traveling with amtrak

[cardi88]

hi, im thinking of going to New York this year then taking the Amtrak to Niagra Falls then Amtrak again to Chicago then back to New York, I was thinking of going in November but would like some advice on when's the best/cheapest days/months to travel and if this is a good idea at all! are they reliable and a safe way to travel seeing as im going alone? (i have traveled alone in Australia so im used to that)

[dzug]

Reliable and safe yes - punctual no. Freight gets given priority so delays of many hours are common on the longer routes. Don't schedule any close connections - eg don't fly out of NY the day you arrive back and you'll be fine.

[eileenrose]

Long-distance trains are a great way to see the United States as they often go through spectacular scenery not easily accessible any other way. The USA by Rail website ( http://www.usa-by-rail.com ) has lots of useful information.