I plant to travel from San Antonio to DC by train?

Question

I am going to travel to DC by AMTRAK next week, and I need any advice for anybody who has had experience travelling by train. I have checked the schedule, and I will have to stop at Chicago train station. My question : is it difficult to find the next train to continue the trip? what is the clue?Do they have clear sign like in airport, which gate , etc?

How about the seat, etc?

Answer 1

Your trip is going to be an adventure...a l-o-n-g adventure!  Take reading material, music, games, whatever you choose to occupy your time. The seat you choose will be your seat for the trip, so choose one that you think you'll be comfortable in (window is my choice because you can see out plus lean into the corner to sleep).

The trains usually have a dining car and a snack car plus a movie if the trip is a long one. It is usually pretty easy to find your connecting train. There are signs and people in the station to help you find your way.

When you get to DC, Union Station, don't use the public restrooms, they're awful!! Have a nice trip!

Answer 2

I've only been to Chicago station once (15 years ago), at it was pretty easy to follow the signs. It's not as spread out as an airport' there's a limited number of tracks, and they tend to be clearly marked.

Answer 3

About the seats... they're more comfy than airliners (you have more space) but you do have the jolts from the train on the track, having basically the same effect as an airliner going through a cloud, or a car on a dirt road. Also, there is a restroom in each car, and if your train goes overnight (which it probably will) then you might have a sleeper compartment.