I’m doing 3 nights in Coach across country because nothing else was available. Keeping my fingers crossed all goes well! It’s my first time to travel on Amtrack!
@@simplysarah0310 I would suggest business. Has more room. Also, be sure to ask if your train has a luggage car. I found out at the Trenton station my train doesn’t! So, all my luggage is traveling next to me until Pittsburgh!!🚂
@@lindapawson3445 Ty! Yes I asked these questions on the phone with the lady. Business class was only available for the short term ride of my trip. The longest one didn’t have business. Sigh. And the lady also told me that some stations don’t have people to check in baggage so if you are getting on at these stops then make sure you only bring the required carry on and personal items per person. I’m like wth is the point of checked baggage then! SMDH
@@simplysarah0310 beware coach and business are exactly the same seats and space. Business include a beverage and snack. I just did the Calif Zephyr on coach and Surfliner on business
We've done the NY to FL down and back in coach, we prepped a snack sack with some fruit and snacks, travel pillows and small blankets, also a sleep mask. There's power at every seat so we brought our laptop and some movies. It was actually a pleasant trip, seats were comfy enough, we both fall asleep in a recliner at home. We prefer to fly whenever possible just for the time factor, but the train was different and we wouldn't mind doing it again.
I am about to take a 26 hour trip on Amtrak. Thank you so very much for this information. I am an old lady, living on a fixed income, and as much as I would like to get a roomette, because I am traveling with my Mother, the $915 dollars each way is just way outside of my budget. This information is exactly what i was looking for. Thank you so much.
@@raymundostille7426 It was very interesting. The seats were comfortable enough for sitting, but both my Mother and I did not find them very comfortable for sleeping. The only really bad part of the experience was the bathrooms. I was prepared. I brought along plenty of gloves and disinfectant. The floors were pretty bad, so I cleaned them before entering. I cleaned all the surfaces, handles, knobs, and buttons on entering, and cleaned them again before leaving. I have not given up on train travel. The next time we will try traveling in the roomette. My concern about that, is whether or not this 70 year old woman will be able to get in and out of the top bunk.
@@raymundostille7426 Your post made me go looking for a video showing how to get in and out of the upper bunk. I am 70 years, but I am still working, and I am I am still functioning pretty well under my own steam, if a bit overweight. From the looks of the video, it would not be "impossible", but I admit, it doesn't look like something I would want to bother with. That would leave the sleeper as the only other option, and there is no way my pitiful retirement income would support that option. It would make more sense for me to drive, and stop for the night at a hotel, starting fresh again in the morning. I might even get a few AARP and, or, Veteran discounts along the way. 😄 I used to be able to make that trip straight up and straight back, stopping just for bathroom breaks and gas. This old lady knows her limitations, and while my mind still has that "hold my beer" spirit, my brain keeps my spirit in check and my body is quick to remind me, "Not so fast!"
When I was a working family man, I travelled in Amtrak coach because it was the affordable option for my family and I. I have since retired and still don't like to fly. I travel to Florida from NY at least twice a year. I went coach 3 years ago and decided that long long uncomfortable night that I would never travel by coach again. Yes, a room is more money, but hey that's what I worked for all those years. I now book a room and won't ever go back to coach.
I travelled the California Zpehyr this November and I did notbhave the budget for a sleeper option..so I went coach. I accept the sleeping was dificult but $144 vs $1000 was out of the question this time.
@@raymundostille7426 That is is exactly how I felt. So I chose coach, but I would not do that to my 88 year old mother again. So if I travel by train again, it will have to be a roomette. if I can reach the upper bunk, or a sleeper.
I rode Coach pre pandemic on the Texas Eagle and it wasn't bad at all. I was pleasantly surprised. It was tons of leg room. I spent majority of my time enjoying the views in the observation car
Just came back from riding the Texas Eagle…Chicago to Dallas and return. Seats are comfortable and the staff were very cordial. You can sleep in the seats and if not crowded you can find two seats for sleeping. Down side don’t drink the water that comes out of the spigot near the middle of the train. Restrooms get filthy as time goes on. If your coach is near the locomotive you will “hear the whistle blow” constantly day and night. Bring earplugs or headphones. I’ve found people in coach are sociable for conversation. Bon Voyage.
The bathrooms are indeed a deal breaker for many. I was prepared, so I brought lots of gloves and disinfectant cleaner. As I reported elsewhere, I don't think people are deliberately soiling the bathrooms, but men have a problem with aim on a steady surface. The constant jiggling of the train makes hitting the target accurately, impossible. I didn't want to walk into that, so I cleaned the floors before entering. Once in I cleaned every reachable surface, knob, handle, and button. Not to be a contributor. I cleaned everything again before leaving, including the floor. The space is not very big. The trip was just a little over 24 hours, so I only had to do this about three times, and it was done completely for my own peace of mind. I don't expect anyone else to be as overly cautious as me, but I very highly recommend gloves and disinfectant wipes.
Two years ago I took a huge train trip (for the first time in 35 years) to NYC, and I have severe anxiety and because of my anxiety I have a lot of concerns about sleeping. If I have to be awake at a certain time (usually early) and/or if I am sleeping in a place that is not my own bed and/or i have any type of distractions (such as lights), I will have trouble sleeping. Also I can't sleep sitting up, because it just isn't doable for me. Surprisingly I slept rather well on my train trip, which shocked me lol. I think what helped is I had the window seat, which was perfect to keep me propped up so I don't fall over during my sleep. I was able to basically sink into that corner space which made things comfy. As for leg room, I was surprised at how much there was. I'm 6'4 and I was spoiled by how much space there was for me to stretch out. On the way back was even better because I was able to sit at the front of a car, which has all that extra space in front of the seats, which made things so much better, as if you had your own private area. I'd say the only problem I had was continuously hitting my head on the overhead compartment, which is not fun as a tall person lol.
Rode the Chief LA to Chicago because of price $135. I’m 6’4” 300 and the seat was plenty big. I chose a bulkhead seat all to myself. Brought my own snacks. Food was terrible and overpriced so I didn’t have any. Spent lots of time in the observation car. My first trip so though I thought I’d sleep, I didn’t. I’d do it again.
Thank you for this, I travel alone and since we are in a pandemic, you sit with no one next to you, and that make the trip very doable. There are some snobs out there but trust me those coach seats keep Amtrak sustainable.
One thing that is a must for coach is to have a pillow of sorts. I suggest a compact inflatable pillow. Others also bring blankets, but that depends on the room you have in your luggage.
Agreed. My first overnight in coach I didn’t have these and I slept very poorly. My second overnight trip I brought a pillow and blanket, and these helped dramatically (along with the comfier seats on the Cardinal vs. NER)
Newb here! Thanks for the vid. I just booked MSP to SYR. Cost was definitely a factor. Plus, I camp! If I can sleep on the ground I can manage coach for one night. Plus I've never been on Amtrack before. I'm excited!
I noticed that, at least on the Northern route I took (Empire Builder), there were not enough passengers to fill up all the seats. As a result almost everyone could sleep on TWO seats, like a bed.
A few years back my husband and I went from Chicago to Portland , Organ on Amtrak California, Zephyr on the coach. We had the opportunity to see the roomette. Some friends we were traveling with got the roomette. I had rather been in coach. There was more room in coach. I felt smothered in the roomette. I liked being out with other people.
Two nights in coach is doable. Last year--just about a year ago, in fact--I took a long trip, all in coach. I was using a Rail Pass (purchased on sale for $299!), so no upgrades were possible. I went from Cincinnati to Chicago (Cardinal), Chicago to LA (Southwest Chief), LA to Portland (Coast Starlight), Portland to Chicago (Empire Builder), Chicago to NYC (Lake Shore Limited), NYC to White River Junction VT (Vermonter), VT to DC (Vermonter), and DC to Cincinnati (Cardinal again). There is no way I could have afforded that trip if I'd paid for roomettes on the overnight legs. They probably would have cost me between $2500 and $3000. I learned a few lessons, though. If I were to do it again, I would bring more of my own food, perhaps in a small cooler. Amtrak's baggage policies are so generous that one could easily do this. One gentleman on the Empire Builder had a whole comfort setup, including an electric fan. I would bring more pillows, especially a lumbar pillow. The seats have no lumbar support, and a wadded-up sweatshirt is a poor substitute. I might also bring a pillow to put under my knees, as the angle was a bit uncomfortable for me. I will include baby wipes and some dry shampoo with my toiletries. I had a few nights in hotels, so I wasn't filthy the whole time! I had only two long layovers, both in Chicago. I bought lounge passes both times and consider it money well spent. It's the only place with outlets and reliable Internet, and I didn't have to babysit my luggage.
Lumbar pillow, that's what I did not have on my trip on the Zephyr last november. Otherwise, coach was great. Also brought some fruits, snacks, beverages, etc and spent a lot of time on the observation car. Great trip
Thank you so much for this video, I'm getting ready to do a over night trip from Washington DC to Florida ( about 20 hours) and I wasn't sure if I should do the coach or roomette. I wanted to do the roomette but the price was just to high for me.
@@noelc2 Over all I had a great time. I ended up getting a roomette after finding out if I stayed in coach I would have to wear a mask the whole way down, I wasn't doing that for 20hrs, smh. The roomette was small but very comfortable. Everyone on the train was very nice and so helpful. I accidently locked my self out on my way to dinner but lucky someone came to help me. ( side note that attendant button didn't work for me, I had to go to the dinning cart to get someone to help me there) Dinner wasn't the greatest but definitely will enjoyable. I would recommend bringing your own food and snacks still just incase. Over all the trip was a success and I definitely do it again in the future.
@@missj4085 I was thinking of doing the Virginia to Florida auto train, to save my husband driving & I have 2 kids. It is a little pricey but we don’t want to fly, since I’d like my kids to actually see the different states & trains are so fun. We’d probably do one way & drive home, but it saves us at least one driving trip. And the mask thing! Yikes no way for 20 hours!!!
@@noelc2 I was also blown away by how high the prices are, its crazy how much money it cost to travel by train! I traveled with my brother at the time so we both agreed to split the cost. This will make for a great family trip!
Done it manyatome . . . Northeast Express, Boston, MA - New Haven, CT - Washington, D.C. Once overslept arrival into Washington, DC - from NYC . . . woke up, in Virginia ! 😎 🇺🇸
I am literally watching this from my roomette on the Zephyr 2/9/22! I have been on since Naperville and going all the way to EMY/San Francisco. We just entered Utah. This train is full and I am glad I am not back in coach... I needed to relax and this is the way to go!!
One thing I learned going from South Carolina to Tampa, FL to attend a concert is to leave two days before your event because most likely the train will be late, and you may be pushed to get ready for your event if it's that evening.
I rode Denver to Emeryville in 2011, overnight in coach. Bring an eye mask (I was right next to the stairs and the all night light) Bring books/tablet Bring a warm blanket (it snowed a good part of the trip) Water bottle Know exactly where the restroom is. Double check that. Pick an offset sleep pattern, so you can get down to brush your teeth and wash up before you sleep.
Another benefit I enjoyed with a Roomette reservation was access to the Passenger Lounge in Chicago during a layover. Would love to see a video on what Passenger Lounges offer.
The new NY lounge is pretty cool looking. The Chicago Union Station isn't anything special, maybe it has more amenities post-pandemic. The other roomette benefit is they'll hold your luggage (or check it on to the train). So in Chicago, the Lakeshore Limited to NY leaves at night, so you can go to the station late afternoon, have them hold your luggage and go explore or have dinner. But for the $1200 or so that you'll save on a coach ticket, you could afford to waste $100 on a cheap hotel room for your luggage.
I bring my ASK (Amtrak Survivial Kit) because I have travelled overnight (esp. NYC to Chicago)many times. The ASK consists of iPhone with ear buds for music and movies (pre loaded) eyeshades a blanket Food and a neck pillow. Depending on the train Amtrak will sometimes sort the cars by destination so one full car is people going to say Chicago from NYC to minimize noise in the car. Othertimes the conductor will quietly awake you say if you were getting off n Cleveland.
Enjoy your channel very much, thank you! I miss traveling SO MUCH! Watching Amtrak videos is all I can do right now, alas. :) I've experienced all three of Amtrak's accommodation types--bedroom, roomette and coach. If I'm just traveling for one night, I usually go with coach. On my last trip from NYC to CHI (Lake Shore Limited), the train was packed, and I had a stranger beside me. Disregarding the noise (e.g., people getting on from Ohio deciding that 2AM was singing time) and the stops/starts, what bothered me most was having to sleep next to a stranger. It might just be my hangup, as I have social phobia anyway, but I couldn't relax. So I got up and spent the night hunched over a seat in the lounge car, trying to either read or doze. Ugh, I was so zonked the next day! If you can swing it, the roomettes are fantastic and the Sleeping Car Attendants have always been incredibly friendly, helpful and generous with their time. It's still hard to sleep on the train, and I rarely get more than a couple of hours of uninterrupted sleep at a time, but the privacy, the quiet (er, except for the huge train surrounding you) and comfort are, for me, definitely worth the price if at all feasible. That said, I think coach *is* a viable solution and for people without my hangups--lucky you!--it's a good choice. It's so much more affordable. With the pandemic guidelines, crowding probably isn't a problem. Give it a try if you get a chance!
Thank you for this information on traveling via coach. Planning a trip with my senior Mom and she wants to travel coach because she usually sleeps in her recliner on a nightly basis. We are traveling across country from DC to Seattle...ugh. Your videos are so informative and very well presented. Love your spirit!!
In 1993 I traveled from Southern California to Denver and back on Amtrack in coach. The first part of the trip we had only the snack car. In Salt Lake City the part of the train with the dining car joined us . I was able to eat in the dining car even though I was in coach. Yes, I had to pay extra for my meals but I didn't mind at all. It was not a bad experience traveling by train.
I’m traveling Amtrak this summer. Florida to California - 4 trains. Mostly in coach. Only leg I upgraded to roomette for is the Chicago to Los Angeles leg…2 days long.
We traveled three times on the Amtrak Auto Train and rode in coach to save money. It wasn't bad at all except for the one guy who decided to read all night and keep his reading light on. I brought an eye mask and that helped! Oh and sometimes people snore. 🙄 Bring ear plugs.
I’m afraid I’m the one who snores. 😔😴 In July 1990, I rode Amtrak from Chicago to L.A. I couldn’t sleep on the coach chair, so the 2nd night I ‘acquired’ 2 plastic trash bags, laid down on the empty observation car floor and got a couple hours sleep in the horizontal position. Now, I’m OLD at 70 years old and can sleep anywhere in any position! 😁😴 I’m a new subscriber, so this is the first time I saw your husband(?). You both look like a cute couple! 😀 Looking forward to watching (binging) more Amtrak videos with you and your husband. 😁🚂
I actually prefer coach to the rooms. I'm a bigggg guy and those seats are incredibly comfortable. And although I'm something of an introvert, I enjoy interacting with fellow passengers. You meet some of the most beautiful and interesting people on a long distance train. Thanks for sharing this video. Keep on traveling.
Wow. I stopped this video at the 4:38 mark to post this comment. You two have such pleasant expressions. Good for you. I have been searching for overnight coach trips; most overnights seem to be in sleepers. My best friend Brenda and I are flying to Portland this month, staying for 7 days, and returning to Atlanta via (coach) Empire Builder, Capitol Limited, and Crescent. The airfare is less expensive and much faster, but I just want another train trip. Brenda is quite concerned about 88 hours in coach and we are both concerned about wearing masks for so long. Three years ago (July 2018) I wanted to try a long train trip, so I took the bus to Chicago, Empire Builder to Seattle, great lunch in Seattle, got back on the train to Chicago and the bus to Atlanta. Three months later Brenda and I drove to Chicago and got California Zephyr sleeper service to Emeryville, walked to a hotel, returned the next morning and reversed the route back home. When we entered the dining car coming home it seemed like old home week - same dining car staff as the previous 2 days. What a nice friendly reunion. I remember being much more comfortable in coach than in the roomette and bedroom. Hope Brenda will be somewhat comfortable in coach. I'm planning another coach train trip in about 7 weeks - Atlanta to New Orleans, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, Charlottesville, Atlanta. Hope it's not solo. I'm going to view your Sunset Limited review next. Keep traveling and posting. -Bill
I travel overland by train ONLY...I've made quit a few trips that are over nighters and because of my age and physical limits I always get the lower level seating. It seems to be far roomier and not as many people in 1 area. Also close to restrooms
I’m planning a trip from SLC to LA with my brother and cousins, and part of the route is an overnight. Thanks for this video, now I’ll need to discuss it with them.
Coach looks great. Thanks for posting it. I took a long distance ride in roomette and swear I will never do it again. It is crampy, with an obnoxious toilet, all I can do was to sit right there, cant move around. The idea of sitting right across a toilet or next to it just disgusted me. The wash basin doesn't help much either, splashing water everywhere when used. I swear to god will never take roomette ever again.
Hey, I know I'm a bit late - I just discovered your channel a few months ago, and am just now seeing this. One thing I found helpful for a longer trip in coach is to avoid consecutive nights sleeping in the coach seat. I traveled from Flagstaff to Portland, Oregon several years ago, and I spent a night visiting friends in the Bay Area. Sleeping in a real bed in-between nights sleeping in coach helped my back immensely.
Love your videos - they are always spot on! Happy to find experienced train travelers who love riding the rails as much as I do. I use Amtrak's USA Rail Pass for my cross country trips and it only allows coach seats. I add on Lounge Access for long layovers (New York/Chicago). So many people keep urging me to buy a roomette and I point them to this video.
I really enjoy your channel. I am a fan of Amtrak and use it whenever possible! You missed one point in your presentation. A female traveling alone, may have a problem sleeping next an unknown male. She may want to select a seat next to another female or even a child. Continue to report. You are opening this form of travel to so many people and giving them another travel option!
Enjoy your videos and I love riding the train. Most recent trip on the Carolinian in business class. Disappointed in the distancing. Never more than 8 or 10 in the car at a time, but we were all bunched up in the same area. I just kept moving to stay away from that situation. Not sure why they’d do that. I was planning another trip, but I’m going to have to see if I can get more information on seating. The train staff was great though!
@@GroundedLifeTravel thank you! I’ve watched all your videos in preparation. Bought the Rail Pass on sale. Going from Vermont to NYC to Chicago to Seattle to Sacramento to Chicago and back the southern route to NYC and home to Vermont. Celebrating my nest being empty with my youngest child off to college!!
It did not take me long to decide that the best way for me to travel with Amtrak is to take coach (up to about 10 hours) to a city, stay there in a motel (as well as seeing some of the sights), then taking coach to another city and so on. I don't want to pay extra for scenery that goes by at night when I am asleep. I am also in no hurry to get anywhere, and I like the idea of exploring multiple cities in one trip.
Another reason for overnight coach, related to cost, is when there are more than two people in your party, particularly if there are three, because of the multiple sleeping units required if on Viewliner cars. My parents and I made two trips together in the 1970s, when I was fully grown. Sleeping accommodations would have needed to be two roomettes, at minimum. The trips were on either the Silver Meteor or Silver Star and the Montrealer (and beyond on VIA). Accommodation was, incidentally, almost identical to what you show, and quite comfortable.
I have been able to use dining car and pay for meal [it is not included] when in coach. Typically, I use cafe car for breakfast or lunch, then reserve a dining car seating for dinner.
I think that’s been suspended because of covid, to the best of my understanding if they bring traditional dining back coach passengers will be able to go to the dining car again
About to go on my first ever Amtrack trip, Redwing, MN to Harrisburg, PA, so an overnight trip. I'm happy to finally get to take a train ride, and happy to not need to drive through winter conditions. Thank for your guidance in all your videos!
How was the trip? I'm thinking of taking my kids from Philly to Orlando. We never did a train and airfare is getting crazy and I'm kind of nervous to drive that distance myself.
@@ritaquigley6520 The trip was good! The first train out of Redwing, an unmanned station, was delayed 75 minutes, but Amtrak sent me the alerts so I knew it would arrive late. There is plenty leg room, and space above for bags, and extra space near the stairwells for really large luggage. The ride was fairly smooth, and it was nice to ride and not need to worry about driving through 6 states by myself in winter conditions. The train switches were smooth with a couple hour stopover in Chicago, and then Pittsburg. The train staff were all kind, helpful, and friendly. I met some very nice people along the way. Things to consider, you might want headsets for you and your children, the whistle blows alot, like three times before crossing each road, but that is to be expected. On a long trip it may be tiresome to listen to it, after a while. There was a passenger that was loud and obnoxious on the evening train, when most people just wanted to sleep. He finally went to sleep. The neck pillows would likely be helpful, and some blankets that fold and stow easily also. Snacks would be good, incase you end up at an unmanned station. Overall, it was a good experience, next time I plan to take some family members with me. Hope you have a great trip and the kids enjoy the adventure with you!
As of July 2022, coach class on the East coast is like riding a bus. First the trains are mostly electric...which means "IF" you are looking for views, and a relaxed ride, FORGET IT... these commuter coaches have very DIRTY windows outside, (no photos taken will look good) ...the train runs at 70 to 90 mph..... like watching a green blur all day? EVERY stop... is a rush...the conductor wants you standing with all bags in hand ready to depart at "your stop".... speaking of baggage, IF you have large suitcases, don't expect a decent space to store them...I had trouble with a 44lb suitcase and NO place to store it, except above the seat...remember, the conductor is toe tapping, as "he has a schedule to keep". NO....coach class on the EAST coast tend to suck...NO soft arm pads.... and dirty restrooms. Signed trainspotter
One of the main reasons I prefer Coach to having a roomette is that it’s really not worth the money to me. I feel obligated to eat the food with my sleeper and I really don’t like the Amtrak food that much. I also dislike showering on the train. On long trips it’s better to offboard somewhere and spend the day in a city
Hi! I just got back to NY from Chicago round trip. I found it more comfortable in coach. I've rode roommette to Chicago & on California Zephyr roommette. It's over rated on sleeper however, if more than 24 hours, then it's better with sleeper.
Doing coach on the CZ in a couple months. Only one night from Chicago to Utah but am incredibly excited. With the roomette being $1,000 plus it didn’t seem worth it, especially since I’ve already done a cross-country trip in a family bedroom on the Empire Builder and this trip is also about getting from point A to point B. Also figured with the sleeper cars being right behind the locos the sleep benefits would be marginal at best
I swear by Amtrak's overnight coachclass! The seats are amazing and more than I could ever ask for considering the price that I can get these tickets at, and being in a Coach seat makes you want to explore the train a little more, which I think is an up side. Honestly with earplugs and a sleep mask, most of the noise and commotion at stops doesn't bother me unless it's a big stop like Cincinnati on the Cardinal, Charleston on the Silver Meteor, or Philadelphia and New York on the Night Owl (they wake everyone up at 2am in New York on the Night Owl to rescan tickets which is definitely not the best system). I will say that there have been more people with low situational awareness that speak loudly on the phone with speakerphone on an everything at 2am than I would like, which does actually bother me, but considering the money that I, a broke student, can save, it's still worth it.
@@OgdenM if you do the USA rail pass it's $500 for 10 segments of any length (and I tried to do as many long overnight legs as possible) but it seems as though every January they do a sale where it's $300, which I did earlier this year.
@@OgdenM I travel from CA to the east coast often. Unlike planes, purchasing one way instead of RT saves. Also start travel on Tues or Sat for better rates. I thoroughly enjoy it and I'm a 60+ year old woman.
I enjoy traveling Amtrak. I'm a plus size person and the seats are roomy enough for good overnight traveling. When there isn't a person in the seat next to me, I utilize both of the leg rest and it's like being in a bed.
I have done this, Albany, NY - Chicago. Price was the decider. I was alone. I was comfortable sleeping. I normally get up 3 - 5x per night no matter where I am. A neck pillow is of great help.
On the Lakeshore Limited, from Chicago to NY, you'll save close to $1200 riding coach. You can usually find 1st Class round trip flights on that route for $600. So you could fly back and forth twice, for the same price (and theoretically back and forth twice before the train completes it journey one way.) I did a roomette during the pandemic, because wearing a mask for that long wouldn't be worth the savings. The roomette was cool, since you can bring some beers or a bottle of wine and enjoy the views in relative quiet.
There’s an informal option to have food delivered to the train. I’d check with conductor. I hope to try next month Boston to LA. The Superliner seats are nicely demonstrated in this vid. On the Viewliner seats there is no foot rest and it doesn’t swing down as far: in either type I slept fine.
I disagree. You get 3 meals, cleaner bathrooms, privacy, and comfort. I used to drive from the Northeast to Florida, then I realized I, I’m either stopping for a night at a hotel, wasting a day to recover from the drive, or anxiously trying to forget that I have to make a round trip back north. The couple hundred bucks I saved wasn’t remotely worth it to me.
it really depends. you are getting transport and a hotel room. on a plane when you get a room that has layflat seats you can expect pay $1000 for a 7 hour flight one way, or upwards of $7,000 per person for a 12 hour long haul one way international flight. on amtrak you get an admittedly less nice bed for $500-$1200 a person for 14 hours to 2 days.
depends how far in advance you but tickets we go to reno every year just bought tickets for march 2 people 512 total from omaha to reno two thousand miles in sleeper. and by the way the fare has been the same for last 5 years. yesif you wait it can be expensive
@@pineapplepicker2960 ok for clarification the price you pay when they bill your credit card includes food, transport and a bed. yes the price is broken down into different sections that include taxes, room etc.
Love your review! Unfortunately the Northeast Regional from New York to Orlando is not nearly as big or beautiful as your train. They do not have a viewing car and you can only eat in your seat. I still enjoy the train over flying because I have a fear but with Covid the mask all day and night is awful. I do always enjoy the relaxing ride and I agree, coach is very comfortable.
Hey guys. I can agree totally. I've been in coach on Amtrak several times. It's extremely comfortable. Although in 2021, the leather seats I'm not fully supportive of. Still comfortable, but I'd prefer the cloth seats. There was a time you would get a complimentary pillow in coach when traveling overnight. I guess when covid hit, or a year or two prior, that stopped.
I use the Amtrak Auto train routinely. It’s fine to use coach seats when you’re in your 20’s & 30’s but trust me…..not so great at 62. I use the couchette or bid minimal on the upgrade to full room & way more comfortable & private. Remember the guy (or gal) near you may snore or be farting SBDs 😮. No overnight coach seats for me!
Great Information as always. It would be Great to see You guys do a VIA Rail video when things go back to normal. The Canadian and Ocean trains look Great.
Plane tickets have sky rocked. Understandably gas cost more so i figured so would plane tickets. I'd rather take the train than the bus so I'm taking my first overnight trip in June. I'm actually looking forward to it and it cost me $400 less then I would've paid for a plane ticket.
Right? Last year my plane trip cost 680 per person. Its 980 today. For 980 I have all 3 of us on a train. Gas in California is 9.50 a gal. Definitely not going to drive or rent a car. This is year is the most insane i never saw in prices. Fully a shame
Did 2 nights in coach Sacramento to Chicago it was awesome . First thing I did arriving at the hotel was take a shower tho 😹😹…. But the experience was great I slept well lots of space to stretch and move around never got bored
@@GroundedLifeTravel Good information. The Dining cars were certainly well worth the money for coach passengers.. because the food was very good. For "sleeper" passengers the cost of the meals is included. Sorry to hear it's now limited to just "sleeper" passengers. Maybe when this Covid pandemic is gone they will go back to serving couch passengers as well.
Thank you for clarifying the price. My husband and I researched prices and asked two people for a private room; we don't know if it is for the cabin or per person.
Hey folks, I'm thinking of taking the auto train and traveling coach. 17 hours seems like no big deal, can sleep in the seat and no stops between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. point A to point B type trip. What do you think?
We just took the Auto train from Lorton to Sanford. Coach isnt horrible, you do get the benefit of not having to drive on 95. Definitely roomy seats. Cafe eating was just "eh"
Thank you for this information! Thinking about traveling from Chi-town to LA in coach! Already flown in tiny seats in airplanes for two days and it was fine. This sounds great. May have to bring my own travel blanket and pillow. 😍
Never been on Amtrak, but I'm just guessing that I would only go sleeper is the trip is upwards of 24 hours lol. From where I live in DC, if I wanted to see family in Florida a sleeper would probably be worth it :P (26 hrs). ofc if you're going Amtrak DC to Miami it's for the experience, not the travel itself
I took the train fir the first time from ny to Georgia and people were so loud, I couldn’t stand it. I’m talk 20 hrs non stop noise! I forgot my headphones, but on the way back it was so much drama and so loud, headphones didn’t help.
Despite the extra legroom and reclining of the seat, I still have a hard time sleeping on an amtrak coach. A roomette though expensive, is far more comfortable. Also, meals are included. I was very disappointed with my recent Amtrak trip that the diner was not available to coach passengers! I think cash should be a viable option to pay for food in the cafe/lounge.
must be do to that ``BEER`` virus cus before I could go to the Dinning car [I got sleeper car once or trice in my life ...this one time I didn`t was also the Last time they were going to use the Parlor Car]
My experience on Amtrak coach was horrible. There was an intoxicated man who came to my seat and tried to steal my things, and he assaulted me. I told the staff who walk up and down the isles, and she just looked at me like she was annoyed and kept walking and didn’t do a thing, I was in tears and terrified the rest of my trip? And the people sitting around just watching and not doing anything to help or even speak up heartbreaking.
Great video make me want to share my experience on amtrack same 2 times in Anaheim California and 1 time to Orlando Florida with 2 kids and a 1 year old back in 2019 thinking about doing it this year but scared of covid 19
What about safety if you travel in coach at night? Are there any issues? In my country, the Netherlands, it is quite safe, but sometimes you have to deal with loud, obnoxious people, who have been drinking a lot before boarding the train. On some trains heading to the busy Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, there are pickpockets, so you have to watch your luggage!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thank you! Of course, these issues were all pre-COVID.....Train travel in my country has never been safer than now.....Thieves also stay at home!
Took the Southwest Chief all the way from Chicago to LA. Was puking fluoro green by the end, so not the best experience for me. Seats v. comfy. Good food and coach overnights are a challenging balance to strike...
I’m doing 3 nights in Coach across country because nothing else was available. Keeping my fingers crossed all goes well! It’s my first time to travel on Amtrack!
How was it? Our first time is coming up soon and I want to know should we do coach or business class.
@@simplysarah0310 I would suggest business. Has more room. Also, be sure to ask if your train has a luggage car. I found out at the Trenton station my train doesn’t! So, all my luggage is traveling next to me until Pittsburgh!!🚂
@@lindapawson3445 Ty! Yes I asked these questions on the phone with the lady. Business class was only available for the short term ride of my trip. The longest one didn’t have business. Sigh. And the lady also told me that some stations don’t have people to check in baggage so if you are getting on at these stops then make sure you only bring the required carry on and personal items per person. I’m like wth is the point of checked baggage then! SMDH
@@simplysarah0310 beware coach and business are exactly the same seats and space. Business include a beverage and snack. I just did the Calif Zephyr on coach and Surfliner on business
@@raymundostille7426 Ty. I went with coach lol
We've done the NY to FL down and back in coach, we prepped a snack sack with some fruit and snacks, travel pillows and small blankets, also a sleep mask. There's power at every seat so we brought our laptop and some movies. It was actually a pleasant trip, seats were comfy enough, we both fall asleep in a recliner at home. We prefer to fly whenever possible just for the time factor, but the train was different and we wouldn't mind doing it again.
Are window seats more. I want to go from Detroit to San Diego. Lol. 2 day trip never been on a train
@@faygo12 As I recall, no difference in price on Auto train
I’m sitting here at the train station and I was panicking 😩 thank you guys for making this video! ❤️😩
How was your trip?
Yes please tell us.
I am about to take a 26 hour trip on Amtrak. Thank you so very much for this information. I am an old lady, living on a fixed income, and as much as I would like to get a roomette, because I am traveling with my Mother, the $915 dollars each way is just way outside of my budget.
This information is exactly what i was looking for. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful, have a great trip!
@LB tell us about your trip
@@raymundostille7426 It was very interesting. The seats were comfortable enough for sitting, but both my Mother and I did not find them very comfortable for sleeping.
The only really bad part of the experience was the bathrooms. I was prepared. I brought along plenty of gloves and disinfectant. The floors were pretty bad, so I cleaned them before entering. I cleaned all the surfaces, handles, knobs, and buttons on entering, and cleaned them again before leaving.
I have not given up on train travel. The next time we will try traveling in the roomette. My concern about that, is whether or not this 70 year old woman will be able to get in and out of the top bunk.
@@lb7039 the top bunk is goong to be impossible. The next best things could be breaking up the journey and stay at a hotel for one night
@@raymundostille7426 Your post made me go looking for a video showing how to get in and out of the upper bunk.
I am 70 years, but I am still working, and I am I am still functioning pretty well under my own steam, if a bit overweight.
From the looks of the video, it would not be "impossible", but I admit, it doesn't look like something I would want to bother with.
That would leave the sleeper as the only other option, and there is no way my pitiful retirement income would support that option.
It would make more sense for me to drive, and stop for the night at a hotel, starting fresh again in the morning. I might even get a few AARP and, or, Veteran discounts along the way. 😄
I used to be able to make that trip straight up and straight back, stopping just for bathroom breaks and gas.
This old lady knows her limitations, and while my mind still has that "hold my beer" spirit, my brain keeps my spirit in check and my body is quick to remind me, "Not so fast!"
When I was a working family man, I travelled in Amtrak coach because it was the affordable option for my family and I. I have since retired and still don't like to fly. I travel to Florida from NY at least twice a year. I went coach 3 years ago and decided that long long uncomfortable night that I would never travel by coach again. Yes, a room is more money, but hey that's what I worked for all those years. I now book a room and won't ever go back to coach.
I travelled the California Zpehyr this November and I did notbhave the budget for a sleeper option..so I went coach. I accept the sleeping was dificult but $144 vs $1000 was out of the question this time.
@@raymundostille7426 That is is exactly how I felt. So I chose coach, but I would not do that to my 88 year old mother again. So if I travel by train again, it will have to be a roomette. if I can reach the upper bunk, or a sleeper.
I'm just glad you're not confined to sitting in coach and you can move where you're allowed. Plus, taking in the views sounds pretty goddamn amazing.
I rode Coach pre pandemic on the Texas Eagle and it wasn't bad at all. I was pleasantly surprised. It was tons of leg room. I spent majority of my time enjoying the views in the observation car
We did the same, but on the Sunset Limited, which is kind of the same route.
Just came back from riding the Texas Eagle…Chicago to Dallas and return. Seats are comfortable and the staff were very cordial. You can sleep in the seats and if not crowded you can find two seats for sleeping.
Down side don’t drink the water that comes out of the spigot near the middle of the train. Restrooms get filthy as time goes on. If your coach is near the locomotive you will “hear the whistle blow” constantly day and night. Bring earplugs or headphones.
I’ve found people in coach are sociable for conversation. Bon Voyage.
Thanks for adding your insights!
The bathrooms are indeed a deal breaker for many.
I was prepared, so I brought lots of gloves and disinfectant cleaner.
As I reported elsewhere, I don't think people are deliberately soiling the bathrooms, but men have a problem with aim on a steady surface. The constant jiggling of the train makes hitting the target accurately, impossible.
I didn't want to walk into that, so I cleaned the floors before entering. Once in I cleaned every reachable surface, knob, handle, and button.
Not to be a contributor. I cleaned everything again before leaving, including the floor. The space is not very big.
The trip was just a little over 24 hours, so I only had to do this about three times, and it was done completely for my own peace of mind.
I don't expect anyone else to be as overly cautious as me, but I very highly recommend gloves and disinfectant wipes.
Two years ago I took a huge train trip (for the first time in 35 years) to NYC, and I have severe anxiety and because of my anxiety I have a lot of concerns about sleeping. If I have to be awake at a certain time (usually early) and/or if I am sleeping in a place that is not my own bed and/or i have any type of distractions (such as lights), I will have trouble sleeping. Also I can't sleep sitting up, because it just isn't doable for me. Surprisingly I slept rather well on my train trip, which shocked me lol. I think what helped is I had the window seat, which was perfect to keep me propped up so I don't fall over during my sleep. I was able to basically sink into that corner space which made things comfy.
As for leg room, I was surprised at how much there was. I'm 6'4 and I was spoiled by how much space there was for me to stretch out. On the way back was even better because I was able to sit at the front of a car, which has all that extra space in front of the seats, which made things so much better, as if you had your own private area. I'd say the only problem I had was continuously hitting my head on the overhead compartment, which is not fun as a tall person lol.
Rode the Chief LA to Chicago because of price $135. I’m 6’4” 300 and the seat was plenty big. I chose a bulkhead seat all to myself. Brought my own snacks. Food was terrible and overpriced so I didn’t have any. Spent lots of time in the observation car. My first trip so though I thought I’d sleep, I didn’t. I’d do it again.
Good review, yes the seats are quite big! Really nice compared to a plane.
I was wondering how comfortable a taller person would be in the coach seats. Good review!
Thank you for this, I travel alone and since we are in a pandemic, you sit with no one next to you, and that make the trip very doable. There are some snobs out there but trust me those coach seats keep Amtrak sustainable.
since you didnt have to have anyone next to you, did you have to wear your mask the entire time?
so no one is going to sit next to me??
@@sierrajmadison8703 rules have changed that setup has expired
On the train,. Mask always,. Unless u book a room.
@@tess2hearts124 .
One thing that is a must for coach is to have a pillow of sorts. I suggest a compact inflatable pillow. Others also bring blankets, but that depends on the room you have in your luggage.
Agreed. My first overnight in coach I didn’t have these and I slept very poorly. My second overnight trip I brought a pillow and blanket, and these helped dramatically (along with the comfier seats on the Cardinal vs. NER)
My only problem was soreness at my waist when late at night trying to sleep. Perhaps an inflatable cushion would had been a solution.
Newb here! Thanks for the vid. I just booked MSP to SYR. Cost was definitely a factor. Plus, I camp! If I can sleep on the ground I can manage coach for one night. Plus I've never been on Amtrack before.
I'm excited!
I noticed that, at least on the Northern route I took (Empire Builder), there were not enough passengers to fill up all the seats. As a result almost everyone could sleep on TWO seats, like a bed.
We had the same experience on a few southern routes last year
I wish I had these on DVD for my customers, I’d play them in my station before train time . Great work as always !
I’ve done four cross country trips on Amtrak, all coach , it’s always an adventure and always fun . It gets cold at night
Thanks for the train videos. Still wanting to take my first over night major train trip. On the bucket list.
Do it! You’ll love it! I’m hooked. 😀
A few years back my husband and I went from Chicago to Portland , Organ on Amtrak California, Zephyr on the coach. We had the opportunity to see the roomette. Some friends we were traveling with got the roomette. I had rather been in coach. There was more room in coach. I felt smothered in the roomette. I liked being out with other people.
Two nights in coach is doable. Last year--just about a year ago, in fact--I took a long trip, all in coach. I was using a Rail Pass (purchased on sale for $299!), so no upgrades were possible. I went from Cincinnati to Chicago (Cardinal), Chicago to LA (Southwest Chief), LA to Portland (Coast Starlight), Portland to Chicago (Empire Builder), Chicago to NYC (Lake Shore Limited), NYC to White River Junction VT (Vermonter), VT to DC (Vermonter), and DC to Cincinnati (Cardinal again). There is no way I could have afforded that trip if I'd paid for roomettes on the overnight legs. They probably would have cost me between $2500 and $3000.
I learned a few lessons, though. If I were to do it again, I would bring more of my own food, perhaps in a small cooler. Amtrak's baggage policies are so generous that one could easily do this. One gentleman on the Empire Builder had a whole comfort setup, including an electric fan. I would bring more pillows, especially a lumbar pillow. The seats have no lumbar support, and a wadded-up sweatshirt is a poor substitute. I might also bring a pillow to put under my knees, as the angle was a bit uncomfortable for me. I will include baby wipes and some dry shampoo with my toiletries. I had a few nights in hotels, so I wasn't filthy the whole time!
I had only two long layovers, both in Chicago. I bought lounge passes both times and consider it money well spent. It's the only place with outlets and reliable Internet, and I didn't have to babysit my luggage.
Thanks for your thoughts and insights. Great to hear about your coach experience!
Lumbar pillow, that's what I did not have on my trip on the Zephyr last november. Otherwise, coach was great. Also brought some fruits, snacks, beverages, etc and spent a lot of time on the observation car. Great trip
Thank you so much for this video, I'm getting ready to do a over night trip from Washington DC to Florida ( about 20 hours) and I wasn't sure if I should do the coach or roomette. I wanted to do the roomette but the price was just to high for me.
How was it?
@@noelc2 Over all I had a great time. I ended up getting a roomette after finding out if I stayed in coach I would have to wear a mask the whole way down, I wasn't doing that for 20hrs, smh. The roomette was small but very comfortable. Everyone on the train was very nice and so helpful. I accidently locked my self out on my way to dinner but lucky someone came to help me. ( side note that attendant button didn't work for me, I had to go to the dinning cart to get someone to help me there) Dinner wasn't the greatest but definitely will enjoyable. I would recommend bringing your own food and snacks still just incase. Over all the trip was a success and I definitely do it again in the future.
@@missj4085 I was thinking of doing the Virginia to Florida auto train, to save my husband driving & I have 2 kids. It is a little pricey but we don’t want to fly, since I’d like my kids to actually see the different states & trains are so fun. We’d probably do one way & drive home, but it saves us at least one driving trip.
And the mask thing! Yikes no way for 20 hours!!!
@@noelc2 I was also blown away by how high the prices are, its crazy how much money it cost to travel by train! I traveled with my brother at the time so we both agreed to split the cost. This will make for a great family trip!
@@missj4085 did you bring your car down? I’m assuming the fare prices are before booking your vehicle
Done it manyatome . . . Northeast Express, Boston, MA - New Haven, CT - Washington, D.C. Once overslept arrival into Washington, DC - from NYC . . . woke up, in Virginia ! 😎 🇺🇸
Wow!
I am literally watching this from my roomette on the Zephyr 2/9/22! I have been on since Naperville and going all the way to EMY/San Francisco. We just entered Utah. This train is full and I am glad I am not back in coach... I needed to relax and this is the way to go!!
One thing I learned going from South Carolina to Tampa, FL to attend a concert is to leave two days before your event because most likely the train will be late, and you may be pushed to get ready for your event if it's that evening.
I rode Denver to Emeryville in 2011, overnight in coach.
Bring an eye mask (I was right next to the stairs and the all night light)
Bring books/tablet
Bring a warm blanket (it snowed a good part of the trip)
Water bottle
Know exactly where the restroom is. Double check that.
Pick an offset sleep pattern, so you can get down to brush your teeth and wash up before you sleep.
Great tips, thanks for sharing them!
Another benefit I enjoyed with a Roomette reservation was access to the Passenger Lounge in Chicago during a layover. Would love to see a video on what Passenger Lounges offer.
Good idea, the Chicago one is pretty good compared to other cities we've been in.
The new NY lounge is pretty cool looking. The Chicago Union Station isn't anything special, maybe it has more amenities post-pandemic. The other roomette benefit is they'll hold your luggage (or check it on to the train). So in Chicago, the Lakeshore Limited to NY leaves at night, so you can go to the station late afternoon, have them hold your luggage and go explore or have dinner. But for the $1200 or so that you'll save on a coach ticket, you could afford to waste $100 on a cheap hotel room for your luggage.
I LOVE to travel by train,i LOVE the sound of the tracks.Train travel beats Planes & busses by miles,if not in a hurray
We agree!
I bring my ASK (Amtrak Survivial Kit) because I have travelled overnight (esp. NYC to Chicago)many times. The ASK consists of iPhone with ear buds for music and movies (pre loaded) eyeshades a blanket Food and a neck pillow.
Depending on the train Amtrak will sometimes sort the cars by destination so one full car is people going to say Chicago from NYC to minimize noise in the car. Othertimes the conductor will quietly awake you say if you were getting off n Cleveland.
Enjoy your channel very much, thank you! I miss traveling SO MUCH! Watching Amtrak videos is all I can do right now, alas. :) I've experienced all three of Amtrak's accommodation types--bedroom, roomette and coach. If I'm just traveling for one night, I usually go with coach. On my last trip from NYC to CHI (Lake Shore Limited), the train was packed, and I had a stranger beside me. Disregarding the noise (e.g., people getting on from Ohio deciding that 2AM was singing time) and the stops/starts, what bothered me most was having to sleep next to a stranger. It might just be my hangup, as I have social phobia anyway, but I couldn't relax. So I got up and spent the night hunched over a seat in the lounge car, trying to either read or doze. Ugh, I was so zonked the next day!
If you can swing it, the roomettes are fantastic and the Sleeping Car Attendants have always been incredibly friendly, helpful and generous with their time. It's still hard to sleep on the train, and I rarely get more than a couple of hours of uninterrupted sleep at a time, but the privacy, the quiet (er, except for the huge train surrounding you) and comfort are, for me, definitely worth the price if at all feasible.
That said, I think coach *is* a viable solution and for people without my hangups--lucky you!--it's a good choice. It's so much more affordable. With the pandemic guidelines, crowding probably isn't a problem. Give it a try if you get a chance!
Thank you for this information on traveling via coach. Planning a trip with my senior Mom and she wants to travel coach because she usually sleeps in her recliner on a nightly basis. We are traveling across country from DC to Seattle...ugh. Your videos are so informative and very well presented. Love your spirit!!
I’d recommend business class. Coach isn’t bad at all but business is just a little more comfortable, quiet, and roomy.
How was the trip? I am contemplating a cross country trip from NC to CA.
@@Camibug no bc in long trips. Space is the same vs coach
In 1993 I traveled from Southern California to Denver and back on Amtrack in coach. The first part of the trip we had only the snack car. In Salt Lake City the part of the train with the dining car joined us . I was able to eat in the dining car even though I was in coach. Yes, I had to pay extra for my meals but I didn't mind at all. It was not a bad experience traveling by train.
I’m traveling Amtrak this summer. Florida to California - 4 trains. Mostly in coach. Only leg I upgraded to roomette for is the Chicago to Los Angeles leg…2 days long.
We traveled three times on the Amtrak Auto Train and rode in coach to save money. It wasn't bad at all except for the one guy who decided to read all night and keep his reading light on. I brought an eye mask and that helped! Oh and sometimes people snore. 🙄 Bring ear plugs.
I’m afraid I’m the one who snores. 😔😴 In July 1990, I rode Amtrak from Chicago to L.A. I couldn’t sleep on the coach chair, so the 2nd night I ‘acquired’ 2 plastic trash bags, laid down on the empty observation car floor and got a couple hours sleep in the horizontal position. Now, I’m OLD at 70 years old and can sleep anywhere in any position! 😁😴
I’m a new subscriber, so this is the first time I saw your husband(?). You both look like a cute couple! 😀 Looking forward to watching (binging) more Amtrak videos with you and your husband. 😁🚂
I have only taken Amtrak once, Richmond, CA to Bend Oregon. I was tired and in the luggage room I found lots of room, and fell asleep. It was fun.
I actually prefer coach to the rooms. I'm a bigggg guy and those seats are incredibly comfortable. And although I'm something of an introvert, I enjoy interacting with fellow passengers. You meet some of the most beautiful and interesting people on a long distance train.
Thanks for sharing this video. Keep on traveling.
Amtrak should offer a self-service microwave for coach passengers.
Wow. I stopped this video at the 4:38 mark to post this comment. You two have such pleasant expressions. Good for you.
I have been searching for overnight coach trips; most overnights seem to be in sleepers. My best friend Brenda and I are flying to Portland this month, staying for 7 days, and returning to Atlanta via (coach) Empire Builder, Capitol Limited, and Crescent. The airfare is less expensive and much faster, but I just want another train trip. Brenda is quite concerned about 88 hours in coach and we are both concerned about wearing masks for so long.
Three years ago (July 2018) I wanted to try a long train trip, so I took the bus to Chicago, Empire Builder to Seattle, great lunch in Seattle, got back on the train to Chicago and the bus to Atlanta. Three months later Brenda and I drove to Chicago and got California Zephyr sleeper service to Emeryville, walked to a hotel, returned the next morning and reversed the route back home. When we entered the dining car coming home it seemed like old home week - same dining car staff as the previous 2 days. What a nice friendly reunion.
I remember being much more comfortable in coach than in the roomette and bedroom. Hope Brenda will be somewhat comfortable in coach. I'm planning another coach train trip in about 7 weeks - Atlanta to New Orleans, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, Charlottesville, Atlanta. Hope it's not solo.
I'm going to view your Sunset Limited review next. Keep traveling and posting.
-Bill
Thanks so much! Sounds like an awesome trip you have planned!
Love your videos! Keep it up you guys are great!
I travel overland by train ONLY...I've made quit a few trips that are over nighters and because of my age and physical limits I always get the lower level seating. It seems to be far roomier and not as many people in 1 area. Also close to restrooms
I’m planning a trip from SLC to LA with my brother and cousins, and part of the route is an overnight. Thanks for this video, now I’ll need to discuss it with them.
You are welcome!
Coach looks great. Thanks for posting it. I took a long distance ride in roomette and swear I will never do it again. It is crampy, with an obnoxious toilet, all I can do was to sit right there, cant move around. The idea of sitting right across a toilet or next to it just disgusted me. The wash basin doesn't help much either, splashing water everywhere when used. I swear to god will never take roomette ever again.
Hey, I know I'm a bit late - I just discovered your channel a few months ago, and am just now seeing this.
One thing I found helpful for a longer trip in coach is to avoid consecutive nights sleeping in the coach seat.
I traveled from Flagstaff to Portland, Oregon several years ago, and I spent a night visiting friends in the Bay Area.
Sleeping in a real bed in-between nights sleeping in coach helped my back immensely.
Thanks for the tips!
Love your videos - they are always spot on! Happy to find experienced train travelers who love riding the rails as much as I do. I use Amtrak's USA Rail Pass for my cross country trips and it only allows coach seats. I add on Lounge Access for long layovers (New York/Chicago). So many people keep urging me to buy a roomette and I point them to this video.
I really enjoy your channel. I am a fan of Amtrak and use it whenever possible! You missed one point in your presentation. A female traveling alone, may have a problem sleeping next an unknown male. She may want to select a seat next to another female or even a child. Continue to report. You are opening this form of travel to so many people and giving them another travel option!
You guys put very good video's together. So informative and to the point, thank you!
Enjoy your videos and I love riding the train. Most recent trip on the Carolinian in business class. Disappointed in the distancing. Never more than 8 or 10 in the car at a time, but we were all bunched up in the same area. I just kept moving to stay away from that situation. Not sure why they’d do that. I was planning another trip, but I’m going to have to see if I can get more information on seating. The train staff was great though!
Thanks for the video. When I travel alone I usually skimp being a cheapskate that I am. When I’m with “the boss” it’s another story
This has been so helpful! My husband and I are traveling on Amtrak soon and fund this informative! Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m about to spend 12 days riding all over the country in coach, so cool to see this!! Thank you!!
Have fun! Sounds amazing!
@@GroundedLifeTravel thank you! I’ve watched all your videos in preparation. Bought the Rail Pass on sale. Going from Vermont to NYC to Chicago to Seattle to Sacramento to Chicago and back the southern route to NYC and home to Vermont. Celebrating my nest being empty with my youngest child off to college!!
Anyway you look at it Trains are great they are much more fun than any airplane. I hope people start using them much more often.
Exactly what I needed right now! Like your videos a lot thank you!!
Spent 3 days in a coach seat. Best sleep of my life. Definitely slept through some of those night stops
You call sleeping at 120 degree the best sleep of your life lmao. Sure the mattress in your house will appreciate you
@@T2uyu glad you got a good laugh. Have a nice day
@@OppositeofHATE7 would you like some Jesus
I've slept in coach,not a problem for me,i can sleep any place,thanks to my army service
@@T2uyu I pass on jesus,and all religions
It did not take me long to decide that the best way for me to travel with Amtrak is to take coach (up to about 10 hours) to a city, stay there in a motel (as well as seeing some of the sights), then taking coach to another city and so on.
I don't want to pay extra for scenery that goes by at night when I am asleep. I am also in no hurry to get anywhere, and I like the idea of exploring multiple cities in one trip.
That's the way
In about 3 weeks I'm taking a train from Oklahoma to Illinois and I'll be riding in coach
Have a great trip
Another reason for overnight coach, related to cost, is when there are more than two people in your party, particularly if there are three, because of the multiple sleeping units required if on Viewliner cars. My parents and I made two trips together in the 1970s, when I was fully grown. Sleeping accommodations would have needed to be two roomettes, at minimum. The trips were on either the Silver Meteor or Silver Star and the Montrealer (and beyond on VIA). Accommodation was, incidentally, almost identical to what you show, and quite comfortable.
I have been able to use dining car and pay for meal [it is not included] when in coach. Typically, I use cafe car for breakfast or lunch, then reserve a dining car seating for dinner.
I think that’s been suspended because of covid, to the best of my understanding if they bring traditional dining back coach passengers will be able to go to the dining car again
About to go on my first ever Amtrack trip, Redwing, MN to Harrisburg, PA, so an overnight trip. I'm happy to finally get to take a train ride, and happy to not need to drive through winter conditions. Thank for your guidance in all your videos!
Have fun!
How was the trip? I'm thinking of taking my kids from Philly to Orlando. We never did a train and airfare is getting crazy and I'm kind of nervous to drive that distance myself.
@@ritaquigley6520 The trip was good! The first train out of Redwing, an unmanned station, was delayed 75 minutes, but Amtrak sent me the alerts so I knew it would arrive late. There is plenty leg room, and space above for bags, and extra space near the stairwells for really large luggage. The ride was fairly smooth, and it was nice to ride and not need to worry about driving through 6 states by myself in winter conditions. The train switches were smooth with a couple hour stopover in Chicago, and then Pittsburg. The train staff were all kind, helpful, and friendly. I met some very nice people along the way.
Things to consider, you might want headsets for you and your children, the whistle blows alot, like three times before crossing each road, but that is to be expected. On a long trip it may be tiresome to listen to it, after a while. There was a passenger that was loud and obnoxious on the evening train, when most people just wanted to sleep. He finally went to sleep. The neck pillows would likely be helpful, and some blankets that fold and stow easily also. Snacks would be good, incase you end up at an unmanned station.
Overall, it was a good experience, next time I plan to take some family members with me.
Hope you have a great trip and the kids enjoy the adventure with you!
I like coach. Very comfortable.
Can you explain the sleep quality more and how that can be maximized (earplugs and face mask, etc)
Allie uses the Bose Sleep Buds II, and a neck pillow and days that's the best.
As of July 2022, coach class on the East coast is like riding a bus. First the trains are mostly electric...which means "IF" you are looking for views, and a relaxed ride, FORGET IT... these commuter coaches have very DIRTY windows outside, (no photos taken will look good) ...the train runs at 70 to 90 mph..... like watching a green blur all day? EVERY stop... is a rush...the conductor wants you standing with all bags in hand ready to depart at "your stop".... speaking of baggage, IF you have large suitcases, don't expect a decent space to store them...I had trouble with a 44lb suitcase and NO place to store it, except above the seat...remember, the conductor is toe tapping, as "he has a schedule to keep". NO....coach class on the EAST coast tend to suck...NO soft arm pads.... and dirty restrooms. Signed trainspotter
One of the main reasons I prefer Coach to having a roomette is that it’s really not worth the money to me. I feel obligated to eat the food with my sleeper and I really don’t like the Amtrak food that much. I also dislike showering on the train. On long trips it’s better to offboard somewhere and spend the day in a city
I just did that on the Zephyr this november. Got off in Denver for a day
@raymundostille7426 any great places to stay? I was thinking of doing the same on NY way to California. 😊
Hi! I just got back to NY from Chicago round trip. I found it more comfortable in coach. I've rode roommette to Chicago & on California Zephyr roommette. It's over rated on sleeper however, if more than 24 hours, then it's better with sleeper.
I enjoyed the time I used to travel Amtrak. Trips in coach were about 12 to 16 hrs and it was OK.
Doing coach on the CZ in a couple months. Only one night from Chicago to Utah but am incredibly excited. With the roomette being $1,000 plus it didn’t seem worth it, especially since I’ve already done a cross-country trip in a family bedroom on the Empire Builder and this trip is also about getting from point A to point B. Also figured with the sleeper cars being right behind the locos the sleep benefits would be marginal at best
Plus you'll still get to use the observation car
Thanks for showing what the sitting/sleeping arrangements look like in coach!
I swear by Amtrak's overnight coachclass! The seats are amazing and more than I could ever ask for considering the price that I can get these tickets at, and being in a Coach seat makes you want to explore the train a little more, which I think is an up side. Honestly with earplugs and a sleep mask, most of the noise and commotion at stops doesn't bother me unless it's a big stop like Cincinnati on the Cardinal, Charleston on the Silver Meteor, or Philadelphia and New York on the Night Owl (they wake everyone up at 2am in New York on the Night Owl to rescan tickets which is definitely not the best system). I will say that there have been more people with low situational awareness that speak loudly on the phone with speakerphone on an everything at 2am than I would like, which does actually bother me, but considering the money that I, a broke student, can save, it's still worth it.
Huh? Amtrak tickets are stupidly expensive. Taking the train is almost ALWAYS more expensive then flying.
@@OgdenM if you do the USA rail pass it's $500 for 10 segments of any length (and I tried to do as many long overnight legs as possible) but it seems as though every January they do a sale where it's $300, which I did earlier this year.
@@OgdenM I travel from CA to the east coast often. Unlike planes, purchasing one way instead of RT saves. Also start travel on Tues or Sat for better rates. I thoroughly enjoy it and I'm a 60+ year old woman.
I enjoy traveling Amtrak. I'm a plus size person and the seats are roomy enough for good overnight traveling. When there isn't a person in the seat next to me, I utilize both of the leg rest and it's like being in a bed.
I have done this, Albany, NY - Chicago. Price was the decider. I was alone. I was comfortable sleeping. I normally get up 3 - 5x per night no matter where I am. A neck pillow is of great help.
On the Lakeshore Limited, from Chicago to NY, you'll save close to $1200 riding coach. You can usually find 1st Class round trip flights on that route for $600. So you could fly back and forth twice, for the same price (and theoretically back and forth twice before the train completes it journey one way.) I did a roomette during the pandemic, because wearing a mask for that long wouldn't be worth the savings. The roomette was cool, since you can bring some beers or a bottle of wine and enjoy the views in relative quiet.
Thanks for sharing
There’s an informal option to have food delivered to the train. I’d check with conductor. I hope to try next month Boston to LA.
The Superliner seats are nicely demonstrated in this vid. On the Viewliner seats there is no foot rest and it doesn’t swing down as far: in either type I slept fine.
Amtrak’s over night accommodations are exceedingly expensive for what you get.
I disagree. You get 3 meals, cleaner bathrooms, privacy, and comfort. I used to drive from the Northeast to Florida, then I realized I, I’m either stopping for a night at a hotel, wasting a day to recover from the drive, or anxiously trying to forget that I have to make a round trip back north. The couple hundred bucks I saved wasn’t remotely worth it to me.
it really depends. you are getting transport and a hotel room. on a plane when you get a room that has layflat seats you can expect pay $1000 for a 7 hour flight one way, or upwards of $7,000 per person for a 12 hour long haul one way international flight. on amtrak you get an admittedly less nice bed for $500-$1200 a person for 14 hours to 2 days.
depends how far in advance you but tickets we go to reno every year just bought tickets for march 2 people 512 total from omaha to reno two thousand miles in sleeper. and by the way the fare has been the same for last 5 years. yesif you wait it can be expensive
@@ColoringKaria the room price does not include transport...that’s extra. So it’s the price of the room + transport
@@pineapplepicker2960 ok for clarification the price you pay when they bill your credit card includes food, transport and a bed. yes the price is broken down into different sections that include taxes, room etc.
1:02 "if you're trying to get from a to b, and you want to c something" 😂 i see what you did there
Love your review! Unfortunately the Northeast Regional from New York to Orlando is not nearly as big or beautiful as your train. They do not have a viewing car and you can only eat in your seat. I still enjoy the train over flying because I have a fear but with Covid the mask all day and night is awful. I do always enjoy the relaxing ride and I agree, coach is very comfortable.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Thank you sharing (now subscribed). Used to European rail, booked my first Amtrak trip today. Looking forward to it!
Coach seats definitely decent
Yes, better than we thought they would be!
Hey guys. I can agree totally. I've been in coach on Amtrak several times. It's extremely comfortable. Although in 2021, the leather seats I'm not fully supportive of. Still comfortable, but I'd prefer the cloth seats. There was a time you would get a complimentary pillow in coach when traveling overnight. I guess when covid hit, or a year or two prior, that stopped.
This is so helpful! I will be riding the Sunset Limited all the way this weekend in coach - was nervous but great to hear it isn't so terrible.
Have fun! Go to the observation car, it is great!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Can you eat in the dinning car,if you travel by a coach ticket ?
@@bunnyfish714 no
@@bunnyfish714 no at the end of 2022
Thank u for all this great info,you folks are so kind for making these vids.
Thanks!
I use the Amtrak Auto train routinely. It’s fine to use coach seats when you’re in your 20’s & 30’s but trust me…..not so great at 62. I use the couchette or bid minimal on the upgrade to full room & way more comfortable & private. Remember the guy (or gal) near you may snore or be farting SBDs 😮. No overnight coach seats for me!
Great Information as always.
It would be Great to see You guys do a VIA Rail video when things go back to normal. The Canadian and Ocean trains look Great.
Plane tickets have sky rocked. Understandably gas cost more so i figured so would plane tickets. I'd rather take the train than the bus so I'm taking my first overnight trip in June. I'm actually looking forward to it and it cost me $400 less then I would've paid for a plane ticket.
Right? Last year my plane trip cost 680 per person. Its 980 today. For 980 I have all 3 of us on a train. Gas in California is 9.50 a gal. Definitely not going to drive or rent a car. This is year is the most insane i never saw in prices. Fully a shame
26 hour ride to VA from FL. Super excited now!
Is there a microwave for coach passengers?
Doing Norfolk VA to Ft Worth Tx. These videos have been very helpfu
Did 2 nights in coach Sacramento to Chicago it was awesome . First thing I did arriving at the hotel was take a shower tho 😹😹…. But the experience was great I slept well lots of space to stretch and move around never got bored
Yes that after shower always feels good!
I’m going from New York to Orlando Florida and I’m looking forward to it
I went from California to iowa in coach & I got access to dining car had a dinner & a breakfast had to pay but could get meals
They've restricted it this last year to only Sleeper car passengers to have enough room. They also don't let anyone share tables anymore.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Good information. The Dining cars were certainly well worth the money for coach passengers.. because the food was very good. For "sleeper" passengers the cost of the meals is included. Sorry to hear it's now limited to just "sleeper" passengers. Maybe when this Covid pandemic is gone they will go back to serving couch passengers as well.
This is me & hubby's next ventire! Seems like fun.
I am going to try coach from Philly to Chicago
Thank you for clarifying the price. My husband and I researched prices and asked two people for a private room; we don't know if it is for the cabin or per person.
This was so helpful!! Thinking of going from Atlanta to New Orleans!
Have fun! That's the trip we take often
Hey folks, I'm thinking of taking the auto train and traveling coach. 17 hours seems like no big deal, can sleep in the seat and no stops between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. point A to point B type trip. What do you think?
You are right it would be the easiest train to ride in coach
Awesome information guys, as always. 👍🏻💗
We just took the Auto train from Lorton to Sanford. Coach isnt horrible, you do get the benefit of not having to drive on 95. Definitely roomy seats. Cafe eating was just "eh"
Yes, we don't love that drive
How were the bathrooms on coach?
Doing 4 nights in coach, I can’t wait
Have a great trip!
you guys are AWESOME.... hope I bump into you both on the rails!!
Thank you for this information! Thinking about traveling from Chi-town to LA in coach! Already flown in tiny seats in airplanes for two days and it was fine. This sounds great. May have to bring my own travel blanket and pillow. 😍
Have fun! Sounds like fun, the seats are much bigger than a plane
Never been on Amtrak, but I'm just guessing that I would only go sleeper is the trip is upwards of 24 hours lol. From where I live in DC, if I wanted to see family in Florida a sleeper would probably be worth it :P (26 hrs). ofc if you're going Amtrak DC to Miami it's for the experience, not the travel itself
I took the train fir the first time from ny to Georgia and people were so loud, I couldn’t stand it. I’m talk 20 hrs non stop noise! I forgot my headphones, but on the way back it was so much drama and so loud, headphones didn’t help.
Despite the extra legroom and reclining of the seat, I still have a hard time sleeping on an amtrak coach. A roomette
though expensive, is far more comfortable. Also, meals are included.
I was very disappointed with my recent Amtrak trip that the diner was not available to coach passengers! I think cash should be a viable option to pay for food in the cafe/lounge.
must be do to that ``BEER`` virus cus before I could go to the Dinning car [I got sleeper car once or trice in my life ...this one time I didn`t was also the Last time they were going to use the Parlor Car]
when you lean back in your seat how does that effect the person behind you? Or if it was me and someone in front of me does it?
My experience on Amtrak coach was horrible. There was an intoxicated man who came to my seat and tried to steal my things, and he assaulted me. I told the staff who walk up and down the isles, and she just looked at me like she was annoyed and kept walking and didn’t do a thing, I was in tears and terrified the rest of my trip? And the people sitting around just watching and not doing anything to help or even speak up heartbreaking.
Thanks so much for the review, it was very helpful!
Great video make me want to share my experience on amtrack same 2 times in Anaheim California and 1 time to Orlando Florida with 2 kids and a 1 year old back in 2019 thinking about doing it this year but scared of covid 19
What about safety if you travel in coach at night? Are there any issues? In my country, the Netherlands, it is quite safe, but sometimes you have to deal with loud, obnoxious people, who have been drinking a lot before boarding the train. On some trains heading to the busy Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, there are pickpockets, so you have to watch your luggage!
Sounds like it’s pretty much the same here. Not as much of an issue with pick pockets but I would definitely keep an eye on my luggage.
I spoke to my Amtrak rep yesterday. She says there are "plainclothes" Amtrak employees on the trains!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thank you! Of course, these issues were all pre-COVID.....Train travel in my country has never been safer than now.....Thieves also stay at home!
Took the Southwest Chief all the way from Chicago to LA. Was puking fluoro green by the end, so not the best experience for me. Seats v. comfy. Good food and coach overnights are a challenging balance to strike...
Crime can happen anywhere. Bring your stuff,. Leave it. 😐 No good