What amenities are on the Amtrak fom Chgo to St Louis :incoln Service?

Question

My 5 year old and I are taking the train to St Louis from Chgo. What can we expect in the 6 hour trip. Are there outlets for CD, DVD's? What is the food like? Is it expensive? We are coach...is that a good place for us or do I want the upgrade?

Answer 1

For just a 6 hour trip coach should be fine.  There should be a food car.  The food is decent enough, a lot better than the airlines lol.  There should also be vending machines.  Sometimes they have guides narrating tours of the scenery if it's a scenic route.  I don't recall any outlets for electronics.  I suggest you take toys and books or something to keep your kid occupied.

Answer 2

I checked the Amtrak timetable.  Here's the deal:

--The Lincoln Service trains include a cafe car, which sells sandwiches, snacks and beverages.  The prices are moderate.  Given that you're with a five year old, you'd be better off packing some kid-friendly foods in your bag, and walk to the cafe car to purchase beverages to go along with your food.

--The only upgrade would be to "Business Class Service", which is largely for people on expense accounts.  The seats are somewhat larger, and Amtrak throws in some complimentary food.  Not worth the extra cost.

--There are outlets, but not on every row.  When you board, you can look for a row that has an outlet on the wall of the train.

Another option, which we've used when traveling long distances, is to take along story CDs, which you can usually get for free from your public library.  Your child can sit with headphones on, listening to the story, while gazing at the passing scenery.  He/she might even end up taking a nap, which isn't necessarily bad!

Some friends of mine have put together a guide to riding Amtrak.  Here's a link:

http://www.on-track-on-line.com

Once there, click on "Amtrak Travel Tips".  You'll find numerous suggestions to making your trip enjoyable.