I am taking Amtrak to Chicago tomorrow. The ticket says arrive 1 hour early. Is this necessary?

Question

This train appears to normally run an hour behind schedule. i can't imagine Amtrak running ahead of schedule

Answer 1

Amtrak cannot run ahead of xchedule but you need to be prepared for the unliekly event it is on time, they wont wait.  

Answer 2

yes id say so

Answer 3

I have never seen it run ahead of schedule.   Depends on where you're leaving from though.   From Portland, OR it usually runs on time the first few stops, then loses speed the rest of the way.   Same from Boston or DC.   If you're half way between the starting point and Chicago I'd be surprised if it runs anywhere near on time.   Get there a little early just in case the desk people have gone on break.

Answer 4

It depends on the policies of the station from which you're departing.

Here, you can arrive minutes before your train and you're fine. But some stations do security checks of bags and that takes time. Figuring out just where you board at a busy station can take a while, too.

You can check online whether your train is running on time or how late it is, BTW.

Answer 5

yes, it is necessary

baggage etc, its an hour, it'll be used up by finding correct platform, luggage checks, etc

Answer 6

It may or may not be necessary.  But if this is your first time and you aren't familiar with the procedures of this particular station, I'd suggest you either show up at the time they told you or call them that morning and find out the status of the train.

Answer 7

yes. its just like traveling on a plane.

you need time to give in your baggage and get your ticket checked and security...

if you want good seats you will have to go early before everyone else gets them

PLUS.

if the train leaves a bit early for some reason or the gate closses early, and you miss the train, they wont give you a refund because on the ticket they specifically said to come an hour early, you'll lose your money and your trip

Answer 8

There is no need to be "on the platform" waiting to board an hour early but you do need to allow time to check baggage or find your way in an unfamiliar station. If you are leaving from the trains originating station (not a station enroute) then you should count on the train leaving ontime.

Answer 9

I take Amtrak quite often and I often arrive moments before the train is scheduled to depart.  This is never an issue.  If you have lots of luggage and need assistance with it, arriving a little early won't hurt but more than 1/2 an hour is crazy.

Answer 10

1 hour early is general advice.  You can cut it closer if you use your good judgment.  For instance if you're boarding at an unmanned station with only carry-on bags, you can probably get away with 5 min. early.  You just better know what you're doing :)

What you wouldn't want to do is arrive 15 minutes early only to find it takes 10 minutes to park and another 20 minutes to wait to check bags and pick up the ticket.  You might still make your train, but you'd unfairly put the station staff through a lot of stress... or you might just get to see the pretty red lights on the back of the train fade into the distance.  When's the next train?  

Given that some overnight trains can run VERY late, it definitely pays to be in touch with Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL) so you know if the train is late.  Just watch it - trains can "poof" magically regain some time when you least expect, or Amtrak might arrange other transport for those who are at the station on time.

Answer 11

better safe than sorry, yes get here an hour ahead of time.

Answer 12

It runs behind schedule because people don't get there an hour early like they ask to take care of boarding and storing baggage.

Do what they ask and maybe you will leave on time.