Most Americans have a dream to “see the country,” yet many never actually make it. Maybe it’s the thought of driving all those miles. But with this cross country road trip – by train – there is no driving. Read on, and then start making your plans to hit the road er, tracks, for an amazing journey across America!

This magical train ride across the United States is destined to be in your “Top 10 Trips of a Lifetime” after you spend just under four days riding, gawking and eating your way across America.

Facebook/Amtrak
Travel by rail from San Francisco to New York on Amtrak for this one-of-a-kind journey across America.
Facebook/Amtrak
Google Maps [train routes]
In all, the trip is under four days in actual travel time. Access the Google Train Route Map here. The main stops along the way are Denver and Chicago, before reaching New York City.
Flickr/Giuseppe Milo
San Francisco is the perfect spot to launch your journey. Arrive early and explore a few of the city's landmarks before departing.
Flickr/Ryan Keene
Once you're underway, migrate over to Amtak's special Sightseer Lounge and get ready for some incredible sights as you make your way to Union Station in Denver.
Flickr/Garrett
Get ready for some amazing photo opportunities as you pass through Salt Lake City. The gorgeous mountains make a magnificent backdrop to the city's skyline.
Flickr/james bretz
The terrain in this part of the trip makes the entire route an explosion of eye candy. Don't worry, you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your cushy seat on the train.
Flickr/Loco Steve
Denver makes the perfect place to stop and explore. You'll pull into Union Station. Spend the night in the city, or just continue on your way.

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Flickr/Larry Johnson
Denver's skyline is breathtaking! And so is the rest of your trip enroute to Chicago, the Windy City.
Flickr/Loco Steve
Flickr/Connie Ma
Hungry? Watch the world fly by while you enjoy a nice meal in Amtrak's dining car.
Flickr/sandwich
Flickr/Chris Filiatreau
Chicago's iconic Union Station is where you'll stop and change trains. (see the Google Map link above for details).
Flickr/Neil Howard
It's also the perfect chance to spend the night in the city and finally see the famous Bean, a.k.a. Cloud Gate.
Flickr/Steve Guttman
Next, you'll head from Chicago to the Big Apple, and your final destination. Once you see the Hudson River, you'll know you're almost there.
Flickr/E Palen
Depart at Penn Stattion to find your adventure in New York City before heading home or, better still, hitting Amtrak all the way back across the U.S. again!

Read all about how Blogger/Travel Advisor Derek Low made this trip in 2011 here. Take this amazing journey and make it your own as you travel all the way across America in this magical road trip by train.

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