On the Amtrak train for 2 days?

Question

My mom, me and my little sister (who's 4) are considering riding the amtrack train from Vancouver to Portland then to L.A. then back to Vancouver again. Will my sister last long without becoming restless?

Also are there sleeper cars in every train? And how much are they?

Answer 1

All long-distance trains have sleeper cars.  I don't know how much they are, it varies based on the route.  Check their website.  

Long-distance Amtrak can be a lot of fun, but it is slow.  Some routes can be quite scenic, but take something to keep your sister occupied.  Trains get delayed a lot.  But I think you'll have fun.

Answer 2

We have taken AmTrak several times.  The seats are pretty comfortable and you can get up and go to the viewing car or dining car when the kids get restless.  We got a sleeping car last trip.  It was small (2 seats that fold to bunks).  It fit my 2 kids an myself.  We waited until we were on the train to upgrade to the sleeper.  If they have rooms left the conductors are able to sell them for quite a bit cheaper than the AmTrak agent can.  I think we paid $70 total for the sleeper.  It was well worth it and you get away from the drunk and weird passengers.

Answer 3

Just arrived home from my trip on Amtrak.  Sounds like you are going to be touring on the Coast Starlight #11 and returning on the Coast Starlight #14.  

My wife and I use this train twice per year out of San Jose, CA into Seattle to visit relatives there.  

The Sleepers come at three stages, the Roomette, Bedroom and Deluxe Bedroom, which though tight can accommodate 4 folks.  As for my wife and I we normally use the Roomette, its a little cramped, but its enough for the two of us.

If you are considering using this as your form or transportation, I would suggest that you get your tickets squared away very soon for the dates you are considering travel.  Amtrak's Coast Starlight was a sold out train on this tour over the 4th of July Week.  I can also tell you that many of their trains for the next few weeks are in the same situation.  So plan accordingly.

Here is a tip.  When you are purchasing your tickets for a particular time.  Purchase them well in advance of your trip.  In our case we purchased the tickets we just used in March.  We new this trip was coming and had previously planned for it.

Be sure to take your digital camera with you as you will be passing through some of the most senic parts of California, Oregon and Washington during the daylight hours.

The staff on the train was execellent as usual, and food very good.  Just understand that this is travel by rail, and Amtrak is subject to delays that are beyond their control.  The good thing is, they will ALWAYS get you there safe and sound.

The Sleepers are only on the Coast Starlight.  and as for your sister, there is lots of things she can do on the train, but I will tell you this, if you have a laptop or a portable DVD Player, its a good idea to bring those with you and a set of headphones so she can watch movies as the scenery goes by.

There is a lounge car with a movie theater downstairs, and they do play movies while the train is operating.  There are going to be a couple of long station stops in the route, as they will need to refuel, take on water, dump the potty tanks, and restock the train with food, (Oakland, Sacramento, Portland).

You guys are going to have a very nice ride!  Just keep in mind though, this is not a flight, and travel by rail is slower.  However, whay you make up for is the fact you folks are going to meet new people, and see things you never get to see from a car or a plane.  

Over all, I hope you have lots of fun and enjoy your trip.