Trip vs trip
"Active Alaska" Rail Package vs America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston
Two ways to do a similar journey. Every number below is from the operators' own published details, verified on the dates shown on each trip page.
| "Active Alaska" Rail Package Alaska Tours (alaskatours.com) | America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston Amtrak Vacations | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| From price | $3,279 | $1,809 |
| Price per day | $410 | $181 |
| Rail share | 50% | 100% |
| Pace | balanced | fast |
| Comfort | classic | classic |
| Guiding | Rail package | Independent rail vacation |
| Countries | United States | United States |
| Named trains | Alaska Railroad | Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Corridor |
| Nights on board | no | yes |
Which one, honestly
- For value: America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston costs the least per day here: $181 against $410 ("Active Alaska" Rail Package).
- For time on the train: America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston spends the most of the trip on rails: 100% rail share, against 50% ("Active Alaska" Rail Package).
- For pace: "Active Alaska" Rail Package runs balanced; America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston runs fast.
"Active Alaska" Rail Package: worth knowing
- Several transfers, including to and from the Fairbanks and Anchorage airports, the Seward Small Boat Harbor, and the final departure, are on your own rather than arranged by the operator.
- Meals, gratuities, and several popular extras (the Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour, the helicopter dog sledding tour, and a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center) are not included and cost extra.
- The included rail seating is standard class; Deluxe dome car seating on some legs is an optional upgrade.
- The evidence does not name the hotels used, their star rating, or any current departure dates; confirm these directly with the operator.
America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston: worth knowing
- Accommodation is chosen from about 30 hotel options across cities and price tiers, from budget properties like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame to higher-end options like the Regent Santa Monica, so the actual hotel depends on what is selected at booking.
- All four rail segments, including the overnight legs between San Francisco and Chicago and between Chicago and New York City, are booked in Coach class rather than a private sleeper cabin.
- Only one meal, a seafood dinner in Boston, is specifically listed as included; other meals are on your own.
- The evidence does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm the schedule and availability with Amtrak Vacations before booking.