canada

I've used this book as a guide on several lengthy Amtrak journeys, including a tremendous cross-country route from Florida to Los Angeles, and also on VIA Rail trains in Canada. The tips for accommodation and sightseeing were particularly useful as it meant I didn't have to lug around too many other books as well. USA by Rail gives all kinds of information for the journey and to help when planning routes and bookings in advance. The amount of detail is truly impressive. There are even articles about the building of the railroads and about steam trains you can ride now. The maps are very good, too. More photographs would have been nice but this is a minor point. The book is essential for travelling by train anywhere in North America, especially if this is a new experience for you.

I've traveled the USA a lot by train, which is enjoyable, doesn't cost much and makes it possible to visit many places that are otherwise more of a problem to see (such as the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon and desert country). Train travel is quite different from anything anything I've encountered before so it was great to have the Bradt guidebook to plan my trip and help me find my way around. The book is right up to date with the latest trains, including Amtrak's superb high-speed Acela (capable of 150 mph), and has excellent route guides for all long-distance trains in the US and Canada. The associated USA by Rail website also has useful free information, including rail pass prices and tips from other travelers. Highly recommended!

The new edition of this book is the best yet, and the only guide I've found that's bang up to date. The maps and photographs look great and the text adds enormously to the interest of any train journey in the US and Canada.