How to Budget, Book, and Personalize Your North American Rail Adventure
A month-long honeymoon by train across North America can be as romantic or as luxurious as you wish. Cost Direct Booking Page, the key is planning and smart peperation. This outlines what to expect for transportation, lodging, dining, and experiences, along with booking tips for saving money and maximizing comfort.
Rail Pass: $499β$749 per person (10 segments / 30 days)
Private Roomette Upgrade: +$600β$1,200 per person (includes meals and private cabin)
Recommended Routes: Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Crescent, Sunset Limited
The Canadian (VancouverβToronto): $1,200β$3,500 per person
Sleeper Plus Class: Includes meals, showers, and access to lounges
Tip: Book early for discounts and scenic dome car upgrades
Cost Range: $2,000β$5,500 per person
Includes: Gourmet meals, luxury seating, and optional hotel stays in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper
Perfect For: A honeymoon finale through the Canadian Rockies
Average Nightly Rate: $150β$250 per night
Total (30 nights): $4,000β$7,500 per couple
Examples:
Hilton Garden Inn (Charleston)
Courtyard by Marriott (San Antonio)
Cambria Hotel (Seattle)
Fairmont Banff Springs (Canada)
Book directly with chains for best rates, bonus points, or honeymoon extras (champagne, late checkout).
Direct Booking Links:
π Train Travel β Book Direct
Whether youβre gliding through the U.S. or Canada, booking directly ensures access to the latest schedules, rail passes, and sleeper car options.
Category | Estimate | Notes |
---|---|---|
Train Dining (included for sleepers) | $0β$500 | Amtrak or VIA Rail meals |
Restaurants & Local Dining | $1,500β$2,500 | Casual to fine dining |
Special Dinners | $300β$600 | Romantic splurges or wine pairings |
Total Dining Estimate | $2,000β$3,000 per couple | Β |
Must-Try Dining Stops:
Charleston, SC β Southern seafood & Lowcountry cuisine
New Orleans, LA β Jazz brunch & Creole classics
Napa Valley, CA β Wine & farm-to-table dining
Banff, AB β Alpine dining with a view
Activity | Location | Cost Estimate |
---|---|---|
Jazz Night & Dinner Cruise | New Orleans | $150 |
Wine Tour | Napa Valley | $250 |
Hot Springs | Banff or Lake Louise | $100 |
Private Carriage Ride | Charleston | $125 |
Scenic Hike or Guided Nature Walk | Jasper or Yosemite | Freeβ$75 |
Category | Moderate Budget | Luxury Experience |
---|---|---|
Rail Travel | $1,000 | $5,500 |
Lodging | $4,000 | $7,500 |
Dining | $2,000 | $3,000 |
Activities | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Total | β $8,000 | β $18,000+ |
Time Before Departure | Task |
---|---|
6β9 months | Choose route, apply for travel insurance |
4β6 months | Book trains & hotels |
2β3 months | Plan excursions & dining reservations |
1 month | Confirm tickets, pack, and finalize details |
A rail honeymoon isnβt just about getting from place to place β itβs about slowing down, reconnecting, and seeing North America from a completely new perspective. With direct bookings, flexible rail passes, and thoughtful planning, this once-in-a-lifetime trip becomes both manageable and magical.