Page 37 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  35

Travel by Bus or Train included in the price. Amtrak
travel is especially good value
Although more time-consuming than flying, long-distance bus for international visitors, who
and train trips let you see the beauty of the US. Greyhound – can take advantage of a number
the major long-distance bus company – offers clean, modern of rail tickets for 15, 30, or 45 days
travel conditions with on-board movies and restroom facilities. of train travel for a fee of $459–
899, depending on the dates
Amtrak trains are spacious and comfortable. Amtrak provides and regions of travel.
restaurant cars, observation cars, and great social atmospheres.
If you want to meet fellow travelers, buses and trains are the Historic Railroads
transportation options for you.
Many pioneer railroads that braved
the Wild West frontier are tourist
Traveling by Bus your own, or tour the US on an attractions today, running short
The nationwide carrier extended trip, there may be trips (often under coal­fired
Greyhound Lines serves all the a travel package just for you. steam) through some spectac­
major cities that airlines do, plus ular scenery. Many trains, running
many smaller towns along the along narrow­gauge tracks, were
way, but the travel times are Bus Tours constructed by mining or logging
much longer. On long journeys, In most states, bus companies offer com panies over a century ago.
be sure to take something to eat short package trips in deluxe air­ Among the most popular rail­
and drink as meals are determined conditioned buses that tour major roads are the Durango & Silverton
by where the bus stops. attractions. These guided tours Narrow Gauge in southwestern
Buses are also a good option provide a comfortable way of Colorado (see p588), the Cumbres
for urban or suburban transpor­ seeing the sights, without having & Toltec line in New Mexico, and
tation, but because service can to worry about time schedules, the Grand Canyon Railway in
be limited in rural areas, you admission tickets, and opening Williams, Arizona, which goes to
should plan your route carefully hours. Meals and accommodation the rim of the Grand Canyon.
when visiting the country side. are included.
Greyhound buses also provide For passengers with more time DIRECTORY
links with major airports as well to spare, you may want to try
as Amtrak services. Budget bus specialized bus companies, such as Long-distance Buses
companies such as Megabus Green Tortoise, that offer leisurely Bolt Bus
and Bolt Bus, with cheap fares trips between major cities. Tel (877) 265­8287.
and free Wi­Fi, operate on busy Passengers on these buses can ∑ boltbus.com
transport corridors such as the take breaks to camp out, prepare Greyhound Lines
East Coast between Boston, New meals, and explore the countryside. Tel (800) 231­2222 (24 hrs).
York, and Washington, DC and Unlike other buses, there are ∑ greyhound.com
offer cheap fares and free Wi­Fi. foam mattresses for sleeping.
Megabus
Tel (877) 462­6342.
Tickets & Reservations Traveling by Train ∑ us.megabus.com
Many bus stations are located The use of passenger trains in
in low­rent parts of town, so it is the US is dwindling. Still, there Bus Tours
usually a good idea to take a taxi is a small and enjoyable network Green Tortoise
to or from the station at night. of long­distance passenger train Tel (800) 867­8647.
Ask about discounts and special routes, operated by Amtrak, the ∑ greentortoise.com
fares including online booking national rail system. In spite of its
discounts. Most major bus lines limited network and sometimes Railroads
offer discounts for children under inconvenient schedules, a Amtrak
12, students, and senior citizens scenic train ride can be an Tel (800) 872­7245.
(with proper ID), as well as unlim­ unforgettable experience. ∑ amtrak.com
ited travel within a set period.
Tickets can be bought on the day Train Tickets & Cumbres & Toltec Railroad
Tel (888) 286­2737.
of travel, although fares may be ∑ cumbrestoltec.com
less expensive if they are bought Reservations
in advance. For advance tickets, In general, Amtrak tickets Durango & Silverton
contact Greyhound directly or should be booked in advance. Narrow Gauge
ask a travel agent. To make the most of an Amtrak Tel (888) 872­4607.
International visitors should trip, consider paying the extra ∑ durangotrain.com
know that Greyhound tickets are money to get a sleeping Grand Canyon Railway
cheaper if bought from an agent compartment, which costs Tel (800) 843­8724.
outside the US. If you plan to around $150 a night on a twin­ ∑ thetrain.com
interrupt your trip to explore on sharing basis. Meal service is

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