Check out this 2-for-1 sale on summer cross-country train travel.
For those who are eager to travel but aren’t yet ready to get on a plane—or are looking for a more picturesque and social distance-friendly mode of transport—Amtrak has a sweet summer deal: buy one, get one for private roomette tickets, which means you can bring a friend, family member, or partner along for free.
The sale, which runs through April 16, is good on private roomette travel between June 1 and September 30; some fares are less than $100 per person. It’s also valid on a whopping 15 train lines, including some of the more picturesque routes.
The California Zephyr connects Chicago to the Bay Area on a 52-hour ride, or you may prefer the 15-hour, daytime jaunt from Denver to Salt Lake City on the same train, which passes through the Rocky Mountains. Fares in a roomette for that leg are just $126 each for a pair of travelers.
If you’re looking for a real long-haul, check out the Empire Builder, which connects Chicago and Seattle on a two-night, three-day journey that passes Glacier National Park. Roomettes are $263 each for two travelers, a steal compared to the usual $1,000+ fares. The Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Regional, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle are also offering roomette deals.
I’ve reviewed Amtrak’s private sleeper cars before. The roomette is pretty nice: It has a private landscape window, two reclining seats that convert to a single bed and an upper bunk that folds down, fresh towels and bed linens, reading lights, climate control, garment rack, water/juice/coffee/tea service, outlets, and a fold-down table. (The 3 1/2-foot by 6 1/2-foot space makes things cozy for two adults.) Meals and Wifi are also included, and you have access to bathrooms and showers shared by other roomette passengers. You can carry on two bags plus check two bags for free; the former ride in your room and the latter are locked in the luggage car.
To book, go to Amtrak’s designated sale site. Note: It’s Amtrak policy—and federal law—that travelers wear face masks while in the station and on the train, unless eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status.
Twist’s Take: This 2-for-1 Amtrak sale makes for a great cross-country summer getaway.
