I work for Amtrak, great job to have! I have a few tips for travel on my trains. If you can always get a bedroom! They are the best on the train. Try to avoid room E though, it’s the smallest. If you travel by coach try to go business class! Better seats by far. In a bedroom, after using the toilet rinse it out with the shower. The toilets are vacuum operated so don’t flush anything but bodily waste and toilet paper!! That goes for all of them btw. We’ve upgraded the blankets and pillows! They are much nicer now. Bring snacks too. By all means enjoy a meal on the diner, but snacks are a must. Enjoy the ride and know there are guys like me doing everything we can to make your trip safe and comfortable.
When I was a starving college student I went from L.A. to almost Chicago (Iowa) to visit family, I went Amtrak coach mostly because it was way cheaper and got me a hellova lot closer to my destination than flying. I was young and it was an adventure, made friends and had fun. I did a similar trip 30 years later and discovered my older body refused to sleep in the coach chair, coach seats gets all the noise from people going thru the vestibules, people talking, kids, even at night it can be significant, and 4 days in a coach chair (L.A. to Boston) was very hard on my body. Next time I will get the Roomette, no matter what the costs. The ability the lie flat in relative privacy, relative quiet and sleep is sooo worth it.
LA to Boston?! Damn that’s long! It’s like being on a bus that long except buses are much slower. That would just drive me nuts. I hadn’t been on a train since 1988 and remembered as a kid I was so comfortable being in a sleeper going from Maryland to Florida.
I’m in the same boat and taking the train from almost SanFran (Davis) to Chicago. I’m betting as a teen I will be fine, especially saving the $1000 upgrade a room would have been!
The worst of coach vs roomette is coach is upper level... Which amplifies the movements of the train. The tracks along southern and central California are pretty uneven, likely from seismic activity, its not a good environment for sleeping.
My brother and I shared a bedroom accomodation from Chicago to Los Angeles back in the summer of 2010. It was a great trip, since we traveled through so many states the scenery was always changing. I took the upper berth and slept like a baby. My brother took the lower berth and didn't sleep well either of the two nights we were on the train. He joked with me both mornings that as he sat up and looked out the window at 3am he could hear me snoring! My brother passed away in 2019 but i'm so glad we got a chance to take that trip together.
I know how special that memory must be for you, having lost a much loved family member myself. And I'm grateful for the opportunities we had to be together. So I can really relate.
Love me some Amtrak!! One thing to remember about sleeper cars - for the price you pay, you are getting gas, food and lodging plus personal service from your car attendants. Yes, it's a bit spendy, but I think the money is better spent on a train than a sardine can of a jumbo jet. You might (MIGHT) get there faster by jet, but you won't have to take your shoes off, get scanned or wanded, fight over an armrest, and you will probably be a lot happier and more relaxed when you arrive.
@@g5flyr169 My husband was fortunate enough to fly in his company's executive jet a few times. He said it was great, except the fact that their jet used the (closed) toilet as an extra seat. (PS. sorry about the PTSD trigger)
I didn't take Amtrak yet but plan to go from Philly to Orlando soon. I want to book a roomette, and I was thinking the exact same thing regarding the cost. It's your transportation, hotel and meals all in one. Plus you have privacy, the ability to get up and walk, and especially the view. I'm sure it's very relaxing. I'm wondering if all the roomettes have a sink and toilet? Thanks for the information!
How is it your hotel? When you arrive at your destination you can’t stay in a train, so your still going for a hotel. So that analogy really isn’t that accurate.
My son and I just returned from a great trip on Amtrak. Our trip began with the Empire Builder from La Crosse, WI to Chicago. We took the Lakeshore Limited from Chicago to Boston in a roomette. Next, we traveled from Boston to DC on the Acela. After that, we hopped on the Northeast Regional from DC to Philadelphia to catch the Pennsylvanian to Pittsburgh. We spent 29 hours in Pittsburgh, then boarded the Capitol Limited to Chicago in a bedroom. Finally, we rode the Empire Builder to La Crosse. To say we had a good time is an understatement!
Discovered Amtrak roomettes about 10 years ago. Marvelous experience ! For me, the privacy compared to the chaos and "luck of the draw" of coach is well worth the cost difference. Meals are included, making the cost difference even less. You get a bed to sleep in and a personal assistant, usually free coffee, water, and some fruit. And you pass through people's backyards ! The sights are routinely amazing. Great review. Do it !
I’ve traveled in both the roomette and bedroom, and I learned the hard way what happens when you are prone to motion sickness and your sleeping position has you perpendicular to the tracks (in the bedroom), as opposed to parallel to the tracks (in the roomette). Not feeling the need to get violently ill is a definite pro with the roomette.
Tell me more about motion sickness on Amtrak in general. Should I be concerned? I booked my first train trip with my girlfriend and we booked a bedroom. What am I getting myself into?
@@tomulator It depends. I am very prone to motion sickness, and unless I can see out a window, nausea will kick in. If you’re not prone to motion sickness, you’ll be fine. You can also take something like Dramamine, drink room-temperature ginger ale, etc. Side note: I booked a trip for next summer in a family bedroom, and I plan on taking every precaution I can, although I suspect I might not need it.
My husband and I have traveled both booking the roomette and the bedroom accommodations. I thought we would really like the bedroom option better because of the en suite bathroom. I actually feel perfectly comfortable in the roomette and really, using the common shower is roomier and not really used a lot.
EXCELLENT video! You covered all the bases including sleeping in roomettes going the direction of travel. I'm now a retired sleeping car attendant (32 years) and can attest to your thorough explanation of Amtrak's different types of travel accommodationa.
I have traveled in a bedroom suite with my two kids ages 10 and 16 at the time. We went on the Sunset Limited in 2002, before hurricane Katrina took out the tracks, and so were able to travel from LA to Orlando. Three nights on the train! The food was great and two bathrooms a real plus. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Years ago, I called Amtrak and asked "Is it possible to get from Boston to Montreal by train?" The polite gentleman replied "If one is patient, anything is possible."
I've done both the coach seat and roomette between North Dakota and Seattle, and if you can afford it, the roomette is completely worth it. More comfort, more private space, and just far more relaxing. Great video!
@@laurenanderson685 Normally they do not book people who are not traveling together into the same roomette. If you are traveling solo, the roomette is yours, and they will not add someone in.
A nice, succinct summary. Of course, a lot also depends on how long you're going to be on the train. If one is traveling overnight or for a longer distance, a sleeper is probably the way to go. As I've gotten older, I've gotten to the point where I don't mind paying a bit more for added comfort on a longer trip.
GREAT VIDEO! Ive been traveling on Amtrak since for over 30years. Always been coach or business class. Coach does offer the "quiet car" which helps immensely. No talking on cell phones and no conversations above a whisper, "library like atmosphere". I just noticed that they have started allowing you to "bid" for an upgrade. I originally booked a coach ticket from NJ to BOS for about $65 and was sent an email regarding a potential upgrade. I followed the steps and "won" the bid. I was able to upgrade to a roomette for $60
The lowest bid available on my ticket for an upgrade to roomette was $130, so I put in the low bid. It'll be great if I win it. The combined price will be $310, close to what airfare would have been, but much more fun! My trip will be from Eugene, OR to Los Angeles Union Station.
@@tylerclayburn8688 Oh okay. I'm only 5'6 so maybe it won't be as bad for me. My main concern is how far back those coach seats recline. I also don't sleep well on my back so I'm thinking a roomette might be better. I just hate that their double the price. lol
@@Jon_Nadeau_ if you don't sleep on your back the angled nature of the seat I'd say you won't be able to sleep the easiest, but also after a few drinks probabaly wouldn't have an issue for back sleeping a night or two lol main thing is the astronomical price difference
I started to travel the rails again after I became an adult, having such vivid and wonderful memories of the PRR from my childhood. So many things tweaked my senses and made me smile - including the smooshed-flat-because-they-have-no-core toilet paper rolls in the roomette. And it occurred to me to wonder why people are so bloody squeamish about toilets in the rooms! I have never experienced foul odors and the like from an in room loo. In fact, the convenience far outweighed any misgivings
Very good rundown. One thing I'll add is that I travelled with someone in a wheelchair, so we had an accessible bedroom. Like the family bedroom, it spans the car so you have windows on both sides. We loved that.
Was the room truly accessible or just barely? I often find places that are supposed to be accessible are often difficult to navigate in my wheelchair. Also, is the person in the wheelchair confined to the room?
It was truly accessible, but once you're in it there's not much of any place to go. And not "confined" but a wheelchair can really only go into the corridor outside. The dining car, observation car, club car etc are all on the second level. Since meals are included in sleeping car accommodations, they bring all your meals to the room for you.
Hi, Jeb. I've traveled with Amtrak, a number of times. I had booked the roomette, and was happy with it until I was upgraded to a room! Whoa! What a difference! Regarding sleeping, the roomette did sway so I didn't really sleep that well, but enough to get me through the rest of the trip. When I was upgraded to the room though, I really slept so well that I thought I was in my own bed, at home, that's how great it was. I learned that with the roomette I was sleeping with my head to the rear of the train, and the feet toward the engine, and with the room, I slept with my head toward the window, on one side, and the feet toward the window on the other side. Fantastic!!
What I learned: The stand alone showers on the superliners are wider than the ones in the bedrooms; the ones in the bedrooms taper narrower from front to back, so you can get 'stuck' in the little shower. So I always shower in the 'public' showers. The fold away bed in the bedroom, well, the seats slope towards the floor, so I always felt like I was sliding off the seat, and couldn't lay down on the long seat at all. And the regular chair was bolted to the floor, so I had no legroom trying to use that. For a single traveler, the roomette was perfect; I'm six foot four, and there's room enough for me to stretch out when lying down on the 'bed', and the seats were quite comfortable, and will sliightly recline as well. there is very little leg room between the opposing seats in the roomettes, but traveling alone, there is plenty of room for one person; two would be cramped. I would often use the opposing seat as an ottoman. The food was surprisingly good, but the snack bar food was mediocre, horrible hot dogs and hamburgers and bland breakfast sandwiches, all of which had to be microwaved. So I stuck to the snack cakes and candy from there. As I have severe arthritis, I would send the car attendant to the snack bar for me once a day, to collect everything I would need throughout the day, as on superliners I would have to climb up and down two sets of narrow stairs TWICE just to go to the snack bar and back. The car attendants were all very good. On the viewliner, the toilet is in the roomette under a countertop type cover. Handy in the middle of the night, but awkward if you're traveling with another person. However, there is also a public toilet at the end of the cars for the 'coach' passengers, which can be used, as well. Down side? Few outlets in any of the rooms, and check beforehand if your train has wifi or not, because you WILL be traveling through some areas where cellular service just doesn't exist for any cellphone carrier. Hope this augments the info in the video.
Thanks for the information. I'm vaguely sort of planning a long round-trip from Sacramento to wherever some time about next summer solstice. Won't know where until the band I'm taking a coach seat to see next month (1 to 2 hours each way) sets up their tour schedule for next year. That's IF they're touring the US then...Canada maybe. I flew up to Victoria, BC to see them early May, a few month ago. Home Free is wonderful!! And well worth the travel time and all that goes with it.
Yes! Very helpful, and just the sort of info one hopes to understand, and that you couldn't otherwise know. I'm surprised to hear the seats slope down like that in the bedroom. I had thought a bedroom would be a nice upgade, but now I'm thinking that 2 roomettes might be more comfortable for me and a companion, vs. one bedroom!
Years ago I traveled with an 8 month old, A2 year old and a 13 year old.. I was bumped up, no extra charge, to an amazing room. 2 sofas that turned into upper &lower beds, 2 swivel chairs & table between and in suite bathroom. It was the best way to travel with little ones.
About 32 years ago my wife and spent almost 6 months in the USA riding the rails and yes we did everything from coach to the family room on one occasion when there was nothing else available. It was a magical experience that I will never forget. The thing I liked was the opportunity to meet such a cross section of America - we met dancers from Vegas, two oil guys from Texas, a jet fighter sales man and my favorite an 93 year old black lady from NY who was making her first trip to Alabama since she was 15 years old! It is disappointing though to find that the website is just as lacking in information to day as the travel brochures we got back then….
Isn't that interesting -- that "the website is just as lacking in information today as the travel brochures we got back then..." WHY would that be other than Amtrak is not supported by government subsidies as quality train lines are in other countries -- I believe sometimes they work in the red (but that may not be true.) Just now, I saw to the right a TH-cam video one month old that is titled: "Amtrak's billion dollar problem" (and I think that's the problem.) Going to watch that video right now!
@@FrankieSpeaksProbably because that 93 year old lady shared her stories of what it was like as a young black girl living in Alabama during segregation. He likely received a living history lesson on that trip that no visit to any museum could ever provide.
I've traveled in all the Amtrak accomodations. As you noted, so much depends on budget and because of dynamic pricing, you can't tell what the upgrades will cost until you make your reservation. Also any room is more of a Per Room than per person. The pricing is really coach plus Room Surcharge, the room surcharge is less per person if 2 people occupy a room. Several notes - the bedroom can sleep up to 3, but the two on the lower bed had better be a close couple. It's tight but doable. The Bedroom Suite is just 2 Bedrooms with a door between them opened up, so you don't have to go out into the hall to be with each other. Get your reservation in early so you can get the adjoining rooms. This is great for families with Money. I look at the Family Room as a Roomette that can sleep 4. Warning 2 of the beds are short. But the bathroom is Roomette style, ie down the hall. And the handicapped room is a Roomette with a toilet and sink inside your room for the Superliner. It is Roomette priced, which is its advantage over a Bedroom. And they give you special attention because you are handicapped. My husband loved it in his declining years. But that toilet is IN your room, so privacy and smell are an issue. The shower is the Down the Hall and the same one the Roomettes use. And then there is the new Business Class, which has basically Coach with some Roomette perks. It has its own attendant. And a food allowance. And they go to Business Class for dining car reservations after the Roommimg Cars. This class has sadly been discontinued during Covid-19, but keep your eyes open. It's a good compromise between coach and Roomettes for shorter runs. And another note for Handicapped. If you are traveling Coach, they have a lower section of coach seats and the car attendants will note your location and give you special help, like getting food from the Cafe Car, so you don't need to go up the stairs. They were very kind to us.
Thanks for all the details you have shared with us. I have traveled on trains and used the roomette a couple of times. Now being 69 and in a wheelchair, Travel is different. Hearing from you that the handicapped room was roomette priced was good information to me.
@@cigarcaptain The Handicapped Room is very Handicapped friendly. On the lower level and occupying the entire end of the car, you get some good manuvering room. But one warning, it has a lack of electrical plugs and they are poorly located. Bring extension cords with plug multipliers, especially if you have an electric chair.
So if two people are booking a train trip and are getting a bedroom, do they each have to purchase a ticket at that same fare, or is it split? For example, in the video the bedroom cost was about $1200. If I am booking that trip with my partner, are we each paying $1200 for a total price of $2400 for our trip? Or just the $1200 total for both us (which we could split to be $600 each)?
We went from Pittsburgh to Chicago then onto Los Angeles. It took 4.5 days. We had the roomette. By the 3rd day it seemed to shrink. The room was taken care of anytime we left. The bathroom is as ok but very small. It got messy when we picked up a group of people. The meals were included in price. They were comparable to Friday’s food, excellent. Downside was the crowds of people using the same bathroom, lounge and diner car.
Rooms on Amtrak have had many changes in management procedures over the years. I used to buy a coach seat, and once the train started, I would approach the attendant in one of the sleeper cars, and see if he had vacancies. IF so, you could usually get a room at half off for cash. They have stopped this because the cash often did not get turned into the Company. So today, the farther out you book your trip, the cheaper the price. Last minute bookings are full tilt prices!
Around 10 years ago I took Amtrak from NYC to Florida (a 19-hour trip) in a seedy train that I estimated may have been designed in the 1970's. I booked a roomette and in the old roomette there was a toilet and thank God. Seedy or not, I absolutely LOVED this trip! I'd never done long distance train travel before (before my father was too elderly to pick me up from the airport, I always flew.) I vowed that I would take an overnight train for another vacation trip but alas, I haven't gotten around to it yet (perhaps because 6 years ago I moved from Manhattan to a western state and that was plenty to take on.) "My dream" is that with our aging population that train travel will enjoy an upsurge in popularity and that Amtrak will receive subsidies from the government as trains do in other countries where the train system is more luxurious -- I live in hope that this will happen in my lifetime and I am in my mid-70's! What an optimist I am, huh?
Amtrak does receive govt subsidies. It's gotten a lot more since Obama & then Biden loves Amtrak, so he gives just as much as Obama. I'm def not a Democrat but that is the ONLY thing I like about those 2 presidents. My husband works for Amtrak &they only receive OT if there is a Democrat in office.
@@ninga55 If Democrats respect your husband's right to overtime, tell me why you still consider yourself a Republican, a party in truth that supports the 1%? When you vote do you just hope that the rest of us will vote a Democrat into office? I know this is a complex topic -- politics always is. But consider this: If the 1% were forced to pay their fair share of taxes this country could rebuild its train infrastructure and do many more things like repairing bridges and roads. And it's the Republicans who continue to insure all these tax loopholes for the 1% who have more than they will ever personally need in this lifetime. I can never understand any middle class American voting Republican, the party of the 1%.
I was amazed that you have only been traveling Amtrak just this past Pandemic year-You have done a MASTERFUL job pivoting from an exclusively Plane oriented Channel to a more broadly mixed Travel Channel!
I took the train for the first time this year. I rode coach and loved it. Amtrak took such good care of us. Never made a connection on time but unlike airlines, we were well provided for. It was fun sitting in the lounge car and I met now really good friends. I’m sold
Great summary video. I recently upgraded for the first time to a roomette on my return trip back home from Florida and I am so glad I did. The privacy and comfort were well worth the difference in price. I was like a kid at Christmas .... seeing all the beautiful scenery instead of just flying over it. Beautiful rural areas and even the big cities somehow seem smaller when you enter them by rail. Thanks Jeb for another great Amtrak video ....
I travelled from Denver towards Salt Lake City, through the mountains in early January back in 2013-14. I had never heard of the observation cars (I had not travelled on Amtrak before) but the views through the snowy Rockies was breathtaking and romantic in the observation cars!!! Highly recommend!!
Thank you for including the accessible room in your video! I think it’s important that they are part of the conversation even if only a small minority of your viewers would ever use one. I am a wheelchair user, but I have never travelled on a route long enough to request a bedroom, I just book a regular seat. I really appreciate information like this, as it is sometimes very difficult to find. I mean, just a few days ago, I watched a video about Amtrak that was made by a wheelchair user, and they did not even include ANY information about accessibility features. So, kudos to you!
It's great Amtrak thought of having accessible bedrooms. They thought about people who aren't able to get where others can. Thats the reason I take Amtrak over airplane. Amtrak cares about their customers needs.
Accessible Bedrooms are not covered much although Amtrak should. On Superliners, Accessible Bedrooms are spacious with enough room to maneuver. Accessible Bedrooms run the entire width of the car on the 1st level, but the windows are half the size of those found in Coach, Roomettes, & Deluxe Bedrooms. The car attendants will use a lift to board & detrain the handicapped, but I would recommend calling ahead to reserve this service. There's enough room for an occupied wheelchair on the 1st level. They will see you on & off the train & will bring your meals to your room. Personal care us up to the ticket holder. The seating/sleeping configuration in these rooms are similar to the Roomettes. What I don't like about their Accessible Bedrooms is there is little privacy for those using the in-room toilet if there are 2 occupants. There's a privacy curtain at the window & another towards the general areas of these rooms to use the toilet. There are no armrests at the outer edge of the seats. In Viewliner I cars, the Accessible Bedrooms are spacious with very spacious enclosed restrooms-no showers. There's 1 comfortable couch which runs the width of the car within the room (not the entire width) with no other seating. Accommodation charges are about the same as a Deluxe Bedroom. I haven't seen the Viewliner II car interiors at all. I hope this helps.
My wife and I considered this mode of transportation a few years ago for our family reunion in Texas. I lost a leg in "18" so I knew I wouldn't be comfortable in a regular seat for the length of the trip. She discovered that a room was way too expensive, so we had to cancel. Finding out about the accessibility room has made me feel better knowing that Amtrak does keep it's handicapped customers in mind, however I'm fairly certain that is an even costlier expense. Of course if I should ever hit the lottery.....
Generally accessible rooms are priced the same as roomettes, but except on the day of departure they are available only to passengers with disabilities and those accompanying them. (They can be sold to anyone on the day of departure.)
Thanks for showing us the variations of sleeping accomodations! I have a female traveling companion that has difficulty getting around on her own! We've watched your videos together! Maybe East Coast Amtrak travel will get your attention soon!
The way I approach Roomette upgrades is to initially buy my reservation as All-Coach Class. I then wait a few weeks for the prices to drop, if they do, so I can upgrade under $200. If not, I wait until my budget allows. I like both classes, but I still find sleeping in Coach to be at-best manageable. I sleep a lot better in a Roomette, so I will try to upgrade overnight segments where I can.
Not cheaper than a coach ticket. Back in 2018, my one way MIA-SAS via WAS and CHI ticket costed $301. Over the weeks since booking, the prices were falling and found a Roomette upgrade on the 3rd segment for only $166 more! Total pricing for that trip in 2019 spring break was $467! Not Bad!
I took 5 children for 21 days in the family bedroom from Atlanta to New Orleans to Los Angelos to Seattle to Chicago and back to Atlanta. What an adventure!!!
You raise an excellent point! In Europe, a sleeping car accommodation may just mean you have a "berth" in the car. There may be five other people in the room. For Amtrak, a single person can purchase a roomette, and, I think, a bedroom, and occupy it singly.
we decided to experience Amtrak when we found the two for one deals. Customer service very helpful when inquired about wife's wheelchair. We had booked a roomette on line but customer service changed us to accessible at lower price. i recently checked prices and price doubled. Important to jump on deals.
Good summary. One option you did not discuss was a couple traveling together booking a roomette each, across the aisle from one another. I've done that several times. At least a couple years ago, the price point was between a roomette and a bedroom. More space, views out both sides of the train, and nobody has to crawl into the upper bunk.
Amtrak transportation is the most relaxing way to travel if you can. I have always met the nicest people and in some instances made life long pen pals. 🥰🥰♥️♥️
Another thing that I'm surprised was skipped because it never is in airplane videos, is it all of your meals are included with rooms, so if you're in the train for 2 days that's 6 full meals and they are really very good , and far beyond anything and airline can serve. In the morning my purser gave me the menu selections for the day and a choice of reservation times for the dining car, and although it was very nice with real glass and silverware, I am just a little too introverted to be seated with strangers while eating (even though they were very friendly) so my purser was kind enough to bring the rest of my meals for the trip to my roomette. I believe they came in foam boxes with that was perfectly fine for the more relaxed eating experience, and I also was given the option of getting anything from the cafe which is distinctly different from the dining car. The dining car can you thought of it as more of a restaurant experience in the cafe is very much like a snack bar but they are in two different places and people may not be aware of that and of course food from the cafe is cheaper, but sometimes you just want a burger and fries :-) I have no idea how much the food would have cost if it weren't included in the room, but it was definitely sufficient for a big guy appetite and the food came frequently enough that I had enough saved muffins and rolls that I thought I would eat snacks later, but there was always another full meal just around the corner! I think there were two shared bathrooms in my car and I never had trouble walking the few steps to use it, it was clean and there was no smell I'm not so sure I would want one right next to my chair though. A cool tip I read here was that when you flush the toilet if you're in a room with one to follow with water from the shower or water bottle and that will prevent any build-up or odors in your small space. The attendance for the rooms really are nice and helpful. If you want turndown service at the end of the day and have your chairs converted to a bed, you can do that. I elected to do that.just once since the bed takes up nearly the entire room at with just enough room to stand up between the bed and the door, I found it just as comfortable sleeping in the chair with it reclined. Also if you're not planning on using the upper fold-down bunk bed, you can use that space for additional luggage or storage of pillows during the day etc. The attendants really can help you with just about anything you need, they will get you pretty much anything you want, or can give you complete privacy just depending on what you prefer. It was nice to have a shower room available, the one in my car was downstairs but very large I think designed to also accommodate wheelchairs so I took a late night shower and it was cool to have that experience on a train. All of those things added together, as well as someone to help you with your luggage and all the rest, was worth the upgrade for me which was an optional upgrade after the fact and nowhere near the advertised price, about $100 over Coach and that part can be a little tricky, and you do gamble a little bit by buying a coach seat and then waiting for the inevitable upgrade email, but for me it was well worth the price for really being treated like a first-class passenger on the Southwest Chief from Kansas City to LA was a trip of a lifetime and not having to worry about packing snacks or worrying about having enough money for food aboard was great, and you're also were local foods available in at several of the stops not that I needed any more food but I did have to try some homemade burritos being sold vendor on the platform in Albuquerque, they were amazing! Plus unique souvenirs and keepsakes, I bought some authentic Indian Arrowheads and jewelry there as well. I could have made the flight in 3 hours in been crammed into a seat designed for skinny teenagers and been subjected to intrusive body searches and the crazy hubbub of an airport but I wasn't no hurry and the 35 our train trip was extremely comfortable and enjoyable, extraordinary views of abandoned missions in the middle of the desert with no roads in sight as well as flying across the tracks in Western Kansas at ninety miles an hour at night and crawling through canyons so narrow in New Mexico that have the windows opened it seems like you could touch the walls, you don't get experiences like that flying at 35,000 ft. Although during that high-speed segment of the trip we did hit some real turbulence and I got tossed into a luckily vacant booth in the dining car lol I would recommend staying in your seats when the train is going 90 + miles per hour ;) Everything I needed was taken care of and it was cool being pampered. My only regret is that since I was traveling on a budget and my first time on a train, I was not able to tip my excellent car attendant very much. I would next time make sure to figure that into my plans because they really work hard. I hope everyone gives Amtrak chance and I hope that their routes are expanded so that most cities are serviced!
Thanks Jen! Very informative video! My husband and I are taking our first cross-country trip in the summer of 2022! 48 hours on a train! Hopefully we won’t drive each other crazy!
The one thing to keep in mind if you’re traveling on a budget and buy a coach ticket, in most cases, there is a lounge car that you can spend time in and enjoy any food you might have brought with you, which I suggest, so, unlike air travel, your not confined to your seat whatsoever.
I think another thing to point out when traveling coach is really the comfort of the seat. This is especially true for people who might compare it to a plane seat. It isn't like that. Planes feel cramped and even clausterphobic. Amtrak seats are wider, recline further and have a much better foot rest. If you can sleep in a recliner, you can sleep on an Amtrak coach seat. For those with small children, the leg rest adjusts up to parallel with the seat bottom, making a perfect toddler bed. I've never been able to sleep on a plane, and rarely in a car, but have had no problem sleeping on Amtrak. I don't know if I'd want to spend 3-4 days in coach..but for an overnight trip, its fine.
One tip for those of you traveling solo in a Viewliner roomette: consider using the upper bunk as your bed. The bottom bunk is the default bed option-and on a Superliner, that's by far the better choice, since the upper bunk is pretty cramped. Since the Superliners are bi-level, the ceilings are a lot lower, which is probably why Jeb noted that the Viewliner roomettes feel more spacious. The Viewliner roomette's upper bunk is different. The ceilings are nice and high, so you can sit up in bed without bumping your head on the ceiling. The upper bunk has its own window, which is perfectly aligned with the bed, making it easy to lay in bed and look out the window. In the lower bunk, you'll have to sit up to look out the window properly. Easy to do-but also not as relaxing. If you're using the upper bunk in the Viewliner, you can also leave your lower bunk set up as seats. Just climb up whenever you're ready for bed. The bed itself raises and lowers on a track, and is simple to raise and lower at will. When you wake up in the morning, feel free to climb down and enjoy that morning coffee without waiting for the attendant to make your room up. You can also nap during the daytime whenever the mood strikes you!
When I booked my train trips back in 2019, I used a website that would display Amtrak's fares for multiple days (sort of like the airlines do). I was able to save a little by changing my dates around a bit.
Eastern Bloc countries inherited the old Italian etc trains from the 1950s & 60s, when wagons were divided into compartments w/locking doors, window tables, and 'seats facing seats' folding into 4 or 6 bunkbeds. These are great! Phobia of strangers was used as an excuse to scrap the compartmentalized wagons in the US. A pity. They are such a fun, social way to travel. You meet new people, and they are very affordable because bunks use far less floor space than roomettes etc. This month I took the train from L'viv to Kiev, Ukraine, an overnight trip of 9 hours. Cost: $13! Clean sheets on a narrow fold down bed, and a cup of tea in a real china cup served free to everyone in the morning! Those old wagons will keep rolling forever; they weren't built in an Asian sweatshop, but with pride by Italian craftsmen out of quality steel. And Ukrainians don't throw things away and buy new; they repair them. The tea is made with water from a large boiler at the end of every wagon, just turn the tap any time you want. Why doesn't Amtrak add some of these sociable and inexpensive-ticket COMPARTMENT cars to their other 5 options (roomette etc.)? I'm not the only one who would like both the lower cost, and the opportunity to meet new people that only '3 seats facing 3 seats' can provide. Airplane seating is no way to travel on a train!
Great breakdown of the rooms and seats. I need train travel for cross country trips in an accessible bedroom or first class on a plane. I get more on train to put legs up, get meals and scenery. Also bathroom to access. Hard to do on a plane. I can bring my own snacks and drinks including alcoholic. Unwind without going thru security pardon being in a wheelchair. Keep up the good works Jeb.
Great job. Correction on the Accessible Bedroom's facilities. It is often an wheelchair-accessible toilet with shower. The shower is off to the left side. In my experience on the EB LSL, in the morning (near Utica, NY) if the public showers have been busy, well-tipped attendants will offer you the (assuming it's vacant) Accessible Bedroom for changing/showering purposed. A nice treat. Just remember to draw the shades on both windows!
Next time you come to the UK try the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William, the problems have been sorted out now with the new rolling stock and you can even book a double bed.
My wife and I traveled from Minnesota to Montana a few years ago on The Empire Builder. I am in a wheelchair so we got the wheelchair accessible room. Personally, I loved it! My wife on the other hand, will never travel that way ever again. She was not comfortable.
Great review, Jeb. If I were to pick I would go with Roomette? But-- $ difference between Roomette & bedroom is not much. Just depends on length of route. Been 100 years since I traveled across country by train. Coast to coast---IN A SEAT. Pretty rough. So cold at night. Make sure to carry: scarves, flip flops for shower if shared (+baggy for flip flops), light layers, Xtra socks & underwear and snacks. A back pack is perfect for this. Also, make note of what you should & shouldn't pack NEXT time. And watch & read YT reviews comments!!🚆
This is so great! I wish it were possible to see a floor plan of each, along with the size of the windows. But this is very helpful!! Thanks! btw, I personally would rather have the bathroom a few steps away, than in my room! :) On our 2-night trip from LA to New Orleans a few years ago, our family of our had 2 roomettes, across the hall from each other. It was super nice except that the upper bunk had very little vertical space, and people sleeping up there felt very claustophobic. The bathroom situation was fine, though, clean and not crowded, and just a few steps away.
Took the train to Boston years ago (left from Cincinnati) and loved it. I had a roomette which had a private tiny bathroom. Food was really good, Amtrak staff were friendly and I slept like a baby. It's too bad that Amtrak doesn't have more routes in the US. Would love it if instead of driving I-75 to Florida or flying I could take the train to visit my 2 brothers who live in Ft. Lauderdale.
Heyo! Few extra tips for coach travelers, you can bring your own food on the train, and there was a toaster on the one I was on, so on the return trip I brought all kinds of toaster foods: toaster strudels, pop tarts, toast and pb, etc. Also, to tone down on noise inside the car with everybody around, I brought some simple foam earplugs, and THEY WORKED GREAT! I put em in and slept like a baby all night long. There was plenty of room for feet, luggage and a carry-on. Remember, it’s not like a flight where you can’t get up and get into your luggage mid flight, you have freedom on the tracks. Don’t forget to use the times the train is in the station to step out and get some fresh air, even if only for a minute, it helps.
I just finished a trip on the Empire from Chicago to Seattle/Everett. I went coach and the seats looked brand new and were very well made. There was a ton of room, the seats were roomy they would recline way back, and the table/tray was awesome....and the seats, though well made, were probably the most uncomfortable thing I've ever sat in. The seat back had a bolster that hit me in the head and prevented me from putting my head back in a comfortable sleeping position. Below this bolster, the seatback had a banana curve that slid you down to a seat bottom that was flat as a pancake and did not tip up when the seat back reclined. You were constantly sliding down your seat. First, all of the loose fabric from your underwear and pants would get crammed into your nether regions. Once all the fabric was shoved up there you would begin your descent into the big slump. I think these seats were very new, and well made. Just an absolutely horrible design. You're on the train for two nights and no way to get comfortable. The staff was nice.
I have the amtrak credit card 7 years now. Been banking them miles. Almost 200,000 now. Your videos of rooms are the best as I am not a small man. Now my kid is almost 10, and ready for our big trip. I haven't rode amtrak since 1980 to spokan, 3 months after Mt St helons blew. Nice videos. Def the best ones on you tube.
Amtrak announced and had resumed daily service for The Empire Builder! As a FedEx Driver I enjoy being able to see the inbound EB to Spokane almost every day!
Hubs and I have traveled Amtrak’s AutoTrain for many years (AutoTrain travels exclusively from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL). We first booked coach seats (comfortable but very little sleep), moved up to a Roomette for many trips until the shared hallway bathroom experience became unacceptable. Amtrak started eliminating some pleasant niceties and I’m guessing overnight bathroom cleaning was one of them. I couldn’t handle the amount of cleaning I needed to do before using the facilities so hubs now books a bedroom. I’m certain our next trip in 2 weeks will be our last and final one for several reasons. Amtrak’s prices have climbed too high. We had to change our reservation from Thanksgiving to July (family business reasons) and we were charged $700!!!!! That’s nuts. The train used to offer big boxes of fresh bananas and oranges, and almost unlimited bottled water. They’ve stopped both. They used to offer wine and cheese at departure but stopped this. They used to offer a better menu for dinner, but stopped this. Higher prices and reduced amenities have taken away the big enjoyment of train travel for us.
This is a fantastic summary video! Great job! · I am glad that you mentioned a Bedroom Suite as its own class of bedroom, because Amtrak sells them that way. I think they only pop up as a pricing option if you are buying tickets for three or more persons. · Of the five classes of rooms that you mention (Roomettes, Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites, Family Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms), only four are available on Viewliner trains. There is no Family Bedroom in a Viewliner sleeper car. For a 3-4 person family with at least one child, you might try a Bedroom Suite, or a pair of Roomettes across the hall from each other. · The Accessible Bedrooms on a Superliner are kind of a drag. They're downstairs, and they don't have an en-suite shower. It may be easy to get on and off the train, but if your mobility is limited enough so that you can't navigate a spiral staircase, it's hard to leave lower level of your sleeping car. You end up living in the space of a half car length for the entire duration of your trip. No dining car experience for you! The car-to-car vestibules and two thirds of the living space in the sleeper cars are upstairs, because the downstairs level of the car is foreshortened by the service areas over the rail trucks. I can't imagine living in that confined a space for several days, so I find renewed gratitude that my wife and I are both still able to climb stairs. The window on the bathroom side is frosted, so no sightseeing on that side of the train. The four rooms closest to the Accessible Bedroom are three public restrooms and a public shower. Welcome aboard. · Regarding the sway difference between upstairs and downstairs on a Superliner: Keep in mind that Family Bedrooms and Accessible Bedrooms are all downstairs (less sway), but ("Deluxe") Bedrooms (and therefore Bedroom Suites) are all upstairs (more sway). Roomettes, like Coach Seats, are available on both levels of a Superliner. Also, upstairs areas naturally tend to have a better view over short trees and any single-story buildings that may be near the tracks. So the sway may be worthwhile. Some say it helps them sleep on a train. · I have heard that, in some cases, dual Roomettes (across the hall from each other) is cheaper than a single ("Deluxe") Bedroom - though that was not true in your single-sampling price example. If that is affordable, then a couple traveling together might consider booking a pair of Roomettes. This looks attractive, compared to the alternatives of cramming both people into a single Roomette, paying extra for a ("Deluxe") Bedroom with en-suite and more space, or shelling out even more cash for a Bedroom Suite. If both companions want a bottom bunk, and you want downstairs Superliner accomodations with less sway, this sounds completely viable. Maybe you and your Creative Director could comment on that?
We took Amtrak from Orlando to DC and return. Found a great deal by booking coach and then when in route we asked the conductor for an upgrade to roomette. Got a great deal. On the way back home we got a bedroom for a great deal as well. Now I know that sometimes they’re all taken, but we lucked out. It was worth the risk. They don’t want empty rooms moving empty.
I just got done with my first Amtrak trip. I took the crescent to DC from Atlanta. I rode coach, and from here forward I'm taking a roomette. I didn't hate coach, I would just prefer to lay down, because I can't sleep in seats like that.
You’re not lying about the app/website being a pain, im on the phone now with Amtrak trying to figure out why it’s breaking up my trip into multiple trains, im wanting to do the California Zephyr but it’s saying it’s going to be multiple trains. I’m confused
I always travel by amtrak i take my grandaughter along since she was 9 months old she is now 13 and we still go cross country yearly i have tried all the rooms i like the family room its bigger although it doesnt have bathroom or shower iloved the meals but now they have changed their foods to box lunches uggh its very expensive but i love the privacy
Thanks for sharing..This brought back memories.Because,my family moved from New York to California when I was little.My brother & I was about 6 or 7 years old..We had fun on the train..We had the family bedroom..That was back in 1973 or 74..Tell this day I may go from Los Angeles to Santa Barbra on Amtrak (2 hrs. one way).I love trains.. From Amtrak to Freight trains..Trains are cool..
Thank you Jeb for an excellent video. I've only traveled once by train and it was when I was drafted into the service long ago. So, I can say I didn't enjoy it for that reason. But now, after seeing your video, I can see the glamour of train travel. I've always wondered about the various classes of seating and you provided every answer I could ever want.
Thanks Jeb, always cool to hear accommodation options for people with disabilities. Excellent inclusion! Great to know that people with disability are part of your video. With thanks!
This was a great breakdown. I'm a huge Amtrak fan, but so far I've only rode in Coach and never a private room, and I suspect that will remain the case for some time to come. Even the Roomette is really expensive, especially considering that it's just the cost for one way, and that taking the train already increases your costs to begin with because then you'll likely have to rent a car at your destination. I've heard that trying to sleep overnight in Coach is unbearable, so not being able to afford a Roomette also means that my Amtrak travel will be limited to a day's worth of distance for the time being.
I've taken amtrak so many times and while I love the bedroom for its privacy, its price is really off putting for a solo traveler (but a fantastic splurge if you want to avoid domestic first class). The roomette is perfect for me since I travel alone. Being in a smaller space like that really does make you want to get up and walk around, and I get to meet random people (occasionally, western culture seems to be so absolutely isolationist to the point that individual conversations are seen as an annoyance rather than something fun to pass the time with). Overall, roomette for me. I've traveled charter rail once (a company party) and it was quite a unique experience, but I wouldn't recommend it for people who travel often (booking charter cars from one city to the next seems like a nightmare). Would love to fly private charter one day, but my pockets just aren't that deep.
My brother-in-law and i rode the Coast Starlight from Seattle to San Jose a few years ago. We took a roomette and it was great. During the day, we could sit face-to-face and enjoy the scenery while drinking a glass of wine and solving the problems of the world. The huge picture window was excellent. The most amazing thing was how quiet the train was. We could carry on a normal conversation while blasting across the landscape. While we were away at dinner, our car attendant converted the two seats to a lower bunk, lowered the upper bunk from the ceiling, and made up the beds. I took the upper and we both slept very well. BTW, our car attendant was a 30-something lady and she was wonderful. In addition to keeping us fed and caffeinated, she answered all our questions about Amtrak operations and generally made us just want to hang out with her. I would love to take another Amtrak trip.
Jeb, I just read a WaPo story stating Amtrak is bringing back the traditional dining cars on routes West of the Mississippi on June 23. Unfortunately that does not include any Eastern routes.
Years ago I took my two pre teens from Ohio to Florida, coach seats. We didn't sleep much and it was a long train ride but it was unforgettable! Could walk from car to car. We went to the restaurant and ordered french toast, pricey! Otherwise, brought our own food. One night when the kids were asleep I walked around and was invited to share a whiskey with another who couldn't sleep and we talked all night, watched the night lights of the cities go by, & the stars of the countryside. In the lounge there were people chatting or playing cards. What an adventure! I would go again but the kids are grown with their own kids, and my kid now is my dog and she isn't allowed, unfortunately.
Careful if you choose Amtrak Chicago-California trip. Worst travel experience of my life on this train. Conductor and staff were horrible. Cater to thugs + druggies and ignore families and retirees. Amtrak should be ashamed.,
Do it!! I travel Amtrak about once a year and have always had a great experience. I travel business class. Coach isn’t bad but it is more crowded, you aren’t promised a seat (so you may have to stand), and it’s just less comfortable overall. While still comfortable, I just prefer business class. The extra 20 dollars or whatever it is always makes my trip that much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Amtrak site is not that bad compared to some other sites. I agree, the drop down to select the # of travelers is not intuitive but otherwise it’s straight forward. Technically challenged individuals have the option to call the reservation line. I do that sometimes after booking online to confirm my reservation went through.
Hey Jeb thanks so much for this video . I plan to travel AMTRAK with my new wife and family and the information provided is number one. Thanks so much!
Amazing review Jeb! Now I know the ins and outs of Amtrak trains! In Australia, sleeper trains usually give you a cabin to yourself in First class with one seat which turns into a bed 😀
I remember from fiddling with an Amtrak price-checking bot (which I found out about on the Amtrak Unlimited forum) immediately pre-pandemic what the prices were like for the long-distance trains I was "armchair traveling" on, and it seems that the prices have come down quite a lot since then, per the example you gave of Empire Builder fares. (My favorite "dream trip" to plan was the Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited, since the southbound TE goes past my office window every afternoon, but the Empire Builder was probably my #2 favorite, because I used to ride that in coach to get home from college back in the 1970s.) I think the Family Bedroom would be my preferred accommodation for a couple (like me and my spouse), because the lower price vs. the Bedroom and the extra space would make up for the lack of a private bathroom. The one big problem with booking a Family Bedroom is that there's only 1 in the whole sleeping car, so it can get snapped up pretty quickly. Looking forward to relaxing mask requirements on Amtrak and the return of full dining car service on Superliner routes, especially as my spouse and I get closer to retirement age!
Thank you, Jeb. I'm going to start my transcontinental travel experience w/ Amtrak just to enjoy the views, eliminate traffic and road challenges, and to get to a destination quickly. I've watched you and your wife's other videos - which got me hooked.
There is also a snack bar that is usually open like 7AM - 8PM. It sells things in prepackaged containers that get microwaved. I love to get coffee. The snack bar is run by a concession company, and not Amtrak. It is expensive as well, but not as much as the Diner. You CAN bring on small coolers and your own snacks BUT NOT alcohol. They sell alcoholic drinks on board, BUT, if you get drunk, you are removed from the train and arrested.
In 1977, I took AMTRAK from Monterey, CA, to Kansas City, MO. I traveled solo in a roomette. It was a magical experience, lying in my bed in the early morning, watching the world flow by. I hope to take another, longer trip in the not too distant future.
My most favorite about the Amtrak Superliner sleepers and transition sleepers are the bedrooms and bedroom suites because they're the biggest. My least favorites are the coach seats (economy seats) and the roomettes including on the viewliners because the coach seats are tough for us to get extra sleep and for commuters only just on long-distance trains and the roomettes are kind of too small. Riding the rails should be way better than flying because of ear pain on flights.
I love Amtrak. I have taken the Southwest Chief from Lamy, NM to Kansas City several times in the last three years. I always book a roomette. I prefer the lower level, and only recently had to be upstairs, which wasn't fun for several reasons. Later on this month I'll be taking that same trip, LMY to KCY and I scored the family bedroom in both directions. Wow. Lower level, a room that allows me to see both sides of the train. I may not bother to leave the room, and have all my meals brought to me. I love Amtrak.
I have traveled by train several times and have had several different experiences. Overall I do not think the price is worth it for a room. The reason why is that I found it uncomfortable to shower on board and the meals are not that outstanding. My preferred is to get a business seat if that is offered and to bring a cooler on board with food that is better quality. On trips that last a couple of days it is worth it to off-board in a town or city on the way and to get a room for 24 hours. That way you can be on solid ground and see a little of one of those places you are normally bypassing. It's good to sleep in a regular bed and use a regular shower. Then catch the next train and off you go! Last word; coach seats are not that bad! I was able to do so with an infant on the Southwest Chief with no problems
How do you off board? As a former travel agent, I am extremely familiar with airfares but not train fares. Would this be two point to point fares (one way tickets) or some such thing if you off-boarded once? How do they do the pricing and do they allow you back on the next train? I guess I'm confused about how that works...
From my experience, the accessible room has 2 different styles, one has a private attached bathroom that is separated from the rest of the bedroom with an actual door. The other has only a heavy curtain that separates the bathroom and bedroom areas. We decided not to use the curtain and went out the door to the bathrooms as they are located right next to the accessible room. The problem we ran into was towards the end of our 2 1/2 day trip, the smell came through the seat. We recommend use poopourri in the toilet and maybe bring a well liked scent of airfreshner. Reading other posts here and watching other videos it might vary even more than this, so I would talk to the Amtrak representative to find out the specifics of each train.
I was debating how to handle next year's trip from VA to FL on the autotrain and price is very much a consideration when the difference between coach and a roomette is so vast. Having had to sleep (or try to) in a chair for several nights because my bed was already hauled away in a Pod to my new home, I think roughing the 17 hour trip in a seat is very doable. Someday though, I would love to take that luxurious bucket list train trip in a train. Thank you so much for this very informative video, Jeb.
Consider booking a seat at coach level then see what is offered after you pay: I just booked my first trip & found that after check out, I was allowed to 'bid' on upgrades. I had been wondering why I didn't have more choices initially. I bid on a roomette. The price range for bidding is fixed, tho. So I couldn't bid $2 like I hoped ;-) The lowest bid allowed on my deal was $130. Somebody above stated that s/he won the same upgrade for $62. So now I know it may vary.
My parents had a 7 hour delay on the auto train from lorton. VA to Florida. How do they get compensation for the extra long delay? Is compensation possible for extra long delays?
Roomette is probably the best bang for your buck if you plan to travel overnight since you get a private room and all the perks of the sleeper car ticket at the lowest price. If you’re not traveling overnight, then a coach seat is probably the better option. Though the bedroom affords the kinda appealing option to enter your room and basically just shut yourself in until you get to your destination. Anyways, great video as usual! Maybe consider taking a look at some of the shorter-distance Amtrak services like the Pacific Surfliner?
Returning here after taking nearly the entire California Zephyr trip in coach. Having a couple different cars to walk between during the trip is helpful, especially during delays. The main disadvantage is obviously the sleeping arrangements. I can usually fall asleep easily anywhere, but I just could not seem to get comfortable! I was still able to get a few hours in at night and some napping during the day, but make sure you’re aware the coach seat is not the best to sleep in.
I should note that the Accessibility Room on the Viewliner has a full dedicated bathroom with a shower. There is so much space in it that a grown person could stand in the middle and spin with their arms outstretched and not hit a thing. I got placed in one when I was switched to another train after an accident.
Thanks for a really good video! Personally, my fiancé and myself would definately chose the more expensive _Bedroom_ simply for the privacy and _especially_ for not having to share either a toilet or a shower.
Thanks for this video Jeb! Helped me with deciding on what sleeping accommodation I want. For me alone roomette. For me and one other bedroom. Not too expensive if you think about the amenities.
Thank you for this. I’m ready to book my trip back East next month. I needed to hear this info. Love the train.❣️only taken the train from NYC to Washington DC.
You should a full review the Amtrak website and hwo confusing and non-intuitive that site is. I am an IT guy, I know computers, I know website and I struggled with their site.
On the front page of the amtrak website, you scroll down and type in your current location and your destination and then click the green "find trains" button. It confused me too
Agree. Someone at Amtrak should take a VERY close look at the "usability" of their web site. Sit someone down who's never been on the site before and have them TRY to perform all the tasks that one needs to perform when booking a trip.
I couldn't agree more. I spent 3 hours plus navigating the website. Although I know how to use it a lot better now than when I started, I still haven't perfected it. It absolutely should be a lot mor user friendly...
My mother & I got a roomette on our first trip to El Paso, Texas. A 2 day, 1 night. We both greatly enjoyed the trip and the delicious food served. My issue was the top bunk because I'm 5'11" but...All in all, we'll do it again in a bedroom next time. We had a blast and I ran my momma all over that train, I didn't want to miss a thing!!!
The sleeper prices fluctuate depending on demand. I've seen roomettes costing more than bedrooms when the roomettes were almost fully booked while the bedrooms were barely booked on a train. I did the California Zephyr and Coast Starlight in roomettes and they cost $550 and $250 respectively when I went. Not bad considering the amenities you get is beyond what's provided on most US carriers' domestic first class.
Not sure how you’re comparing amenities between train and airplane travel. Airplane trips are a few hours, while train ones are a few days; airplanes are rarely late and Amtrak is almost always late; and Amtrak costs over double a First Class domestic flight.
@@afcgeo882 All meals included and a bed to sleep in. Domestic first class barely feeds you these days and you get a seat that's smaller than Amtrak's coach seat. Never been late on Amtrak's long distance trips, but I've had plenty of weather and medical delays and diversions in my flights.
@@dynasty0019 First class flying has all meals included and a bed isn’t needed for up to 6 hours, though often comes too. Most flights are 2-3 hours and don’t even need food or wide seats, but you do get wifi that works and entertainment. If you’ve never been late on an Amtrak long distance train then you haven’t taken one. Over 80% of them arrive at least 90 minutes late to their final destination. Just flew JFK-MIA in F on a 777-200 with lie flat seats for $515 round trip. 2.5 hours with meal. The Amtrak roomette was priced at over $1600 r/t and takes 27.5 hours by schedule (30 realistically). Even Amtrak’s coach runs $324 round trip. Why would ANYONE pay that?! You may be insane, but I’m not. Considering that planes are running over 90% full and trains are shy of 60%, I’d say I have it right.
I work for Amtrak, great job to have! I have a few tips for travel on my trains. If you can always get a bedroom! They are the best on the train. Try to avoid room E though, it’s the smallest. If you travel by coach try to go business class! Better seats by far. In a bedroom, after using the toilet rinse it out with the shower. The toilets are vacuum operated so don’t flush anything but bodily waste and toilet paper!! That goes for all of them btw. We’ve upgraded the blankets and pillows! They are much nicer now. Bring snacks too. By all means enjoy a meal on the diner, but snacks are a must. Enjoy the ride and know there are guys like me doing everything we can to make your trip safe and comfortable.
Hook up brother up..how do we apply?and what the qualifications.?
You are providing an essential service homie 🙏
Thanks for the head up Vic B of Amtrak
I will point out that he’s pointing out the expensive parts to get more money
To Vic: Thanks for extra tips about Amtrak card!
When I was a starving college student I went from L.A. to almost Chicago (Iowa) to visit family, I went Amtrak coach mostly because it was way cheaper and got me a hellova lot closer to my destination than flying. I was young and it was an adventure, made friends and had fun. I did a similar trip 30 years later and discovered my older body refused to sleep in the coach chair, coach seats gets all the noise from people going thru the vestibules, people talking, kids, even at night it can be significant, and 4 days in a coach chair (L.A. to Boston) was very hard on my body. Next time I will get the Roomette, no matter what the costs. The ability the lie flat in relative privacy, relative quiet and sleep is sooo worth it.
LA to Boston?! Damn that’s long! It’s like being on a bus that long except buses are much slower. That would just drive me nuts. I hadn’t been on a train since 1988 and remembered as a kid I was so comfortable being in a sleeper going from Maryland to Florida.
I’m in the same boat and taking the train from almost SanFran (Davis) to Chicago. I’m betting as a teen I will be fine, especially saving the $1000 upgrade a room would have been!
In coach benadryl and ear pugs plus, sleeping mask, neck pillow...all set.
The worst of coach vs roomette is coach is upper level... Which amplifies the movements of the train. The tracks along southern and central California are pretty uneven, likely from seismic activity, its not a good environment for sleeping.
@@Headlesshorse Yes. And travel blanket.
My brother and I shared a bedroom accomodation from Chicago to Los Angeles back in the summer of 2010. It was a great trip, since we traveled through so many states the scenery was always changing. I took the upper berth and slept like a baby. My brother took the lower berth and didn't sleep well either of the two nights we were on the train. He joked with me both mornings that as he sat up and looked out the window at 3am he could hear me snoring! My brother passed away in 2019 but i'm so glad we got a chance to take that trip together.
I know how special that memory must be for you, having lost a much loved family member myself. And I'm grateful for the opportunities we had to be together. So I can really relate.
Sorry for the loss of your brother.
@@sherrykendrick1765 Thank you.
Sorry for your loss :(
@David Erickson We had a great time. thanks
Love me some Amtrak!!
One thing to remember about sleeper cars - for the price you pay, you are getting gas, food and lodging plus personal service from your car attendants. Yes, it's a bit spendy, but I think the money is better spent on a train than a sardine can of a jumbo jet. You might (MIGHT) get there faster by jet, but you won't have to take your shoes off, get scanned or wanded, fight over an armrest, and you will probably be a lot happier and more relaxed when you arrive.
@@g5flyr169 My husband was fortunate enough to fly in his company's executive jet a few times. He said it was great, except the fact that their jet used the (closed) toilet as an extra seat. (PS. sorry about the PTSD trigger)
This is a good point!
I didn't take Amtrak yet but plan to go from Philly to Orlando soon. I want to book a roomette, and I was thinking the exact same thing regarding the cost. It's your transportation, hotel and meals all in one. Plus you have privacy, the ability to get up and walk, and especially the view. I'm sure it's very relaxing. I'm wondering if all the roomettes have a sink and toilet? Thanks for the information!
@@chrise438 Depends on the train. MIne didn't but they are only a few steps away.
How is it your hotel? When you arrive at your destination you can’t stay in a train, so your still going for a hotel. So that analogy really isn’t that accurate.
My son and I just returned from a great trip on Amtrak. Our trip began with the Empire Builder from La Crosse, WI to Chicago. We took the Lakeshore Limited from Chicago to Boston in a roomette. Next, we traveled from Boston to DC on the Acela. After that, we hopped on the Northeast Regional from DC to Philadelphia to catch the Pennsylvanian to Pittsburgh. We spent 29 hours in Pittsburgh, then boarded the Capitol Limited to Chicago in a bedroom. Finally, we rode the Empire Builder to La Crosse. To say we had a good time is an understatement!
WHAT A FUN SOUNDING TRIP
@@jameslow5536Ditto! I plan to rediscover our beautiful country by a train! Chicago looks like an awesome spot to start the journey!
Thankyou .
I live in pa like too go California site see all the way .
How much a package like that will be .and how many days a little more about the trip.
Discovered Amtrak roomettes about 10 years ago. Marvelous experience ! For me, the privacy compared to the chaos and "luck of the draw" of coach is well worth the cost difference. Meals are included, making the cost difference even less. You get a bed to sleep in and a personal assistant, usually free coffee, water, and some fruit. And you pass through people's backyards ! The sights are routinely amazing.
Great review. Do it !
I have traveled this way twice. Love it!
I am going from Indy to Portland Or in October and I got a roomette, I am so excited.
I’ve traveled in both the roomette and bedroom, and I learned the hard way what happens when you are prone to motion sickness and your sleeping position has you perpendicular to the tracks (in the bedroom), as opposed to parallel to the tracks (in the roomette). Not feeling the need to get violently ill is a definite pro with the roomette.
Tell me more about motion sickness on Amtrak in general. Should I be concerned? I booked my first train trip with my girlfriend and we booked a bedroom. What am I getting myself into?
@@tomulator It depends. I am very prone to motion sickness, and unless I can see out a window, nausea will kick in. If you’re not prone to motion sickness, you’ll be fine. You can also take something like Dramamine, drink room-temperature ginger ale, etc.
Side note: I booked a trip for next summer in a family bedroom, and I plan on taking every precaution I can, although I suspect I might not need it.
I booked a roomette from Atlanta to New Orleans. It was awesome. I read, listened to music on my laptop, slept, drank wine - so enjoyable.
My husband and I have traveled both booking the roomette and the bedroom accommodations. I thought we would really like the bedroom option better because of the en suite bathroom. I actually feel perfectly comfortable in the roomette and really, using the common shower is roomier and not really used a lot.
Thank you for your comment. I was concerned about the public shower. I AM thinking of traveling from North Idaho to Rockport Texas.
EXCELLENT video! You covered all the bases including sleeping in roomettes going the direction of travel. I'm now a retired sleeping car attendant (32 years) and can attest to your thorough explanation of Amtrak's different types of travel accommodationa.
Is there any truth to the fact that bedroom “A” is smaller than the other bedrooms and should be avoided if possible?
I have traveled in a bedroom suite with my two kids ages 10 and 16 at the time. We went on the Sunset Limited in 2002, before hurricane Katrina took out the tracks, and so were able to travel from LA to Orlando. Three nights on the train! The food was great and two bathrooms a real plus. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Hub
Years ago, I called Amtrak and asked "Is it possible to get from Boston to Montreal by train?" The polite gentleman replied "If one is patient, anything is possible."
Haha - That's a very Italian or African or anything but an American answer! Love it.
try going to morrow, and back, today
@@monoped8437 Yes, that is the best itinerary. 🚅🚈
@@diane9247 I'm pretty sure I've heard this said by Americans, but okay...maybe it's generational...
@@diane9247Oh dear, please tilt your little arrogant nose down a little, it’s raining and there’s a possibility you may drown.
I just want to say it's awesome Jeb is mixing in trains with his flight adventures. If you see this Jeb, the train community thanks you!!!
I was going to say the exact same thing… I thoroughly appreciate his work!
It sure does!
Ditto. Good work!
Hello good morning
Planning a getaway with my fiance. My brain automatically went with flying until I seen recent amtrak vids. This is how I wanna adventure.
I've done both the coach seat and roomette between North Dakota and Seattle, and if you can afford it, the roomette is completely worth it. More comfort, more private space, and just far more relaxing. Great video!
Did you have someone you didn’t know sitting with you in the roomette?
@@laurenanderson685 Normally they do not book people who are not traveling together into the same roomette. If you are traveling solo, the roomette is yours, and they will not add someone in.
A nice, succinct summary. Of course, a lot also depends on how long you're going to be on the train. If one is traveling overnight or for a longer distance, a sleeper is probably the way to go. As I've gotten older, I've gotten to the point where I don't mind paying a bit more for added comfort on a longer trip.
GREAT VIDEO! Ive been traveling on Amtrak since for over 30years. Always been coach or business class. Coach does offer the "quiet car" which helps immensely. No talking on cell phones and no conversations above a whisper, "library like atmosphere".
I just noticed that they have started allowing you to "bid" for an upgrade. I originally booked a coach ticket from NJ to BOS for about $65 and was sent an email regarding a potential upgrade. I followed the steps and "won" the bid. I was able to upgrade to a roomette for $60
The lowest bid available on my ticket for an upgrade to roomette was $130, so I put in the low bid. It'll be great if I win it. The combined price will be $310, close to what airfare would have been, but much more fun! My trip will be from Eugene, OR to Los Angeles Union Station.
How are the coach seats for sleeping?
@@Jon_Nadeau_ awful lol unless you are shorter, I'm 6' and there's just about no way to get a solid night of sleep in them let alone sleep at all
@@tylerclayburn8688 Oh okay. I'm only 5'6 so maybe it won't be as bad for me. My main concern is how far back those coach seats recline. I also don't sleep well on my back so I'm thinking a roomette might be better. I just hate that their double the price. lol
@@Jon_Nadeau_ if you don't sleep on your back the angled nature of the seat I'd say you won't be able to sleep the easiest, but also after a few drinks probabaly wouldn't have an issue for back sleeping a night or two lol main thing is the astronomical price difference
I started to travel the rails again after I became an adult, having such vivid and wonderful memories of the PRR from my childhood. So many things tweaked my senses and made me smile - including the smooshed-flat-because-they-have-no-core toilet paper rolls in the roomette. And it occurred to me to wonder why people are so bloody squeamish about toilets in the rooms! I have never experienced foul odors and the like from an in room loo. In fact, the convenience far outweighed any misgivings
Very good rundown. One thing I'll add is that I travelled with someone in a wheelchair, so we had an accessible bedroom. Like the family bedroom, it spans the car so you have windows on both sides. We loved that.
Was the room truly accessible or just barely? I often find places that are supposed to be accessible are often difficult to navigate in my wheelchair. Also, is the person in the wheelchair confined to the room?
It was truly accessible, but once you're in it there's not much of any place to go. And not "confined" but a wheelchair can really only go into the corridor outside. The dining car, observation car, club car etc are all on the second level. Since meals are included in sleeping car accommodations, they bring all your meals to the room for you.
@@Largitas Thank you. That was very helpful.
My partner has altzhiemers, and we need an in room bathroom. Would booking it be not nice since we don't need a wheelchair?
Hi, Jeb. I've traveled with Amtrak, a number of times. I had booked the roomette, and was happy with it until I was upgraded to a room! Whoa! What a difference! Regarding sleeping, the roomette did sway so I didn't really sleep that well, but enough to get me through the rest of the trip. When I was upgraded to the room though, I really slept so well that I thought I was in my own bed, at home, that's how great it was. I learned that with the roomette I was sleeping with my head to the rear of the train, and the feet toward the engine, and with the room, I slept with my head toward the window, on one side, and the feet toward the window on the other side. Fantastic!!
What I learned: The stand alone showers on the superliners are wider than the ones in the bedrooms; the ones in the bedrooms taper narrower from front to back, so you can get 'stuck' in the little shower. So I always shower in the 'public' showers. The fold away bed in the bedroom, well, the seats slope towards the floor, so I always felt like I was sliding off the seat, and couldn't lay down on the long seat at all. And the regular chair was bolted to the floor, so I had no legroom trying to use that. For a single traveler, the roomette was perfect; I'm six foot four, and there's room enough for me to stretch out when lying down on the 'bed', and the seats were quite comfortable, and will sliightly recline as well. there is very little leg room between the opposing seats in the roomettes, but traveling alone, there is plenty of room for one person; two would be cramped. I would often use the opposing seat as an ottoman. The food was surprisingly good, but the snack bar food was mediocre, horrible hot dogs and hamburgers and bland breakfast sandwiches, all of which had to be microwaved. So I stuck to the snack cakes and candy from there. As I have severe arthritis, I would send the car attendant to the snack bar for me once a day, to collect everything I would need throughout the day, as on superliners I would have to climb up and down two sets of narrow stairs TWICE just to go to the snack bar and back.
The car attendants were all very good. On the viewliner, the toilet is in the roomette under a countertop type cover. Handy in the middle of the night, but awkward if you're traveling with another person. However, there is also a public toilet at the end of the cars for the 'coach' passengers, which can be used, as well. Down side? Few outlets in any of the rooms, and check beforehand if your train has wifi or not, because you WILL be traveling through some areas where cellular service just doesn't exist for any cellphone carrier. Hope this augments the info in the video.
Thanks for the information. I'm vaguely sort of planning a long round-trip from Sacramento to wherever some time about next summer solstice. Won't know where until the band I'm taking a coach seat to see next month (1 to 2 hours each way) sets up their tour schedule for next year. That's IF they're touring the US then...Canada maybe. I flew up to Victoria, BC to see them early May, a few month ago. Home Free is wonderful!! And well worth the travel time and all that goes with it.
Yes! Very helpful, and just the sort of info one hopes to understand, and that you couldn't otherwise know. I'm surprised to hear the seats slope down like that in the bedroom. I had thought a bedroom would be a nice upgade, but now I'm thinking that 2 roomettes might be more comfortable for me and a companion, vs. one bedroom!
Years ago I traveled with an 8 month old, A2 year old and a 13 year old.. I was bumped up, no extra charge, to an amazing room. 2 sofas that turned into upper &lower beds, 2 swivel chairs & table between and in suite bathroom. It was the best way to travel with little ones.
About 32 years ago my wife and spent almost 6 months in the USA riding the rails and yes we did everything from coach to the family room on one occasion when there was nothing else available. It was a magical experience that I will never forget. The thing I liked was the opportunity to meet such a cross section of America - we met dancers from Vegas, two oil guys from Texas, a jet fighter sales man and my favorite an 93 year old black lady from NY who was making her first trip to Alabama since she was 15 years old! It is disappointing though to find that the website is just as lacking in information to day as the travel brochures we got back then….
Wow, what a wonderful memory! Sounds like it was exciting, thanks for sharing.
Isn't that interesting -- that "the website is just as lacking in information today as the travel brochures we got back then..." WHY would that be other than Amtrak is not supported by government subsidies as quality train lines are in other countries -- I believe sometimes they work in the red (but that may not be true.) Just now, I saw to the right a TH-cam video one month old that is titled: "Amtrak's billion dollar problem" (and I think that's the problem.) Going to watch that video right now!
Why did you have to say ‘black’ lady instead of 93 year old lady?
@@FrankieSpeaks To show us that he supports diversity and is not the r word. He's virtuous, ya know...
@@FrankieSpeaksProbably because that 93 year old lady shared her stories of what it was like as a young black girl living in Alabama during segregation. He likely received a living history lesson on that trip that no visit to any museum could ever provide.
I've traveled in all the Amtrak accomodations. As you noted, so much depends on budget and because of dynamic pricing, you can't tell what the upgrades will cost until you make your reservation. Also any room is more of a Per Room than per person. The pricing is really coach plus Room Surcharge, the room surcharge is less per person if 2 people occupy a room.
Several notes - the bedroom can sleep up to 3, but the two on the lower bed had better be a close couple. It's tight but doable.
The Bedroom Suite is just 2 Bedrooms with a door between them opened up, so you don't have to go out into the hall to be with each other. Get your reservation in early so you can get the adjoining rooms. This is great for families with Money.
I look at the Family Room as a Roomette that can sleep 4. Warning 2 of the beds are short. But the bathroom is Roomette style, ie down the hall.
And the handicapped room is a Roomette with a toilet and sink inside your room for the Superliner. It is Roomette priced, which is its advantage over a Bedroom. And they give you special attention because you are handicapped. My husband loved it in his declining years. But that toilet is IN your room, so privacy and smell are an issue. The shower is the Down the Hall and the same one the Roomettes use.
And then there is the new Business Class, which has basically Coach with some Roomette perks. It has its own attendant. And a food allowance. And they go to Business Class for dining car reservations after the Roommimg Cars. This class has sadly been discontinued during Covid-19, but keep your eyes open. It's a good compromise between coach and Roomettes for shorter runs.
And another note for Handicapped. If you are traveling Coach, they have a lower section of coach seats and the car attendants will note your location and give you special help, like getting food from the Cafe Car, so you don't need to go up the stairs. They were very kind to us.
Thanks for all the details you have shared with us. I have traveled on trains and used the roomette a couple of times. Now being 69 and in a wheelchair, Travel is different. Hearing from you that the handicapped room was roomette priced was good information to me.
@@cigarcaptain The Handicapped Room is very Handicapped friendly. On the lower level and occupying the entire end of the car, you get some good manuvering room. But one warning, it has a lack of electrical plugs and they are poorly located. Bring extension cords with plug multipliers, especially if you have an electric chair.
@@LisaMarli ✔
Hello boss I want to practice my English because I just learned it
So if two people are booking a train trip and are getting a bedroom, do they each have to purchase a ticket at that same fare, or is it split? For example, in the video the bedroom cost was about $1200. If I am booking that trip with my partner, are we each paying $1200 for a total price of $2400 for our trip? Or just the $1200 total for both us (which we could split to be $600 each)?
We went from Pittsburgh to Chicago then onto Los Angeles. It took 4.5 days. We had the roomette. By the 3rd day it seemed to shrink. The room was taken care of anytime we left. The bathroom is as ok but very small. It got messy when we picked up a group of people. The meals were included in price. They were comparable to Friday’s food, excellent. Downside was the crowds of people using the same bathroom, lounge and diner car.
Rooms on Amtrak have had many changes in management procedures over the years. I used to buy a coach seat, and once the train started, I would approach the attendant in one of the sleeper cars, and see if he had vacancies. IF so, you could usually get a room at half off for cash. They have stopped this because the cash often did not get turned into the Company. So today, the farther out you book your trip, the cheaper the price. Last minute bookings are full tilt prices!
Good to know! Thanks!!
Around 10 years ago I took Amtrak from NYC to Florida (a 19-hour trip) in a seedy train that I estimated may have been designed in the 1970's.
I booked a roomette and in the old roomette there was a toilet and thank God. Seedy or not, I absolutely LOVED this trip! I'd never done long distance train travel before (before my father was too elderly to pick me up from the airport, I always flew.)
I vowed that I would take an overnight train for another vacation trip but alas, I haven't gotten around to it yet (perhaps because 6 years ago I moved from Manhattan to a western state and that was plenty to take on.)
"My dream" is that with our aging population that train travel will enjoy an upsurge in popularity and that Amtrak will receive subsidies from the government as trains do in other countries where the train system is more luxurious -- I live in hope that this will happen in my lifetime and I am in my mid-70's! What an optimist I am, huh?
Amtrak does receive govt subsidies. It's gotten a lot more since Obama & then Biden loves Amtrak, so he gives just as much as Obama. I'm def not a Democrat but that is the ONLY thing I like about those 2 presidents. My husband works for Amtrak &they only receive OT if there is a Democrat in office.
@@ninga55 If Democrats respect your husband's right to overtime, tell me why you still consider yourself a Republican, a party in truth that supports the 1%?
When you vote do you just hope that the rest of us will vote a Democrat into office? I know this is a complex topic -- politics always is.
But consider this: If the 1% were forced to pay their fair share of taxes this country could rebuild its train infrastructure and do many more things like repairing bridges and roads.
And it's the Republicans who continue to insure all these tax loopholes for the 1% who have more than they will ever personally need in this lifetime.
I can never understand any middle class American voting Republican, the party of the 1%.
I was amazed that you have only been traveling Amtrak just this past Pandemic year-You have done a MASTERFUL job pivoting from an exclusively Plane oriented Channel to a more broadly mixed Travel Channel!
I took the train for the first time this year. I rode coach and loved it. Amtrak took such good care of us. Never made a connection on time but unlike airlines, we were well provided for. It was fun sitting in the lounge car and I met now really good friends. I’m sold
Great summary video. I recently upgraded for the first time to a roomette on my return trip back home from Florida and I am so glad I did. The privacy and comfort were well worth the difference in price. I was like a kid at Christmas .... seeing all the beautiful scenery instead of just flying over it. Beautiful rural areas and even the big cities somehow seem smaller when you enter them by rail. Thanks Jeb for another great Amtrak video ....
I travelled from Denver towards Salt Lake City, through the mountains in early January back in 2013-14. I had never heard of the observation cars (I had not travelled on Amtrak before) but the views through the snowy Rockies was breathtaking and romantic in the observation cars!!! Highly recommend!!
Thank you for including the accessible room in your video! I think it’s important that they are part of the conversation even if only a small minority of your viewers would ever use one. I am a wheelchair user, but I have never travelled on a route long enough to request a bedroom, I just book a regular seat. I really appreciate information like this, as it is sometimes very difficult to find.
I mean, just a few days ago, I watched a video about Amtrak that was made by a wheelchair user, and they did not even include ANY information about accessibility features. So, kudos to you!
It's great Amtrak thought of having accessible bedrooms. They thought about people who aren't able to get where others can. Thats the reason I take Amtrak over airplane. Amtrak cares about their customers needs.
@@michaelneff5293 So do airlines. I've travelled extensively, and never encountered any serious issues related to accessibility with any airlines.
Accessible Bedrooms are not covered much although Amtrak should. On Superliners, Accessible Bedrooms are spacious with enough room to maneuver. Accessible Bedrooms run the entire width of the car on the 1st level, but the windows are half the size of those found in Coach, Roomettes, & Deluxe Bedrooms. The car attendants will use a lift to board & detrain the handicapped, but I would recommend calling ahead to reserve this service. There's enough room for an occupied wheelchair on the 1st level. They will see you on & off the train & will bring your meals to your room. Personal care us up to the ticket holder. The seating/sleeping configuration in these rooms are similar to the Roomettes. What I don't like about their Accessible Bedrooms is there is little privacy for those using the in-room toilet if there are 2 occupants. There's a privacy curtain at the window & another towards the general areas of these rooms to use the toilet. There are no armrests at the outer edge of the seats. In Viewliner I cars, the Accessible Bedrooms are spacious with very spacious enclosed restrooms-no showers. There's 1 comfortable couch which runs the width of the car within the room (not the entire width) with no other seating. Accommodation charges are about the same as a Deluxe Bedroom. I haven't seen the Viewliner II car interiors at all. I hope this helps.
@@squalli1297 Thanks for providing all this info!
Good morning
My wife and I considered this mode of transportation a few years ago for our family reunion in Texas. I lost a leg in "18" so I knew I wouldn't be comfortable in a regular seat for the length of the trip. She discovered that a room was way too expensive, so we had to cancel. Finding out about the accessibility room has made me feel better knowing that Amtrak does keep it's handicapped customers in mind, however I'm fairly certain that is an even costlier expense. Of course if I should ever hit the lottery.....
Generally accessible rooms are priced the same as roomettes, but except on the day of departure they are available only to passengers with disabilities and those accompanying them. (They can be sold to anyone on the day of departure.)
Thanks for showing us the variations of sleeping accomodations! I have a female traveling companion that has difficulty getting around on her own! We've watched your videos together! Maybe East Coast Amtrak travel will get your attention soon!
The way I approach Roomette upgrades is to initially buy my reservation as All-Coach Class. I then wait a few weeks for the prices to drop, if they do, so I can upgrade under $200. If not, I wait until my budget allows. I like both classes, but I still find sleeping in Coach to be at-best manageable. I sleep a lot better in a Roomette, so I will try to upgrade overnight segments where I can.
So if you buy a coach seat you can upgrade to a roomette before your trip, possibly at a cheaper rate?
Not cheaper than a coach ticket. Back in 2018, my one way MIA-SAS via WAS and CHI ticket costed $301. Over the weeks since booking, the prices were falling and found a Roomette upgrade on the 3rd segment for only $166 more! Total pricing for that trip in 2019 spring break was $467! Not Bad!
Thank you for the tips!
I took 5 children for 21 days in the family bedroom from Atlanta to New Orleans to Los Angelos to Seattle to Chicago and back to Atlanta. What an adventure!!!
I try to take a sleeping berth on Amtrak every time I visit the US - it's just an enormously satisfying experience!
Nice
You raise an excellent point! In Europe, a sleeping car accommodation may just mean you have a "berth" in the car. There may be five other people in the room.
For Amtrak, a single person can purchase a roomette, and, I think, a bedroom, and occupy it singly.
we decided to experience Amtrak when we found the two for one deals. Customer service very helpful when inquired about wife's wheelchair. We had booked a roomette on line but customer service changed us to accessible at lower price. i recently checked prices and price doubled. Important to jump on deals.
I have done Chicago-Seattle, roomette. Was amazing. Tight, but okay. Food was five stars. Will definitely do it again. We both totally enjoyed it.
Is there a line from Chicago to Seattle?
@@zackd2852 Yep, according to Google it's the Empire Builder line.
I will probably never ride an Amtrak train but for some reason will continue to watch Jeb break it all down for me.
Good summary. One option you did not discuss was a couple traveling together booking a roomette each, across the aisle from one another. I've done that several times. At least a couple years ago, the price point was between a roomette and a bedroom. More space, views out both sides of the train, and nobody has to crawl into the upper bunk.
Great point!! Thanks!
Yes, thanks!!
Amtrak transportation is the most relaxing way to travel if you can. I have always met the nicest people and in some instances made life long pen pals. 🥰🥰♥️♥️
Another thing that I'm surprised was skipped because it never is in airplane videos, is it all of your meals are included with rooms, so if you're in the train for 2 days that's 6 full meals and they are really very good , and far beyond anything and airline can serve.
In the morning my purser gave me the menu selections for the day and a choice of reservation times for the dining car, and although it was very nice with real glass and silverware, I am just a little too introverted to be seated with strangers while eating (even though they were very friendly) so my purser was kind enough to bring the rest of my meals for the trip to my roomette.
I believe they came in foam boxes with that was perfectly fine for the more relaxed eating experience, and I also was given the option of getting anything from the cafe which is distinctly different from the dining car.
The dining car can you thought of it as more of a restaurant experience in the cafe is very much like a snack bar but they are in two different places and people may not be aware of that and of course food from the cafe is cheaper, but sometimes you just want a burger and fries :-)
I have no idea how much the food would have cost if it weren't included in the room, but it was definitely sufficient for a big guy appetite and the food came frequently enough that I had enough saved muffins and rolls that I thought I would eat snacks later, but there was always another full meal just around the corner!
I think there were two shared bathrooms in my car and I never had trouble walking the few steps to use it, it was clean and there was no smell I'm not so sure I would want one right next to my chair though.
A cool tip I read here was that when you flush the toilet if you're in a room with one to follow with water from the shower or water bottle and that will prevent any build-up or odors in your small space.
The attendance for the rooms really are nice and helpful.
If you want turndown service at the end of the day and have your chairs converted to a bed, you can do that.
I elected to do that.just once since the bed takes up nearly the entire room at with just enough room to stand up between the bed and the door, I found it just as comfortable sleeping in the chair with it reclined.
Also if you're not planning on using the upper fold-down bunk bed, you can use that space for additional luggage or storage of pillows during the day etc.
The attendants really can help you with just about anything you need, they will get you pretty much anything you want, or can give you complete privacy just depending on what you prefer.
It was nice to have a shower room available, the one in my car was downstairs but very large I think designed to also accommodate wheelchairs so I took a late night shower and it was cool to have that experience on a train.
All of those things added together, as well as someone to help you with your luggage and all the rest, was worth the upgrade for me which was an optional upgrade after the fact and nowhere near the advertised price, about $100 over Coach and that part can be a little tricky, and you do gamble a little bit by buying a coach seat and then waiting for the inevitable upgrade email, but for me it was well worth the price for really being treated like a first-class passenger on the Southwest Chief from Kansas City to LA was a trip of a lifetime and not having to worry about packing snacks or worrying about having enough money for food aboard was great, and you're also were local foods available in at several of the stops not that I needed any more food but I did have to try some homemade burritos being sold vendor on the platform in Albuquerque, they were amazing!
Plus unique souvenirs and keepsakes, I bought some authentic Indian Arrowheads and jewelry there as well.
I could have made the flight in 3 hours in been crammed into a seat designed for skinny teenagers and been subjected to intrusive body searches and the crazy hubbub of an airport but I wasn't no hurry and the 35 our train trip was extremely comfortable and enjoyable, extraordinary views of abandoned missions in the middle of the desert with no roads in sight as well as flying across the tracks in Western Kansas at ninety miles an hour at night and crawling through canyons so narrow in New Mexico that have the windows opened it seems like you could touch the walls, you don't get experiences like that flying at 35,000 ft.
Although during that high-speed segment of the trip we did hit some real turbulence and I got tossed into a luckily vacant booth in the dining car lol
I would recommend staying in your seats when the train is going 90 + miles per hour ;)
Everything I needed was taken care of and it was cool being pampered.
My only regret is that since I was traveling on a budget and my first time on a train, I was not able to tip my excellent car attendant very much.
I would next time make sure to figure that into my plans because they really work hard.
I hope everyone gives Amtrak chance and I hope that their routes are expanded so that most cities are serviced!
Thanks Jen! Very informative video! My husband and I are taking our first cross-country trip in the summer of 2022! 48 hours on a train! Hopefully we won’t drive each other crazy!
The one thing to keep in mind if you’re traveling on a budget and buy a coach ticket, in most cases, there is a lounge car that you can spend time in and enjoy any food you might have brought with you, which I suggest, so, unlike air travel, your not confined to your seat whatsoever.
But unlike train travel, you're not on the plane 16 hours.
I think another thing to point out when traveling coach is really the comfort of the seat. This is especially true for people who might compare it to a plane seat. It isn't like that. Planes feel cramped and even clausterphobic. Amtrak seats are wider, recline further and have a much better foot rest. If you can sleep in a recliner, you can sleep on an Amtrak coach seat. For those with small children, the leg rest adjusts up to parallel with the seat bottom, making a perfect toddler bed. I've never been able to sleep on a plane, and rarely in a car, but have had no problem sleeping on Amtrak. I don't know if I'd want to spend 3-4 days in coach..but for an overnight trip, its fine.
@@jamaljamal6169 only because American trains are crappy and slow.
@@jamaljamal6169 for international flight you are
Can you take naps in the lounge car?
One tip for those of you traveling solo in a Viewliner roomette: consider using the upper bunk as your bed.
The bottom bunk is the default bed option-and on a Superliner, that's by far the better choice, since the upper bunk is pretty cramped. Since the Superliners are bi-level, the ceilings are a lot lower, which is probably why Jeb noted that the Viewliner roomettes feel more spacious.
The Viewliner roomette's upper bunk is different. The ceilings are nice and high, so you can sit up in bed without bumping your head on the ceiling. The upper bunk has its own window, which is perfectly aligned with the bed, making it easy to lay in bed and look out the window. In the lower bunk, you'll have to sit up to look out the window properly. Easy to do-but also not as relaxing.
If you're using the upper bunk in the Viewliner, you can also leave your lower bunk set up as seats. Just climb up whenever you're ready for bed. The bed itself raises and lowers on a track, and is simple to raise and lower at will. When you wake up in the morning, feel free to climb down and enjoy that morning coffee without waiting for the attendant to make your room up. You can also nap during the daytime whenever the mood strikes you!
When I booked my train trips back in 2019, I used a website that would display Amtrak's fares for multiple days (sort of like the airlines do). I was able to save a little by changing my dates around a bit.
What was the web site??
This post is pointless without listing the site lol
Eastern Bloc countries inherited the old Italian etc trains from the 1950s & 60s, when wagons were divided into compartments w/locking doors, window tables, and 'seats facing seats' folding into 4 or 6 bunkbeds. These are great! Phobia of strangers was used as an excuse to scrap the compartmentalized wagons in the US. A pity. They are such a fun, social way to travel. You meet new people, and they are very affordable because bunks use far less floor space than roomettes etc.
This month I took the train from L'viv to Kiev, Ukraine, an overnight trip of 9 hours. Cost: $13! Clean sheets on a narrow fold down bed, and a cup of tea in a real china cup served free to everyone in the morning! Those old wagons will keep rolling forever; they weren't built in an Asian sweatshop, but with pride by Italian craftsmen out of quality steel. And Ukrainians don't throw things away and buy new; they repair them.
The tea is made with water from a large boiler at the end of every wagon, just turn the tap any time you want.
Why doesn't Amtrak add some of these sociable and inexpensive-ticket COMPARTMENT cars to their other 5 options (roomette etc.)? I'm not the only one who would like both the lower cost, and the opportunity to meet new people that only '3 seats facing 3 seats' can provide. Airplane seating is no way to travel on a train!
Great breakdown of the rooms and seats. I need train travel for cross country trips in an accessible bedroom or first class on a plane. I get more on train to put legs up, get meals and scenery. Also bathroom to access. Hard to do on a plane. I can bring my own snacks and drinks including alcoholic. Unwind without going thru security pardon being in a wheelchair. Keep up the good works Jeb.
How much does it cost to travel in an accessible bedroom?
Great job. Correction on the Accessible Bedroom's facilities. It is often an wheelchair-accessible toilet with shower. The shower is off to the left side. In my experience on the EB LSL, in the morning (near Utica, NY) if the public showers have been busy, well-tipped attendants will offer you the (assuming it's vacant) Accessible Bedroom for changing/showering purposed. A nice treat. Just remember to draw the shades on both windows!
Next time you come to the UK try the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William, the problems have been sorted out now with the new rolling stock and you can even book a double bed.
My wife and I traveled from Minnesota to Montana a few years ago on The Empire Builder. I am in a wheelchair so we got the wheelchair accessible room. Personally, I loved it! My wife on the other hand, will never travel that way ever again. She was not comfortable.
Great review, Jeb. If I were to pick I would go with Roomette? But-- $ difference between Roomette & bedroom is not much. Just depends on length of route. Been 100 years since I traveled across country by train. Coast to coast---IN A SEAT. Pretty rough. So cold at night. Make sure to carry: scarves, flip flops for shower if shared (+baggy for flip flops), light layers, Xtra socks & underwear and snacks. A back pack is perfect for this. Also, make note of what you should & shouldn't pack NEXT time. And watch & read YT reviews comments!!🚆
This is so great! I wish it were possible to see a floor plan of each, along with the size of the windows. But this is very helpful!! Thanks!
btw, I personally would rather have the bathroom a few steps away, than in my room! :) On our 2-night trip from LA to New Orleans a few years ago, our family of our had 2 roomettes, across the hall from each other. It was super nice except that the upper bunk had very little vertical space, and people sleeping up there felt very claustophobic. The bathroom situation was fine, though, clean and not crowded, and just a few steps away.
Took the train to Boston years ago (left from Cincinnati) and loved it. I had a roomette which had a private tiny bathroom. Food was really good, Amtrak staff were friendly and I slept like a baby. It's too bad that Amtrak doesn't have more routes in the US. Would love it if instead of driving I-75 to Florida or flying I could take the train to visit my 2 brothers who live in Ft. Lauderdale.
You can do this now!
You can take the train to Orlando, then rent a car or have someone pick you up
It’s too bad the food is now terrible.
Heyo! Few extra tips for coach travelers, you can bring your own food on the train, and there was a toaster on the one I was on, so on the return trip I brought all kinds of toaster foods: toaster strudels, pop tarts, toast and pb, etc. Also, to tone down on noise inside the car with everybody around, I brought some simple foam earplugs, and THEY WORKED GREAT! I put em in and slept like a baby all night long. There was plenty of room for feet, luggage and a carry-on. Remember, it’s not like a flight where you can’t get up and get into your luggage mid flight, you have freedom on the tracks. Don’t forget to use the times the train is in the station to step out and get some fresh air, even if only for a minute, it helps.
I just finished a trip on the Empire from Chicago to Seattle/Everett. I went coach and the seats looked brand new and were very well made. There was a ton of room, the seats were roomy they would recline way back, and the table/tray was awesome....and the seats, though well made, were probably the most uncomfortable thing I've ever sat in. The seat back had a bolster that hit me in the head and prevented me from putting my head back in a comfortable sleeping position. Below this bolster, the seatback had a banana curve that slid you down to a seat bottom that was flat as a pancake and did not tip up when the seat back reclined. You were constantly sliding down your seat. First, all of the loose fabric from your underwear and pants would get crammed into your nether regions. Once all the fabric was shoved up there you would begin your descent into the big slump. I think these seats were very new, and well made. Just an absolutely horrible design. You're
on the train for two nights and no way to get comfortable. The staff was nice.
I have the amtrak credit card 7 years now. Been banking them miles. Almost 200,000 now. Your videos of rooms are the best as I am not a small man. Now my kid is almost 10, and ready for our big trip. I haven't rode amtrak since 1980 to spokan, 3 months after Mt St helons blew. Nice videos. Def the best ones on you tube.
Amtrak announced and had resumed daily service for The Empire Builder! As a FedEx Driver I enjoy being able to see the inbound EB to Spokane almost every day!
Amtrak is basically just a slight step up from taking a trip on a Greyhound bus! Tried it once and learned my lesson, never again!
We think alike.
My parents took my brother & I on an Amtrak trip eons ago. We had a bedroom suite. It was awesome!
Hubs and I have traveled Amtrak’s AutoTrain for many years (AutoTrain travels exclusively from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL). We first booked coach seats (comfortable but very little sleep), moved up to a Roomette for many trips until the shared hallway bathroom experience became unacceptable. Amtrak started eliminating some pleasant niceties and I’m guessing overnight bathroom cleaning was one of them. I couldn’t handle the amount of cleaning I needed to do before using the facilities so hubs now books a bedroom. I’m certain our next trip in 2 weeks will be our last and final one for several reasons. Amtrak’s prices have climbed too high. We had to change our reservation from Thanksgiving to July (family business reasons) and we were charged $700!!!!! That’s nuts. The train used to offer big boxes of fresh bananas and oranges, and almost unlimited bottled water. They’ve stopped both. They used to offer wine and cheese at departure but stopped this. They used to offer a better menu for dinner, but stopped this. Higher prices and reduced amenities have taken away the big enjoyment of train travel for us.
This is a fantastic summary video! Great job!
· I am glad that you mentioned a Bedroom Suite as its own class of bedroom, because Amtrak sells them that way. I think they only pop up as a pricing option if you are buying tickets for three or more persons.
· Of the five classes of rooms that you mention (Roomettes, Bedrooms, Bedroom Suites, Family Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms), only four are available on Viewliner trains. There is no Family Bedroom in a Viewliner sleeper car. For a 3-4 person family with at least one child, you might try a Bedroom Suite, or a pair of Roomettes across the hall from each other.
· The Accessible Bedrooms on a Superliner are kind of a drag. They're downstairs, and they don't have an en-suite shower. It may be easy to get on and off the train, but if your mobility is limited enough so that you can't navigate a spiral staircase, it's hard to leave lower level of your sleeping car. You end up living in the space of a half car length for the entire duration of your trip. No dining car experience for you!
The car-to-car vestibules and two thirds of the living space in the sleeper cars are upstairs, because the downstairs level of the car is foreshortened by the service areas over the rail trucks. I can't imagine living in that confined a space for several days, so I find renewed gratitude that my wife and I are both still able to climb stairs.
The window on the bathroom side is frosted, so no sightseeing on that side of the train.
The four rooms closest to the Accessible Bedroom are three public restrooms and a public shower. Welcome aboard.
· Regarding the sway difference between upstairs and downstairs on a Superliner: Keep in mind that Family Bedrooms and Accessible Bedrooms are all downstairs (less sway), but ("Deluxe") Bedrooms (and therefore Bedroom Suites) are all upstairs (more sway). Roomettes, like Coach Seats, are available on both levels of a Superliner.
Also, upstairs areas naturally tend to have a better view over short trees and any single-story buildings that may be near the tracks. So the sway may be worthwhile. Some say it helps them sleep on a train.
· I have heard that, in some cases, dual Roomettes (across the hall from each other) is cheaper than a single ("Deluxe") Bedroom - though that was not true in your single-sampling price example. If that is affordable, then a couple traveling together might consider booking a pair of Roomettes. This looks attractive, compared to the alternatives of cramming both people into a single Roomette, paying extra for a ("Deluxe") Bedroom with en-suite and more space, or shelling out even more cash for a Bedroom Suite. If both companions want a bottom bunk, and you want downstairs Superliner accomodations with less sway, this sounds completely viable. Maybe you and your Creative Director could comment on that?
Very good reply
We took Amtrak from Orlando to DC and return. Found a great deal by booking coach and then when in route we asked the conductor for an upgrade to roomette. Got a great deal. On the way back home we got a bedroom for a great deal as well. Now I know that sometimes they’re all taken, but we lucked out. It was worth the risk. They don’t want empty rooms moving empty.
Great Review! Thanks for sorting that out for so many of us who wanted to know about train travel!
I just got done with my first Amtrak trip. I took the crescent to DC from Atlanta.
I rode coach, and from here forward I'm taking a roomette. I didn't hate coach, I would just prefer to lay down, because I can't sleep in seats like that.
Not a newbie but still appreciated this video for its excellent reminders and insights...thanks for posting!
You’re not lying about the app/website being a pain, im on the phone now with Amtrak trying to figure out why it’s breaking up my trip into multiple trains, im wanting to do the California Zephyr but it’s saying it’s going to be multiple trains. I’m confused
I always travel by amtrak i take my grandaughter along since she was 9 months old she is now 13 and we still go cross country yearly i have tried all the rooms i like the family room its bigger although it doesnt have bathroom or shower iloved the meals but now they have changed their foods to box lunches uggh its very expensive but i love the privacy
Very good but very expensive
Thanks for sharing..This brought back memories.Because,my family moved from New York to California when I was little.My brother & I was about 6 or 7 years old..We had fun on the train..We had the family bedroom..That was back in 1973 or 74..Tell this day I may go from Los Angeles to Santa Barbra on Amtrak (2 hrs. one way).I love trains.. From Amtrak to Freight trains..Trains are cool..
Another great video Jeb! Love seeing you keeping Amtrak in the mix 🥰
Thank you Jeb for an excellent video. I've only traveled once by train and it was when I was drafted into the service long ago. So, I can say I didn't enjoy it for that reason. But now, after seeing your video, I can see the glamour of train travel. I've always wondered about the various classes of seating and you provided every answer I could ever want.
Thanks Jeb, always cool to hear accommodation options for people with disabilities.
Excellent inclusion!
Great to know that people with disability are part of your video.
With thanks!
This was a great breakdown. I'm a huge Amtrak fan, but so far I've only rode in Coach and never a private room, and I suspect that will remain the case for some time to come. Even the Roomette is really expensive, especially considering that it's just the cost for one way, and that taking the train already increases your costs to begin with because then you'll likely have to rent a car at your destination. I've heard that trying to sleep overnight in Coach is unbearable, so not being able to afford a Roomette also means that my Amtrak travel will be limited to a day's worth of distance for the time being.
I've taken amtrak so many times and while I love the bedroom for its privacy, its price is really off putting for a solo traveler (but a fantastic splurge if you want to avoid domestic first class). The roomette is perfect for me since I travel alone. Being in a smaller space like that really does make you want to get up and walk around, and I get to meet random people (occasionally, western culture seems to be so absolutely isolationist to the point that individual conversations are seen as an annoyance rather than something fun to pass the time with).
Overall, roomette for me. I've traveled charter rail once (a company party) and it was quite a unique experience, but I wouldn't recommend it for people who travel often (booking charter cars from one city to the next seems like a nightmare). Would love to fly private charter one day, but my pockets just aren't that deep.
I want to ride amtrak from Springfield MA to San Francisco CA.
Ohh perfect
@Ned Chil per person BUT its easy to sneak someone in there at night so they can sleep. Just have them buy a coach ticket.
@Ned Chil per person.
@@JasonPullara lol asked and answered
My brother-in-law and i rode the Coast Starlight from Seattle to San Jose a few years ago. We took a roomette and it was great. During the day, we could sit face-to-face and enjoy the scenery while drinking a glass of wine and solving the problems of the world. The huge picture window was excellent. The most amazing thing was how quiet the train was. We could carry on a normal conversation while blasting across the landscape. While we were away at dinner, our car attendant converted the two seats to a lower bunk, lowered the upper bunk from the ceiling, and made up the beds. I took the upper and we both slept very well. BTW, our car attendant was a 30-something lady and she was wonderful. In addition to keeping us fed and caffeinated, she answered all our questions about Amtrak operations and generally made us just want to hang out with her. I would love to take another Amtrak trip.
Jeb, I just read a WaPo story stating Amtrak is bringing back the traditional dining cars on routes West of the Mississippi on June 23. Unfortunately that does not include any Eastern routes.
I was going to ask about dining cars. Thanks
Years ago I took my two pre teens from Ohio to Florida, coach seats. We didn't sleep much and it was a long train ride but it was unforgettable! Could walk from car to car. We went to the restaurant and ordered french toast, pricey! Otherwise, brought our own food. One night when the kids were asleep I walked around and was invited to share a whiskey with another who couldn't sleep and we talked all night, watched the night lights of the cities go by, & the stars of the countryside. In the lounge there were people chatting or playing cards. What an adventure! I would go again but the kids are grown with their own kids, and my kid now is my dog and she isn't allowed, unfortunately.
Hmm, the Amtrak website says small dogs are allowed.
@@MW-tk5nf I don't think so. What if they had to go to the bathroom? What if they constantly barked? What if they got loose? What if they were sick?
I've really been enjoying the train videos.... you've made me want to take a train trip!
Me too always enjoy this
Careful if you choose Amtrak Chicago-California trip. Worst travel experience of my life on this train. Conductor and staff were horrible. Cater to thugs + druggies and ignore families and retirees. Amtrak should be ashamed.,
Do it!! I travel Amtrak about once a year and have always had a great experience. I travel business class. Coach isn’t bad but it is more crowded, you aren’t promised a seat (so you may have to stand), and it’s just less comfortable overall. While still comfortable, I just prefer business class. The extra 20 dollars or whatever it is always makes my trip that much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Amtrak site is not that bad compared to some other sites. I agree, the drop down to select the # of travelers is not intuitive but otherwise it’s straight forward. Technically challenged individuals have the option to call the reservation line. I do that sometimes after booking online to confirm my reservation went through.
Hey Jeb thanks so much for this video . I plan to travel AMTRAK with my new wife and family and the information provided is number one. Thanks so much!
Amazing review Jeb! Now I know the ins and outs of Amtrak trains! In Australia, sleeper trains usually give you a cabin to yourself in First class with one seat which turns into a bed 😀
I traveled from Tampa to Boston with my dad in an Amtrak bedroom my senior year of high school. One of my best memories.
I remember from fiddling with an Amtrak price-checking bot (which I found out about on the Amtrak Unlimited forum) immediately pre-pandemic what the prices were like for the long-distance trains I was "armchair traveling" on, and it seems that the prices have come down quite a lot since then, per the example you gave of Empire Builder fares. (My favorite "dream trip" to plan was the Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited, since the southbound TE goes past my office window every afternoon, but the Empire Builder was probably my #2 favorite, because I used to ride that in coach to get home from college back in the 1970s.) I think the Family Bedroom would be my preferred accommodation for a couple (like me and my spouse), because the lower price vs. the Bedroom and the extra space would make up for the lack of a private bathroom. The one big problem with booking a Family Bedroom is that there's only 1 in the whole sleeping car, so it can get snapped up pretty quickly.
Looking forward to relaxing mask requirements on Amtrak and the return of full dining car service on Superliner routes, especially as my spouse and I get closer to retirement age!
Thank you, Jeb. I'm going to start my transcontinental travel experience w/ Amtrak just to enjoy the views, eliminate traffic and road challenges, and to get to a destination quickly. I've watched you and your wife's other videos - which got me hooked.
There is also a snack bar that is usually open like 7AM - 8PM. It sells things in prepackaged containers that get microwaved. I love to get coffee. The snack bar is run by a concession company, and not Amtrak. It is expensive as well, but not as much as the Diner. You CAN bring on small coolers and your own snacks BUT NOT alcohol. They sell alcoholic drinks on board, BUT, if you get drunk, you are removed from the train and arrested.
In 1977, I took AMTRAK from Monterey, CA, to Kansas City, MO. I traveled solo in a roomette. It was a magical experience, lying in my bed in the early morning, watching the world flow by. I hope to take another, longer trip in the not too distant future.
My most favorite about the Amtrak Superliner sleepers and transition sleepers are the bedrooms and bedroom suites because they're the biggest. My least favorites are the coach seats (economy seats) and the roomettes including on the viewliners because the coach seats are tough for us to get extra sleep and for commuters only just on long-distance trains and the roomettes are kind of too small. Riding the rails should be way better than flying because of ear pain on flights.
I love Amtrak. I have taken the Southwest Chief from Lamy, NM to Kansas City several times in the last three years. I always book a roomette. I prefer the lower level, and only recently had to be upstairs, which wasn't fun for several reasons. Later on this month I'll be taking that same trip, LMY to KCY and I scored the family bedroom in both directions. Wow. Lower level, a room that allows me to see both sides of the train. I may not bother to leave the room, and have all my meals brought to me. I love Amtrak.
I have traveled by train several times and have had several different experiences. Overall I do not think the price is worth it for a room. The reason why is that I found it uncomfortable to shower on board and the meals are not that outstanding. My preferred is to get a business seat if that is offered and to bring a cooler on board with food that is better quality. On trips that last a couple of days it is worth it to off-board in a town or city on the way and to get a room for 24 hours. That way you can be on solid ground and see a little of one of those places you are normally bypassing. It's good to sleep in a regular bed and use a regular shower. Then catch the next train and off you go! Last word; coach seats are not that bad! I was able to do so with an infant on the Southwest Chief with no problems
Thanks
How do you off board? As a former travel agent, I am extremely familiar with airfares but not train fares. Would this be two point to point fares (one way tickets) or some such thing if you off-boarded once? How do they do the pricing and do they allow you back on the next train? I guess I'm confused about how that works...
From my experience, the accessible room has 2 different styles, one has a private attached bathroom that is separated from the rest of the bedroom with an actual door. The other has only a heavy curtain that separates the bathroom and bedroom areas. We decided not to use the curtain and went out the door to the bathrooms as they are located right next to the accessible room. The problem we ran into was towards the end of our 2 1/2 day trip, the smell came through the seat. We recommend use poopourri in the toilet and maybe bring a well liked scent of airfreshner.
Reading other posts here and watching other videos it might vary even more than this, so I would talk to the Amtrak representative to find out the specifics of each train.
I was debating how to handle next year's trip from VA to FL on the autotrain and price is very much a consideration when the difference between coach and a roomette is so vast. Having had to sleep (or try to) in a chair for several nights because my bed was already hauled away in a Pod to my new home, I think roughing the 17 hour trip in a seat is very doable. Someday though, I would love to take that luxurious bucket list train trip in a train. Thank you so much for this very informative video, Jeb.
Consider booking a seat at coach level then see what is offered after you pay: I just booked my first trip & found that after check out, I was allowed to 'bid' on upgrades. I had been wondering why I didn't have more choices initially. I bid on a roomette. The price range for bidding is fixed, tho. So I couldn't bid $2 like I hoped ;-) The lowest bid allowed on my deal was $130. Somebody above stated that s/he won the same upgrade for $62. So now I know it may vary.
My parents had a 7 hour delay on the auto train from lorton. VA to Florida. How do they get compensation for the extra long delay? Is compensation possible for extra long delays?
I enjoyed traveling Coach. I enjoy meeting different people and sometimes, its nice to have someone to talk to if your traveling alone.
Roomette is probably the best bang for your buck if you plan to travel overnight since you get a private room and all the perks of the sleeper car ticket at the lowest price. If you’re not traveling overnight, then a coach seat is probably the better option. Though the bedroom affords the kinda appealing option to enter your room and basically just shut yourself in until you get to your destination.
Anyways, great video as usual! Maybe consider taking a look at some of the shorter-distance Amtrak services like the Pacific Surfliner?
Roomette is way too small for two people however
Returning here after taking nearly the entire California Zephyr trip in coach. Having a couple different cars to walk between during the trip is helpful, especially during delays. The main disadvantage is obviously the sleeping arrangements. I can usually fall asleep easily anywhere, but I just could not seem to get comfortable! I was still able to get a few hours in at night and some napping during the day, but make sure you’re aware the coach seat is not the best to sleep in.
I should note that the Accessibility Room on the Viewliner has a full dedicated bathroom with a shower. There is so much space in it that a grown person could stand in the middle and spin with their arms outstretched and not hit a thing. I got placed in one when I was switched to another train after an accident.
Please don’t book these unless you need the accessibility. People who actually need these have no recourse. They cannot travel in other rooms.
Amtrak put him in it due to disruptions. He didn't book it
@@nickhiscock8948 That comment wasn’t for him, clearly, as his trip was in the past.
Thanks for a really good video! Personally, my fiancé and myself would definately chose the more expensive _Bedroom_ simply for the privacy and _especially_ for not having to share either a toilet or a shower.
Thanks for this video Jeb! Helped me with deciding on what sleeping accommodation I want. For me alone roomette. For me and one other bedroom. Not too expensive if you think about the amenities.
Thank you for this. I’m ready to book my trip back East next month. I needed to hear this info. Love the train.❣️only taken the train from NYC to Washington DC.
You should a full review the Amtrak website and hwo confusing and non-intuitive that site is. I am an IT guy, I know computers, I know website and I struggled with their site.
Same here
On the front page of the amtrak website, you scroll down and type in your current location and your destination and then click the green "find trains" button. It confused me too
Arrow, their core system, is a total mess and has never been updated. I’m many cases left is not speaking to the right
Agree. Someone at Amtrak should take a VERY close look at the "usability" of their web site. Sit someone down who's never been on the site before and have them TRY to perform all the tasks that one needs to perform when booking a trip.
I couldn't agree more. I spent 3 hours plus navigating the website. Although I know how to use it a lot better now than when I started, I still haven't perfected it. It absolutely should be a lot mor user friendly...
My mother & I got a roomette on our first trip to El Paso, Texas. A 2 day, 1 night. We both greatly enjoyed the trip and the delicious food served. My issue was the top bunk because I'm 5'11" but...All in all, we'll do it again in a bedroom next time. We had a blast and I ran my momma all over that train, I didn't want to miss a thing!!!
The sleeper prices fluctuate depending on demand. I've seen roomettes costing more than bedrooms when the roomettes were almost fully booked while the bedrooms were barely booked on a train. I did the California Zephyr and Coast Starlight in roomettes and they cost $550 and $250 respectively when I went. Not bad considering the amenities you get is beyond what's provided on most US carriers' domestic first class.
This is true. Back in January I was considering booking a sleeper ticket on the Texas Eagle. The bedroom was over $100 CHEAPER than a roomette.
That’s what prices do. For everything one can think of.
Not sure how you’re comparing amenities between train and airplane travel. Airplane trips are a few hours, while train ones are a few days; airplanes are rarely late and Amtrak is almost always late; and Amtrak costs over double a First Class domestic flight.
@@afcgeo882 All meals included and a bed to sleep in. Domestic first class barely feeds you these days and you get a seat that's smaller than Amtrak's coach seat. Never been late on Amtrak's long distance trips, but I've had plenty of weather and medical delays and diversions in my flights.
@@dynasty0019 First class flying has all meals included and a bed isn’t needed for up to 6 hours, though often comes too. Most flights are 2-3 hours and don’t even need food or wide seats, but you do get wifi that works and entertainment.
If you’ve never been late on an Amtrak long distance train then you haven’t taken one. Over 80% of them arrive at least 90 minutes late to their final destination.
Just flew JFK-MIA in F on a 777-200 with lie flat seats for $515 round trip. 2.5 hours with meal. The Amtrak roomette was priced at over $1600 r/t and takes 27.5 hours by schedule (30 realistically). Even Amtrak’s coach runs $324 round trip. Why would ANYONE pay that?!
You may be insane, but I’m not.
Considering that planes are running over 90% full and trains are shy of 60%, I’d say I have it right.
I am from the Uk but I am going to save like mad to do New York to LA. What a way to see the country, looks brilliant