I've spent 154 hours on Amtrak trains in 5 different classes, from coach to bedrooms. The best deal was a premium cabin.

I travel by train every chance I get.

Over the past five years, I’ve spent roughly 154 hours crisscrossing the US on Amtrak trains, and each time, I’ve had a different experience.

I’ve lounged on a couch in a private bedroom with a full bathroom, transformed two seats into a bunk in a 20-square-foot cabin called a roomette, and received complimentary meals in the dining car on overnight trains.

I’ve also saved money in coach and upgraded to business and first class on shorter rides.

In total, I’ve sampled five different booking types on 10 trains from the Northeast to the Southwest.

One premium seat offers the best value for the upgrade.