USA Bus Lines

Greyhound or Amtrak for USA/Canada?

I am having a hard time deciding whether to go with Amtrak trains or Greyhound buses. From what I read there seems to be pro's and con's for each options. These are the options I am considering: Greyhound Discovery Pass (60 days) = $539 USD Amtrak Rail Pass (30 days (12 segments)) = $579 USD Is it worth paying the extra $30 for the train even though you get less time and travel days? Is it that much more comfortable? That much safer? etc etc? But if I go Amtrak I will have to organize separate transport while in Canada, which will up the cost of the Amtrak option considerably I would assume. Is there an Amtrak alternative in Canada or will it have to be Greyhound in Canada? Also, is Amtrak coverage as comprehensive/extensive as Greyhound? As many routes? As many times? I plan on doing a few very long legs and so will be looking for overnight options where possible. So generally how safe is your carry on luggage while your sleeping? BTW, I'm a 22 year old Australian male travelling solo. East to west across the USA, west to east across Canada. As you can see Im a little lost here... deciphering all the options to find the best one is quite hard, so any help from people with first hand experience is welcomed and encouraged. Thanks @USMC Yes its real... why wouldnt it be? You've missed the point. Its not just the "extra" $40 dollars... If I go Amtrak then I will have to buy extra tickets for travels in Canada (I checked out rail in Canada an its outrageously expensive). Im looking at a min $200+ extra on top of the $40 extra if i got the Amtrak option. Tis not that simple mate.

Public Comments

1. If you can afford it, Amtrak hands down. No competition. There is a myriad of reasons why which I cant be bothered going in to (sorry) as the list or reasons would be too long, but believe me.
2. Amtrak is FAR better. The bus has more schedules and routes but for long trips is absolutely miserable. See site below for info on trains in Canada. As to carry-0n luggage...keep it under your feet. Keep a strap around your leg or arm. NEVER put it overhead as it can take a walk. If you travel a lot by bus, you will have tons of transfers...Greyhound is very skilled at losing your checked luggage at transfer points.
3. oh man, do NOT take greyhound cross country. You're just sitting in a seat with no chance to move at all except the periodic stops at gas stations and burger kings. I took it from california to tennessee and back and could barely move my legs at the end cause they were so cramped up from sitting for so long. at least on the train you can get up and walk around a bit. I guess it depends on if you are stopping and staying at various cities for a bit then it might not be so bad. But for comfort I would go amtrak over greyhound. I took a lot of greyhound trips and never had anything stolen while sleeping. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Most people are nice if you are nice to them. Plus, it's hard to sleep sitting upright in a bus seat, so don't count on getting a good nights sleep on greyhound. Hope this doesn't discourage you, you'll meet a lot of cool characters and see beautiful scenery. Good luck, hope you have a good trip!
4. Is this even a real question? Spend the extra 40 bucks and take Amtrak