I bought the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, and there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand. Malia Yoshioka I purchased Amtrak's USA Rail Pass, which allowed me to take 10 trips for $499. Although I thought the pass was a great value, there are a few things I wish I knew ahead of time. For example, long trips provide the best value, but sleeper-car upgrades aren't available. I took my first long train ride when I was 18, heading upstate from New York City. I can still remember the view of the