Anyone ever rodden Amtrak for 13 hours +?

Question

Railfan here,

We are planning on taking Amtrak from D.C after Christmas back to Atlanta on the Crescent and it will be an overnight trip, we are not planning on getting a viewliner or bedroom just regular coach seats (the crescent doesn't have first class seats)

So has anyone ever ridden Amtrak overnight and for over 13 hours? Did you enjoy it?

Answer 1

Yes, I've ridden Amtrak 43+ hours one way and then did the same trip back again in May of this year.  

I wrote an article about my enjoyable experience here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2311141_have-bla...

Answer 2

I've travelled in coach on the Crescent, all the way from New York to New Orleans. You have loads of room in the seats; they all face forward; and you'll get some good views from the windows.

The diner serves reasonable, albeit slightly pricey, meals. Or you can buy snacks on board. Again, not cheap. You can bring your own food and soft drinks if you prefer (but not alcohol unless it's in a private bedroom). They sometimes organise games in the diner when not serving food but even if not, it's a good place to socialise.

Take a jacket or something to cover your arms/body in. The air conditioning can be a little fierce during the night. Try to get seats away from the ends of the car where the doors may keep you awake.

Answer 3

Well train travel, is what you make if it. 13 hours is a nothing. try cross country! Pack your own goodies to eat, no one says you need to buy there food.

But maybe buy a soft drink. Move around, there are lots of people to talk too. Bring along a book to read, or some music on your i pod. Train travel can be exciting, and a fun adventure.

Answer 4

i rode it for 9 hours and it wasnt really that fun, there was like no food my food for the whole day was a soggy bagel and a snickers bar, i think 13 hours is gonna be a lot worse. there wasnt a lot of room in the coach seats either. i dont recomend it

Answer 5

Amtrak seats are a LOT more comfortable than Greyhound seats, and i rode Greyhound comfortably for 18 hours without a problem.

The trick is to sleep as much as possible and the time flies by.