Enter Amtrak.com into your browser.
Go wireless with your Web-enabled PDA or cell phone. Connect to Amtrak.com to book your ticket.
Use the Fare Finder to enter your departure and destination cities. An itinerary for your trip will appear.
Pay by credit card, then arrange for the ticket to be sent to you by mail. Book your travel at least 11 days ahead in order to budget time to get the ticket in regular mail. Or pay $12 extra for 4-day delivery.
Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TDD/TTY (1-800-523-6590). Tell Amtrak where and when you want to travel. Book your ticket with a credit card and it will be mailed to you.
Don't panic. If you need a ticket soon and have no time for it to be mailed, book it on the phone and get a reservation number and boarding code. The conductor will issue the ticket on the train when you give him or her the numbers.
Look around Union Station, where your trip will end, because it is worthy of a visit in itself. 29 million people a year move through it. It has 90 years of history, and many shops and restaurants. You can also connect to other train lines.
View the museums and monuments, but when you are done with that try something less educational. Adams Morgan is an area with boutiques, restaurants and clubs. Dupont Circle is known for bookstores.
