Here’s where it gets silly. If you want a private room—called a roomette—you’re looking at $200 to $600+ one-way. That’s a lot of money for a tiny closet with a fold-down bed and a sink. But hey, you get free meals in the dining car, which is basically a moving restaurant with questionable Wi-Fi.
A full bedroom? That’s the penthouse suite of trains, costing $500 to $1,200. Honestly, at that price, you could fly first class to Paris. But if you’re a train nerd like me, you might just do it for the novelty of having a shower on wheels. Pro tip: check Amtrak’s “sale” page—sometimes rooms drop to half off.
Don’t forget that kids under 2 ride free. Yes, you can smush a tiny human in your lap and call it “budget travel.” Just be prepared for the angry stares if they cry at 3 AM. It’s fine, we’ve all been there.
Amtrak ofrece viajes de 61 dólares de Chicago a Nueva York con rebajas
The Hidden Fees (Yes, They Exist)
Alright, let’s get real. The base ticket price is just the start. Pets? That’s an extra $25-$50 for a furry friend in a carrier. Bikes? Another $20. And if you want to check a massive suitcase, that’s $20 too. It’s like an airline, but with more legroom and less existential dread.
Also, food is not included in coach. Pack a sandwich, or you’ll be paying $8 for a bag of chips and a sad apple. The cafe car has coffee and hot dogs, but it’s not gourmet. Think of it as a convenience store on tracks. Actually, don’t think too hard about it.
The total cost for a basic trip (two people, coach, snacks from home)? About $120 to $300 round-trip. That’s less than a rental car and gas, and you don’t have to navigate the hellscape of Ohio highways. Win-win.
