Amtrak trains are among the world’s great travel experiences and a range of passes makes them amazingly economical. The National pass covers Amtrak’s entire rail network, while the Northeast version lets you go from Virginia up as far as Montreal and across to Niagara Falls. The Eastern pass is for routes from the east coast as far west as Denver, Albuquerque and El Paso. The Western pass is for routes from the west coast as far east as Chicago and New Orleans. Children travel half price.

Florida Valid for unlimited travel between 33 cities in Florida by train or via Thruway motorcoach connections, the Florida Pass is available only to Florida residents who present a valid state ID (driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration) at time of purchase. Not valid on Thruway coaches between DeLand and Daytona Beach or Miami and Key West, or on Coach USA Orlando shuttles. Advance reservations and ticketing are not permitted or required but the pass must be presented on board the train along with valid photo identification.

California The 7-in-21 Day Statewide Pass includes over 90 destinations throughout California.

Some trains, such as the International and the Maple Leaf, are operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail. For details of the North America and Northeastern America rail passes, which include Amtrak routes plus those of the VIA Rail in Canada, see VIA Rail passes

Amtrak ticket agents in the UK include Trailfinders, 215 Kensington High Street, London; tel: (020) 7938 3939. + 12 locations, call for information; The Travel Bureau, The Cottage, High Street, Wombourne, West Midlands WV5 9DN; tel: (0800) 698 7545; Travel4less.co.uk, 14 Greville Street, London EC1N 85B; tel: (0207) 400 7000.