6:38: Showing up too early: If you have a sleeper, you can use the lounges at major train stations like Penn station and Union Station, Chicago. They have nice, comfortable seats and free food, and they will announce when your train is ready to board, and even take you to the train.
This was my first time mistake as a sleeper passenger. I didn't know about the separate lounge and just went through the regular cattle chute boarding.
Exactly I love to chill for few hours in New York Station and now 2 years ago they made a new one which is even better so love it. But yes intermediate stops sucks especially the unstaffed ones.
@odess4sd4d Yep I loved the NY acela one but the new Monhihan one is better and u get actual food instead snacks. Heard they have showers also but u have to ask since it's locked
@@odess4sd4d I feel your pain, or naivety ... my first couple of times flying business in Australia (just cashing in points to feel a wee special) ... I never knew there was a dedicated business lounge with free food and beverages. And we're talking decent food and open bar for those inclined. A work colleague got a lot of miles out of that story after she showed me the business lounge before a four hour flight one time.
Good point. Also, if you are a sleeping car passenger getting a connecting train, say from Philly to NYC, where you will get your sleeper, you can use the First Class lounge in Philly. Like Washington, Philadelphia's lounge has mostly drinks and snacks, unlike Moynihan in NYC, which has a nice assortment of sandwiches, wraps and salads, etc. They also have a full bar in NYC, although it isn't free, but is reasonable. When you pay for first class, use everything that is available to you.
I would disagree with one thing. If all you are going to do is work on your laptop, be courteous to other passengers. The seats with big windows in the Superlounge are in very short supply. If you are more concerned with working on your laptop, stay in your seat or take seats on the lower level where it will be quieter anyway. Let people who want to view our beautiful country have a chance at the big windows.
@@edjohnson9989You have no idea. Once I had a co-worker who eventually had sufficient seniority to get a window office with beautiful scenery outside. And what did he do? He covered the windows with dense, black fabric. Some people you will never understand.
@@edjohnson9989Stunning lack of self awareness. Some people like to have their attention drawn to things they might not have considered so they don't inconvenience people accidentally. Nobody's whining. The post was a PSA for decent people. If it's not addressed to you, don't open it.
On our last trip through the Sierra Nevadas, the conductor ran off folks who were working on their laptops from the sight-seeing car. They could stay awhile but then had to leave. Same if they were napping. Especially if the train is full, they will move folks along so others can use the space.
Good points! My 1 time on Amtrak was to catch the 1am Crescent in Charlotte. It didn’t arrive until after 3am! Unfortunately I didn’t nap during the wait and was wide awake for an hour after boarding. Very little sleep that night, and 3 hours late arrival into NYC! Good thing I didn’t plan for an immediate tour upon arriving.
Your channel is so helpful! I’m riding coach from NOLA to La sometime in a couple months. I was really nervous so I want to be as prepared as possible and your channel has been a great help!!
We were 9.5hrs late going from Sacramento to Chicago. Plan accordingly! Reasons: rubber tires on the tracks that disconnected the lines between the cars, freight trains take priority, train stopped in a town where a passenger was removed from the train, break checks needing to be performed, conductor/crew reached allotted hours and could no longer drive the train had to wait for the west bound train to deliver a fresh/rested crew (in the middle of nowhere), engine issues….etc. honestly, we couldn’t make this stuff up - but it happens. Our room (bedroom A) was so cold because of the air conditioning that our car attendant kept extra rolls of duct tape and covered the vent in the ceiling and all of the cracks with air coming in. We called the trip the “polar express”. Now with all that being said, in April we are taking the Empire Builder, room E from Seattle to Chicago. With everything we experienced previously, it is still a great way to see the country.
A bit late but Amtrak actually has priority by FRA regulations, just freight trains are so long now many don't fit completely onto the siding tracks to make way so the rule isn't enforceable
My friend & I learned our lesson from sharing a roomette from Chicago to Flagstaff, AZ. We now each book a roomette across from each other. Perfect! Earplugs or noise cancelling buds help with all of the horn blowing at road crossings, sometimes every 1/2 hr. or more, to sleep a little more soundly. (pun intended)
OMG! On our first Coast Starlight cruise we thought we were saving money by reserving a Roomette. It was WONDERFUL. We're again taking the CSC but this time, because we can afford it, we reserved a Bedroom. But then you reminded me of the joy of the Roomette and my husband doesn't get it. I'm hoping he'll see the light on the way up and then agree to Roomettes on the way back. Fingers crossed.
I'm really curious about something.... Why did you choose to take the train rather than fly? From what I can tell, a roomette on a train costs the same if not more than plane tickets, and take significantly longer to get to your destination. It just doesn't make sense to me, but maybe I'm something...
I bring a power strip to keep my iPad tablet charged, whether coach or roomette. While with an overnight train journey I book a roomette to sleep better, if the train journey is during the day only I book coach. When connecting with another train I spend a day/night at that city and catch the next train the next day. Enjoy that city for a day/night, visit some museums or restaurants/clubs. But most of all, always book to get to your final destination a day earlier than you need to be there. A wedding, graduation, funeral, birthday, or anniversary. If you do this simple get there one day early recommendation, you won't fret over any of the delays that pop up... All it takes is for one of the axles wheel bearings on any train car to get very hot to delay your train ten hours or more... If not your train, the freight train ahead of your train... While there aren't that many axles on a passenger train, most of these mainline freight trains have over one hundred freight cars...
Regarding the rocking or bouncy motion of the train being more noticeable on the lower level, that’s exactly backwards. The higher up you are in a train, or a cruise ship for that matter, the more side to side or “sway” motion you will feel. It is a little noisier on the lower level, though not significantly, but in terms of motion the upper level is actually more pronounced, again, not significantly. I have ridden each of the Western trains hundreds of times over 30 years, both in the lower and the upper rooms, and I know this to be true. It’s simply a matter of physics. The best thing you can do to get the smoothest, quietest ride possible is to try and reserve rooms that are in the middle of the car as opposed to rooms over the trucks “wheels”, which are to some degree rougher and noisier than rooms between the wheels. Also, in my hundreds of train trips, more often than not the trains were on time or within an hour of on time. But yes, sometimes they are definitely late, so it’s true, you cannot count on your train arriving on time.
Finally someone recognising the centre of the carriage away from the vestibule and bogies/wheels/trucks will give you a better ride. As when you are in the centre you are the furthest away from the two main stress points of the wheel mechanisms and the carriage couplings. I actually feel Vloggers need to do a dedicated video on this topic. One thing that irks me is someone saying the ride was bumpy, but, not understanding their seat/cabin location plays a big part in your experience (especially if you have the luxury of picking your placement).
True about physics, but the lower level is also more in direct contact with wheels, so you feel the bumps more than upper level. Also, since much of lower level is baggage storage, it is sort of lonely and cramped on lower. To me, lower is just for people who cannot negotiate stairs.
I always heard that Amtrak trains are always late so I was pleasantly surprised when our train on the Autotrain between Washington DC and Orlando Florida, a 17 hour trip, actually arrived in Orlando 45 minutes early!!
We traveled on Amtrak years ago from Sacramento to Denver. The outbound trip was great, pretty much on time. The return trip was very, very late (over 6 hours), nixing the connection back to Fresno for my family members, and back to San Jose for myself. In both cases Amtrak provided bus service, but not nearly as nice as the train connection. Beware and be prepared.
I looked at all of the Amtrak departure times from Sac to SF and each departure time that worked for me only had a 2 minute layover in Emeryville. I hope I make my connecting bus to SF
Don't worry about the connecting bus to San Francisco, those are a guaranteed connection. Those buses are tied to the arrival of your train, so no matter how late your train might be they will be waiting for you when you get to Emeryville.
One piece of advise that I'd add, especially in coach, bring a small power strip with you. You will become the the hero of the row if you have that power strip to make it easier to have power to the aisle seat (plus allowing each person more than just one outlet).
Good morning. I'm an onboard service attendant on the auto-train. One thing that some passengers do, especially when they book a roomette is bringing mire bags (luggage) than needed needed. The auto-train is an overnight run from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford and back. One, maybe two bags at the most.
Some of the newer short distance trains like the Cascades have plugs at every seat but I agree with you that the Wifi can be pretty spotty even between Portland and Seattle.
First time I took Amtrak it hit some big rocks that fell off a cliff.The train set still on the tracks for over 3 hours while they inspected the damage.
Thanks for all of your videos. I rode Amtrak previously, but we planned a big trip out west (Chicago, Denver, SF, LA) on Amtrak using your advice. The Amtrak credit card bonus paid for the Den-SF leg and we got companion coupons for the other 2. All in, it was just over $800 for 2 in roomette the whole way. Your advice (and having seen what the trains, rooms, cars, etc would look like) led to us making all the right choices and having a fantastic trip!
The best Amtrak promotion is the 30 day RAIL PASS riding in coach... Even if you only have a week or two instead of a month, it is still a good deal... I plan several short Amtrak trips using the Rail Pass without doing a overnight trip on the east coast where there are more trains to choose from without riding overnight... From Canada to the Carolinas and back to Maine, with many stops in between...
Thank you Allie and Rob! I’m on my first multi-segment trip down the east coast and, having watched all of your videos for the past year, I felt that I was very well prepared. Used my Amtrak MC lounge pass for the Metropolitan lounge in NY and LOVED it! You are so right about the spotty cell coverage south of DC - luckily I had downloaded a book to get me through that stretch. A shout-out to the awesome Amtrak employees - great service!
Great advice as usual. I have only taken Amtrak trains on the east coast. The Crescent Train leaving south out of Washington, DC is always late and crowded, especially on the weekends.
Many great points! Regarding checked baggage: If you're on a long trip and have big, heavy suitcases (50 lb. limit per suitcase, and they WILL weigh it) and you don't check them, you may have to lift it/them up into your car's luggage rack, wrestle it into place if it's nearly full, or keep it in your room. Let Amtrak do the lifting! Of course, pack an overnight bag with essentials (medicine, snacks, chargers/power strip, anything you may need if you're in a sleeper) as you won't have any access to your checked luggage en route. Also, many rural and smaller cities on long-haul routes don't have checked baggage service, any many regional "feeder" trains don't have checked baggage service at all (even if long-haul trains on the same route do.)
A point of courtesy would be not to overload the onboard luggage racks if you are going to a station with checked baggage. Remember many passengers using the LDTs are taking the only public transportation available to them and are getting off at stations without checked baggage available. They HAVE to carry on their bags and if you are taking luggage space on a full train they may not be able to bring their bag. I once witnessed someone having to quickly instruct a family member how to FedEx their luggage because the train was completely full, behind schedule and we were at a station with no agent and only a 30 second stop.
I'm lucky that my two 12 hour train rides were less than 30 minutes late and it wasn't too late at night. I had a family member and boyfriend pick me up so no worries but that's good to know.
I'm about to move halfway across the country in nothing more than an Amtrak, wish me luck & that they'll let me bring a wheeled utility cart as a carry on y'all 😂
@@johnslyfield5096 well thankfully it went well, I gave up trying to keep that bag on me the second I threw it back of a trailer hitched to the shuttle van I took to the station
I wish I had brought a blanket for my Amtrak trip. The car never really heated up because with each stop the doors open. This was a SC to FL trip in winter. 🥶 Also if on an intermediate stop be prepared for the employees to rush you on. They are stressed because they are behind schedule and they basically yell at you to get on. It’s not the “friendly skies”
Thank you for the information. We will be on the silver Meteor, and the station that we are getting on at is an unmanned station. I have been told by Amtrak that the Silver Meteor doesn't have a luggage car. We will be in a roomette. What can I do with my luggage. This will be the beginning of a 3-week trip, so we will have bigger suitcases.
There are open luggage racks on all the cars where you can put your bigger suitcases. But I would take a smaller bag to keep in your roomette with your toiletries, etc.
Are you in coach or sleeper if in a sleeper consolidate the bags or use smaller bags and will fit in the sleeper since it is a viewliner train cars. If coach there is a baggage rack in that car.
Be aware that at some of the larger stations (such as Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York) and are checking baggage, you may need to be there up to an hour early in order to check the bags. You can check with the station ahead of time.
@ Amtrak doesn’t do that. They occasionally have the canine corps wandering some of the larger stations, and undercover officers may sometimes be at stations and on trains, but you don’t go through a security check line.
Haven’t taken Amtrak much but went coach Chicago to St. Louis two weeks ago. I did not care for the upper level. I felt it was too overcrowded so I changed to downstairs. That was the Texas Eagle Superliner equipment. Returning to Chicago, we were booked business class on the Lincoln Service. That was a relaxing and pleasant run. A nice touch was the cafe attendant greeting us and welcoming us to the cafe before it was open to the rest of the train. Also before approaching Union Station, the attendant closed the cafe then invited us to a last call before she had to complete her paperwork.
Thanks for another amazing video! I leave on another trip next week! Been taking the Coast Starlight from the Bay Area to Oxnard, wondering what you think of biding to upgrade a roomette to bedroom? I’ve done it a few times and it’s worked out pretty well! You’re one of the reasons I got so in to Amtrak travel! Going to Seattle next month too!
I love your channel! I had an awful experience on my last plane trip and I would like to take the train to multiple places now. I'm super nervous but your videos make me believe that I will be fine and have way more comfort in those chairs. Thanks for great content!
You might want to check out Jeb Brooks's TH-cam Channel. Him and his wife do a lot of traveling by planes, trains, and cruises and have good tips as well.
Amtrak traveler since 1975. If you check your bags, make sure that they will travel on each train that you are riding to your destination. Not all trains have baggage cars and your checked bag may travel on a later train. Once, my bags arrived a day late and my cruise had left. I was outfitted in clothes from K-Mart. I made the cruise but my suitcase did not. Keep your bags with you sure they will get to your destination when you do. Actually, modeling my K-Mart wardrobe each evening in the formal dining room dining room was kind of fun....
Great advice, as always. My previous Amtrak trips have just been in my state. But, I'm planning some multi-day and multi-state travels this year. I'll definitely be well prepared now.
Get tickets as soon as possible. The price of roomettes and bedrooms go up in price as the train gets sold out. Try not to get in the car next to the locomotive. Out west, they blow the horn at every driveway.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It took me a long time to learn that coach had a wall outlet and that didn't always need to check my bag (for the places I was going). These types of videos are extremely helpful.
I want to add what I got wrong on my first Amtrak ride 24 years ago: They had a volunteer guide who was speaking / narrating down one end of the observation carriage, and for whatever reason I was convinced that the volunteer would take turns and move about the carriage to give everybody a chance to hear them. Not only did this not happen, but the scenic section (through the Rockies) was the only time, maybe half a day in a 3-day trip, that any interesting information was given. I still enjoyed the rest of the scenery from coast to coast, but had to learn about it from TV and TH-cam decades later. Also, I was cheap and travelling in coach / economy, somehow surviving the nights by sheer force of youth 😂 but I missed out another announcement: Not all the speakers worked equally well in every carriage or every cabin. I recommend to be REALLY sure that the announcement you’re waiting for is going to come up where you’re sitting. So that’s how I missed breakfast one time. Remember - time zones change and there’s no mobile coverage (certainly not then, and still a lot now). The other minor tip I’d give is that the outside of the trains may look shiny and silver, but they’re dirty! Don’t touch them if you think that’s fun 😅
No Amtrak train 'generally' runs on time. When I travel, I get alerts on the app sometimes every 5 minutes telling me how much or little the train is delayed. I don't even look at them any longer.
I have always checked at least one bag on my 3 round trips via Amtrak (Sacramento to Omaha and back) 10:25 and have never had to wait for that bag at my final stop. Space for large bags in the sleeper cars is limited. Getting ready for trip #4 in 3 weeks.
There are some advantages to the downstairs roomettes. There are more bathrooms (3 vs. 1). They are closer to the shower. They are closer to the exit for fresh air breaks. They are closer to the luggage racks if you want something out of your suitcase. A disadvantage not mentioned is that the family room is downstairs, so sometimes there will be small children making noise in the hall.
Good points and being downstairs also means less foot-traffic since those walking from car to car are upstairs, which offsets the potential noise from a family room. I also tend to disagree with their thoughts on there being more motion downstairs, for I have found the opposite to be true. In reality, there is more sway upstairs than downstairs. I've never had any issue sleeping on either level, though.
Great presentation, as usual. I keep meaning to ask you about baggage check not being available on the Lakeshore Limited, eastbound to Boston. For such a large station, you would think baggage claim/check will be available. I’ve tried to research on line for an explanation, but to no avail. Do you know why it’s not available at Boston South Station? TIA
I was so surprised out of 8 trains on my trip only 2 were late, The Cardinal 4 hours late which left me 1 minute to connect to the Northeast Regional, then NE Regional was 1 hour late. So yes! I agree with you don't think you are going to be on time. Your videos prepared me for this issue, so thank you!! I agree on sitting on bottom, I had to sit on bottom of Pacfic Surfliner and it is way different than upper level. I would also make a suggestion to bring some cleaning wipes, I found some of my roommates and bedrooms needed a little TLC. Again thank you for your videos, I did 8 trains in 11 days, East Coast to West Coast and back, Solo! It was the BEST trip I have ever taken and I am eager to go again.
Amtrak pads the schedule a half hour to an hour depending upon the route from the next to last stop to the final stop. But that doesn't help the previous stops on the route where trains are most likely late even though they arrived at the final stop on time... .
Go to Europe or China, you will be hard-pressed to encounter a seriously late train. Even then, they make up their time on most occasions. You have trains traveling 280KMH in China and ours wait for freight trains and go max 65MPH...that is like something out of the third world.
Legal Note: Amtrak trains are considered Federal property so state marijuana legalization laws DON'T apply. On my last trip there was a layover in Kansas City where the feds brought drug sniffing dogs on board to check the luggage stored on the lower levels. Several passengers taken off the train at that stop after the dogs alerted the Feds about the presence of drugs in the luggage.
Starlink would be a good option, if Amtrak decided to make WiFi service working where cell service is unavailable. There are mini-sized immersible water heaters that can plug in to 120 volt outlets, for making coffee, tea, ramen noodles, etc. There's probably a limit on amps for those wall outlets, so best not to trip the circuit breaker & annoy the attendant. A hot plate or toaster would probably draw too many amps. The wall outlets in coach may have different amp ratings compared with couchette wall outlets.
Generally the sleeper cars are pretty safe because they have few passengers, there's an attendant per car and since those tickets are expensive, people are not likely to steal luggage. For peace of mind you can have a lock in your bag. I would be more careful in coach cars because there are more people and those tickets are cheaper, so you could get some people that may try stealing bags if no one is paying attention. So checking in your bag (for free) if you are traveling coach may give you some peace of mind
thank you for your reply, we are traveling with Amtrak from Seattle to Chicago, in a bedroom carriage, so would the info be the same, and would I be wasting money checking them on to the train @@nataliajimenez1870
First Amtrak trip coming up. Your videos helped me decide to give it a try. Myself and my twin 12 year old boys going Mke-Chicago-St Louis for a few days. Looking forward to it. Thank you for the great information!
Hi. Love your videos. Have you used red cap service? I’m traveling alone. Senior citizen. First long distance train and I know I will overpack. Going from Chicago to Seattle. I’m assuming the attendant will help me to get off the train with the stairs? But does Seattle have red cap service?
Yes the sleeping attendent will put out a ramp if easier and red cap will help you on the train. If coach the conductor will put out the ramp and red camp can help you on if needed.
We just traveled on a Superliner and checked our bags- it wasn't an issue at all when we arrived. In fact, knowing it was checked was a relief since they're secure. Our trip was Chicago to SLC on the California Zephyr so maybe that was the difference- since we didn't go to the end of the line our bags were unloaded very quickly. We were very appreciative of your past videos in knowing what to take with us in our Roomette. Your advice helped us a great deal!
It doesn't take long before Amtrak passengers learn the train will most likely arrive late, maybe even very late... At a connecting train city spend the night at a hotel and catch the next train the next day... Enjoy that city for the day/night... There is much to do visiting a city from museums to restaurants... It doesn't matter which connecting city... At Chicago there are numerous museums near downtown and the navy pier as well as many restaurants to enjoy. Frankly you could spend more than a day there easily...
I've been 8 hours late on the Empire Builder. I went to Midway airport for a rental car. The lower level doesn't pitch as much. Many stations are closed until the train gets there so be prepared to wait outside in the weather. Cell phone service is spotty on the long trips. Dining car is part of the sleeper package, if there is space they will have spots open to the coach passengers.
Hi Allie and Rob! Thanks for another great video. Question: in your roomette, what did you plug into the electrical outlet? The one that has 4-5 USB ports? If you have the manufacturer and model number, that would be great! Thank you!
Awesome tips! I am thinking of doing a cross country trip for the first time so this is really useful. Thank you! Have you also done any train trips in Canada? They seem to be much more expensive that in the US.
I’ve rode the NER multiple times from Wilmington to Providence. It actually takes about the same time as it does to drive and you don’t have to deal with NY and CT traffic plus the snack car, Also few wifi interruptions. For me I’ve only had to wait at most 15 minutes. Never tried Acela, just couldn’t justify the extra cost for a one hour travel time difference. I’ll be taking my first long distance trip later this year from Wilmington to Orlando, Can’t wait. Thanks for the tips.
The trains in the Northeast Corridor are more reliable than the rest of the routes Amtrak operates. Amtrak owns the rails in that area. Everywhere else has freight railroads as hosts.
Great tips! We're frequent Northeast Regional riders but would love to try the auto train one day so your videos are helpful. Ahhh the late trains. I find that Amtrak is either right on time or extremely late. There seems to be no in between most times. And yes, to using the hotspot! I learned how to use my hotspot on my phone on an Amtrak train during the pandemic. I took a trip with my daughter, and she needed to login to school (when all the schools were doing virtual). I could not for the life of me figure out the Amtrak wi-fi and that's when I finally "discovered" my phone's hotspot and learned how to use it - on that trip!
While my husband and I love travel, I am reluctant to try an overnight trip. He is 6'9", and I don't think he will be comfortable in a sleeper car. Do you have any insight into whether we could find a sleeper car he would fit in?
@groundedlifetravel, are there day trips? I want to take my husband on a day trip because he’s never been on a train just to see if he will like it before taking a longer trip
The point of not arriving to early doesn't always apply for the Auto Train. I arrived near the Sanford station 1.5 hours early, the line to the station was about a mile long and my car was an hour late getting loaded onto the train. We left the station almost 2 hours late.
I have a coach seat booked for Lorton VA to Sanford FL, if I leave my coach seat to go for a walk in the observation level will someone else take my seat. I plan to leave some stuff there, am interested if theft would be a concern or someone moving my items to take the window seat???
Wow I can relate to the 1st things on Amtrak I was coming from Salisbury, NC & it was suppose to get their around 2:30 it was so late that I took the local Amtrak from Charlotte don't u that Crescent train still beat that local train to NY SMDH I should've ✋ 😂😂😂😂
If you want warm food on a train, you can bring any manner of dried meal (soup, instant oatmeal, ramen noodles, etc.). Get a cup of hot water from the coffee/tea maker, pour it into your food, and enjoy!
4:00 On the lower level, you'll get more noise from the tracks, but as pure matter of physics, you will always get less sway than on the upper level; the pivot point for sway is in the middle of the axles, and the further away (up) from there you get, the more motion you get. The views may be worse, but you can always go to the observation car if you want to spend some time looking at the scenery; if you're going to spend the rest of your time occupied with things inside the window, you don't really care what the view is like from your seat.
I'm a single traveller. I've only been on double decker trains and I travel with lots of luggage because I'm visiting relatives and taking presents, etc. I always check my luggage. That way I don't have to haul it out on the platform. At the end I always have someone picking me up so I have help. I love Amtrak and will always go with them if possible. Also, the only time I experienced more than a few minutes delay was a westbound Zephyr in Omaha. It was several hours late due to massive fires east of Omaha. Inconvenient but we arrived at our final destination on time. 😊😊
On the Superliners the luggage rack is downstairs. Someone getting off along the way could steal your stuff. I don't know how often that happens. If you don't check your luggage you will be stuck with it if you are using connecting trains. In Emeryville I had hours to wait and the woman wanted $10 to hold my one bag and going to Los Angeles from there they didn't have checked luggage anyway.
We are taking our 2nd train from Los Angeles to Mariposa, Arizona about seven hour trip two adults one with a disability. Would you do coach or would you do a roomette ?
The reason trains are late can be because Amtrak shares the tracks with the freight trains and they have right of way. Also the tracks can change shape depending on weather. Hot weather will cause tracks to bend slowing the train.
Also because in certain areas, people place debris on the tracks. I've been stuck for over an hour when the train ran over a shopping cart outside Baltimore. The cars had to be checked for damage, and metal pieces removed. Power gets turned off, too, in those situations.
I wish you were a travel consultant/agency! I want to book California Zephyr in a bedroom, but as a single female, all I get to book online is the roomette with no toilet in room! This is my 3rd year trying! Any tips?
Seats are assigned when you board. It's a completely archaic system. They don't even know where the seats they are assigning will be. Pro tip: you get a (not making this up) hand written bit of paper to stick above your seats with your destination on it. If someone leaves at a stop they will remove it. Just move yourself and your bit of paper to a better seat.
Interesting video. My father worked for the railroads in the 1940's, (Missouri Pacific and Illinois Central) but I have never taken a train journey. I prefer to drive and I take two month long cross country trips each year. I'm 78 years old and don't own a cell phone or personal computer so that's no problem for me. El Mirage, Arizona
I’ve made two of these mistakes so far 😂 I ended up buying their not so great food and I was at the train hall at like 6:30 because in my mind people are going to be boarding at like 45 minutes before the train leaves lol best believe I will be having my snacks on my way back and I will get there at like 7am lol
We love Amtrak. BUT……. We just recently took a roundtrip out of DC to Richmond for a must see an artist on her 1 and only American performance on a world wide tour. We thought we had scheduled a time to not only check in to the hotel and have dinner before the performance, but boy were we wrong. We barely made the concert. We book business class and received no class service with zero apology. Again, we love them, but perpetually late..
I love your channel. I'm very curious about traveling by train and wanted to know how you go about deciding what trips to take and how you plan your trips (hotels at destination, etc.) and return ride. Do you have a white paper or video on this? My goal is to hopefully take a trip from Chicago to New Orleans for my birthday (11/15) and a train back. Would love to figure out the most cost-efficient way to do this.
I've taken Wolverine from Det to Chicago and vice versa a dozen or so times over the past eight years, only once have I been more than an hour late. even arrived early a few times! I know on longer distance routes you are more likely delayed for a longer time.
As a one-time Amtrak traveler, I had to learn all of these things on my own. Thanks for sharing them ahead of time for all of the newbies!
6:38: Showing up too early: If you have a sleeper, you can use the lounges at major train stations like Penn station and Union Station, Chicago. They have nice, comfortable seats and free food, and they will announce when your train is ready to board, and even take you to the train.
This was my first time mistake as a sleeper passenger. I didn't know about the separate lounge and just went through the regular cattle chute boarding.
Exactly I love to chill for few hours in New York Station and now 2 years ago they made a new one which is even better so love it. But yes intermediate stops sucks especially the unstaffed ones.
@odess4sd4d Yep I loved the NY acela one but the new Monhihan one is better and u get actual food instead snacks. Heard they have showers also but u have to ask since it's locked
@@odess4sd4d I feel your pain, or naivety ... my first couple of times flying business in Australia (just cashing in points to feel a wee special) ... I never knew there was a dedicated business lounge with free food and beverages. And we're talking decent food and open bar for those inclined. A work colleague got a lot of miles out of that story after she showed me the business lounge before a four hour flight one time.
Good point. Also, if you are a sleeping car passenger getting a connecting train, say from Philly to NYC, where you will get your sleeper, you can use the First Class lounge in Philly. Like Washington, Philadelphia's lounge has mostly drinks and snacks, unlike Moynihan in NYC, which has a nice assortment of sandwiches, wraps and salads, etc. They also have a full bar in NYC, although it isn't free, but is reasonable. When you pay for first class, use everything that is available to you.
I would disagree with one thing. If all you are going to do is work on your laptop, be courteous to other passengers. The seats with big windows in the Superlounge are in very short supply. If you are more concerned with working on your laptop, stay in your seat or take seats on the lower level where it will be quieter anyway. Let people who want to view our beautiful country have a chance at the big windows.
Wahhhhhhh 😢
I’ll sit there on my laptop and check out the scenery…: lol no one likes to work in a dark room right.? Lol
@@edjohnson9989You have no idea. Once I had a co-worker who eventually had sufficient seniority to get a window office with beautiful scenery outside. And what did he do? He covered the windows with dense, black fabric. Some people you will never understand.
@@edjohnson9989Stunning lack of self awareness. Some people like to have their attention drawn to things they might not have considered so they don't inconvenience people accidentally. Nobody's whining. The post was a PSA for decent people. If it's not addressed to you, don't open it.
On our last trip through the Sierra Nevadas, the conductor ran off folks who were working on their laptops from the sight-seeing car. They could stay awhile but then had to leave. Same if they were napping. Especially if the train is full, they will move folks along so others can use the space.
Sharing is caring! @@TravelswithLlama
Good points! My 1 time on Amtrak was to catch the 1am Crescent in Charlotte. It didn’t arrive until after 3am! Unfortunately I didn’t nap during the wait and was wide awake for an hour after boarding. Very little sleep that night, and 3 hours late arrival into NYC! Good thing I didn’t plan for an immediate tour upon arriving.
Your channel is so helpful! I’m riding coach from NOLA to La sometime in a couple months. I was really nervous so I want to be as prepared as possible and your channel has been a great help!!
The quality of your film is superb. Pretty colors outdoors and on the train.
We were 9.5hrs late going from Sacramento to Chicago. Plan accordingly! Reasons: rubber tires on the tracks that disconnected the lines between the cars, freight trains take priority, train stopped in a town where a passenger was removed from the train, break checks needing to be performed, conductor/crew reached allotted hours and could no longer drive the train had to wait for the west bound train to deliver a fresh/rested crew (in the middle of nowhere), engine issues….etc. honestly, we couldn’t make this stuff up - but it happens. Our room (bedroom A) was so cold because of the air conditioning that our car attendant kept extra rolls of duct tape and covered the vent in the ceiling and all of the cracks with air coming in. We called the trip the “polar express”. Now with all that being said, in April we are taking the Empire Builder, room E from Seattle to Chicago. With everything we experienced previously, it is still a great way to see the country.
Murphy's Law!!! 😅
@@nancyharman4795 As a real Murphy, I should object to your comment but, since it is my only claim to success, I thank you for mentioning it..
A bit late but Amtrak actually has priority by FRA regulations, just freight trains are so long now many don't fit completely onto the siding tracks to make way so the rule isn't enforceable
Amtrak doesn't have any tracks therefore freight ALWAYS GETS PRIORITY..... it's like frontier travel in the 1800s
My friend & I learned our lesson from sharing a roomette from Chicago to Flagstaff, AZ. We now each book a roomette across from each other. Perfect!
Earplugs or noise cancelling buds help with all of the horn blowing at road crossings, sometimes every 1/2 hr. or more, to sleep a little more soundly. (pun intended)
OMG! On our first Coast Starlight cruise we thought we were saving money by reserving a Roomette. It was WONDERFUL. We're again taking the CSC but this time, because we can afford it, we reserved a Bedroom. But then you reminded me of the joy of the Roomette and my husband doesn't get it. I'm hoping he'll see the light on the way up and then agree to Roomettes on the way back. Fingers crossed.
I'm really curious about something.... Why did you choose to take the train rather than fly? From what I can tell, a roomette on a train costs the same if not more than plane tickets, and take significantly longer to get to your destination.
It just doesn't make sense to me, but maybe I'm something...
@@MichaelG485 If you want to get there fast, then take a plane. If you want to savor the journey, take the train.
I bring a power strip to keep my iPad tablet charged, whether coach or roomette. While with an overnight train journey I book a roomette to sleep better, if the train journey is during the day only I book coach. When connecting with another train I spend a day/night at that city and catch the next train the next day. Enjoy that city for a day/night, visit some museums or restaurants/clubs. But most of all, always book to get to your final destination a day earlier than you need to be there. A wedding, graduation, funeral, birthday, or anniversary. If you do this simple get there one day early recommendation, you won't fret over any of the delays that pop up... All it takes is for one of the axles wheel bearings on any train car to get very hot to delay your train ten hours or more... If not your train, the freight train ahead of your train... While there aren't that many axles on a passenger train, most of these mainline freight trains have over one hundred freight cars...
Regarding the rocking or bouncy motion of the train being more noticeable on the lower level, that’s exactly backwards. The higher up you are in a train, or a cruise ship for that matter, the more side to side or “sway” motion you will feel. It is a little noisier on the lower level, though not significantly, but in terms of motion the upper level is actually more pronounced, again, not significantly. I have ridden each of the Western trains hundreds of times over 30 years, both in the lower and the upper rooms, and I know this to be true.
It’s simply a matter of physics.
The best thing you can do to get the smoothest, quietest ride possible is to try and reserve rooms that are in the middle of the car as opposed to rooms over the trucks “wheels”, which are to some degree rougher and noisier than rooms between the wheels.
Also, in my hundreds of train trips, more often than not the trains were on time or within an hour of on time. But yes, sometimes they are definitely late, so it’s true, you cannot count on your train arriving on time.
+1. Same for the beds as well, with the upper bunk getting more motion than the lower one.
@@grayrabbit2211 Exactly right.
Finally someone recognising the centre of the carriage away from the vestibule and bogies/wheels/trucks will give you a better ride. As when you are in the centre you are the furthest away from the two main stress points of the wheel mechanisms and the carriage couplings. I actually feel Vloggers need to do a dedicated video on this topic. One thing that irks me is someone saying the ride was bumpy, but, not understanding their seat/cabin location plays a big part in your experience (especially if you have the luxury of picking your placement).
True about physics, but the lower level is also more in direct contact with wheels, so you feel the bumps more than upper level. Also, since much of lower level is baggage storage, it is sort of lonely and cramped on lower. To me, lower is just for people who cannot negotiate stairs.
Yeah, that didn't make sense,from a physics perspective.
I always heard that Amtrak trains are always late so I was pleasantly surprised when our train on the Autotrain between Washington DC and Orlando Florida, a 17 hour trip, actually arrived in Orlando 45 minutes early!!
We traveled on Amtrak years ago from Sacramento to Denver. The outbound trip was great, pretty much on time. The return trip was very, very late (over 6 hours), nixing the connection back to Fresno for my family members, and back to San Jose for myself. In both cases Amtrak provided bus service, but not nearly as nice as the train connection. Beware and be prepared.
I looked at all of the Amtrak departure times from Sac to SF and each departure time that worked for me only had a 2 minute layover in Emeryville. I hope I make my connecting bus to SF
Don't worry about the connecting bus to San Francisco, those are a guaranteed connection. Those buses are tied to the arrival of your train, so no matter how late your train might be they will be waiting for you when you get to Emeryville.
One piece of advise that I'd add, especially in coach, bring a small power strip with you. You will become the the hero of the row if you have that power strip to make it easier to have power to the aisle seat (plus allowing each person more than just one outlet).
Thanks!
Thanks so much!
Took a 24-hour trip on the Crescent, and they were never late for any of the once-an-hour-average stops! Return trip, too.
Good morning. I'm an onboard service attendant on the auto-train. One thing that some passengers do, especially when they book a roomette is bringing mire bags (luggage) than needed needed. The auto-train is an overnight run from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford and back. One, maybe two bags at the most.
Thank you for sharing this really useful info! I appreciated this. 🙂
Some of the newer short distance trains like the Cascades have plugs at every seat but I agree with you that the Wifi can be pretty spotty even between Portland and Seattle.
Going to California from Bloomington Illinois. I leave Wednesday morning I’m looking forward to the trip/vacation! First time riding Amtrak thanks!
I hope it all worked out in your favour.
First time I took Amtrak it hit some big rocks that fell off a cliff.The train set still on the tracks for over 3 hours while they inspected the damage.
Have y’all ever done a vid in tipping? I did tip frequently, but never sure if I was ripping myself off lol.
Thanks for all of your videos. I rode Amtrak previously, but we planned a big trip out west (Chicago, Denver, SF, LA) on Amtrak using your advice. The Amtrak credit card bonus paid for the Den-SF leg and we got companion coupons for the other 2. All in, it was just over $800 for 2 in roomette the whole way. Your advice (and having seen what the trains, rooms, cars, etc would look like) led to us making all the right choices and having a fantastic trip!
The best Amtrak promotion is the 30 day RAIL PASS riding in coach... Even if you only have a week or two instead of a month, it is still a good deal... I plan several short Amtrak trips using the Rail Pass without doing a overnight trip on the east coast where there are more trains to choose from without riding overnight... From Canada to the Carolinas and back to Maine, with many stops in between...
Outrageously expensive for a terminally late train.
Thank you Allie and Rob! I’m on my first multi-segment trip down the east coast and, having watched all of your videos for the past year, I felt that I was very well prepared. Used my Amtrak MC lounge pass for the Metropolitan lounge in NY and LOVED it! You are so right about the spotty cell coverage south of DC - luckily I had downloaded a book to get me through that stretch. A shout-out to the awesome Amtrak employees - great service!
Great advice as usual. I have only taken Amtrak trains on the east coast. The Crescent Train leaving south out of Washington, DC is always late and crowded, especially on the weekends.
Many great points! Regarding checked baggage: If you're on a long trip and have big, heavy suitcases (50 lb. limit per suitcase, and they WILL weigh it) and you don't check them, you may have to lift it/them up into your car's luggage rack, wrestle it into place if it's nearly full, or keep it in your room. Let Amtrak do the lifting! Of course, pack an overnight bag with essentials (medicine, snacks, chargers/power strip, anything you may need if you're in a sleeper) as you won't have any access to your checked luggage en route. Also, many rural and smaller cities on long-haul routes don't have checked baggage service, any many regional "feeder" trains don't have checked baggage service at all (even if long-haul trains on the same route do.)
A point of courtesy would be not to overload the onboard luggage racks if you are going to a station with checked baggage. Remember many passengers using the LDTs are taking the only public transportation available to them and are getting off at stations without checked baggage available. They HAVE to carry on their bags and if you are taking luggage space on a full train they may not be able to bring their bag. I once witnessed someone having to quickly instruct a family member how to FedEx their luggage because the train was completely full, behind schedule and we were at a station with no agent and only a 30 second stop.
I'm lucky that my two 12 hour train rides were less than 30 minutes late and it wasn't too late at night. I had a family member and boyfriend pick me up so no worries but that's good to know.
I'm about to move halfway across the country in nothing more than an Amtrak, wish me luck & that they'll let me bring a wheeled utility cart as a carry on y'all 😂
Ask Amtrak! It can’t block an aisle though for obvious reasons and space is limited.
@@johnslyfield5096 well thankfully it went well, I gave up trying to keep that bag on me the second I threw it back of a trailer hitched to the shuttle van I took to the station
I wish I had brought a blanket for my Amtrak trip. The car never really heated up because with each stop the doors open. This was a SC to FL trip in winter. 🥶 Also if on an intermediate stop be prepared for the employees to rush you on. They are stressed because they are behind schedule and they basically yell at you to get on. It’s not the “friendly skies”
We did FL to NC and back in November and all of the staff we met were fantastic, better service than Delta's First Class.
It seems reasonable that they would need for you to move it.
Thank you for the information. We will be on the silver Meteor, and the station that we are getting on at is an unmanned station. I have been told by Amtrak that the Silver Meteor doesn't have a luggage car. We will be in a roomette. What can I do with my luggage. This will be the beginning of a 3-week trip, so we will have bigger suitcases.
Take smaller bags and do laundry.
There are open luggage racks on all the cars where you can put your bigger suitcases. But I would take a smaller bag to keep in your roomette with your toiletries, etc.
@@lizzy-wx4rx This was even a topic on one or two
of their videos.
Are you in coach or sleeper if in a sleeper consolidate the bags or use smaller bags and will fit in the sleeper since it is a viewliner train cars. If coach there is a baggage rack in that car.
Not the viewliner sleepers only in the sleeper there is room on top.
Be aware that at some of the larger stations (such as Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York) and are checking baggage, you may need to be there up to an hour early in order to check the bags. You can check with the station ahead of time.
Are checked bags different from carry on? So I wouldn’t have to check a carry on right?
how about body scans/searches?
@ Amtrak doesn’t do that. They occasionally have the canine corps wandering some of the larger stations, and undercover officers may sometimes be at stations and on trains, but you don’t go through a security check line.
Haven’t taken Amtrak much but went coach Chicago to St. Louis two weeks ago. I did not care for the upper level. I felt it was too overcrowded so I changed to downstairs. That was the Texas Eagle Superliner equipment. Returning to Chicago, we were booked business class on the Lincoln Service. That was a relaxing and pleasant run. A nice touch was the cafe attendant greeting us and welcoming us to the cafe before it was open to the rest of the train. Also before approaching Union Station, the attendant closed the cafe then invited us to a last call before she had to complete her paperwork.
Good information!
Thank you! We have received our Amtrak credit card because of your advice.
Thanks for another amazing video! I leave on another trip next week! Been taking the Coast Starlight from the Bay Area to Oxnard, wondering what you think of biding to upgrade a roomette to bedroom? I’ve done it a few times and it’s worked out pretty well! You’re one of the reasons I got so in to Amtrak travel! Going to Seattle next month too!
Very well done and informative 👍🏼
Can you recommend the charger that you use?
I’d like to know too!
I also carry a portable battery charger
Excellent! Thanks so much. Love your videos. :- )
I love your channel! I had an awful experience on my last plane trip and I would like to take the train to multiple places now. I'm super nervous but your videos make me believe that I will be fine and have way more comfort in those chairs. Thanks for great content!
You might want to check out Jeb Brooks's TH-cam Channel. Him and his wife do a lot of traveling by planes, trains, and cruises and have good tips as well.
Amtrak traveler since 1975. If you check your bags, make sure that they will travel on each train that you are riding to your destination. Not all trains have baggage cars and your checked bag may travel on a later train. Once, my bags arrived a day late and my cruise had left. I was outfitted in clothes from K-Mart. I made the cruise but my suitcase did not. Keep your bags with you sure they will get to your destination when you do. Actually, modeling my K-Mart wardrobe each evening in the formal dining room dining room was kind of fun....
Thanks Guys, I am planning my first Amtrak trip for this May (CHI - SLC) and these are definately some good tips.
Great advice, as always. My previous Amtrak trips have just been in my state. But, I'm planning some multi-day and multi-state travels this year. I'll definitely be well prepared now.
Get tickets as soon as possible. The price of roomettes and bedrooms go up in price as the train gets sold out. Try not to get in the car next to the locomotive. Out west, they blow the horn at every driveway.
Buy an airline ticket and save yourself the hassle.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It took me a long time to learn that coach had a wall outlet and that didn't always need to check my bag (for the places I was going). These types of videos are extremely helpful.
Thanks for the hints. I'm looking at taking Amyrak from Los Angeles to Seattle and back. I am going to look at some of your older vids
Snack bar food can get tiresome, so I understand bringing food on to start with. Dining car food isn't cheap, but it is delicious!
I want to add what I got wrong on my first Amtrak ride 24 years ago:
They had a volunteer guide who was speaking / narrating down one end of the observation carriage, and for whatever reason I was convinced that the volunteer would take turns and move about the carriage to give everybody a chance to hear them. Not only did this not happen, but the scenic section (through the Rockies) was the only time, maybe half a day in a 3-day trip, that any interesting information was given. I still enjoyed the rest of the scenery from coast to coast, but had to learn about it from TV and TH-cam decades later.
Also, I was cheap and travelling in coach / economy, somehow surviving the nights by sheer force of youth 😂 but I missed out another announcement: Not all the speakers worked equally well in every carriage or every cabin. I recommend to be REALLY sure that the announcement you’re waiting for is going to come up where you’re sitting. So that’s how I missed breakfast one time. Remember - time zones change and there’s no mobile coverage (certainly not then, and still a lot now).
The other minor tip I’d give is that the outside of the trains may look shiny and silver, but they’re dirty! Don’t touch them if you think that’s fun 😅
Does the train generally run on time from Milwaukee to Chicago? I know some people take the train from Milwaukee to Chicago for work.
No Amtrak train 'generally' runs on time. When I travel, I get alerts on the app sometimes every 5 minutes telling me how much or little the train is delayed. I don't even look at them any longer.
I have always checked at least one bag on my 3 round trips via Amtrak (Sacramento to Omaha and back) 10:25 and have never had to wait for that bag at my final stop. Space for large bags in the sleeper cars is limited. Getting ready for trip #4 in 3 weeks.
There are some advantages to the downstairs roomettes. There are more bathrooms (3 vs. 1). They are closer to the shower. They are closer to the exit for fresh air breaks. They are closer to the luggage racks if you want something out of your suitcase. A disadvantage not mentioned is that the family room is downstairs, so sometimes there will be small children making noise in the hall.
Good points and being downstairs also means less foot-traffic since those walking from car to car are upstairs, which offsets the potential noise from a family room.
I also tend to disagree with their thoughts on there being more motion downstairs, for I have found the opposite to be true. In reality, there is more sway upstairs than downstairs. I've never had any issue sleeping on either level, though.
Another advantage is that due to most passengers crossing between cars on the upstairs level, the downstairs level will be quieter late at night.
That was better information than what I got from the video. Thanks!
And, you have to walk up and down those very narrow, winding staircase to get anywhere else on the train like the cafe, lounge, or diner.
Yessss!!! I am totally here for this video!! ❤🎉❤
Very relevant and well presented. Thanks!
Great presentation, as usual.
I keep meaning to ask you about baggage check not being available on the Lakeshore Limited, eastbound to Boston. For such a large station, you would think baggage claim/check will be available. I’ve tried to research on line for an explanation, but to no avail. Do you know why it’s not available at Boston South Station? TIA
I was so surprised out of 8 trains on my trip only 2 were late, The Cardinal 4 hours late which left me 1 minute to connect to the Northeast Regional, then NE Regional was 1 hour late. So yes! I agree with you don't think you are going to be on time. Your videos prepared me for this issue, so thank you!! I agree on sitting on bottom, I had to sit on bottom of Pacfic Surfliner and it is way different than upper level. I would also make a suggestion to bring some cleaning wipes, I found some of my roommates and bedrooms needed a little TLC. Again thank you for your videos, I did 8 trains in 11 days, East Coast to West Coast and back, Solo! It was the BEST trip I have ever taken and I am eager to go again.
Amtrak pads the schedule a half hour to an hour depending upon the route from the next to last stop to the final stop. But that doesn't help the previous stops on the route where trains are most likely late even though they arrived at the final stop on time... .
Do you know a Daxx?
Go to Europe or China, you will be hard-pressed to encounter a seriously late train. Even then, they make up their time on most occasions. You have trains traveling 280KMH in China and ours wait for freight trains and go max 65MPH...that is like something out of the third world.
Legal Note: Amtrak trains are considered Federal property so state marijuana legalization laws DON'T apply. On my last trip there was a layover in Kansas City where the feds brought drug sniffing dogs on board to check the luggage stored on the lower levels. Several passengers taken off the train at that stop after the dogs alerted the Feds about the presence of drugs in the luggage.
I am just traveling today and the smell of marijuana is horrible. Very disappointed.☹️
Starlink would be a good option, if Amtrak decided to make WiFi service working where cell service is unavailable. There are mini-sized immersible water heaters that can plug in to 120 volt outlets, for making coffee, tea, ramen noodles, etc. There's probably a limit on amps for those wall outlets, so best not to trip the circuit breaker & annoy the attendant. A hot plate or toaster would probably draw too many amps. The wall outlets in coach may have different amp ratings compared with couchette wall outlets.
Those are 300 watts. Probably OK.
Running on time would be a good option to START with.
Is it safe to leave you suit cases on the lugage racks
Generally the sleeper cars are pretty safe because they have few passengers, there's an attendant per car and since those tickets are expensive, people are not likely to steal luggage. For peace of mind you can have a lock in your bag. I would be more careful in coach cars because there are more people and those tickets are cheaper, so you could get some people that may try stealing bags if no one is paying attention. So checking in your bag (for free) if you are traveling coach may give you some peace of mind
thank you for your reply, we are traveling with Amtrak from Seattle to Chicago, in a bedroom carriage, so would the info be the same, and would I be wasting money checking them on to the train
@@nataliajimenez1870
Thank you for your time take care@yclay6795
First Amtrak trip coming up. Your videos helped me decide to give it a try. Myself and my twin 12 year old boys going Mke-Chicago-St Louis for a few days. Looking forward to it.
Thank you for the great information!
I live on the Northwest coast. My trains are very close to on time most of the time. And I have never checked baggage for this reason (planes too)
Thanks! I think I’ll give it a try!
Hi. Love your videos. Have you used red cap service? I’m traveling alone. Senior citizen. First long distance train and I know I will overpack. Going from Chicago to Seattle. I’m assuming the attendant will help me to get off the train with the stairs? But does Seattle have red cap service?
I used Red Cap several times. Totally worth it. Can’t remember if they had it in Seattle, but they do in DC and Chicago, so probably.
Yes the sleeping attendent will put out a ramp if easier and red cap will help you on the train. If coach the conductor will put out the ramp and red camp can help you on if needed.
We just traveled on a Superliner and checked our bags- it wasn't an issue at all when we arrived. In fact, knowing it was checked was a relief since they're secure. Our trip was Chicago to SLC on the California Zephyr so maybe that was the difference- since we didn't go to the end of the line our bags were unloaded very quickly. We were very appreciative of your past videos in knowing what to take with us in our Roomette. Your advice helped us a great deal!
I took Amtrak a couple of times going from Savannah GA to Jacksonville Florida visiting my brother and it's was a smooth trip. I eat in the snack bar.
Are you showing my beautiful New Mexico?😊
Y'all two are very knowledgeable about Amtrak Trains.
It doesn't take long before Amtrak passengers learn the train will most likely arrive late, maybe even very late... At a connecting train city spend the night at a hotel and catch the next train the next day... Enjoy that city for the day/night... There is much to do visiting a city from museums to restaurants... It doesn't matter which connecting city... At Chicago there are numerous museums near downtown and the navy pier as well as many restaurants to enjoy. Frankly you could spend more than a day there easily...
I've been 8 hours late on the Empire Builder. I went to Midway airport for a rental car. The lower level doesn't pitch as much. Many stations are closed until the train gets there so be prepared to wait outside in the weather. Cell phone service is spotty on the long trips. Dining car is part of the sleeper package, if there is space they will have spots open to the coach passengers.
Thanks for heads up. I want to go from Dallas to west coast
Hi Allie and Rob! Thanks for another great video.
Question: in your roomette, what did you plug into the electrical outlet? The one that has 4-5 USB ports? If you have the manufacturer and model number, that would be great! Thank you!
Awesome tips! I am thinking of doing a cross country trip for the first time so this is really useful. Thank you! Have you also done any train trips in Canada? They seem to be much more expensive that in the US.
I’ve rode the NER multiple times from Wilmington to Providence. It actually takes about the same time as it does to drive and you don’t have to deal with NY and CT traffic plus the snack car, Also few wifi interruptions. For me I’ve only had to wait at most 15 minutes. Never tried Acela, just couldn’t justify the extra cost for a one hour travel time difference. I’ll be taking my first long distance trip later this year from Wilmington to Orlando, Can’t wait. Thanks for the tips.
The trains in the Northeast Corridor are more reliable than the rest of the routes Amtrak operates. Amtrak owns the rails in that area. Everywhere else has freight railroads as hosts.
The trains in the Northeast Corridor are more reliable than the rest of the routes Amtrak operates.
Great tips! We're frequent Northeast Regional riders but would love to try the auto train one day so your videos are helpful. Ahhh the late trains. I find that Amtrak is either right on time or extremely late. There seems to be no in between most times. And yes, to using the hotspot! I learned how to use my hotspot on my phone on an Amtrak train during the pandemic. I took a trip with my daughter, and she needed to login to school (when all the schools were doing virtual). I could not for the life of me figure out the Amtrak wi-fi and that's when I finally "discovered" my phone's hotspot and learned how to use it - on that trip!
While my husband and I love travel, I am reluctant to try an overnight trip. He is 6'9", and I don't think he will be comfortable in a sleeper car. Do you have any insight into whether we could find a sleeper car he would fit in?
@groundedlifetravel, are there day trips? I want to take my husband on a day trip because he’s never been on a train just to see if he will like it before taking a longer trip
It depends on where you live.
Always enjoyable viewing with terrific tips - thanks.
This is AWESOME Information!!! All of it!! So important to know!!
Really……???
The point of not arriving to early doesn't always apply for the Auto Train. I arrived near the Sanford station 1.5 hours early, the line to the station was about a mile long and my car was an hour late getting loaded onto the train. We left the station almost 2 hours late.
I have a coach seat booked for Lorton VA to Sanford FL, if I leave my coach seat to go for a walk in the observation level will someone else take my seat. I plan to leave some stuff there, am interested if theft would be a concern or someone moving my items to take the window seat???
Your seat is reserved. It's your seat.
Wow I can relate to the 1st things on Amtrak I was coming from Salisbury, NC & it was suppose to get their around 2:30 it was so late that I took the local Amtrak from Charlotte don't u that Crescent train still beat that local train to NY SMDH I should've ✋ 😂😂😂😂
I hope i get the upper deck on the california zephyr next month.
If you have it booked, your ticket will have the car and room number on it, rooms 1-10 are upstairs
If you want warm food on a train, you can bring any manner of dried meal (soup, instant oatmeal, ramen noodles, etc.). Get a cup of hot water from the coffee/tea maker, pour it into your food, and enjoy!
4:00 On the lower level, you'll get more noise from the tracks, but as pure matter of physics, you will always get less sway than on the upper level; the pivot point for sway is in the middle of the axles, and the further away (up) from there you get, the more motion you get. The views may be worse, but you can always go to the observation car if you want to spend some time looking at the scenery; if you're going to spend the rest of your time occupied with things inside the window, you don't really care what the view is like from your seat.
I love your channel! My family and I are preparing for our first Amtrak journey and you guys have been so helpful!
I'm a single traveller. I've only been on double decker trains and I travel with lots of luggage because I'm visiting relatives and taking presents, etc. I always check my luggage. That way I don't have to haul it out on the platform. At the end I always have someone picking me up so I have help. I love Amtrak and will always go with them if possible. Also, the only time I experienced more than a few minutes delay was a westbound Zephyr in Omaha. It was several hours late due to massive fires east of Omaha. Inconvenient but we arrived at our final destination on time. 😊😊
On the Superliners the luggage rack is downstairs. Someone getting off along the way could steal your stuff. I don't know how often that happens. If you don't check your luggage you will be stuck with it if you are using connecting trains. In Emeryville I had hours to wait and the woman wanted $10 to hold my one bag and going to Los Angeles from there they didn't have checked luggage anyway.
What kind of adapter was that at the 8:38 mark? Looks like a combo us, European adapter
We are taking our 2nd train from Los Angeles to Mariposa, Arizona about seven hour trip two adults one with a disability. Would you do coach or would you do a roomette ?
I ride the empire builder most frequently, and I've been pleasantly surprised how rarely it runs significantly late.
Do you hear yourself? Nowhere in Europe would they tolerate that. Amtrak is 3rd world.
The reason trains are late can be because Amtrak shares the tracks with the freight trains and they have right of way. Also the tracks can change shape depending on weather. Hot weather will cause tracks to bend slowing the train.
Also because in certain areas, people place debris on the tracks. I've been stuck for over an hour when the train ran over a shopping cart outside Baltimore. The cars had to be checked for damage, and metal pieces removed. Power gets turned off, too, in those situations.
I wish you were a travel consultant/agency! I want to book California Zephyr in a bedroom, but as a single female, all I get to book online is the roomette with no toilet in room! This is my 3rd year trying! Any tips?
Seek advice from a travel agent.
Are the coach seats assigned? Or are they first come?
Seats are assigned when you board. It's a completely archaic system. They don't even know where the seats they are assigning will be. Pro tip: you get a (not making this up) hand written bit of paper to stick above your seats with your destination on it. If someone leaves at a stop they will remove it. Just move yourself and your bit of paper to a better seat.
Link for your portable charger ?
We are taking the train to Seattle and then renting a car. The train is due to arrive at 7:51, when should plan to pick up our rental?
One to add, thinking the roomettes were bigger than they really are. Taller and larger people will be a bit cramped.
No baloney, just good advice. Very nice.
Great, as usual. You two are such a joy to watch. So nice & down to earth. Thank you for being so organized.
Do they measure and weight your checked bags to ensure they adhere to the restrictions?
Interesting video. My father worked for the railroads in the 1940's, (Missouri Pacific and Illinois Central) but I have never taken a train journey. I prefer to drive and I take two month long cross country trips each year. I'm 78 years old and don't own a cell phone or personal computer so that's no problem for me.
El Mirage, Arizona
That may change...
I’ve made two of these mistakes so far 😂 I ended up buying their not so great food and I was at the train hall at like 6:30 because in my mind people are going to be boarding at like 45 minutes before the train leaves lol best believe I will be having my snacks on my way back and I will get there at like 7am lol
We love Amtrak. BUT……. We just recently took a roundtrip out of DC to Richmond for a must see an artist on her 1 and only American performance on a world wide tour. We thought we had scheduled a time to not only check in to the hotel and have dinner before the performance, but boy were we wrong. We barely made the concert. We book business class and received no class service with zero apology. Again, we love them, but perpetually late..
I love your channel. I'm very curious about traveling by train and wanted to know how you go about deciding what trips to take and how you plan your trips (hotels at destination, etc.) and return ride. Do you have a white paper or video on this? My goal is to hopefully take a trip from Chicago to New Orleans for my birthday (11/15) and a train back. Would love to figure out the most cost-efficient way to do this.
I've taken Wolverine from Det to Chicago and vice versa a dozen or so times over the past eight years, only once have I been more than an hour late. even arrived early a few times! I know on longer distance routes you are more likely delayed for a longer time.