Is it safe to ride a passenger train alone?

Question

im almost 16 but not yet

i think it would be really fun to travel to my mother's house this way

Minneapolis---Seattle

Do i need someone 18 and up with me?

Answer 1

Oh, you'll have no trouble at all.  Your fellow passengers will be mostly couples, families, and retirees, and they'll watch out for you.  The car attendant and chief of onboard services will be onboard the whole trip, too, so get to know them.

Yes it would be REALLY fun.  If you get Curtis Katz as your trip announcer, you'll get a special treat.

Since you asked, I started looking at the crowds getting on the Coast Starlight (I ride out of the same station).  There's a few solo teenagers among them.   According to Amtrak's web site children 15 and up can ride unaccompanied on a ticket they buy themselves.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentSer...

Answer 2

"Safe" Most Likely

But you shouldn't travel alone no matter what age you are. There are allot of crazy people and even if your 20 or 30 just go with a friend.

If you want to travel alone then be vigilent, don't hesitate to ask for help (from people in uniforms [except stripper uniforms]), and be asertive and confident.

Answer 3

I think it would be safer with two, depending on your maturity, and ability to handle yourself in an emergency, thinking you can, and actually carrying it out, are very different. Wait a couple yrs, then go. Good luck!

Answer 4

Check the Amtrak web site on rules for age of commuters.

Answer 5

Yes, for safety reasons

Answer 6

You are old enough to travel by train alone. Basic precautions shoul ALWAYS be taken, whether traveling alone or not. If a car is empty, dont stay there, move where there are other people. Remember a lot of train stations are in run down parts of town, your bigger risk may be in and around that rather on the train itself. Make sure there will be someone to pick you up. Traveling with someone is always more fun and safer but if no one can go with you, be careful and have fun!

Answer 7

As long as the engine crew is confined to the cab you'll be just fine, right along with the other passengers.

But, I think you must be at least 16 to travel on Amtrak alone.

Answer 8

Because you're a minor, I think it would be best if you had grown-up go along with you to make sure you got to your destination alright.