of its routes. Within seconds, you will know if a route goes to a town or city you want to visit, and you can soak up some good scenery in the process. Buy tickets directly from the Web site.
- 2). Call direct for more information: Amtrak's 800 number (800-USA-RAIL) offers the chance to talk to a customer service agent, who can answer any questions you may have. The agent can tell you whether or not your route offers certain amenities like sleeper cars or lounge cars with windows, or if your route offers full dining service and a lounge with alcoholic beverages.
- 3). Surf the Internet for train tickets in other countries. Canada's railroad, VIA Rail (viarail.ca), offers the same service as Amtrak in the United States. Tickets can be purchased via the Internet or over the phone (888-VIA-RAIL). If you wish to know about train travel in Europe, Rail Europe (raileurope.com) is the official rail service for countries across the Atlantic Ocean.
- 4). Look online for bargain fares in other countries. Amtrak is the only way you can obtain rail tickets in the United States, so you are stuck with their prices. Occasionally, Amtrak offers fare specials, so even the most traveled routes get sales. For travel throughout Europe, consolidator and aggregator Web sites offer fares, depending on where you wish to go.
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