Experiences riding Amtrak?

Question

I am going to be traveling by Amtrak this week. I have not done so in the past so I would like to know some things that I should expect. The duration estimate is about 45 hours, I'll be traveling via the Texas Eagle, Capitol Limited, & Pennsylvanian (on coach). Should I expect long train delays? Anything else that may help me would be nice. (Are the lounge cars normally crowded?-- can you spend as much time as you want in there?)-- (Do I get to choose my seat?)-- (Is it generally hot or cold on the upper floor?)

Answer 1

sounds like you have your answer.

i have traveled from Pittsburgh 2x and was good trip.

Answer 2

DON'T EAT THE FOOD MY  MOM  SAID IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

Answer 3

it's really fun. you can walk around. Expect any delays? you might. many of the Amtrak I've taken have never arrived on time. they're always late. I've been one one that arrive three hours late. both my Dad and Grandpa were waiting at the Dallas Fort worth for the antire time. they both took turns to see who would pick my Brother and I up.

         Bring a camera as well. along your way, you'll make many stops through many Cites and States. you might get enough time to take a few pictures and grab a bite to eat. (stop wait Usully last from dive minutes up to ten minutes. some may have waited longer.)

        if you love trains, you long the sights of seeing hundreds of trains. you'll see trains passing from all over the USA, and Canada.

        Some stops you'll be waiting would be for any other passing trains, as some tracks must be shared. you could spend as mush as ten minutes up to an hour for that.

          there will be a sight seeing car you can sit up in. you'll get a good view of all that's around.

           what i like in there is when you come to a stop, the car you're in my be stopped at railroad crossing, and you'll get to see people just sitting and waiting in their cars for the train to pass.

some are mad, some could be happy, and you could waive to them.

          the train does wobble back and forth along, so don't worry. it always does that.

        also the lounge cars are normally packed. i remember that the ones with reservations go first, then everyone else is first come, first serve.

         just have fun.

Answer 4

Some great responses, esp. lingern_maria.

Yes, you can stay in the lounge car all day if you like. I recommend bringing sunglasses & bottled water in addition to your snacks. The temps. vary according to season & what you like/are used to. The upper floor does tend to be warmer during the daytime.The food is not so bad on board but that was 20 yrs ago - don't know what it is like today.

Good Luck! Have fun!

;-)

Answer 5

The lower floors are generally reserved for handicapped riders.

All areas of the train are small including the lounge car.

Some have a Sky Car of Vista car where the seats are larger and swivel and the window wrap all the way over the top of the ceiling for watchign the scenery pass.  (not all trains have this).

I have been on trains that you sit where ever you want and others where you are assigned a seat.  I just depends.

Bring your own snacks and meals, you will save a tons of money.  The meals on the trains are not that fabulous and they are freakin' expensive.  At the time frame you are looking at I woudl also suggest a pillow, a blanket, rading material.  Also,  if you are riding coach the seats will only recline a few inches.  With a trip that long the train will probably make stops that last a few minutes longer than normal.  This is to allow passengers to hop off for a smoke or to stretch their legs.  However DO NOT wnader too far from the train.  It leaves on time with or without you.

Answer 6

I have traveled by rail many times and the trips have been overwhelmingly positive. My travels have included transit on the Southwest Chief, the Capitol Ltd, the Lakeshore Ltd, the Coast Starlight, the Crescent, the Sunset Ltd, the Pacific Surfliner, the Texas Eagle, as well as many urban and interurban rails.

My best suggestion would be to bring a pillow with you. While the Amtrak seats are wide and comfortable, the complimentary pillows are very small. I like to have a window seat and when I want to sleep I like to put my own pillow between me and the window for comfort.

Delays are common so be prepared. If someone is going to meet you at your destination have them call ahead to check train status. Amtrak will inform them of any delays.

I eat in the dining car on occassion, but spend most of my money in the snack bar (the food is less expensive and the hours are more accomodating).

Travel LIGHT, as if you were getting on an aeroplane. If you only take a few things as carry-on luggage you will not have to wait at the station. Just hop off and you are free to start walking and exploring.

Try to get a window seat. This is generally very easy. Sometimes you just board and pick a seat; other times (especially on very crowded trains0 you will be assigned a seat. This hardly ever happens to me. If you are assigned an aisle seat ask your car attendant to let you know when a window seat opens up. I have found Amtrak personell to be very helpfull, informative, and courteous. Have a great trip!!

Answer 7

allow for delays; they don't always crop up , but neitrher are they rare occurrances.

food in the snack cars is mediocre, but edible - and not really worth the price. If you have a full restaurant car on board, you're somewhat better off. But the more food you can bring with you, the better.