This Solo Traveler Traveled All Over the U.S. Over 30 Days Using a Single $499 Amtrak Pass—Here’s How

Two days before setting off on a five-week journey across the U.S. on her own, Luna Buttiens splurged on a spontaneous purchase: an Amtrak USA Rail Pass for $499.

“I wanted to explore more of the U.S., and purchasing a Rail Pass seemed the perfect way to do so,” the 25-year-old Belgian, who had been living in New York City since September 2024 told People. 

The investment quickly paid off. For one price, she was able to take 10 segments of domestic train travel over 30 days, choosing from more than 500 destinations, meaning each of her train rides averaged out to $50.

Buttiens took full advantage of the deal, traveling coast to coast exploring cities, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, New Orleans, and Miami. While exploring each destination helped her get to know each of the American cities, she realized the essence of traveling isn’t just about checking off a list of sights.

“Time and again, I was welcomed with such open hearts, reminding me that the true spirit of a place isn’t just in its streets or landmarks, but in the people who call it home,” she said. Since she was traveling alone, she said the “kindness and warmth of strangers played the biggest role in defining my journey.” 

Of course there were a few hurdles along the way, in particular sitting—and sleeping—in a coach class seat, Amtrak’s lowest cabin offering. (The pass is currently not offered in Business class or for private rooms.) While the seats are wide and spacious, recline to a comfortable angle, and have leg rests, she admits that several overnight trips in tight space did start to wreak havoc on her body.

“After spending multiple nights on the train, my back started to hurt, so I’d recommend scheduling a massage after your trip,” she admitted. But since she traveled off season, she often lucked out and got two seats to herself. 

It was well worth the sacrifice to experience this form of slow travel. She used the passing hours to reflect, even journaling some thoughts between Denver and San Francisco. “Traveling by train is about fully accepting where you are—not counting down the time until you get ‘there,’” she wrote. “This feels very different from flying, where it’s all about getting to your destination as fast as possible. I’ve noticed that I don’t even check the time while being on this train.” 

She went on to say that her fellow train passengers were more open to talking to strangers, playing cards “and engaging in real human interaction instead of staring at a tiny screen.” Overall, she felt like it taught her how to be fully present since “it feels like time doesn’t exist.”

Buttiens enjoyed the trip so much, she extended it beyond the 30 days and added on a segment back, with her total journey lasting from Jan. 28 to March, riding the rails 230 hours of that time.

“It was completely impulsive, but looking back, it was the best decision I could have made,” she said. “I’ve seen so much more of this country through the train’s windows.”