My family of 6 rode coach from WV clear to Spokane for $681 and, while it wasn’t ideal, it was perfect for our budget and I wouldn’t change a thing. To sweeten this even more, due to the infamous Amtrak delays, we received a $500 voucher. I call this a huge win!!
Agreed with everything you said. Last spring,I took a Vietnam combat wounded disabled veteran around the country in the accessible bedroom and it was great. As you mentioned about the Superliners, the two levels were a bit of a challenge. However, the car attendants will bring all of your meals to your room. The best accessible bedroom was the Lake Shore Ltd from Chicago to Boston. If you ask for it, your ticket will make sure that you get assistance/transportation to and from the station to the train accommodations. Remember,” America grew up on Trains “.
8:18 I am single male and usually travel alone. When taking Amtrak overnight, I always get a roomette. No question about it. I lock the door, take off my shoes, sleep in my underwear, stretch out in a nice long bed with sheets, blankets, a pillow, and I am out for night in the privacy of my own room. Everything else that isn't overnight is coach.
I shared the lower bed on a superliner with my SO and it was fine. A little tight but definitely doable. For a romantic trip there was no thought given to using the upper bunk, which would be completely besides the point. You probably need to take into account that people come in different sizes but no one’s called me skinny in a long time.
I find because of the price, business class has a lot less children. It means no kids running up and down the aisle and/or screaming and yelling [the parents tend to ignore them]. I found trying to sleep in coach overnight either works because you're young or noise and light doesn't bother you. I tried it once and was too close the bathroom - it wasn't the noise; it was the flash of light every time someone went in or out - I have taken a room ever since. Since I'm a single - either Viewliner roomette is fine - I like the toilet.
I got "high grade" earplugs and a "blackout" eye mask and sat in the middle of the superliner (about 4 rows away from the stairs) in coach and didn't really have any issues 😊 I was 37 at the time of my trip (there was a 70's elderly couple traveling with rail passes going to LAX sitting across the aisle from me; I was going to Tucson) and I didn't even hear the guy when he asked me a question in the morning before I took my earplugs out 😂 I thought I'd gone deaf 🤣
We just completed a trip from Chicago to new Orleans in a roometts it was great. We left new Orleans on the sunset limited to Houston in coach but it's just not the same. We will always travel using 2 roometts . Thanks for your videos 😊
We’ve been following your channel for some time, and just returned from the California Zephyr from Denver to San Francisco in a roomette. It was our first overnight train ride. The roomette exceeded our expectations. The service was wonderful and we met so many lovely people at our meals in the dining car. Thank you so much!
Because of the “full” bathroom, the best rooms for seniors are still the bedrooms, IMHO. It can be a little difficult getting upstairs when you board for many folks, but it is worth the effort and inconvenience.
My husband & I recently had a trip on the Long Shore in a bedroom. We are short and skinny and so both fit fine in the lower bed. It was very convenient to be able to use a toilet in the middle of the night without having to get dressed.
We were moved to a Viewliner II accessible bedroom on the Lake Shore Limited when one of the chairs in our Viewliner I roomette malfunctioned, preventing the setup of the lower bed. It was really nice and very, very spacious when compared with a normal bedroom!
Yes viewliner 2 colors are better and i believe the cardinal always uses them but other routes u wont know until u get on because its mostly viewliner 1’s
I really enjoy your channel; I find it very informative as we’re contemplating a cross country vacation on Amtrak. To boot- you guys seem to be awesome, down-to-earth people. As a frequent rider on the NE Regional I somewhat disagree with your assessment of business class - and this may be unique to intermediate stations between DC and NYC. If you’re boarding a morning train to NYP, you’ll be hard pressed to find 2 seats together. The value of business class for my wife and I is ensuring we’ll be sitting together. It may not be as much of an issue if our trips originate in DC or Baltimore - but we board at Aberdeen or Wilmington.
Wished I had seen this before booking our first Amtrac trip. We will be going from Cleveland to Chicago to Seattle. So I took note and will check our tickets to see which bedroom they gave us. Hopefully it will work for us as we both get up often during the night to use the toilet!!! Thanks for sharing the tips!!!
I am happy to say that your list matches mine perfectly. 😁 I only travel in the west so the Viewliner is out but I always travel in a roomette when I travel. When I travelled with a friend on the California Zephyr we got two roomettes directly across from each other and it was perfect! We ha picture windows on each side of the train and it was cheaper than a bedroom. 👍 I love your Amtrak videos. Keep them coming.
After reading many reviews, i took the California zephr in april and found it disappointing as well as capital limited in roommette. Wasn't what i expected. Had a lot of malfunction in roommette and crew team seem inexperienced or new on job. Food was a bit mediocre. My next roommette trip will be Atlanta. I hope that trip will be a better experience.
Had a wonderful trip on the Zephyr earlier this spring. Based on what I learned thru your vids I called up and asked for roomette 11 or 12. Downstairs near toilets and luggage rack, but not next to family bedroom. Very quiet and private
I view Business Class as coach with a reserved seat and more quiet for work, peace of mind, or sleeping. I use it for return travel on the Northeast Regional because the time and location for our embarkation results in crowded seating and little luggage storage (our trips are not commuting, so there is a rollaboard or large pack for each traveller). If only one of us were travelling, coach would be fine on those trips.
I’ve traveled in a Viewliner I roomette many times. I’ve never had a problem with the in-room toilet. Sometimes I step outside the room when the better half has to go and sometimes I do not!
Seems like the toilet in the room should be accessible. And you guys convinced me to take that cross-country trip to see family. I loved it! Believe it or not, I did it with a rollator, bad eyes, and mobility issues. The staff was helpful and I appreciated that. Chicago station was wild but I got where I needed to go, and rode coach all the way there and back. Coach wasn't so bad until coming back when I couldn't get an accessible lower seat out of Chicago. We also were stranded in Kansas for hours waiting for a crew change! Finally made it back to CA. We were six hours late.
Viewliner I toilet -- aging males love it. The toilet in the room is a carry-over from the Pullman roomettes except the bed doesn't cover it! I can personally attest that it is possible to hold the Murphy bed and pee at 3 a.m.
The one time I have been on an Amtrack train, we had the roomette with the toilet. We had two roomettes. It was my husband and I and our two young boys, so it was great. Each of us had a roomette with one of the boys. If they were older it would have not been an issue using the toilet. The other person could always step out in the hall while using the toilet. The only downside is when you are stoped and there is no power you can’t flush. I found out the hard way when I had to do number 2 in the middle of the night. The 💩 sat in there for like a half an hour before we started moving again and the power came on. 😂
Have been watching your videos for years and while they were always great, they are even better now!! You both are so knowledgeable and friendly and your videos are so focused and informative. Would love to meet you on the rails someday. Hello and thank-you from Canada 🇨🇦!
I’m on the Vermonter in business class right now. Peak foliage, full train, and I have an assigned seat. At times like this, and peak holiday travel times like Thanksgiving, it’s worth it. Without it, you might have to stand for awhile. When my daughter used to travel from NYC to Vermont during college vacations, she often had to stand (in coach) until New Haven. Business class has gotten really expensive though. It used to only cost $20 more. Now it could be almost $100 more.
Hi Rob & Ali, thank you again for another superb, informative video. Although we have not ridden a few view liner train yet, I think a roomette in there would be at #2. A superliner roomette on the 2nd deck would be #1 for us. Best regards, John & Cristina from Vegas
Took Amtrak: 91 & 92 for over 25 years: Deland/Cary. Being 6'5'', I qualified for medical assistance seating, due to bad knees. Legroom galore! Most of the time saw my trip in reverse!
I’m one of the people who HATE the Viewliner 1 roomette. The biggest issue is that there is no other bathroom in the car. I actually went to a coach car to go to the bathroom when we were in a Viewliner 2 room. The other problem with the Viewliner cars is there really isn’t luggage storage. There is that bit above the hallway, but it’s fairly small. For that, the Superliner Roomette would be above the Viewliner Roomette. I do like the more room for the top bunk, but they need a baggage area in the car, and not the shower.
My wife and I have enjoyed watching all of your train videos. I’m 80 and my wife is close behind and we’ve been traveling in Amtrak sleepers since 2008 and love it. We stow our suitcases in the luggage rack, and just take our back packs to our room. We’ve been on the Coast Starlight once, Empire Builder 4 times, and the Capitol Limited and California Zephyr 34 times. In mid-September, I booked our 2025 trip from Alliance Ohio to Grand Junction Colorado to see our oldest daughter and family. I printed our tickets for the Capitol Limited and California Zephyr, and three days later, I received new tickets aboard the Floridian. We’ve never traveled in a Viewliner sleeper, so my first thought was great, I have windows on the top bunk. Then reality set in, because I think I’ve heard you say that there is no luggage rack on the viewliner sleeper. We’ll need to take our suitcases into the roomette. (a little snug) I thought if anyone knew the dimensions of the cubby above the hall that you would know. I’m hoping to fit my suitcase up there. (14x22x10) Thanks in advance for any info you can give me.
Really appreciated this review of ALL the rooms. I thought the room where Rob can sit up in his bed would win out! Don't know if i'll ever ride on Amtrak, but IF I ever do, all your tips and suggestions and reviews will be a big help!! Thank you both!
In defense of the Viewliner I roomette, I’ve found that, ironically, the small unstable tray table is much smaller than on the II, and thus it takes up less space when the bed is down. Therefore, I’ve found the I’s have a wider and thus more comfortable bed, and therefore I’ve usually gotten much better sleep on the I’s than II’s.
I am traveling next week on AMTRAK and booked a roomette for the first time. Emeryville CA to Chicago, round trip. I will be okay with the toilet nearby because I will be traveling solo. Love your videos!
i actually dont mind the viewliner 1 roomettes coz i usually do amtrak alone so it isnt too bad using the toilet in the room. it def beats the awkwardness of walking in on someone that didnt lock the restroom door properly.
I am super glad I had the Super Liner Roomette, it was nice to lock the door while I slept. I did not mind going to the rest room down the hall, or downstairs when I had a roomette upstairs. I watched several of your posts on the options and it helped me decide. I began each reservation with a coach seat, put in a bid for the roomette, a low bid might I add. And I did get the roomette.
I like business class because I can have a seat alone. The Vermonter business class configuration is two one one side and one on the other. Furthermore it is the last car on the train with cafe in front of you. There are no people wandering through and a snack and bathroom are handy. The seats are adequate and I am on that train for ten hours at a pop.
Great 'countdown,' and agree with Roomette as best deal overnighting. The MO River Runner Business Class still operates the older, comfier leather recliner style seats, and worth the upgrade.
Being on the west coast, Viewliners are not typically an option for me. I did ride one when I lived in Chicago, and had a Viewliner I roommette. Three additional problems with the toilet in the room: 1. It's kind of a nuisance to have to close the window curtains if you don't want to be seen by anyone outside the train (mostly a problem during station stops). 2. If the curtains between you and the hallway won't fasten properly, you are again exposed to anyone walking past. 3. If you're at all oversized, you just plain don't fit! As far as Business Class goes, it seems to vary a lot depending on the actual equipment and the route. When the Talgo trains were still in service, Business Class offered 2+1 seating, so we solo travelers can sit by ourselves. Unfortunately, the "free drinks" is quite limited on the Cascades routes; what you get is a single voucher for either $3 or $5 (I don't remember which) for use in the café. On the other hand, if you're riding to Vancouver, BC then Business Class is a must! The cars are unloaded one at a time so the Customs line is manageable, and Business Class goes first. The other cars are then unloaded at random, and the time I was on the train and had a tight schedule my car was the last chosen -- and I still had to stand in line in the drizzle for 45 minutes to get to Customs. Beyond that, I agree with what others have said: since we don't have Quiet Cars out here, Business Class is the next best thing.
The problem with the Viewliners is that you won't know until you board whether you're in a 1 or a 2. As someone who always travels alone, I don't mind having a toilet in the Viewliner 1 roomette, but I can see the problem if you have 2 people. The solution there is simply to ignore the toilet if you don't want to use it; you'll just lose a bit of storage space. (And of course, in either Viewliner, there is additional space above the door.) I once rode a Viewliner 1 from ATL to PHL, and because of the toilet in the room, the only two times I had to leave the roomette in the entire trip were to have dinner and breakfast in the dining car!
I finally got a viewliner I on my last trip and it was a little stinky, or else I have a sensitive nose. Luckily a friend had given me a small air purifier the size of ac thermos during covid that J always bring in my backpack, and it kept the room smelling fine except in Albany where the power is turned off for a while. I'm torn. As a solo traveler I think i'm okay with the toilet, but I may still prefer the Viewliner Ii roomette. I like the Superliner II roomette because I often go downstairs for a shower in the long adternoon on the first full daywhich can sometimes be a little warm; also more bathrooms mean you can find a clean one downstairs if the one upstairs is a little tired.
I have always felt that part of the high cost of the rooms on any Amtrak train is that you’re paying for your meals, too. I love the rooms, but meals can jack up that price. And it’s not like you can’t bring your own food or go to the cafe car, but you’ve already paid for your meals. I do wish Amtrak would consider various levels of pricing for rooms-including paid meals or not.
Good video. I like the bedrooms myself. Then again I’m usually traveling alone and I can fit into the shower just fine. It’s a bit more pricey but I don’t mind the added expense if I’m taking it all the way across the country. For the shorter runs like Chicago to DC, the roomette is my go to accommodation.
I think the Superliner bedroom is higher than the Viewliner bedroom when looking at value. With only 2 per Viewliner and 5 per Superliner the cost is usually lower on a superliner. My wife and I usually get 2 roomettes for less than a bedroom on the Florida trains. Also for non sleeping rooms, I would rate the following low to high: Amfleet I coach; Amfleet I business (full car with 2+2 seating); Amfleet II coach/Superliner coach (tie); Amfleet I business (1/2 Cafe car with 2+1 seating)
I don’t know if this has been mentioned, however, I just saw a special for Amtrak. If you book a roomette by 10/31/24, for travel between 11/1/24 and 1/31/25, a companion travels for free. I didn’t check for any exclusions.
Coach Class on Amtrak offers the most leg room in long distance trains. If one needs to stretch out while sitting in a Roomette or Bedroom you'd be forced to place your feet in the opposing seat. The real pros of having a Roomette or Bedroom are having privacy & a quiet space to sleep at night.
We like the Viewliner Roomettes but wish we could select that Viewliner 2 Roomette instead of the 1. We don't use the toilet in the Viewliner 1 Roomettes. Great video. ♥️♥️
This was very helpful, but I wish you would add closed captions for those (like me) who are new to the language. I'm not familiar with the names of the trains or the rooms.
Regarding Viewliner I roomette's toilet, my spouse and I have been married more than 25 years and a couple for 15 years more. But we do not use the toilet; we consider it the same as keeping an emergency vessel hy the bed when you have one of "those" illnesses.
I like your suggestion in a previous video of purchasing 2 roomettes across from each other instead of a bedroom. Also, I did an overnight from Memphis to Chicago in coach (and back) and could not sleep a wink.
I’ve had to use some pretty skanky public restrooms on Amtrak from time to time. I mean, filthy! I’ll take a bedroom with my own toilet anytime I can. I was also grateful for the tiny shower after traveling halfway across the country for three days. To each his own, I guess. 😊
I commute on the Michigan Wolverine, Chicago-Detroit several times a month. You're right about the new 'business class' car. It's EXACTLY like the other cars -- with the same hard, uncomfortable seats! Just a free drink. What a deceptive rip-off.
Only reason I got business class for my trip in December of 2023 was to be able to get access to the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago 😊 I couldn't (and still can't) afford sleeper car accommodation prices (I don't travel often, but might try a "bid up" for my next trip) and I don't qualify for the credit card 😊 However, if you can afford or qualify for either, business class is DEFINITELY not a choice you should take 😂 And FYI, I took the Pere Marquette (closest train station to where I live, so I didn't have a choice there either) and the cafe attendant told me it was only ONE free, non-alcoholic, drink for my 4 hour trip 😊 I don't know if this is different for other (longer?) business class trips, but that's what it was for me 👍
I loved the family bedroom on the empire builder! I booked early and paid $685 from Chicago to Portland Oregon which was cheaper than the roomette. I didn’t have the noise issue and I only took that route once so maybe I got lucky. I learned to book early and look at the prices when choosing a seat. There might be an unexpected discount.
I have seen other videos where the person got a roomette for a day trip. How would that fit into your arithmetic? Meals, added privacy, quieter and could maybe take a nap versus more expensive than coach.
Do the coach seats go either direction? I was wondering if you could buy the seat ahead of you and move the back the opposite way so you can put your feet up if you want to.
7:12 The first images are actually *Business* Class on the Acela. I mean, Acela Business Class is functionally coach (eg, for re-accommodation purposes), but that’s not officially coach.
A benefit of the bedroom not mentioned is if you are traveling with a child, this room can fit three people…three smaller people. Could be ideal for one adult and two children.
I'm getting ready to book a trip from Pittsburgh to Seattle - one way. Which way would you suggest that we take the train? East to West or West to East. We plan to fly the other direction. I believe you said in other videos you book your own trips....I've not found that very user friendly on their website. any suggestions? Thanks for your informative videos.
It partially depends on when you're going. I went westbound in late May, and we had daylight through Glacier National Park. Most times of the year, it's likely to be dark going through there. I have thought about booking a trip on a full moon in the Winter, which could be interesting, or should be a dud. It looks like Eastbound trains go through Glacier in the morning, so even of your train is late, you should still have daylight.
@kimberlycook5860 I think that Eastbound is a little bit more sure of a bet for daylight through Glacier, but in May, either should be fine, especially late May
I like coach except a lot of people have bad manners and no home training. Loud mouths at night. Dirty the bathrooms. Talking loud on phones without using headphones. I hate hearing other people discuss personal issues all loud and trifling. So on this one occasion I put the Business class at the top of my list since there is more monitoring by the TA staff along with a reasonable price (buy early) and seat selection. Roomette if more than 1 night onboard.
I rode coach from Atlanta to Boston about 35 years ago, 23 hours. It was fine for one night. I found the seats comfortable enough I was able to sleep. I am not sure if I would want to do more than that as I hate wearing the same clothes for more than 24 hours. Now, if they offered a shower and dressing room even for an extra fee I would not mind it. However, the refreshment stand food was godawful. worse quality than Morton TV dinners but prices like you pay at an amusement park or ballpark. Remember the Salisbury steak dinners. The hamburger tasted like that. Now if they had better food offers I wouldn't have minded so much. So, lol pack some peanut butter sandwiches, I guess.
I recently rode a train that was going from NYC to Canada. The seats weren’t that comfortable and not much leg room. I am short. Good thing I only was on the train for 25 minutes I was disappointed that the train traveling in coach. It have been an old train
Thank you soo much! I was thinking about taking a trip for my birthday. This video will make my decision so much easier. Their website isn’t very helpful.
The Venture coaches are currently only on short-distance routes (Chicago-St. Louis, Chicago-Milwaukee, Chicago-Michigan, Chicago-Quincy) and California's San Joaquins (Oakland-Sacrament0-Bakersfield) -- no overnight trains. Granted, they were purchased by the state's consortiums (Amtrak Midwest and Caltrans) rather than Amtrak proper, but the seats in the Amtrak Midwest Venture cars are atrocious -- hard, narrower, minimally reclining and almost confining. They are more akin to commuter seats (i.e., 2-3 hours max) which work for Chicago-Milwaukee, but really get uncomfortable on the other routes that are up to 5-6 hours.
If you're close enough to be in a roomette together than going, well, urinate in the middle of the nite shouldn't be an issue. For privacy otherwise and not middle of nite, the non user could step out in the hallway for a few. I'm a "mature" person. I was glad i had a potty right there...lol.
The only Amtrak business class offering that is worthy of extra fare is the 2 + 1 seating on the older cars opposite the cafe which is in the middle. Otherwise I choose the QUIET CAR!
I use room met and most times had toilet in it. Last trip had no toilet in room. Single traveler I had no problem with toilet don't have to share with others. 😂
One point on value. If you have a stateroom all is included but, if you ride coach everything is extra cost. Not much of a value for more than a day unless you like and pack junk food to live on. Just sayin'
Not sure you will see this or when, but why is Amtrak web page to plan or book tickets a nightmare? Finding a human on the. End of a phone line is impossible!
My wife and I have been together for 38 years, and see each other use the bathroom on a regular basis. So if you’re a couple, I don’t see what’s so odd about using the in-room toilet in a roomette. Especially since you don’t have to share it with all those other nasty people!
My family of 6 rode coach from WV clear to Spokane for $681 and, while it wasn’t ideal, it was perfect for our budget and I wouldn’t change a thing. To sweeten this even more, due to the infamous Amtrak delays, we received a $500 voucher. I call this a huge win!!
We are about to take our first ever Amtrack trip to DC from Raleigh. Our family would have never considered Amtrack before watching your channel.
Thats a nice trip and even in coach be good
Agreed with everything you said. Last spring,I took a Vietnam combat wounded disabled veteran around the country in the accessible bedroom and it was great. As you mentioned about the Superliners, the two levels were a bit of a challenge. However, the car attendants will bring all of your meals to your room.
The best accessible bedroom was the Lake Shore Ltd from Chicago to Boston.
If you ask for it, your ticket will make sure that you get assistance/transportation to and from the station to the train accommodations.
Remember,” America grew up on Trains “.
8:18 I am single male and usually travel alone.
When taking Amtrak overnight, I always get a roomette. No question about it.
I lock the door, take off my shoes, sleep in my underwear, stretch out in a nice long bed with sheets, blankets, a pillow, and I am out for night in the privacy of my own room.
Everything else that isn't overnight is coach.
I shared the lower bed on a superliner with my SO and it was fine. A little tight but definitely doable. For a romantic trip there was no thought given to using the upper bunk, which would be completely besides the point. You probably need to take into account that people come in different sizes but no one’s called me skinny in a long time.
If you are an elderly man who has to use the bathroom several times per night, then it's really nice to have a bathroom IN the bedroom.
I find because of the price, business class has a lot less children. It means no kids running up and down the aisle and/or screaming and yelling [the parents tend to ignore them].
I found trying to sleep in coach overnight either works because you're young or noise and light doesn't bother you. I tried it once and was too close the bathroom - it wasn't the noise; it was the flash of light every time someone went in or out - I have taken a room ever since. Since I'm a single - either Viewliner roomette is fine - I like the toilet.
I got "high grade" earplugs and a "blackout" eye mask and sat in the middle of the superliner (about 4 rows away from the stairs) in coach and didn't really have any issues 😊 I was 37 at the time of my trip (there was a 70's elderly couple traveling with rail passes going to LAX sitting across the aisle from me; I was going to Tucson) and I didn't even hear the guy when he asked me a question in the morning before I took my earplugs out 😂
I thought I'd gone deaf 🤣
We just completed a trip from Chicago to new Orleans in a roometts it was great. We left new Orleans on the sunset limited to Houston in coach but it's just not the same. We will always travel using 2 roometts . Thanks for your videos 😊
We’ve been following your channel for some time, and just returned from the California Zephyr from Denver to San Francisco in a roomette. It was our first overnight train ride. The roomette exceeded our expectations. The service was wonderful and we met so many lovely people at our meals in the dining car. Thank you so much!
Because of the “full” bathroom, the best rooms for seniors are still the bedrooms, IMHO.
It can be a little difficult getting upstairs when you board for many folks, but it is worth the effort and inconvenience.
Totally correct. The cramped options with communal bathrooms are okay for younger folks, but not for seniors.
My husband & I recently had a trip on the Long Shore in a bedroom. We are short and skinny and so both fit fine in the lower bed. It was very convenient to be able to use a toilet in the middle of the night without having to get dressed.
On long hauls, it’s good to have the space and the bathroom. Take a shower downstairs so your bathroom isn’t wet.
Excellent breakdown. I always picked up on Rob’s delight with those windows up there and the extra headroom, lol. Love your content!
We were moved to a Viewliner II accessible bedroom on the Lake Shore Limited when one of the chairs in our Viewliner I roomette malfunctioned, preventing the setup of the lower bed. It was really nice and very, very spacious when compared with a normal bedroom!
Yes viewliner 2 colors are better and i believe the cardinal always uses them but other routes u wont know until u get on because its mostly viewliner 1’s
I really enjoy your channel; I find it very informative as we’re contemplating a cross country vacation on Amtrak. To boot- you guys seem to be awesome, down-to-earth people. As a frequent rider on the NE Regional I somewhat disagree with your assessment of business class - and this may be unique to intermediate stations between DC and NYC. If you’re boarding a morning train to NYP, you’ll be hard pressed to find 2 seats together. The value of business class for my wife and I is ensuring we’ll be sitting together. It may not be as much of an issue if our trips originate in DC or Baltimore - but we board at Aberdeen or Wilmington.
Wished I had seen this before booking our first Amtrac trip. We will be going from Cleveland to Chicago to Seattle. So I took note and will check our tickets to see which bedroom they gave us. Hopefully it will work for us as we both get up often during the night to use the toilet!!! Thanks for sharing the tips!!!
I am happy to say that your list matches mine perfectly. 😁 I only travel in the west so the Viewliner is out but I always travel in a roomette when I travel. When I travelled with a friend on the California Zephyr we got two roomettes directly across from each other and it was perfect! We ha picture windows on each side of the train and it was cheaper than a bedroom. 👍 I love your Amtrak videos. Keep them coming.
After reading many reviews, i took the California zephr in april and found it disappointing as well as capital limited in roommette. Wasn't what i expected. Had a lot of malfunction in roommette and crew team seem inexperienced or new on job. Food was a bit mediocre. My next roommette trip will be Atlanta. I hope that trip will be a better experience.
I just did an Amtrak trip that did a loop around the country. One tip is bring a ziplock bag of dryer sheets so all your clothes don’t stink.
Had a wonderful trip on the Zephyr earlier this spring. Based on what I learned thru your vids I called up and asked for roomette 11 or 12. Downstairs near toilets and luggage rack, but not next to family bedroom. Very quiet and private
I view Business Class as coach with a reserved seat and more quiet for work, peace of mind, or sleeping. I use it for return travel on the Northeast Regional because the time and location for our embarkation results in crowded seating and little luggage storage (our trips are not commuting, so there is a rollaboard or large pack for each traveller). If only one of us were travelling, coach would be fine on those trips.
I’ve traveled in a Viewliner I roomette many times. I’ve never had a problem with the in-room toilet. Sometimes I step outside the room when the better half has to go and sometimes I do not!
Seems like the toilet in the room should be accessible. And you guys convinced me to take that cross-country trip to see family. I loved it! Believe it or not, I did it with a rollator, bad eyes, and mobility issues. The staff was helpful and I appreciated that. Chicago station was wild but I got where I needed to go, and rode coach all the way there and back. Coach wasn't so bad until coming back when I couldn't get an accessible lower seat out of Chicago. We also were stranded in Kansas for hours waiting for a crew change! Finally made it back to CA. We were six hours late.
Viewliner I toilet -- aging males love it. The toilet in the room is a carry-over from the Pullman roomettes except the bed doesn't cover it! I can personally attest that it is possible to hold the Murphy bed and pee at 3 a.m.
The one time I have been on an Amtrack train, we had the roomette with the toilet. We had two roomettes. It was my husband and I and our two young boys, so it was great. Each of us had a roomette with one of the boys. If they were older it would have not been an issue using the toilet. The other person could always step out in the hall while using the toilet. The only downside is when you are stoped and there is no power you can’t flush. I found out the hard way when I had to do number 2 in the middle of the night. The 💩 sat in there for like a half an hour before we started moving again and the power came on. 😂
Have been watching your videos for years and while they were always great, they are even better now!! You both are so knowledgeable and friendly and your videos are so focused and informative. Would love to meet you on the rails someday. Hello and thank-you from Canada 🇨🇦!
I’m on the Vermonter in business class right now. Peak foliage, full train, and I have an assigned seat. At times like this, and peak holiday travel times like Thanksgiving, it’s worth it. Without it, you might have to stand for awhile. When my daughter used to travel from NYC to Vermont during college vacations, she often had to stand (in coach) until New Haven. Business class has gotten really expensive though. It used to only cost $20 more. Now it could be almost $100 more.
Hi Rob & Ali, thank you again for another superb, informative video. Although we have not ridden a few view liner train yet, I think a roomette in there would be at #2. A superliner roomette on the 2nd deck would be #1 for us.
Best regards, John & Cristina from Vegas
Took Amtrak: 91 & 92 for over 25 years: Deland/Cary. Being 6'5'', I qualified for medical assistance seating, due to bad knees. Legroom galore! Most of the time saw my trip in reverse!
So true about business class.
I’m one of the people who HATE the Viewliner 1 roomette. The biggest issue is that there is no other bathroom in the car. I actually went to a coach car to go to the bathroom when we were in a Viewliner 2 room.
The other problem with the Viewliner cars is there really isn’t luggage storage. There is that bit above the hallway, but it’s fairly small. For that, the Superliner Roomette would be above the Viewliner Roomette. I do like the more room for the top bunk, but they need a baggage area in the car, and not the shower.
My wife and I have enjoyed watching all of your train videos.
I’m 80 and my wife is close behind and we’ve been traveling in Amtrak sleepers since 2008 and love it. We stow our suitcases in the luggage rack, and just take our back packs to our room. We’ve been on the Coast Starlight once, Empire Builder 4 times, and the Capitol Limited and California Zephyr 34 times.
In mid-September, I booked our 2025 trip from Alliance Ohio to Grand Junction Colorado to see our oldest daughter and family. I printed our tickets for the Capitol Limited and California Zephyr, and three days later, I received new tickets aboard the Floridian.
We’ve never traveled in a Viewliner sleeper, so my first thought was great, I have windows on the top bunk. Then reality set in, because I think I’ve heard you say that there is no luggage rack on the viewliner sleeper. We’ll need to take our suitcases into the roomette. (a little snug)
I thought if anyone knew the dimensions of the cubby above the hall that you would know.
I’m hoping to fit my suitcase up there. (14x22x10)
Thanks in advance for any info you can give me.
Really appreciated this review of ALL the rooms. I thought the room where Rob can sit up in his bed would win out! Don't know if i'll ever ride on Amtrak, but IF I ever do, all your tips and suggestions and reviews will be a big help!! Thank you both!
In defense of the Viewliner I roomette, I’ve found that, ironically, the small unstable tray table is much smaller than on the II, and thus it takes up less space when the bed is down. Therefore, I’ve found the I’s have a wider and thus more comfortable bed, and therefore I’ve usually gotten much better sleep on the I’s than II’s.
I am traveling next week on AMTRAK and booked a roomette for the first time. Emeryville CA to Chicago, round trip. I will be okay with the toilet nearby because I will be traveling solo. Love your videos!
i actually dont mind the viewliner 1 roomettes coz i usually do amtrak alone so it isnt too bad using the toilet in the room. it def beats the awkwardness of walking in on someone that didnt lock the restroom door properly.
I am super glad I had the Super Liner Roomette, it was nice to lock the door while I slept. I did not mind going to the rest room down the hall, or downstairs when I had a roomette upstairs. I watched several of your posts on the options and it helped me decide. I began each reservation with a coach seat, put in a bid for the roomette, a low bid might I add. And I did get the roomette.
I love roomettes! Except the ones with the toilet that is gross. Did cross country twice and the regular roomette is top drawer
I like business class because I can have a seat alone. The Vermonter business class configuration is two one one side and one on the other. Furthermore it is the last car on the train with cafe in front of you. There are no people wandering through and a snack and bathroom are handy. The seats are adequate and I am on that train for ten hours at a pop.
Great 'countdown,' and agree with Roomette as best deal overnighting. The MO River Runner Business Class still operates the older, comfier leather recliner style seats, and worth the upgrade.
Being on the west coast, Viewliners are not typically an option for me. I did ride one when I lived in Chicago, and had a Viewliner I roommette. Three additional problems with the toilet in the room:
1. It's kind of a nuisance to have to close the window curtains if you don't want to be seen by anyone outside the train (mostly a problem during station stops).
2. If the curtains between you and the hallway won't fasten properly, you are again exposed to anyone walking past.
3. If you're at all oversized, you just plain don't fit!
As far as Business Class goes, it seems to vary a lot depending on the actual equipment and the route. When the Talgo trains were still in service, Business Class offered 2+1 seating, so we solo travelers can sit by ourselves. Unfortunately, the "free drinks" is quite limited on the Cascades routes; what you get is a single voucher for either $3 or $5 (I don't remember which) for use in the café. On the other hand, if you're riding to Vancouver, BC then Business Class is a must! The cars are unloaded one at a time so the Customs line is manageable, and Business Class goes first. The other cars are then unloaded at random, and the time I was on the train and had a tight schedule my car was the last chosen -- and I still had to stand in line in the drizzle for 45 minutes to get to Customs. Beyond that, I agree with what others have said: since we don't have Quiet Cars out here, Business Class is the next best thing.
The problem with the Viewliners is that you won't know until you board whether you're in a 1 or a 2. As someone who always travels alone, I don't mind having a toilet in the Viewliner 1 roomette, but I can see the problem if you have 2 people. The solution there is simply to ignore the toilet if you don't want to use it; you'll just lose a bit of storage space. (And of course, in either Viewliner, there is additional space above the door.) I once rode a Viewliner 1 from ATL to PHL, and because of the toilet in the room, the only two times I had to leave the roomette in the entire trip were to have dinner and breakfast in the dining car!
I finally got a viewliner I on my last trip and it was a little stinky, or else I have a sensitive nose. Luckily a friend had given me a small air purifier the size of ac thermos during covid that J always bring in my backpack, and it kept the room smelling fine except in Albany where the power is turned off for a while.
I'm torn. As a solo traveler I think i'm okay with the toilet, but I may still prefer the Viewliner Ii roomette. I like the Superliner II roomette because I often go downstairs for a shower in the long adternoon on the first full daywhich can sometimes be a little warm; also more bathrooms mean you can find a clean one downstairs if the one upstairs is a little tired.
I have always felt that part of the high cost of the rooms on any Amtrak train is that you’re paying for your meals, too. I love the rooms, but meals can jack up that price. And it’s not like you can’t bring your own food or go to the cafe car, but you’ve already paid for your meals. I do wish Amtrak would consider various levels of pricing for rooms-including paid meals or not.
Good video. I like the bedrooms myself. Then again I’m usually traveling alone and I can fit into the shower just fine. It’s a bit more pricey but I don’t mind the added expense if I’m taking it all the way across the country. For the shorter runs like Chicago to DC, the roomette is my go to accommodation.
I just want to thank you guys for sharing your experience with us.!!!
I think the Superliner bedroom is higher than the Viewliner bedroom when looking at value. With only 2 per Viewliner and 5 per Superliner the cost is usually lower on a superliner. My wife and I usually get 2 roomettes for less than a bedroom on the Florida trains.
Also for non sleeping rooms, I would rate the following low to high: Amfleet I coach; Amfleet I business (full car with 2+2 seating); Amfleet II coach/Superliner coach (tie); Amfleet I business (1/2 Cafe car with 2+1 seating)
I don’t know if this has been mentioned, however, I just saw a special for Amtrak.
If you book a roomette by 10/31/24, for travel between 11/1/24 and 1/31/25, a companion travels for free. I didn’t check for any exclusions.
If you’re on for days, the rooms have added value because they include meals.
Coach Class on Amtrak offers the most leg room in long distance trains. If one needs to stretch out while sitting in a Roomette or Bedroom you'd be forced to place your feet in the opposing seat. The real pros of having a Roomette or Bedroom are having privacy & a quiet space to sleep at night.
I had the Opposite Experience Coach Full and business empty from Penn Station
We like the Viewliner Roomettes but wish we could select that Viewliner 2 Roomette instead of the 1. We don't use the toilet in the Viewliner 1 Roomettes. Great video. ♥️♥️
This was very helpful, but I wish you would add closed captions for those (like me) who are new to the language. I'm not familiar with the names of the trains or the rooms.
Regarding Viewliner I roomette's toilet, my spouse and I have been married more than 25 years and a couple for 15 years more. But we do not use the toilet; we consider it the same as keeping an emergency vessel hy the bed when you have one of "those" illnesses.
I did take the roommate from NY to Charlotte, and I was a Amazing Feeling wanna do the bedroom
How do you know if you’re on the Superliner I vs. II?
I like your suggestion in a previous video of purchasing 2 roomettes across from each other instead of a bedroom. Also, I did an overnight from Memphis to Chicago in coach (and back) and could not sleep a wink.
I’ve had to use some pretty skanky public restrooms on Amtrak from time to time. I mean, filthy! I’ll take a bedroom with my own toilet anytime I can. I was also grateful for the tiny shower after traveling halfway across the country for three days. To each his own, I guess. 😊
I commute on the Michigan Wolverine, Chicago-Detroit several times a month.
You're right about the new 'business class' car. It's EXACTLY like the other cars -- with the same hard, uncomfortable seats! Just a free drink. What a deceptive rip-off.
Because Coach is generally crowded on the Wolverine I'll still pay for the business class
Only reason I got business class for my trip in December of 2023 was to be able to get access to the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago 😊
I couldn't (and still can't) afford sleeper car accommodation prices (I don't travel often, but might try a "bid up" for my next trip) and I don't qualify for the credit card 😊
However, if you can afford or qualify for either, business class is DEFINITELY not a choice you should take 😂
And FYI, I took the Pere Marquette (closest train station to where I live, so I didn't have a choice there either) and the cafe attendant told me it was only ONE free, non-alcoholic, drink for my 4 hour trip 😊
I don't know if this is different for other (longer?) business class trips, but that's what it was for me 👍
My husband and I can fit on the bottom in a bedroom. We actually prefer that to struggling to be comfortable in the upper bunk.
I loved the family bedroom on the empire builder! I booked early and paid $685 from Chicago to Portland Oregon which was cheaper than the roomette. I didn’t have the noise issue and I only took that route once so maybe I got lucky. I learned to book early and look at the prices when choosing a seat. There might be an unexpected discount.
Good review, though from the thumbnail I thought you would be discussing the comfort of the new seat upholstery compared to the older styles.
we like the viewliner 1
It would be nice if Amtrak would reserve one of the lower level bathrooms for the exclusive use of customers in the Family Bedroom! 😊
Very helpful! Thank you
Thanks!
I have seen other videos where the person got a roomette for a day trip. How would that fit into your arithmetic? Meals, added privacy, quieter and could maybe take a nap versus more expensive than coach.
We tried SLC (midnight) to Sacramento (3pm) in coach to try it. Barely got any sleep.
I am not sure how I feel about the highlighting of the accessible cabins
Are there any east to west auto trains??
Do the coach seats go either direction? I was wondering if you could buy the seat ahead of you and move the back the opposite way so you can put your feet up if you want to.
7:12 The first images are actually *Business* Class on the Acela. I mean, Acela Business Class is functionally coach (eg, for re-accommodation purposes), but that’s not officially coach.
A benefit of the bedroom not mentioned is if you are traveling with a child, this room can fit three people…three smaller people. Could be ideal for one adult and two children.
I have found that I do okay with one night in coach, but consecutive nights in coach is not great for my back and neck.
What about the Accessible Room? How expensive and comfortable is?
I'm getting ready to book a trip from Pittsburgh to Seattle - one way. Which way would you suggest that we take the train? East to West or West to East. We plan to fly the other direction. I believe you said in other videos you book your own trips....I've not found that very user friendly on their website. any suggestions? Thanks for your informative videos.
It partially depends on when you're going.
I went westbound in late May, and we had daylight through Glacier National Park. Most times of the year, it's likely to be dark going through there.
I have thought about booking a trip on a full moon in the Winter, which could be interesting, or should be a dud.
It looks like Eastbound trains go through Glacier in the morning, so even of your train is late, you should still have daylight.
@@michaelhagmeier5374 thank you, we are thinking May next year!
@kimberlycook5860 I think that Eastbound is a little bit more sure of a bet for daylight through Glacier, but in May, either should be fine, especially late May
I like coach except a lot of people have bad manners and no home training. Loud mouths at night. Dirty the bathrooms. Talking loud on phones without using headphones. I hate hearing other people discuss personal issues all loud and trifling. So on this one occasion I put the Business class at the top of my list since there is more monitoring by the TA staff along with a reasonable price (buy early) and seat selection. Roomette if more than 1 night onboard.
I rode coach from Atlanta to Boston about 35 years ago, 23 hours. It was fine for one night. I found the seats comfortable enough I was able to sleep. I am not sure if I would want to do more than that as I hate wearing the same clothes for more than 24 hours. Now, if they offered a shower and dressing room even for an extra fee I would not mind it. However, the refreshment stand food was godawful. worse quality than Morton TV dinners but prices like you pay at an amusement park or ballpark. Remember the Salisbury steak dinners. The hamburger tasted like that. Now if they had better food offers I wouldn't have minded so much. So, lol pack some peanut butter sandwiches, I guess.
I would not need hot food but if they offered a fresh salad choice and some fruit, maybe some yogurt it would be good
I recently rode a train that was going from NYC to Canada. The seats weren’t that comfortable and not much leg room. I am short. Good thing I only was on the train for 25 minutes
I was disappointed that the train traveling in coach. It have been an old train
How do you know which routes are a 1 versus a 2?
Thank you soo much! I was thinking about taking a trip for my birthday. This video will make my decision so much easier. Their website isn’t very helpful.
What are your thoughts on the Siemens Venture coaches? I’ve heard that a lot of people don’t like them.
The Venture coaches are currently only on short-distance routes (Chicago-St. Louis, Chicago-Milwaukee, Chicago-Michigan, Chicago-Quincy) and California's San Joaquins (Oakland-Sacrament0-Bakersfield) -- no overnight trains. Granted, they were purchased by the state's consortiums (Amtrak Midwest and Caltrans) rather than Amtrak proper, but the seats in the Amtrak Midwest Venture cars are atrocious -- hard, narrower, minimally reclining and almost confining. They are more akin to commuter seats (i.e., 2-3 hours max) which work for Chicago-Milwaukee, but really get uncomfortable on the other routes that are up to 5-6 hours.
If you're close enough to be in a roomette together than going, well, urinate in the middle of the nite shouldn't be an issue. For privacy otherwise and not middle of nite, the non user could step out in the hallway for a few. I'm a "mature" person. I was glad i had a potty right there...lol.
Business Class has less riders-per-bathroom so the toilets are cleaner. The Coach bathrooms are gross!!!
Does business class, have assigned seating?
Where does it say on Amtrak’s site if you’re booking a Viewliner or Superliner. I don’t see it anywhere??? :(
18:30
We've also written on every one. The handicap accessible is by far our favorite
Ridden
The only Amtrak business class offering that is worthy of extra fare is the 2 + 1 seating on the older cars opposite the cafe which is in the middle. Otherwise I choose the QUIET CAR!
My best friend and I are planning a trip to California. I love her but I woukd not want to use the toilet right next to her.
Couldn’t she leave the room for a few minutes?
The trains west of Chicago do not have a toilet in the roommates only the viewliner 1 cars which are east of Chicago have a toluet in the roommate.
I use room met and most times had toilet in it. Last trip had no toilet in room. Single traveler I had no problem with toilet don't have to share with others. 😂
Business Class has Assigned Seat, and I bring my Own Drink and Snacks. The price from Coach and Business Hugh Different
The NorthEast Regional, at least south of DC, doesn't have those great coach seats with ample space, big recline and footrest. Worse than a bus.
It's one free soda per ride on business class.
One point on value. If you have a stateroom all is included but, if you ride coach everything is extra cost. Not much of a value for more than a day unless you like and pack junk food to live on. Just sayin'
Not sure you will see this or when, but why is Amtrak web page to plan or book tickets a nightmare? Finding a human on the. End of a phone line is impossible!
I’m claustrophobic and the roomette is just too small for me.
Roomette: I still can't figure out how two adults sit facing each other with absolutely no leg room.
My wife and I have been together for 38 years, and see each other use the bathroom on a regular basis. So if you’re a couple, I don’t see what’s so odd about using the in-room toilet in a roomette.
Especially since you don’t have to share it with all those other nasty people!
thats nasty to me to put a toilet near a bed what about germs elll no thanks