For many years, train travel has been a favorite method of transportation for many Americans. Since the pandemic broke out, travelers have been forced to reconsider other options closer to home. This, in turn is another reason why luxurious train travel is trending in the US.
The United States Senate recently passed a $1 Trillion infrastructure bill. As a result, many large high speed rail projects in the US will come to fruition. Along with the increased rail projects, established rail lines are stepping up their game with plans to bring more luxurious train travel to the country. Read on to learn about how luxurious train travel is surging in popularity in the United States.
Train Travel in the US
The origin of the railroads in the United States began way back in the early 19th century. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad began on July 4, 1828, when 91- year old Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, broke ground on America’s first charted railroad. This birth of the railroad system was one of the most important aspects of the American Industrial Revolution and brought prosperity and many social and political changes to the country.
Today, many Americans cherish train travel and all its benefits. Travelers can see the beauty of America while enjoying comfortable, spacious seating. You cannot say the same for a packed flight or bus. The experience is considerably less stressful than other ways of traveling. Train travelers can relax without dealing with the stress of driving, busy airports, and crowded flights.
Stepping Up the Rail Experience
Overall, train travel in the US is not as sophisticated as the train lines in Europe and Asia, where the trains are high speed and have top notch luxury experiences as part of the ride. Now, many of America’s railways want to emulate the glamor and excitement of train travel abroad.
The Trend is Premium Railway Experiences
Premium train travel is a hot trend currently for these discerning American travelers. Even commuter railways like Amtrak are stepping up the game. On Amtrak’s longer lines like the Northeast Corridor line and the Crescent route that travels from New York City to New Orleans, many luxurious options are added to help travelers savor the experience.
The luxurious touches included on these lines include while linen tablecloths, and freshly cooked regional gourmet meals served on board. On Amtrak’s Acela line, a first class ticket includes a full meal with updated menu items such as lobster and cheese soufflé.
Amtrak is also looking to improve the rail experience for its daily commuters with new luxury options available including new state-of- the art rail cars, restoring full meal service in first class, and a complete overhaul of products offered.
The Future of US Train Travel
There are currently no rail lines in the United States that can reach the high speeds of bullet trains found in Japan or Europe. However, a few railroad lines have plans to bring these high speed lines country wide in the future. Mogul Richard Branson and his Virgin Group has plans to invest in the United States railway system and bring some of the speed and luxury of European railways like Eurostar to America.
Established US Rail Lines Adding New and Exciting Travel Options
Brightline is a railway that began in 2018 under Virgin Group and operates in Florida between Miami and West Palm Beach. The line will return to service November 21st, 2021. In early 2022, the line will add Orlando to its schedule on the Florida corridor. They are also planning to open a new high speed line operating between Los Angeles and Las Vegas in about four years. In addition, the line is also planning on high speed lines in California with routes between Los Angeles and San Francisco with the first section of the route slated to open in 2030.
The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury rail line that has a wonderful, scenic multi-day route from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah. The rail line is also offering several promotions for the remainder of 2021 including free hotel nights, gourmet meals and savings packages to inspire more travelers to have their memorable and luxurious experience.
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