USA by Rail, 5th

Rating:
Summary: An excellent guide in every way
Review: An excellent book which tells you all you need to know. I travelled all over North America by train last summer and found "USA by Rail" terrifically useful, especially for its clear and detailed route guides. These add so much to a journey by telling you in advance what to look out for and explaining the background to the things you are seeing. The chapter for visitors from overseas was very helpful and there's fascinating information about railroad history as well as lots of practical tips for finding accommodation, booking tickets and making reservations. The previous reviewer must have been looking at an earlier version of the book because I found the third edition (published last year) to be fully up to date so far as Amtrak routes are concerned. This edition also has a competition inside to win free rail passes. I can recommend USA by Rail to anyone visiting North America and thinking of travelling by train as it will add hugely to your enjoyment and understanding. An inspiring read in every way.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent guide in every way
Review: An excellent book which tells you all you need to know. I travelled all over North America by train last summer and found "USA by Rail" terrifically useful, especially for its clear and detailed route guides. These add so much to a journey by telling you in advance what to look out for and explaining the background to the things you are seeing. The chapter for visitors from overseas was very helpful and there's fascinating information about railroad history as well as lots of practical tips for finding accommodation, booking tickets and making reservations. The previous reviewer must have been looking at an earlier version of the book because I found the third edition (published last year) to be fully up to date so far as Amtrak routes are concerned. This edition also has a competition inside to win free rail passes. I can recommend USA by Rail to anyone visiting North America and thinking of travelling by train as it will add hugely to your enjoyment and understanding. An inspiring read in every way.

Rating:
Summary: Not what I hoped for
Review: I was looking for a guide book to help me decide on an itenerary to take advantage of the Amtrak Rail Pass. This book did not achieve this objective. Other than a brief paragraph summarizing each route, the information contained in the book was of no interest to someone looking for a travel guide to using the US Rail system. I wanted to know the most interesting Routes, which trains to take, where to get off, where to stay, what to see, etc. I wish Frommers made a guide for US train travel!

Rating:
Summary: Not what I hoped for
Review: I was looking for a guide book to help me decide on an itenerary to take advantage of the Amtrak Rail Pass. This book did not achieve this objective. Other than a brief paragraph summarizing each route, the information contained in the book was of no interest to someone looking for a travel guide to using the US Rail system. I wanted to know the most interesting Routes, which trains to take, where to get off, where to stay, what to see, etc. I wish Frommers made a guide for US train travel!

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended!
Review: I've traveled the USA a lot by train, which is enjoyable, doesn't cost much and makes it possible to visit many places that are otherwise more of a problem to see (such as the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon and desert country). Train travel is quite different from anything anything I've encountered before so it was great to have the Bradt guidebook to plan my trip and help me find my way around. The book is right up to date with the latest trains, including Amtrak's superb high-speed Acela (capable of 150 mph), and has excellent route guides for all long-distance trains in the US and Canada. The associated USA by Rail website also has useful free information, including rail pass prices and tips from other travelers. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: An inspiring read
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: The best guide while on the train
Review: My yearly travel on Amtrak starts with the most recent copy of this book. I have traveled every Amtrak route and for knowing what to look for and when, it's indispensible. I might have missed some of the best sites or picture opportunities had I not had this companion by my side. Easy to read and with times to look out of which side of the train you're ready to see some of the most interesting sites of this beautiful country and also capture them on film. I read ahead and highlight the sites I'm most interested in, then just have to look for my highlights as I travel. I discovered this book by accident, now I won't leave home without it.

Rating:
Summary: Indispensable
Review: Some books are indispensable and this is definitely one of them. Lots of people are traveling by train now who are new to the experience and this guide is practical as well as highly inspirational, making it a great companion on any train journey.

Rating:
Summary: new edition
Review: The new edition of this book is the best yet, and the only guide I've found that's bang up to date. The maps and photographs look great and the text adds enormously to the interest of any train journey in the US and Canada.

Rating:
Summary: Great guide!
Review: This is fine as an armchair read as well as to take on a cross-country trip. There are chapters that will fascinate the railroad buff but it's also a great guide for the general visitor, with very pertinent advice.