For sleeping in coach (which I do every trip): Amtrak sells a "Comfort Pack" at many stations and in the lounge car for $10. It is a soft draw-string bag containing a blanket (AC is cold at night), eye shades, ear plugs, and a U-shaped inflatable pillow. I bought one and use it on every trip.
Omg yes, the KEY is noise canceling headphones! I took the coast starlight solo from LA to Tacoma and 32 hours of dealing with people that have no sense of how loud they speak is a pain. I wore mine most of my trip because of how many ppl around me had loud/endless conversations. 🙃 (At a stop somewhere in Portland, a man lashed out at a woman for face-timing her entire family at 5 a.m., on speaker phone, for our whole car to hear. I was rooting for him lol).
i read all the new up to date information in reguards to covid not anywere does it say that the observation car is closed i m planning on going from niagara falls to penn station i cant get a answer since its not mentioned as being closed
Joe Amtrak and Secretary Pete are working on that. A normal schedule might include a ride on an Amtrak Bus. The bus has AMTRAK “on its side” goes to “out of the way” places.
@@kssaint6290 First we need long haul passenger better than 3x a week, NOW are Acela 2 are faster but not bullet. Maybe bullet trains in 20 years NYC to Chi and LA to Chi.
@@kssaint6290 I don't think that there is much rail mileage in the USA, and particularly on the longer routes, that would handle the speed of a bullet train. We would need to build much better long-distance infrastructure to support high-speed equipment. The idea of building new rail lines, or somehow retrofitting existing rails to accommodate high-speed passenger traffic (presumably separate from the slower and more hazardous freight traffic), does not sound financially viable; and the idea of running high-speed trains on the existing rail network, consisting mostly of leased freight company rails, just sounds unrealistic and unsafe.
This lady definitely has it nailed. My wife and I have traveled Amtrack on numerous occasions and consider ourselves seasoned rail passengers. Everything this woman says is gospel listen to her.
@@Tonymanero1960 Sure, first of all, amtrak has kind of gone overboard on this covid business as far as food on the train and how long they will let you stay in the observation cars. First of all, the dining car menu has changed since my wife and I rode. Thee food is expensive and may not be what you like. Generally, if you chow down on everything on the menu there's around five days worth of variety (for dinner) the cafe car is probably your best bet, heat up sandwiches, beer, pop, snacks, candy milk can be had there. The woman said the credit card machine on her train wasn't working and they wouldn't take cash. I've always paid cash for food out of the cafe car. Also, you might want to think about bringing your own food, snacks and maybe even cold cereal in those plastic bowls you can get at convenience stores. Luggage...Try and keep your luggage down. They have a large area for storing your larger bags when you first board the train, the overhead racks are for overnight and smaller bags. Some people try and bring everything but the kitchen sink. Also pack a light blanket and even ear plugs, if you're traveling in coach the train will be making stops all night long with people moving through the coaches. If you're traveling in a sleeper car (1st class) you've got it licked. (1st call for food, meals in the dining car included in your ticket, and you can seal yourself off from the world. I could go on for two whole pages but this is pretty much the basics
@@mrc6182 It's basically the long-haul routes that run delayed because almost all the timing slots are occupied by freight trains. Services on the Northeast and Keystone Corridors are fairly punctual and usually not badly late, as Amtrak owns the tracks. Aside from that, I find that Amtrak's regional state-supported services are usually more or less on time, e.g. the Amtrak California routes, because even though they share with freight, Amtrak has a lot of time allotted for their trains on them. The Hiawatha between Chicago and Milwaukee is on-time 95% of the time. Basically on the Amtrak-run tracks, and on the frequently-used tracks of the state-supported services, it's not any worse delay-wise than flying.
Another tip, wifi and cell signal dont always work. Make sure to download some books or movies just incase. Also bring a battery pack to charge devices just incase the plug doesn't work.
@@gregmarquez8720 You can get a lot of printed pages for the size and weight of a laptop, or even a tablet. Cel phone? OK, good challenge - but do people seriously read sizable books on their itty bitty cel phone screens? Believe it or not, there was a time when people actually read pieces of paper with ink printed on them. Those days are quickly fading...
@@richardeshom4985 yes I do read books on my cell. I travel internationally and less is more. Im not carrying a cell, tablet and my laptop. Thats extra stuff I have to deal with with security. Also when its slow at work it's more discreet if I read on my cell vs a huge tablet.
Good tips. I have travelled extensively on Amtrak since 1980. Yesteryear had better service and options. In the sleeper car and trans/dorm car, I have never had a problem with my belongings going missing. In coach, things can disappear, including baggage store on the public luggage racks, on rare occasions. I think people should be aware, but not overly paranoid. Bring only the bare essentials and nothing of real value...everything will be fine. I love looking out the windows at night...it is my favorite time, especially in the sleeper car, I leave the curtains open so I can see. Keep up the great content.
I enjoy looking out the windows at night also. Especially during the Christmas season. Lovely. City skylines at night too.🌆🎄 was traveling through a town Fourth of July evening one year and saw a few fireworks. Loved it!!
The reason for better options in the past is that every single year there are efforts to starve Amtrak to death by under-funding. If you want better service, let your Congressional reps know to support Amtrak.
I rode the Empire Builder solo and enjoyed my own roommette. I'm a hopeless introvert but some of my best memories were meeting people in the dining car. Everyone had an interesting story to tell about their trip.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Taking away the traditional dining cars was a deal breaker for me, it's a nice part of the trip, and they started doing this before Covid, I don't really want a frozen dinner on a plastic plate. I love trains, train travel and train stations. I would pay double for a little nicer experience, to me the train ride is the experience and not just a mode of transportation, but they keep going the other direction. There needs to be something in between the snack bar and a paper cup of coffee and the Orient Express. With the scenery the U.S. has to offer, and different places to visit, I think people would like to have the experience. I can't wear a mask for any extended amount of time, so I thought a little roomette would work, but I think I might feel like I'm stuck in a jail cell, so until they start lifting restrictions I'm road tripping it? I was thinking of a trip to Florida perhaps, does anyone know the best routes? I,m currently in Southern Oregon, not close to any rail? I'm thinking my best bet is starting in San Francisco, I don't know which trains connect best to Florida? I want to add you do a very nice job on the videos.
@@uhn-nohn4272 The Mask when traveling air train or sea is a No for me too. I booked a flight wore mask 2 hrs in airport preboard. Got on flight and knew I couldn’t wear the Dam thing 4 more Frekkin hours, so got off the plane. Roadtrips all the way until the Masks are no longer required and cdc remembers our immunity is what protects us not a blow through mask.
@@auroranite try flying from Kuwait to Orlando. Did it at the start of covid after being laid off from my contracting job. 48 hours in total with the longest leg being 18 hrs. Talk about suffocating
@@uhn-nohn4272 How close to Portland Oregon are you. Going to Florida will take 3 trains so lots of money and connections and hotel stays. You will have to take the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago, then take the Amtrak trains that goes from Chicago to New York which I think is the Cardinal or Lakeshore Limited but I might be wrong, then take the Silver Star, Silver Meteor or Palmetto depending which city of Florida you want. I would recomend a closer trip or a fun trip but not that long has this one. 1 trip I would recomend is taking the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago, then take the Texas Eagle or Southwest Cheif to LA, and then take the Coast Starlight from LA to Oregon. Also remmber in a roommate or bedroom (also family bedroom only on the Superliner train) you can take off the mask for the whole trip just after conductor checks the ticket- you can also have meals delivered to your room by your sleeping ccar attendent.
With all forms of travel, especially with Amtrak, plan to get to your destination a day early, if not more. Then when things go wrong, and they usually do, you have at least a day to plan alternatives to get to that wedding, birthday, graduation, etc., on time....
One suggestion I would add is to avoid “same day” long distance train connections. Let’s say for example, your 3-train journey is the Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle, and California Zephyr, I would definitely recommend doing 1-night hotel stays in the city where the connections occur to avoid “same day” train connections.
Doing that will also give you a break from the swaying of the train and the clickity-clack sound the train makes as it passes over the ties under the rails. Myself, I can't stand that for longer than a day at a time. It really gets to me...
I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak merged private Railroad Company for over 52 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing in any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because trains travel is a blast with a wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking a view passing in different areas too.
I travelled recently on Lakeshore Limited, and the social aspect is totally missing since Covid. It's a completely different experience now. Good name by the way.
Another tip is that Amtrak has a firm policy of no saving seats. This works out better for couples than it does for singles. I was headed home and had been sitting in a seat for a few hours. I got up to use the restroom leaving my book, drink, etc at my seat. I was gone 5 minutes max. When I got back, someone had taken the seat and would not move. I retrieved my things, they didn’t even get up when I had to dive under the seat. Decided that was a good time to retreat to my roomette.
From Texas to Arkansas. Always brought food and water. They have plugs for you phone or computer so bring your cords. Seats recline with leg rest. I like seat up front for more leg room and space for extra bags. Blanket is a must. Even during the summer it can get chilly. Remember where the sun is. That makes a good seat choice on left or right. Conductors are wonderful. Enjoy!
My Amtrak trip from Chicago to Klamath Falls Oregon was of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of my life. The staff treated passengers like we were royalty.
Great information! I usually record at least 6 hours of music because WiFi/ Hotspot are usually unavailable due to several areas without towers. Other than bring sandwiches, fruits, nuts, water and healthy items.
Just found your channel and I wanted to say thank you for all the great information and especially to not have background music playing. I have found so many channels where they add music while they are talking and it is hard to hear them sometimes.
We were over 5 hrs late getting from Kansas to Chicago. Amtrak put us up in a very nice hotel for the night plus 10$ each food voucher. We booked separately so we got our own room..
I was on Amtrak two weeks ago and they were having trouble with the electricity for the café and they ended up getting everyone on the train free subway.. TWICE
I love to travel by Amtrak and wish I could do more of it. I had a very bizarre experience on one trip though that even Amtrak personnel said they thought was weird. I was on The California Zephyr, #6 from San Francisco to Chicago in a Superliner roomette and then on to Washington on the Capitol Limited. Since the roomette doesn’t have space enough for much luggage, I had to place my large suitcase on a rack in the hallway outside my room. The morning of the last day out (the day we were to arrive in Chicago), I opened my door to retrieve my luggage and discovered that it was gone. The conductor searched everywhere for it and finally concluded that it had to have been stolen by a guy who occupied a deluxe bedroom in the same car and vacated the train during the night in Omaha. The conductor realized that it had to have been that guy because he had left his OWN suitcase in the deluxe bedroom. The guy had apparently decided to leave his own suitcase and make off with mine instead. As you know, deluxe bedrooms don’t come cheap so the conductor and I figured the guy’s suitcase might have some high value items that I could claim as compensation for my stolen suitcase. When the conductor opened it, it had nothing but neckties in it however! The conductor was obviously feeling bad for me by that time and said that the least he could do was let me take a shower in the guy’s now vacant deluxe bedroom and use the room for the rest of the trip. He wrote up a theft report and changing trains in Chicago, I went on to Washington on the Capitol Limited. A day or two after I had gotten home in Washington, I got a call from Amtrak. They said that a good Samaritan had found my missing suitcase still locked and completely intact abandoned in the middle of the street a few blocks from the Omaha Amtrak station! He took it to the Amtrak station there where they discovered that it was my stolen suitcase. Amtrak then put it on another train and forwarded it on to Washington on the next day’s trains. I retrieved it at Union station the next day and nothing was missing from it. Go figure. The one thing I have learned from that is to travel a little lighter and to make sure I keep anything valuable in the roomette with me. Sadly, I also don’t think of Amtrak trains as being as secure as I once did but I don’t hesitate to continue to travel on them. I’m just a little more careful and can't wait to make another trip in an Amtrak sleeper. And kudos to that conductor too. He was great.
If it was an accidental switch, he had no bowties to sell. I still have always felt a sweet comoraderi with fellow train travelers. His name is now on their list. So good luck if he can't explain himself to the next conductor. They take it personally. I've seen a few people simply, quietly escorted off the train.
Your observations are right on. Traveling with my son, we found my plan of a backpack and larger locked suitcase was far superior to his keeping track of a backpack, camera pack and 2 smaller bags. There just isn't room in the sleeper and small bags too easy to lose or potentially stolen.
We once boarded the Zepher in Salt Lake City going west. The train arrives at that location in the evening, and I think it was a bit late. There was a large troop of boy scouts also boarding, they let them all on first. The scouts were taken directly to the dining car for dinner. By the time we got to board the dining car was CLOSED for the night! No dinner for us! If your train arrives in the evening, check when the dining car closes.
A quick note regarding not being able to regulate temperatures -- if you're traveling during the summer you might also bring a small hand fan or battery powered fan. My first long distance Amtrak trip, on the Coast Starlight, was in August 2015 and one of the locomotives was having trouble during the first day. At several of our station stops the power to the cars was not working and it got hot quickly.
Excellent video of tips and suggestions.... another one would if you are traveling overnight in the roommette sleeper car. Have a small carryon bag of what you will need just for over night items (change of clothes/toiletries etc ) then check in your large bag which will be stored separately
MY FIRST TRAIN RIDE , FROM BOSTON TO CHICAGO. BY WAY OF NEW YORK. ( TRAIN WOULD STOP THERE FOR TWO HOURS ) 1969. THE RED CAPS ( PORTERS ) TOOK CARE OF ME ALL THE WAY.
Good tips! About 10 years ago I traveled AMTRAK from Sacramento eastward. (My prior experience with train travel was in the 1950's.) My destination was Detroit with a change in Chicago. Arrival time in Detroit was midnight, Ann Arbor was an hour earlier. Not a good time either place when a car rental was needed. Solved my problem by purchasing a RT ticket to Naperville, just west of Chicago. Had reserved a car that picked me up at the station. Fortunately, the train arrived well before the car rental closing time at 5pm. I drove to the Detroit area, arriving there a little before 11pm. Four days later I reversed the trip, except for staying in a motel in Southwestern Michigan the night before boarding the train in Naperville where I returned the car. The nice thing about train travel is; no motels, gas stations, nor restaurants and less travel time. Food on board and the cost is good, also. Negative points are, noise at night while trying to sleep and nothing to see after dark. .
I’ve got a good 50,000 miles on Amtrak and have never felt bored but I always have a couple of audiobooks loaded to my phone so I can listen to a good story while staring out the window. I have a single earbud that mixes both right and left into one bud so I can hear announcements etc. Sometimes I match the book to the area, example while going through Missouri I might have a Mark Twain story going or through the south I might listen to a book about the civil war or up on the high line in Montana I’ll listen to something about the West. I do travel in a room and have found it to be an amazingly relaxing way to travel.
Lovely hostess, I've been exploring taking a coast to coast train trip and it feels more promising as time goes on. Thanks for the info glad to have the heads up.
Really nice tips. Have ridden Amtrak Many a time, and love it, even with all the delays, credit card issues, and so on. Sometimes, there are various obstructions on the tracks that hold up the train, but once you get used to the "friendly" drama of train travel, you'll love it. I love it, but with experience and great tips, you’ll know how to deal with whatever happens to come up on your trip. One of the best parts about train travel is being able to get up and walk around, unlike in a car or plane.
my family has 125+ years working on the Grand Trunk Western RR (shop guys, doing repairs) so ive always had a love of trains. i caught one of your videos last july where you mentioned riding the Crescent from ATL to NOLA. it MIGHT have been this one. my wife has always wanted to go to NOLA (although NOT at mardi-gras because neither of us are really into partying so much) so she surprised me mid-october with a flight to ATL, the the train to New Orleans. when she booked (NOT through Amtrak) she got us coach seats but was somehow able to "bid" on a roomette which we thoroughly LOVED! we really enjoyed New Orleans but we both looked forward to getting on the train our last morning there and riding it back to Atlanta. we are already planning our next vacation (empty-nesters) taking the train, SOMEPLACE, leaving from Chicago. we can commute on Amtrak there from our home or drive. both are equally easy. thanks for your great videos!
We choice Amtrak fortravel and loved it. We went from Wisconsin to whitefish mt. The train ride gave us a chance to just sit together and just enjoy being married and the scenery nears so spectacular. Thank you Amtrak
Another tip that I would advise is: Bring a power strip with a 6' cord. This is more for the rooms than the coach/business seats but I think it applies to both. Also remember you can't draw a full 15 amps from these outlets (more like 5A I'm guessing?).
I have only taken Superliner roomettes on my Amtrak train trips. Prior to my first trip in 2018 someone mentioned that I should bring snacks, but I found that I really did not eat any of them. I took some in 2019 when I took a round trip on the Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, and Empire builder, but I did not really need them. The one thing that I will be taking in the future is a small electric fan. For some reason the trains always seemed too warm.
Big windows in small compartments create greenhouse effects of warming. The best way to counteract this is to keep the door of your roommette open whenever possible, but of course that’s not a good idea during a pandemic.
We always take Superliner roomettes on Amtrak train trips too. I would still bring snacks, though, especially if you are on any sort of special diet. We were once delayed 8 hours getting into Chicago on the California Zephyr because of a combination of weather-related track problems, freight train delays, and their resulting need to bus in replacement crews to the train because they had reached the maximum hours their current crew was allowed to work. We were supposed to arrive at 6 pm and didn't arrive until 2 am! They did technically provide an extra dinner for everyone, which they had to buy in bulk in a town along the way (because they hadn't planned enough food for a delay like that and it was the end of the line), but it was canned Dinty Moore Beef Stew plus cookies and crackers, which I couldn't eat because I have to eat gluten free and it has wheat flour thickener. If we hadn't brought loads of emergency snacks I would have been starving by the time we got to Chicago.
I remember taking an Amtrak from Salt Lake City to St. Louis about eight years ago and I booked a business class seat from SLC to DEN with a six and a half hour layover (from 8:30 am to 3pm) and then I got a roomette from DEN to STL. It saved me over $400.
At the end of the line you can be 30 minutes early (padding haha) or 12 hours late or anywhere in between. I was lucky. Coast starlight to LA about 20 minutes early to Seattle 15 minutes behind.
This is why I bring my own food and bev on Amtrak - the cafe car situation is unacceptable. No other train service would depart the station with no way to feed passengers. Thankfully they corrected the issue before you reached NO.
Thank you for your information. I went down to the Amtrak station in Omaha. Ask some Questions to a live person. He also made sure my reservation was in. And made sure my driver’s license match. He was very helpful. I am a first time traveler with Amtrak.
Nice video. Lots of good information. One thing threw me. You start off mentioning the Crescent, which is a single level train.then you are talking about the sightseers observation car that is used one the double decker Superliner equipped trains. You might mention that Amtrak uses different equipment on different routes. On the east coast trains, lounge/food cars are open for purchases but passengers must return to their seat to consume these. Public seating in the food car is not permitted. Also facial masks are required for all trains at this time. Thanks.
Love rail travel, took Via Rail from Toronto, Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia. Sleeper Cabin. Return Amtrak, Vancouver to Portland, then on to Chicago and Ann Arbor, MI. Best train trip.
Seriously there is NO EXCUSE for any business to not be prepared for credit card machines not working. There should ALWAYS be the option for accepting cash.
Yeah that's weird, just write down the order like in the old days and take money or heck just write down the order, the card into then charge later as people paying with card will have them on their person. That's what I would've done even if a few were declined.
The first time I rode an Amtrak train was in 1987 from Los Angeles to San Diego on a Boy Scout trip. It was a fun experience. Rode a few more times in 1991-92 in college from Madera to Sacramento. Again, good experience with good memories. Even though it's been almost 30 years since my last trip, I'd like to go again for sure.
Great video, if i can add, This also goes with the food plan, If you plan on getting food a little bit later in the journey or on a return trip (like the surfliner out of San Luis Obispo South) There may not be much of a choice or they may have nothing at all in the cafe depending on the time of year and how far into the journey you are. Again, great video, Thank you for sharing
Definitely allow extra time for travel, just in case something happens to delay things. Also, bringing more stuff than you can carry is counterproductive.
Nice. I have taken several longer Amtrak trips throughout my life. One of these days, I want to do the family bedroom from DC to Denver, Colorado. That would be surreal. Thanks for share.
I travel to Quanico Va all the time from Alance Ohio .They got me once with the snake bar 5.00 for hot dog and 7.50 for coffee and small bagel .Learn the line you are on where the smoke brake is and have pizza waiting for when you get there .I will pack lots of drink mixes fill your water bottle and you got a ice tea or kool-ade.You can take a couple of subway's gos a long way.I always get the cheep seats and use my light blanket and go to sleep its always 3am when we leave ALC to D.C.You should see all of the dirty looks when you pour a cup of Dunkin coffee up on the observation deck a good Stainly thermos good for 6 to 8 hrs . Just dont take any thing that smells like smoked oysters just like the office lunch room .just plan ahead
Yes as she says, enjoy the ride & remember dont count on the time table. Bring less (really do you need all that much stuff) never leave your stuff unattended so dont over pack, you'll need to take it with you when you leave your seat. lock & check your large luggage on the rack now & at stops, never pack valuables in it either...(sorry , just the way life is now) If you can at least ONCE eat early dinner on the train, or Breakfast ,it's reservations & so cool !
Great advice! Bedroom or roomette, definitely need to have some snacks; when I drive, I have beef jerky, candy orange slices, Cheez-Its, and the same for the train, along with a refillable water bottle. I always travel with my Nook e-reader, so if the view is not stunning, I have two hundred plus books to select from. Noise-cancelling headphones is a good idea, although I honestly was never particularly bothered, even at night. I know some frequent train-travellers take scanners to listen to Amtrak radio chatter, but I think that would get old for me pretty quickly. I do like to have a Garmin that shows a map as well as the train's speed; on the other hand that's one more thing to keep track of, so I have an app on my phone that does the same thing. A powerstrip is a must. A minor thing is a wrist watch you can easily read at night and wear comfortably in bed. Thanks for another really nifty video!
@@afcgeo882 There are some frequent train-video posters who do, actually. I took one on my first trip and it was kind of cool, but as you say, and as I also said, I have an app on my phone, so why bother...just one more thing to keep track of.
@@afcgeo882 I have and still use a 14-year-old flip phone that doesn't have internet, camera or apps. People actually survived for thousands of years somehow without smartphones. Unbelievable, I know.
I think not making concrete plans is the most important tip. Have anyone waiting to pick you up make sure the train isn't running 5 hours late. Yes, it is usually not Amtrak's fault they are late.
My experience. Fly from NJ to Chicago. Boarded Amtrack to Montana. First class sleeper cabin. meals included. Private toilet and shower. Had a steward made bed daily and brought ice and meals if we preferred to eat in cabin. Dinning car great service and a variety of menus items. The cabin had bunk beds. The upper bed folded which left a large seating area with two seats facing each other with table by large window. The lower bed turned into a couch. The observation car was delightful. Met a variety of people who shared their love of travel. After Montana back on train to Seattle. Same experience. Flew back after a few days to NJ. 24 hour coffee available at the end of the train car. One word describes our experience. FANTASTIC! We intend to do this again. However we will go from NJ to CA. The southern route and the northern route on our return trip. At the Chicago union station a gorgeous structure, there is a first class lounge that offers complimentary beverages Wi-Fi and snacks with a pay bar. Nice touch. They also offer transport via golf cart from the lounge area to your departing track. Another nice feature. If you are hesitant about this travel adventure, don't be. Do it.
Keep in mind that the train may be stuck on the tracks for up to 10 hours or more, so you'd better be prepared with your own food, water & protective gear. (mechanical breakdowns, accidents, forest fires, obstructions on tracks, etc). Also, be prepared for the possibility of being "de-trained", even in the middle of the night! Be ready with contacts for taxi, hotels & rental car. Otherwise, you may get stuck on an Amtrak Bus, and be sitting there for 5 hours, waiting for permission from a federal agency to travel on! [these thing really happened to us!]. On the other hand, things may go quite smoothly, so you just never know.
Good tips! Along with the suggestion to bring entertainment, folks should know that wifi can be spotty so it's a good idea to download some movies for the stretches where you can't get connected.
Thank-you for letting me comment: This is what I just sent to AMTRAK: We traveled by Amtrak in roomettes in sleeper cars from Washington D.C. to Chicago and then from Chicago (on the Zephyr) to Emeryville, CA. on October 2, 2023 with a 3 night stopover in Chicago and then the nights of October 6 and 7th to California. The nights of the 2nd and the 6th were SO ROUGH that none of us (4 passengers) got much sleep. Our car porter told us that Amtrak uses freight tracks and there's not much they can do about the rough conditions!!! When the train derails will you do something about it? Those of us sleeping on the upper bunks in the sleeper rooms on the top floor of the car were literally thrown around. One of us hit her head against the side of the bunk as she tried to get down from her bunk because of the rough movement of the train. PLUS: our train into Emeryville was 1 1/2 HOURS EARLY!!! So, that did none of us any good at all. And I believe it shows that the conductor was traveling at UNSAFE SPEEDS to make up that much time. We arrived one and one-half hours early on a train that is allowed to go top speeds of 79 miles per hour....how fast did the train have to go to make it into the station hours earlier than scheduled??? Please advise the crew of this concern. Sincerely, Lynn
Make sure you visit WWII museum and go to the aquarium. Both were lots of fun. Oh yea, there is also the trolley car ride and the french quarter and just so many things to do while you are there.
Great info! My wife and I are enjoying our retirement life and we're considering taking our 1st train trip across the country before reaching our final destination:). Thanks!!
Another reason to bring the minimum on board with you - on the Viewliners there IS NO downstairs luggage rack in the sleepers. These are single level trains so there is no downstairs at all. You have to fit your luggage inside your roommette or bedroom or check it ahead of time. Coach has some racks for anyone to use but not the sleepers. The routes listed in the description (Crescent, Sunset Limited, etc.) are Superliners so you have that luggage rack for overflow on those trains. As it states in the video, the racks aren't secure but I've never had anything go astray. However, the Viewliner trains (Lakeshore Limited, Northeast Corridor, etc. - that is, any train that goes to or through New York Penn) will be a single level with no extra public luggage racks in the sleeper cars.
You give good advice. My only addition is to note that the viewliner sleeper roomettes have baggage storage above the toilet/sink (if facing said toilet/sink it is high and to the left). The rule with viewliner trains is to check anything larger than a medium carry-on bag, for sure.
@@toddf9321 Right! I actually measured that space the last time I was in a Viewliner roomette. I can't find my note but it's something like W36" x H16" x D20" if memory serves. Definitely not large.
@@jenskat1 Yes, that sounds about right. I was able to place a medium rollerboard plus two smaller bags into it. A tight fit but doable. Thanks for your reply.
One more correction: ALL service into and out of New York Penn Station is single deck. That means it’s all Viewliner and not Superliner. That includes the Crescent, which runs from New York to New Orleans. Also, Northeast Regional is not a Viewliner service. There are no sleepers on that line. In fact, there are no sleepers on any Northeast-only services (Maple Leaf, Acela, Adirondack, Hartford, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen, Keystone, Pennsylvanian, Northeast Regional, Vermonter, and Valley Flyer). These are all daytime services.
Some stations don’t have checked baggage, so when I travel solo or as a family of three in roomette(s), the empty top bunk is used as luggage storage . If you read the baggage restrictions it sounds like you can’t do that but I’ve brought 2 large suitcases, a large carryon case, backpack, and cpap case and stored them all overhead. Nobody has every balked at me bringing that much up to my room.
In theory Amtrak passenger trains are supposed to get priority over freight. It is part of the contracts for access on privately owned track. But in practice local track companies will often ignore this and give priority to their own freight anyways.
I would love it if they opened up the Sunset Limited run to Florida again. My friend and I did it from San Antonio and return before Katrina. It was a great trip! If they can run the trains over Lake Pontchartrain they should be able to run them all the way to Florida.
@@lindaplaylist170 The freight trains run on the route now so they must have repaired the track. Also talks are going on now about restoring the service.
@@jacquelyns9709 Amtrak trains run faster than freight trains. They need to repair sidings and more infrastructure to run passenger service. Also, the stations need attention after being closed for so long. They've been in talks for years, but they have not allocated any money for this.
Thank you for your clear, concise and excellent recommendation… Tks for sharing!! We have only ridden on the empire builder w/ coach and the roomettes! We will be checking out your other vidjas!
I usually bring my backpack as I would travel by rail from Salt Lake City, UT to Denver, CO. Beautiful scenery especially when the snow was on the ground. Definitely worth the trip but when I get to Denver, CO I then would have to take the Greyhound bus to my hometown but that's a different story
OK, so let me get this straight: (1) There's nowhere to store a second change of clothes in a roomette; but I am supposed to pack three and a half days of food and snacks, just in case the cafe' and diner car both close down, or run out of food? (2) I need to pack light, and not bring anything valuable, or that I don't need; but I need to bring a 20 foot long power strip, so I can - what - recharge 8 cheap disposable cel phones at the same time onboard the train? I am confused - this discussion thread doesn't sound like consistent reality or coherent thinking nearly as much as it did yesterday!
My husband and I were in a bedroom. There was plenty of storage for 2 small roller bags, 2 backpacks and a carry on tote. We only needed the surge protector that was in the tote bag. We didn’t need snacks or extra food
Great video. I took an Amtrak years ago and heading back into Seattle the train broke down and they towed us in with a freight train engine - many hours late. So definitely a possibility. I am planning another trip next spring so your video is helpful.
Also, if you're prone to motion sickness, take your Dramamine with you. I only had a problem once and that was in the observation car on the California Zephyr while going through narrow canyons (plus I had been talking to some other passengers and not looking where I should have been, my stupid) but better safe than sick.
I think of the days in the 60's when I rode the Lake Shore, 20th Century Limited, The Rocky Mountain Rocket, and The Chief. Those were great trains and ran ontime. Amtrak tries, but it not the same. The government won't adopt European method of running passenger trains by controlling the track. The railroads simply do not want Amtrak and will do all to finally kill it. I really like your videos. Have your ridden the Via Canadian and the Mountaineer?
This WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Thank you for this video! im planning my 1st trip on Amtrak and this is the best!As a snacker the tip of water and food was really helpful!
One correction, Under Federal law, Freight trains DO NOT get priorty over Amtrak trains in fact said law states the exact oppisite, that said Freight interference is a plague and the Feds have almost never held the Freight carriers to the letter of said law. truly great vid though.
When they do fine them, the fines are pathetic in comparison to their profits and the freight lobby had fought Amtrak all the way to the Supreme Court, twice. It was only in 2020 that the FRA has upheld Amtrak’s need for an 80% on-time performance, requiring detailed reports if that number isn’t met in any two consecutive quarters. That still doesn’t hold anyone accountable necessarily, but at least requires investigations into the causes of the operational delays.
@@afcgeo882 Thank you for the update. I haven't traveled by train in at least 3 years, but back when I traveled more frequently we were constantly waylaid because of freight trains. Hopefully going forward their trains will have better on-time performance.
If you're riding during the day only, and your bags are above or across from your seat, you really don't need to secure your bag in place. Just make sure you're at your seat during any station stops. And if you are riding overnight, definitely get a room. It's well worth the cost.
No food service on my trip in December on the Lakeshore Limited, both ways. A heard a quote in the past by an Amtrak employee during a similar issue, "you got lucky, you're better off without it". Nobody raves about Amtrak food, and it's reportedly gotten worse. This trip they said it was dining car credit card machine issues on the announcements, but it was a staffing issue (dinner is included with sleeper car tickets) I couldn't even get the free beer included. They got the snack bar open at some point but it was too many coach cars to go through during covid and I had brought my own food (and beer). I messed up last year when picking up a passenger in Chicago's Union Station - I was late since all the times I had picked someone up from that train, it was late by hours. It was right on time, as was my departures and arrivals in December.
Good Video & thanks! When this pandemic is over, I suspect the masses will be ready to travel again which will include Amtrak. A word from an experienced Amtrak traveler for after the pandemic-make your reservations ASAP. Trains will be full and sleeper car accommodations will be booked solid. Reservations can be made up to 11 months prior to departure. Reservations are easier during COVID with fewer riders. If you don't like crowds, now is the time to see America.
Ok I’m just jealous of your smile 😊beautiful lady! so glad I came across this you are such sweet people! I have never traveled by train so I was just wondering about what type of baggage and how that all works. Thanks for sharing!
I also have sooo many questions!! Like can you bring a small cooler of ice and soda/water or is ice free/easy to get? Lol so many questions..... is food included in the cabins? Etc etc....
For sleeping in coach (which I do every trip): Amtrak sells a "Comfort Pack" at many stations and in the lounge car for $10. It is a soft draw-string bag containing a blanket (AC is cold at night), eye shades, ear plugs, and a U-shaped inflatable pillow. I bought one and use it on every trip.
Good advice! Thanks!
thank you.. This is why i love youtube.... there are videos like this, then people like you.
Thanks
Thanks for the tip. I've been wanting to do a trip your information is helpful.
Nice to know about the "comfort pack".
Omg yes, the KEY is noise canceling headphones! I took the coast starlight solo from LA to Tacoma and 32 hours of dealing with people that have no sense of how loud they speak is a pain. I wore mine most of my trip because of how many ppl around me had loud/endless conversations. 🙃
(At a stop somewhere in Portland, a man lashed out at a woman for face-timing her entire family at 5 a.m., on speaker phone, for our whole car to hear. I was rooting for him lol).
Only problem with that for me is that white noise is far more irritating than actual noise :)
I just took that route as well. I got a bedroom with its own bathroom and shower. Only way to go, but a bit spendy.
😬😬
Would you recommend taking it?
I work for Amtrak and I approve this message! Thank you for riding with us!!
Thanks!
I am on my way in a treat of Amtrak across America soon, Thanks to you good buddy, and others
Please bring rails back to Fab Las Vegas to Ca & AZ 🙏🏽🇺🇸☮️🎯
i read all the new up to date information in reguards to covid not anywere does it say that the observation car is closed i m planning on going from niagara falls to penn station i cant get a answer since its not mentioned as being closed
Can someone needing the use of a rollator walker easily travel on the train?
I would love nothing more than for there to be MORE Amtrak routes than there currently are. I feel it's a much more enjoyable experience than flying.
Joe Amtrak and Secretary Pete are working on that. A normal schedule might include a ride on an Amtrak Bus. The bus has AMTRAK “on its side” goes to “out of the way” places.
How about faster trains....like bullet trains. When are we going to see them especially on ? longer routes
@@kssaint6290 First we need long haul passenger better than 3x a week, NOW are Acela 2 are faster but not bullet. Maybe bullet trains in 20 years NYC to Chi and LA to Chi.
@@kssaint6290 I don't think that there is much rail mileage in the USA, and particularly on the longer routes, that would handle the speed of a bullet train. We would need to build much better long-distance infrastructure to support high-speed equipment.
The idea of building new rail lines, or somehow retrofitting existing rails to accommodate high-speed passenger traffic (presumably separate from the slower and more hazardous freight traffic), does not sound financially viable; and the idea of running high-speed trains on the existing rail network, consisting mostly of leased freight company rails, just sounds unrealistic and unsafe.
@@kssaint6290 probably never since the freight companies control the vast majority of tracks.
This lady definitely has it nailed. My wife and I have traveled Amtrack on numerous occasions and consider ourselves seasoned rail passengers. Everything this woman says is gospel listen to her.
I am thinking about getting the Amtrak rail pass so I am binge-watching the do's and don'ts. You said she nails it,...so I will listen.
@@Tonymanero1960 From what I experienced on previous trips and what I'm finding out on RUclips videos I'd hold off on that rail pass
@@jerryprice5484 Can you elaborate a bit,....???
@@Tonymanero1960 Sure, first of all,
amtrak has kind of gone overboard on this covid business as far as food on the train and how long they will let you stay in the observation cars. First of all, the dining car menu has changed since my wife and I rode. Thee food is expensive and may not be what you like. Generally, if you chow down on everything on the menu there's around five days worth of variety (for dinner) the cafe car is probably your best bet, heat up sandwiches, beer, pop, snacks, candy milk can be had there. The woman said the credit card machine on her train wasn't working and they wouldn't take cash. I've always paid cash for food out of the cafe car. Also, you might want to think about bringing your own food, snacks and maybe even cold cereal in those plastic bowls you can get at convenience stores. Luggage...Try and keep your luggage down. They have a large area for storing your larger bags when you first board the train, the overhead racks are for overnight and smaller bags. Some people try and bring everything but the kitchen sink. Also pack a light blanket and even ear plugs, if you're traveling in coach the train will be making stops all night long with people moving through the coaches. If you're traveling in a sleeper car (1st class) you've got it licked. (1st call for food, meals in the dining car included in your ticket, and you can seal yourself off from the world. I could go on for two whole pages but this is pretty much the basics
Amtrak has always been amazing for me. I still enjoy traveling the country by rail. It's an adventure.
I agree, but point made by OP is valid: don't travel on Amtrak if you're on a schedule. They DO run very late regularly!
@@mrc6182 Any form of transport can be delayed.. If you're seriously on such a tight schedule, take an earlier train! LMMFAO
@@mrc6182 It's basically the long-haul routes that run delayed because almost all the timing slots are occupied by freight trains.
Services on the Northeast and Keystone Corridors are fairly punctual and usually not badly late, as Amtrak owns the tracks. Aside from that, I find that Amtrak's regional state-supported services are usually more or less on time, e.g. the Amtrak California routes, because even though they share with freight, Amtrak has a lot of time allotted for their trains on them. The Hiawatha between Chicago and Milwaukee is on-time 95% of the time. Basically on the Amtrak-run tracks, and on the frequently-used tracks of the state-supported services, it's not any worse delay-wise than flying.
@@TheKonga88 dimwitted comment
@@Marcel_Audubon Please do enlighten us all with your infinite wisdom oh great one! LMMFAO 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🙌
Another tip, wifi and cell signal dont always work. Make sure to download some books or movies just incase. Also bring a battery pack to charge devices just incase the plug doesn't work.
Plus, there are books made out of paper! They are called "paperbacks".
@@joehohmann8559 but can weigh a ton
@@gregmarquez8720 You can get a lot of printed pages for the size and weight of a laptop, or even a tablet. Cel phone? OK, good challenge - but do people seriously read sizable books on their itty bitty cel phone screens?
Believe it or not, there was a time when people actually read pieces of paper with ink printed on them. Those days are quickly fading...
@@richardeshom4985 yes I do read books on my cell. I travel internationally and less is more. Im not carrying a cell, tablet and my laptop. Thats extra stuff I have to deal with with security. Also when its slow at work it's more discreet if I read on my cell vs a huge tablet.
Good tips. I have travelled extensively on Amtrak since 1980. Yesteryear had better service and options. In the sleeper car and trans/dorm car, I have never had a problem with my belongings going missing. In coach, things can disappear, including baggage store on the public luggage racks, on rare occasions. I think people should be aware, but not overly paranoid. Bring only the bare essentials and nothing of real value...everything will be fine. I love looking out the windows at night...it is my favorite time, especially in the sleeper car, I leave the curtains open so I can see. Keep up the great content.
I enjoy looking out the windows at night also. Especially during the Christmas season. Lovely. City skylines at night too.🌆🎄 was traveling through a town Fourth of July evening one year and saw a few fireworks. Loved it!!
The reason for better options in the past is that every single year there are efforts to starve Amtrak to death by under-funding. If you want better service, let your Congressional reps know to support Amtrak.
I rode the Empire Builder solo and enjoyed my own roommette. I'm a hopeless introvert but some of my best memories were meeting people in the dining car. Everyone had an interesting story to tell about their trip.
That is a great thing, people are very friendly in the dining car!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Taking away the traditional dining cars was a deal breaker for me, it's a nice part of the trip, and they started doing this before Covid, I don't really want a frozen dinner on a plastic plate. I love trains, train travel and train stations. I would pay double for a little nicer experience, to me the train ride is the experience and not just a mode of transportation, but they keep going the other direction. There needs to be something in between the snack bar and a paper cup of coffee and the Orient Express. With the scenery the U.S. has to offer, and different places to visit, I think people would like to have the experience. I can't wear a mask for any extended amount of time, so I thought a little roomette would work, but I think I might feel like I'm stuck in a jail cell, so until they start lifting restrictions I'm road tripping it? I was thinking of a trip to Florida perhaps, does anyone know the best routes? I,m currently in Southern Oregon, not close to any rail? I'm thinking my best bet is starting in San Francisco, I don't know which trains connect best to Florida? I want to add you do a very nice job on the videos.
@@uhn-nohn4272 The Mask when traveling air train or sea is a No for me too. I booked a flight wore mask 2 hrs in airport preboard. Got on flight and knew I couldn’t wear the Dam thing 4 more Frekkin hours, so got off the plane. Roadtrips all the way until the
Masks are no longer required and cdc remembers our immunity is what protects us not a blow through mask.
@@auroranite try flying from Kuwait to Orlando. Did it at the start of covid after being laid off from my contracting job. 48 hours in total with the longest leg being 18 hrs. Talk about suffocating
@@uhn-nohn4272 How close to Portland Oregon are you. Going to Florida will take 3 trains so lots of money and connections and hotel stays. You will have to take the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago, then take the Amtrak trains that goes from Chicago to New York which I think is the Cardinal or Lakeshore Limited but I might be wrong, then take the Silver Star, Silver Meteor or Palmetto depending which city of Florida you want. I would recomend a closer trip or a fun trip but not that long has this one. 1 trip I would recomend is taking the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago, then take the Texas Eagle or Southwest Cheif to LA, and then take the Coast Starlight from LA to Oregon. Also remmber in a roommate or bedroom (also family bedroom only on the Superliner train) you can take off the mask for the whole trip just after conductor checks the ticket- you can also have meals delivered to your room by your sleeping ccar attendent.
With all forms of travel, especially with Amtrak, plan to get to your destination a day early, if not more. Then when things go wrong, and they usually do, you have at least a day to plan alternatives to get to that wedding, birthday, graduation, etc., on time....
This is espeically true when you are going on a cruise. When I am going on a cruise, I get to the port city a day before my cruise set sails
Also, I no longer make rental car reservations for my arrival date, in case the train is late. Always for the next day.
Excellent advice!
One suggestion I would add is to avoid “same day” long distance train connections. Let’s say for example, your 3-train journey is the Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle, and California Zephyr, I would definitely recommend doing 1-night hotel stays in the city where the connections occur to avoid “same day” train connections.
Doing that will also give you a break from the swaying of the train and the clickity-clack sound the train makes as it passes over the ties under the rails. Myself, I can't stand that for longer than a day at a time. It really gets to me...
I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak merged private Railroad Company for over 52 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing in any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because trains travel is a blast with a wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking a view passing in different areas too.
I travelled recently on Lakeshore Limited, and the social aspect is totally missing since Covid. It's a completely different experience now.
Good name by the way.
Another tip is that Amtrak has a firm policy of no saving seats. This works out better for couples than it does for singles. I was headed home and had been sitting in a seat for a few hours. I got up to use the restroom leaving my book, drink, etc at my seat. I was gone 5 minutes max. When I got back, someone had taken the seat and would not move. I retrieved my things, they didn’t even get up when I had to dive under the seat. Decided that was a good time to retreat to my roomette.
From Texas to Arkansas. Always brought food and water. They have plugs for you phone or computer so bring your cords. Seats recline with leg rest. I like seat up front for more leg room and space for extra bags. Blanket is a must. Even during the summer it can get chilly. Remember where the sun is. That makes a good seat choice on left or right. Conductors are wonderful. Enjoy!
Thanks for the tips!
My Amtrak trip from Chicago to Klamath Falls Oregon was of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of my life. The staff treated passengers like we were royalty.
That's awesome
Great information! I usually record at least 6 hours of music because WiFi/ Hotspot are usually unavailable due to several areas without towers. Other than bring sandwiches, fruits, nuts, water and healthy items.
Just found your channel and I wanted to say thank you for all the great information and especially to not have background music playing. I have found so many channels where they add music while they are talking and it is hard to hear them sometimes.
It is my favorite way to travel... again you cannot be in a hurry to get to your destination,one time we were 18 hrs. late but I loved it.
We were over 5 hrs late getting from Kansas to Chicago. Amtrak put us up in a very nice hotel for the night plus 10$ each food voucher. We booked separately so we got our own room..
I was on Amtrak two weeks ago and they were having trouble with the electricity for the café and they ended up getting everyone on the train free subway.. TWICE
Wow, interesting!
Coach passengers, too?
@@richardeshom4985 yeah, I was riding coach!!! :)
Hard to believe
I love to travel by Amtrak and wish I could do more of it. I had a very bizarre experience on one trip though that even Amtrak personnel said they thought was weird. I was on The California Zephyr, #6 from San Francisco to Chicago in a Superliner roomette and then on to Washington on the Capitol Limited. Since the roomette doesn’t have space enough for much luggage, I had to place my large suitcase on a rack in the hallway outside my room. The morning of the last day out (the day we were to arrive in Chicago), I opened my door to retrieve my luggage and discovered that it was gone.
The conductor searched everywhere for it and finally concluded that it had to have been stolen by a guy who occupied a deluxe bedroom in the same car and vacated the train during the night in Omaha. The conductor realized that it had to have been that guy because he had left his OWN suitcase in the deluxe bedroom. The guy had apparently decided to leave his own suitcase and make off with mine instead.
As you know, deluxe bedrooms don’t come cheap so the conductor and I figured the guy’s suitcase might have some high value items that I could claim as compensation for my stolen suitcase. When the conductor opened it, it had nothing but neckties in it however! The conductor was obviously feeling bad for me by that time and said that the least he could do was let me take a shower in the guy’s now vacant deluxe bedroom and use the room for the rest of the trip.
He wrote up a theft report and changing trains in Chicago, I went on to Washington on the Capitol Limited. A day or two after I had gotten home in Washington, I got a call from Amtrak. They said that a good Samaritan had found my missing suitcase still locked and completely intact abandoned in the middle of the street a few blocks from the Omaha Amtrak station! He took it to the Amtrak station there where they discovered that it was my stolen suitcase. Amtrak then put it on another train and forwarded it on to Washington on the next day’s trains.
I retrieved it at Union station the next day and nothing was missing from it. Go figure. The one thing I have learned from that is to travel a little lighter and to make sure I keep anything valuable in the roomette with me. Sadly, I also don’t think of Amtrak trains as being as secure as I once did but I don’t hesitate to continue to travel on them. I’m just a little more careful and can't wait to make another trip in an Amtrak sleeper. And kudos to that conductor too. He was great.
Wow, that is an interesting experience! Glad you got your bag back!
Wow! That is so random. Glad someone turned your luggage to the station. Maybe the guy had a guilty conscience and left it in the street?
Seems like he might have grabbed the wrong suitcase and then abandoned it after discovering it wasn't his.
Sounds like a possible mistaken identity. Maybe? I once had a luggage tag that read in big font, No, this isn’t your black bag. 😆
If it was an accidental switch, he had no bowties to sell. I still have always felt a sweet comoraderi with fellow train travelers. His name is now on their list. So good luck if he can't explain himself to the next conductor. They take it personally. I've seen a few people simply, quietly escorted off the train.
Your observations are right on. Traveling with my son, we found my plan of a backpack and larger locked suitcase was far superior to his keeping track of a backpack, camera pack and 2 smaller bags. There just isn't room in the sleeper and small bags too easy to lose or potentially stolen.
We once boarded the Zepher in Salt Lake City going west. The train arrives at that location in the evening, and I think it was a bit late. There was a large troop of boy scouts also boarding, they let them all on first. The scouts were taken directly to the dining car for dinner. By the time we got to board the dining car was CLOSED for the night! No dinner for us! If your train arrives in the evening, check when the dining car closes.
A quick note regarding not being able to regulate temperatures -- if you're traveling during the summer you might also bring a small hand fan or battery powered fan. My first long distance Amtrak trip, on the Coast Starlight, was in August 2015 and one of the locomotives was having trouble during the first day. At several of our station stops the power to the cars was not working and it got hot quickly.
Good advice, this happened to us also, thanks!
Excellent advice darlin', I've road the trains many times and I wish I had your council then, it would have made my trip far more enjoyable
I grew up in a railroad family, so this is really interesting..
Great point about too much stuff.,traveling light has many rewards. The observation car is indeed an important reminder.
Thanks, we agree!
Excellent video of tips and suggestions.... another one would if you are traveling overnight in the roommette sleeper car. Have a small carryon bag of what you will need just for over night items (change of clothes/toiletries etc ) then check in your large bag which will be stored separately
I think you should just get a bag full of everything you will need and store it downstairs in the luggage rack. It’s much easier and convenient
Such great tips! My husband is a retired Amtrak engineer and service manager, I know he appreciates your good advice to potential passengers.
MY FIRST TRAIN RIDE , FROM BOSTON TO CHICAGO. BY WAY OF NEW YORK. ( TRAIN WOULD STOP THERE FOR TWO HOURS ) 1969. THE RED CAPS ( PORTERS ) TOOK CARE OF ME ALL THE WAY.
Before Amtrak
Good tips! About 10 years ago I traveled AMTRAK from Sacramento eastward. (My prior experience with train travel was in the 1950's.) My destination was Detroit with a change in Chicago. Arrival time in Detroit was midnight, Ann Arbor was an hour earlier. Not a good time either place when a car rental was needed. Solved my problem by purchasing a RT ticket to Naperville, just west of Chicago. Had reserved a car that picked me up at the station. Fortunately, the train arrived well before the car rental closing time at 5pm. I drove to the Detroit area, arriving there a little before 11pm. Four days later I reversed the trip, except for staying in a motel in Southwestern Michigan the night before boarding the train in Naperville where I returned the car. The nice thing about train travel is; no motels, gas stations, nor restaurants and less travel time. Food on board and the cost is good, also. Negative points are, noise at night while trying to sleep and nothing to see after dark. .
I’ve got a good 50,000 miles on Amtrak and have never felt bored but I always have a couple of audiobooks loaded to my phone so I can listen to a good story while staring out the window. I have a single earbud that mixes both right and left into one bud so I can hear announcements etc. Sometimes I match the book to the area, example while going through Missouri I might have a Mark Twain story going or through the south I might listen to a book about the civil war or up on the high line in Montana I’ll listen to something about the West. I do travel in a room and have found it to be an amazingly relaxing way to travel.
I love the idea of matching the book to the area.
A great idea.
You must be retired.
You must be retired.
What a good idea.
Nice videos I love trains, truly stunning almost life changing vistas and scenery, and there's no better sleep than what you get on a train.
I've spent 5 nights in a sleeper. Going around curves at 70 mph takes some getting used to.
Lovely hostess, I've been exploring taking a coast to coast train trip and it feels more promising as time goes on. Thanks for the info glad to have the heads up.
Me to! At 68 I feel if I don't do it now, I'll never go. First, a tril run from San Diego to Vegas!
Looking forward to my 12 days loop on Amtrak. California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Pacific Coast and to and from Saint Louis.
That will be a great trip!
Sounds like a really wonderful time. Hope it is a blessing to you...
I hope your trip went well. 🤗🚝
@@phyllisbrown7290 it’s March 29-April 9
@@GroundedLifeTravel I definitely agree. It’s getting close! Already booking another heading east then south then back west
This has been a bucket list dream for me my entire life! Your videos are a huge help thank you! I'm planning to go soon!
We hope you have a great trip!
Really nice tips. Have ridden Amtrak Many a time, and love it, even with all the delays, credit card issues, and so on. Sometimes, there are various obstructions on the tracks that hold up the train, but once you get used to the "friendly" drama of train travel, you'll love it. I love it, but with experience and great tips, you’ll know how to deal with whatever happens to come up on your trip. One of the best parts about train travel is being able to get up and walk around, unlike in a car or plane.
my family has 125+ years working on the Grand Trunk Western RR (shop guys, doing repairs) so ive always had a love of trains. i caught one of your videos last july where you mentioned riding the Crescent from ATL to NOLA. it MIGHT have been this one.
my wife has always wanted to go to NOLA (although NOT at mardi-gras because neither of us are really into partying so much) so she surprised me mid-october with a flight to ATL, the the train to New Orleans. when she booked (NOT through Amtrak) she got us coach seats but was somehow able to "bid" on a roomette which we thoroughly LOVED! we really enjoyed New Orleans but we both looked forward to getting on the train our last morning there and riding it back to Atlanta.
we are already planning our next vacation (empty-nesters) taking the train, SOMEPLACE, leaving from Chicago. we can commute on Amtrak there from our home or drive. both are equally easy.
thanks for your great videos!
We choice Amtrak fortravel and loved it. We went from Wisconsin to whitefish mt. The train ride gave us a chance to just sit together and just enjoy being married and the scenery nears so spectacular. Thank you Amtrak
Another tip that I would advise is:
Bring a power strip with a 6' cord.
This is more for the rooms than the coach/business seats but I think it applies to both.
Also remember you can't draw a full 15 amps from these outlets (more like 5A I'm guessing?).
I have only taken Superliner roomettes on my Amtrak train trips. Prior to my first trip in 2018 someone mentioned that I should bring snacks, but I found that I really did not eat any of them. I took some in 2019 when I took a round trip on the Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, and Empire builder, but I did not really need them. The one thing that I will be taking in the future is a small electric fan. For some reason the trains always seemed too warm.
Big windows in small compartments create greenhouse effects of warming. The best way to counteract this is to keep the door of your roommette open whenever possible, but of course that’s not a good idea during a pandemic.
We always take Superliner roomettes on Amtrak train trips too. I would still bring snacks, though, especially if you are on any sort of special diet. We were once delayed 8 hours getting into Chicago on the California Zephyr because of a combination of weather-related track problems, freight train delays, and their resulting need to bus in replacement crews to the train because they had reached the maximum hours their current crew was allowed to work. We were supposed to arrive at 6 pm and didn't arrive until 2 am! They did technically provide an extra dinner for everyone, which they had to buy in bulk in a town along the way (because they hadn't planned enough food for a delay like that and it was the end of the line), but it was canned Dinty Moore Beef Stew plus cookies and crackers, which I couldn't eat because I have to eat gluten free and it has wheat flour thickener. If we hadn't brought loads of emergency snacks I would have been starving by the time we got to Chicago.
I remember taking an Amtrak from Salt Lake City to St. Louis about eight years ago and I booked a business class seat from SLC to DEN with a six and a half hour layover (from 8:30 am to 3pm) and then I got a roomette from DEN to STL. It saved me over $400.
Best advice you will get on an Amtrak train is from your car attendant. Amtrak usually runs two hours behind schedule.
At the end of the line you can be 30 minutes early (padding haha) or 12 hours late or anywhere in between. I was lucky. Coast starlight to LA about 20 minutes early to Seattle 15 minutes behind.
This is why I bring my own food and bev on Amtrak - the cafe car situation is unacceptable. No other train service would depart the station with no way to feed passengers. Thankfully they corrected the issue before you reached NO.
Yes, thankfully it was fixed pretty quickly
I'm going to Lorain, Oh from Fort Worth Tx in May 2023. What kind of food should you bring to eat?
Thank you for your information. I went down to the Amtrak station in Omaha. Ask some Questions to a live person. He also made sure my reservation was in. And made sure my driver’s license match. He was very helpful. I am a first time traveler with Amtrak.
Nice video. Lots of good information. One thing threw me. You start off mentioning the Crescent, which is a single level train.then you are talking about the sightseers observation car that is used one the double decker Superliner equipped trains. You might mention that Amtrak uses different equipment on different routes. On the east coast trains, lounge/food cars are open for purchases but passengers must return to their seat to consume these. Public seating in the food car is not permitted. Also facial masks are required for all trains at this time.
Thanks.
Yes, the East cannot use the higher cars due to the lower tunnels.
She said 'if'.
Excellent tips, my grandma and I are going on the Chicago, Seattle, California trip next summer. Can't wait!
Love rail travel, took Via Rail from Toronto, Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia. Sleeper Cabin.
Return Amtrak, Vancouver to Portland, then on to Chicago and Ann Arbor, MI. Best train trip.
Seriously there is NO EXCUSE for any business to not be prepared for credit card machines not working. There should ALWAYS be the option for accepting cash.
Yeah that's weird, just write down the order like in the old days and take money or heck just write down the order, the card into then charge later as people paying with card will have them on their person. That's what I would've done even if a few were declined.
The first time I rode an Amtrak train was in 1987 from Los Angeles to San Diego on a Boy Scout trip. It was a fun experience. Rode a few more times in 1991-92 in college from Madera to Sacramento. Again, good experience with good memories. Even though it's been almost 30 years since my last trip, I'd like to go again for sure.
Great video, if i can add, This also goes with the food plan, If you plan on getting food a little bit later in the journey or on a return trip (like the surfliner out of San Luis Obispo South) There may not be much of a choice or they may have nothing at all in the cafe depending on the time of year and how far into the journey you are. Again, great video, Thank you for sharing
Really enjoyed your style of presentatio! felt like you were actually talking to me!👍🚅🚉
They were! ;^)
Just writing a comment to help your RUclips algorithm since you two have been so helpful in my trip planning.
Definitely allow extra time for travel, just in case something happens to delay things. Also, bringing more stuff than you can carry is counterproductive.
I love that you ride the train. Thank you for the great advice.
Thanks for watching!
Nice. I have taken several longer Amtrak trips throughout my life. One of these days, I want to do the family bedroom from DC to Denver, Colorado. That would be surreal. Thanks for share.
I travel to Quanico Va all the time from Alance Ohio .They got me once with the snake bar 5.00 for hot dog and 7.50 for coffee and small bagel .Learn the line you are on where the smoke brake is and have pizza waiting for when you get there .I will pack lots of drink mixes fill your water bottle and you got a ice tea or kool-ade.You can take a couple of subway's gos a long way.I always get the cheep seats and use my light blanket and go to sleep its always 3am when we leave ALC to D.C.You should see all of the dirty looks when you pour a cup of Dunkin coffee up on the observation deck a good Stainly thermos good for 6 to 8 hrs . Just dont take any thing that smells like smoked oysters just like the office lunch room .just plan ahead
I have never did a superliner I plan to do so thx for all the knowledge I have now from your videos.
Yes as she says, enjoy the ride & remember dont count on the time table. Bring less (really do you need all that much stuff) never leave your stuff unattended so dont over pack, you'll need to take it with you when you leave your seat. lock & check your large luggage on the rack now & at stops, never pack valuables in it either...(sorry , just the way life is now) If you can at least ONCE eat early dinner on the train, or Breakfast ,it's reservations & so cool !
We love the dinner too
Great advice! Bedroom or roomette, definitely need to have some snacks; when I drive, I have beef jerky, candy orange slices, Cheez-Its, and the same for the train, along with a refillable water bottle. I always travel with my Nook e-reader, so if the view is not stunning, I have two hundred plus books to select from. Noise-cancelling headphones is a good idea, although I honestly was never particularly bothered, even at night. I know some frequent train-travellers take scanners to listen to Amtrak radio chatter, but I think that would get old for me pretty quickly. I do like to have a Garmin that shows a map as well as the train's speed; on the other hand that's one more thing to keep track of, so I have an app on my phone that does the same thing. A powerstrip is a must. A minor thing is a wrist watch you can easily read at night and wear comfortably in bed. Thanks for another really nifty video!
Every phone has a map app that shows you your location on a map. Who carries Garmins? This isn’t 2000!
@@afcgeo882 There are some frequent train-video posters who do, actually. I took one on my first trip and it was kind of cool, but as you say, and as I also said, I have an app on my phone, so why bother...just one more thing to keep track of.
@@afcgeo882 My phone does not have a locator map app. That's why I bought the Garmins in 2000, and I still use them today.
@@richardeshom4985 20 year outdated phone and GPS device. I’m honestly surprised you’ve found your way home... or did you?
@@afcgeo882 I have and still use a 14-year-old flip phone that doesn't have internet, camera or apps. People actually survived for thousands of years somehow without smartphones. Unbelievable, I know.
I think not making concrete plans is the most important tip. Have anyone waiting to pick you up make sure the train isn't running 5 hours late. Yes, it is usually not Amtrak's fault they are late.
My experience. Fly from NJ to Chicago. Boarded Amtrack to Montana. First class sleeper cabin. meals included. Private toilet and shower. Had a steward made bed daily and brought ice and meals if we preferred to eat in cabin. Dinning car great service and a variety of menus items. The cabin had bunk beds. The upper bed folded which left a large seating area with two seats facing each other with table by large window. The lower bed turned into a couch. The observation car was delightful. Met a variety of people who shared their love of travel. After Montana back on train to Seattle. Same experience. Flew back after a few days to NJ. 24 hour coffee available at the end of the train car. One word describes our experience. FANTASTIC! We intend to do this again. However we will go from NJ to CA. The southern route and the northern route on our return trip. At the Chicago union station a gorgeous structure, there is a first class lounge that offers complimentary beverages Wi-Fi and snacks with a pay bar. Nice touch. They also offer transport via golf cart from the lounge area to your departing track. Another nice feature. If you are hesitant about this travel adventure, don't be. Do it.
We agree!
Keep in mind that the train may be stuck on the tracks for up to 10 hours or more, so you'd better be prepared with your own food, water & protective gear. (mechanical breakdowns, accidents, forest fires, obstructions on tracks, etc). Also, be prepared for the possibility of being "de-trained", even in the middle of the night! Be ready with contacts for taxi, hotels & rental car. Otherwise, you may get stuck on an Amtrak Bus, and be sitting there for 5 hours, waiting for permission from a federal agency to travel on! [these thing really happened to us!]. On the other hand, things may go quite smoothly, so you just never know.
Im booked on the Empire Builder in September from Chicago to Portland, Oregon so yes this was really helpful.
Good tips! Along with the suggestion to bring entertainment, folks should know that wifi can be spotty so it's a good idea to download some movies for the stretches where you can't get connected.
Great tip!
Thank-you for letting me comment: This is what I just sent to AMTRAK: We traveled by Amtrak in roomettes in sleeper cars from Washington D.C. to Chicago and then from Chicago (on the Zephyr) to Emeryville, CA. on October 2, 2023 with a 3 night stopover in Chicago and then the nights of October 6 and 7th to California. The nights of the 2nd and the 6th were SO ROUGH that none of us (4 passengers) got much sleep. Our car porter told us that Amtrak uses freight tracks and there's not much they can do about the rough conditions!!! When the train derails will you do something about it? Those of us sleeping on the upper bunks in the sleeper rooms on the top floor of the car were literally thrown around. One of us hit her head against the side of the bunk as she tried to get down from her bunk because of the rough movement of the train. PLUS: our train into Emeryville was 1 1/2 HOURS EARLY!!! So, that did none of us any good at all. And I believe it shows that the conductor was traveling at UNSAFE SPEEDS to make up that much time. We arrived one and one-half hours early on a train that is allowed to go top speeds of 79 miles per hour....how fast did the train have to go to make it into the station hours earlier than scheduled??? Please advise the crew of this concern. Sincerely, Lynn
Wow! Thanks for the tips. You do a great job explaining it.
Lots of information from this couple; mistakes that can & can not be avoided!
Aye! Just in time for my trip this weekend. Thank you!
lots of good suggestions. thanks you, going on the city of new orleans in apr.
Make sure you visit WWII museum and go to the aquarium. Both were lots of fun. Oh yea, there is also the trolley car ride and the french quarter and just so many things to do while you are there.
Observation car was also used for the special observation at the end of old trains such as 20th century Limited
Great info! My wife and I are enjoying our retirement life and we're considering taking our 1st train trip across the country before reaching our final destination:). Thanks!!
Another reason to bring the minimum on board with you - on the Viewliners there IS NO downstairs luggage rack in the sleepers. These are single level trains so there is no downstairs at all. You have to fit your luggage inside your roommette or bedroom or check it ahead of time. Coach has some racks for anyone to use but not the sleepers. The routes listed in the description (Crescent, Sunset Limited, etc.) are Superliners so you have that luggage rack for overflow on those trains. As it states in the video, the racks aren't secure but I've never had anything go astray. However, the Viewliner trains (Lakeshore Limited, Northeast Corridor, etc. - that is, any train that goes to or through New York Penn) will be a single level with no extra public luggage racks in the sleeper cars.
You give good advice. My only addition is to note that the viewliner sleeper roomettes have baggage storage above the toilet/sink (if facing said toilet/sink it is high and to the left). The rule with viewliner trains is to check anything larger than a medium carry-on bag, for sure.
@@toddf9321 Right! I actually measured that space the last time I was in a Viewliner roomette. I can't find my note but it's something like W36" x H16" x D20" if memory serves. Definitely not large.
@@jenskat1 Yes, that sounds about right. I was able to place a medium rollerboard plus two smaller bags into it. A tight fit but doable. Thanks for your reply.
One more correction: ALL service into and out of New York Penn Station is single deck. That means it’s all Viewliner and not Superliner. That includes the Crescent, which runs from New York to New Orleans. Also, Northeast Regional is not a Viewliner service. There are no sleepers on that line. In fact, there are no sleepers on any Northeast-only services (Maple Leaf, Acela, Adirondack, Hartford, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen, Keystone, Pennsylvanian, Northeast Regional, Vermonter, and Valley Flyer). These are all daytime services.
Some stations don’t have checked baggage, so when I travel solo or as a family of three in roomette(s), the empty top bunk is used as luggage storage . If you read the baggage restrictions it sounds like you can’t do that but I’ve brought 2 large suitcases, a large carryon case, backpack, and cpap case and stored them all overhead. Nobody has every balked at me bringing that much up to my room.
In theory Amtrak passenger trains are supposed to get priority over freight. It is part of the contracts for access on privately owned track. But in practice local track companies will often ignore this and give priority to their own freight anyways.
I would love it if they opened up the Sunset Limited run to Florida again. My friend and I did it from San Antonio and return before Katrina. It was a great trip!
If they can run the trains over Lake Pontchartrain they should be able to run them all the way to Florida.
Katrina destroyed much of that track.
@@lindaplaylist170 The freight trains run on the route now so they must have repaired the track.
Also talks are going on now about restoring the service.
@@jacquelyns9709 Amtrak trains run faster than freight trains. They need to repair sidings and more infrastructure to run passenger service. Also, the stations need attention after being closed for so long. They've been in talks for years, but they have not allocated any money for this.
Traveling with amtrak for the first time next week, thanks for the video.
Thank you for your clear, concise and excellent recommendation… Tks for sharing!! We have only ridden on the empire builder w/ coach and the roomettes! We will be checking out your other vidjas!
All good points. I'm taking Amtrak in a few weeks
Have a great trip!
I totally agree about bringing too much stuff. That was our mistake In September
I usually bring my backpack as I would travel by rail from Salt Lake City, UT to Denver, CO. Beautiful scenery especially when the snow was on the ground. Definitely worth the trip but when I get to Denver, CO I then would have to take the Greyhound bus to my hometown but that's a different story
OK, so let me get this straight:
(1) There's nowhere to store a second change of clothes in a roomette; but I am supposed to pack three and a half days of food and snacks, just in case the cafe' and diner car both close down, or run out of food?
(2) I need to pack light, and not bring anything valuable, or that I don't need; but I need to bring a 20 foot long power strip, so I can - what - recharge 8 cheap disposable cel phones at the same time onboard the train?
I am confused - this discussion thread doesn't sound like consistent reality or coherent thinking nearly as much as it did yesterday!
My husband and I were in a bedroom. There was plenty of storage for 2 small roller bags, 2 backpacks and a carry on tote. We only needed the surge protector that was in the tote bag. We didn’t need snacks or extra food
Thank-you for your excellent advice! We used your videos to make our train trip as good as it could be.
Lots of good tips! Thanks.
This really helps! I'm planning a trip on the Zephyr to Denver and wasn't aware of the late thing.
Glad it was helpful!
Great info..Thanks..
I'm still planning my first train trip..Maybe Ohio to Reno..Take Care.
Great video. I took an Amtrak years ago and heading back into Seattle the train broke down and they towed us in with a freight train engine - many hours late. So definitely a possibility. I am planning another trip next spring so your video is helpful.
Also, if you're prone to motion sickness, take your Dramamine with you. I only had a problem once and that was in the observation car on the California Zephyr while going through narrow canyons (plus I had been talking to some other passengers and not looking where I should have been, my stupid) but better safe than sick.
Hope you keep us updated on Amtrak's dinning/food changes, thanks.
I think of the days in the 60's when I rode the Lake Shore, 20th Century Limited, The Rocky Mountain Rocket, and The Chief. Those were great trains and ran ontime. Amtrak tries, but it not the same. The government won't adopt European method of running passenger trains by controlling the track. The railroads simply do not want Amtrak and will do all to finally kill it. I really like your videos. Have your ridden the Via Canadian and the Mountaineer?
This WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Thank you for this video! im planning my 1st trip on Amtrak and this is the best!As a snacker the tip of water and food was really helpful!
One correction, Under Federal law, Freight trains DO NOT get priorty over Amtrak trains in fact said law states the exact oppisite, that said Freight interference is a plague and the Feds have almost never held the Freight carriers to the letter of said law. truly great vid though.
When they do fine them, the fines are pathetic in comparison to their profits and the freight lobby had fought Amtrak all the way to the Supreme Court, twice. It was only in 2020 that the FRA has upheld Amtrak’s need for an 80% on-time performance, requiring detailed reports if that number isn’t met in any two consecutive quarters. That still doesn’t hold anyone accountable necessarily, but at least requires investigations into the causes of the operational delays.
@@afcgeo882 Thank you for the update. I haven't traveled by train in at least 3 years, but back when I traveled more frequently we were constantly waylaid because of freight trains. Hopefully going forward their trains will have better on-time performance.
If you're riding during the day only, and your bags are above or across from your seat, you really don't need to secure your bag in place. Just make sure you're at your seat during any station stops. And if you are riding overnight, definitely get a room. It's well worth the cost.
Fyi you can BYOB in your cabin only...
I learned the hard way LOL!
Thanks for the good tips and info!! Going for my first overnight Amtrak trip to NOLA
Have fun!
I have taken the Amtrak from NYC to Ft Lauderdale, it wasn’t that pleasant, but I do love train travel. 👍👍👍👍
OMG I am planning on travel to there as well with a baby. Can you tell what was your experience
It is very bumpy!
Thank you guys - we are taking our first train trip though the US - great help !!
Our pleasure!
If your train is delaid always go to there both an they will help you i got a free room in a hotel in chicago twice
Good to know!
I love Amtrak I travel to Alexandria Va to Riverside Ca about Ten Times and I Enjoy every Trips
Sounds awesome!
Good information, this information can also be used on the night trains in Europe.
No food service on my trip in December on the Lakeshore Limited, both ways. A heard a quote in the past by an Amtrak employee during a similar issue, "you got lucky, you're better off without it". Nobody raves about Amtrak food, and it's reportedly gotten worse.
This trip they said it was dining car credit card machine issues on the announcements, but it was a staffing issue (dinner is included with sleeper car tickets) I couldn't even get the free beer included. They got the snack bar open at some point but it was too many coach cars to go through during covid and I had brought my own food (and beer).
I messed up last year when picking up a passenger in Chicago's Union Station - I was late since all the times I had picked someone up from that train, it was late by hours. It was right on time, as was my departures and arrivals in December.
We had the same credit card issue on the Crescent recently
Good Video & thanks! When this pandemic is over, I suspect the masses will be ready to travel again which will include Amtrak. A word from an experienced Amtrak traveler for after the pandemic-make your reservations ASAP. Trains will be full and sleeper car accommodations will be booked solid. Reservations can be made up to 11 months prior to departure. Reservations are easier during COVID with fewer riders. If you don't like crowds, now is the time to see America.
The trains are 70% full 1 week before departure and the airplane is full too, I'm not seeing a lot of vacancies due to covid at this time.
Good info. Next week I will be doing my first Amtrak trip ever. I will watch a few more videos to prep for the journey.
Ok I’m just jealous of your smile 😊beautiful lady! so glad I came across this you are such sweet people!
I have never traveled by train so I was just wondering about what type of baggage and how that all works. Thanks for sharing!
I also have sooo many questions!! Like can you bring a small cooler of ice and soda/water or is ice free/easy to get? Lol so many questions..... is food included in the cabins? Etc etc....