How to Travel the U.S. by Train for Under $200

Train travel doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can explore some of the most scenic U.S. routes train for Under $200 if you know how to pick the right fares, routes, and deals. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day journey, this guide shows you exactly how to travel affordably—without sacrificing comfort.

Why Train Travel Can Cost Under $200

Many travelers believe train trips are expensive, mostly because sleeper rooms on long-distance routes can be costly. However, coach tickets, early-bird discounts, rail passes, and shorter scenic segments make train travel surprisingly affordable.

You can often travel for under $200 because:

• Many long-distance Amtrak routes offer one-way fares between $29 and $79
• Scenic “short segments” typically range from $12 to $50
• The Amtrak USA Rail Pass breaks trips into low-cost segments
• Regional trains frequently offer fares in the $15 to $45 range
• Traveling during off-peak times can reduce prices by 30% to 60%

Best Ways to Travel the U.S. by Train for Under $200

1. Book Short Scenic Segments on Long-Distance Routes

Some of Amtrak’s most beautiful routes allow you to ride a portion of the journey at a low fare.

Popular scenic segments under $50:

Route	Segment	Typical Price
California Zephyr	Denver → Glenwood Springs	$29–$45
	Sacramento → Reno	$35–$49
Coast Starlight	Seattle → Portland	$27–$45
	San Luis Obispo → Santa Barbara	$20–$25
Empire Builder	Whitefish → Spokane	$25–$45
Adirondack	Albany → Montreal border area	$30–$50

2. Use the Amtrak USA Rail Pass

If you’re planning to visit several cities without spending too much, the Amtrak USA Rail Pass is one of the most affordable ways to travel.

What the Pass Includes

• 10 total segments (rides)
• Valid for 30 days
• Approx. $449 total — which comes to about $44.90 per segment

With this pass, you can easily build a multi-city trip for under $200 by using only 4–5 segments.

Sample Itinerary Under $200 (4 Segments)

• Chicago → Milwaukee
• Milwaukee → Minneapolis
• Minneapolis → Fargo
• Fargo → Glacier National Park

Cost calculation:
4 segments × $44.90 = $179.60

That means you can travel more than 1,000 miles for under $200, making it an excellent option for budget-friendly adventure.

3. Book Tickets 21–60 Days in Advance

Amtrak uses dynamic pricing, meaning:

• Early = cheapest
• Last-minute = highest

Average savings: 20–65%

Example early-bird fares

• New York → Washington, DC (Northeast Regional): $20–$49
• Chicago → Detroit (Wolverine): $25–$40
• Los Angeles → San Diego (Pacific Surfliner): $18–$35

4. Travel Off-Peak (Tues–Thurs, mid-day)

Fares are lowest during:

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays
• 11am–3pm departures
• Late-evening trains

Peak weekend trains may double in price, while mid-week trains often drop below $30.

5. Use Amtrak Discounts

Amtrak offers many stackable deals that bring your fare under $20–$50.

Popular Discounts

• Student Discount: 15–20% off
• Senior Discount: 10% off (62+)
• Kids Discount: 50% off (age 2–12)
• Military & Veterans: 10% off
• Northeast Regional Saver Fares: as low as $20
• California Saver Fares: $15–$35

6. Take Advantage of Flash Sales

Amtrak frequently runs:

• 50% off deals
• BOGO sale (buy one, get one half off)
• $5–$15 short-distance deals
• Holiday flash sales

These deals often reduce fares to $15–$40 on popular routes.

How to Keep Your Train Trip Under $200

1. Skip Sleeper Cars

Coach class is comfortable, roomy, and affordable. Sleeper rooms can quickly turn a $50 trip into $300+.

Coach perks:

• Reclining seats
• Footrests
• Wide windows
• Access to café car
• Plenty of legroom

2. Bring Your Own Food

Onboard dining can add $20–$60 per person.

Pack:

• Sandwiches
• Snacks
• Coffee/tea
• Water bottle

This alone can save $40–$100.

3. Choose Routes with High Frequency

More daily departures = cheaper fares.

These corridors are usually under $40:

• Northeast Corridor
• California routes
• Midwest routes (Chicago hub)

U.S. Train Trips You Can Take for Under $200

Here are real routes that consistently stay below $200 (round-trip or multi-city).

1. New York → Boston → Providence → NYC

Total: $120–$180

2. Seattle → Vancouver (Canada) Round Trip

Total: $60–$90

3. Los Angeles → San Diego → Los Angeles

Total: $40–$60

4. Denver → Glenwood Springs (Zephyr)

Total: $60–$100 (round trip)

5. Chicago → St. Louis → Chicago

Total: $60–$110

6. Portland → Glacier National Park (1-way)

Total: $75–$120

7. Atlanta → New Orleans (Crescent)

Total: $60–$140

FAQs — Traveling the U.S. by Train for Under $200