Visit Amtrak.com and click the "Routes" tab.
Double click the "Interactive Route Atlas" link. This is located in the upper right hand corner of the "Routes" screen.
Click the "Routes" tab in the left panel. You can browse a list of routes by letter, state or region. For additional information, click the "i" button next to a route name.
Click the "Stations" tab in the left panel. You can browse a list of stations by letter, state or region. For additional information, click the "i" button next to a station name.
Look at the map. Each white square represents a station. Click the square to bring up the station's name. Click the name for more information about the station.
Click the "Custom Route" tab in the left panel to build your own custom route. There are three ways to do this.
Click the "Station List" link in the "Departs" or "Arrives" text boxes to bring up a popup list of stations. For example, if you are planning to depart from Illinois, click the "Station List" link in the "Departs" text box. Under state, select Illinois. This will bring up a list of stations in Illinois. Click on the departure station. Repeat for your arrival destination.
Click in the "Departs" or "Arrives" text boxes and begin typing a city or station name. As you type, station names that match your entry will appear. Click the name of the station from the list and the text box will auto-fill.
Look at the map. Find your departure station. Click the white square next to the station. Click the green button to select your departure station.
Find your arrival station. Click the white square next to the station. Click the red button to select your arrival station.
Click the "Go" button in the left panel to submit your custom route request. The left panel will display the results.
Click results for a detailed trip itinerary. The map will display your route.
Click the "Find Fares" tab on the left panel. Complete the "Fare Finder" form using the drop down menus. Click the "Find Fares" tab at the bottom of the form. This will open a new window.
Select your "Departing Train." Choose either "Lowest Price" or "Shortest Trip." Click on the dollar amount. This will highlight the selected trip box. Click the "Add to Cart" tab. This will open a new window.
Follow the same steps when selecting your "Returning Train."
Select a passenger type/discount for each traveler. Use the drop down menu under Passenger #. Enter a promotional code, if applicable. Click the "Enter Passenger Information" tab. This will open a new window.
Log in with your "User ID" and "Password" if you have an Amtrak.com user profile on file. If you don't have a profile on file, complete the "Guest" section. Click the "Continue to Payment" tab. This will open a new window.
Complete the billing information on the Payment screen. Click the "Purchase" tab. This will open a new window.
Confirm your reservation. You may pick your tickets up at the train station prior to departue.
