Can you charge cell phones while riding on an Amtrak train?

Question

i am getting ready to go on a 1400 mile train ride to the east coast, and i have never been on a train, i am worried that my cell phone will die before i get there and and i wont be able to call my party to pick me up when i arive, also does anny one know if they alow smoking in the lounge of the train?.....ty

Answer 1

Just so you know, Ken is wrong about that.

Yes you can charge your cell phone on the train.  

My wife and I ride Amtrak on the West Coast Route, (Coast Starlight).

There are power sockets located in the Parlour Car and the Observation Car.  But this is only if you are riding Coach.

We normally get one of the sleepers while we are on the train, and in those rooms there is one power outlet.  We normally bring our portable DVD Player and use it while we are traveling to watch movies.

We also bring a small extension cord so we can expand from One Socket to three, just so we can charge our Cell Phones if we need to.

Plus being that you are heading Cross Country, I would have figured you will be using a sleeper anyway.

As for the smoking, no Amtrak does not allow any smkoing on the train.  However, there will be "Smoking Stops" in your journey.  These are normally at Stations were they have to dump the sewage tanks, take on water, and resupply the train or get fuel.  These stops are normally 15 to 30 minutes at a shot.  

Plus they will announce which stops are smoking stops.  Just be aware though, don't venture too far from the train, they have no issues with leaving you behind.

Also, don't even try smoking on the train.  One joker did that last time we were on last year.  Yeah, they put him off in Redding at about 2 am.  Being that I am from Chico, that is not really a station you want to get left at at 2 am.  Everything in Redding is closed and you are pretty much stranded until things start opening up at 8 am.

We run the Coast Starlight from San Jose to Seattle every year.  Its a good 35 hour trip.  

And don't worry if you need help with anything, the staff on the train is really great.  I have never had any complaints about those folks!  Just keep in mind though, Amtrak is rarely in a hurry, so don't expect to be at your station stop on the click.  They tend to be a little tardy.

Above all, get your camera out and get ready to see places your flyers and drivers just don't get to see.  Its very relaxing and really a great time.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

You cannot smoke on the train anywhere and you also cannot charge your cell phone any where on the train. Take an extra battery with you or use the phone at the station when you getoff, or don't use the phone while you are on the train, just enjoy the ride.

Answer 3

Unless you are taking the "auto train" smoking is absolutely prohibited in any part of the train even the lounge. However there are some stops along the way that you will be able to step off the train for a smoke. BUT stick close to the train because if you don't re board in time they will leave without you.

There are outlets down by your feet at every seat. You can use them anyway you like.