How do I prepare for a long Amtrak trip?


How do I prepare for a long Amtrak trip?

The following 10 tips are some of the most commonly recommended to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable first-time rail journey!
  1. ARRIVE EARLY. ...
  2. CHECK EXCESS BAGGAGE. ...
  3. BE COMFY. ...
  4. MOVE AROUND AND EXPLORE. ...
  5. GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP. ...
  6. KEEP YOUR CAMERA HANDY. ...
  7. BRING SNACKS. ...
  8. UNPLUG (BUT BRING A CHARGER)


How long should I arrive before my Amtrak train?

Arriving at the Station Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).


How many bags can you take on Amtrak?

Each passenger may bring two personal items, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each, and two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each, onboard. Make sure you have a tag with your name and address on the outside of all your bags.


Are there bathrooms on Amtrak trains?

If you want to get up and stretch your legs, there's plenty of room to walk around, with restrooms conveniently located in every car. On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view.


Is there assigned seating on Amtrak?

Can I choose a specific seat? Not while you're making a reservation. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat at any time after your booking is complete using interactive seat maps on the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com.


Is there first class on Amtrak?

You can upgrade your seating from Coach to First Class and Business Class seats on Amtrak.com, through our mobile applications, at a staffed station or over the phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL. On trains with First Class private rooms, you may be able to upgrade to a Roomette or Bedroom, availability permitting.


Should I bring a blanket on Amtrak?

Bring a Travel Pillow and Blanket While Amtrak does provide bedding in the Sleeping car rooms, you may wish to have your own pillow and an extra blanket for warmth. You may also ask your Sleeping car attendant for an additional blanket when they come to turn down your bed for a cozier night's sleep.


Is there WiFi on Amtrak?

Amtrak offers Wi-Fi onboard 29 of its 39 trains, which accounts for the vast majority of annual ridership. Most service is concentrated on the East Coast, Great Lakes, and some parts of California.


Do they give you blankets on Amtrak?

While Amtrak does provide bedding in the Sleeping car rooms, you may wish to have your own pillow and an extra blanket for warmth. You may also ask your Sleeping car attendant for an additional blanket when they come to turn down your bed for a cozier night's sleep.


How many drinks can you get on Amtrak?

Flexible dining A wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits (the first one is on us), plus unlimited soft drinks throughout the journey. Complimentary room service provided by the Sleeping Car attendant. Exclusive onboard lounge space for Sleeping Car customers to dine and socialize 24/7.


Do they search your bags on Amtrak?

They do random bag checks sometimes, but they don't make everything go through security like at the airport.


Are Amtrak trains comfortable for long trips?

Trains serving the long-haul routes are extremely spacious. This allows the traveler to spend time sitting comfortably in their seat, and also to move freely around the train. As some journeys last more than 24 hours, it is possible to book a room in a sleeping car.


Can coach passengers eat in the dining car on Amtrak?

If you're traveling in coach on some of Amtrak's long-distance train services, you'll now have the opportunity to use the dining car onboard. Coach passengers will now be able to enjoy full-fledged meals for an additional cost in the dining car, which was a beloved service removed during the COVID-19 pandemic.


How much do you tip on Amtrak?

Tipping. General Guidelines: Tipping is NOT required, but is considered correct for the service crew personnel on the train. Recommendations: Snack bar attendant: roughly 10%. Dining car: 15% of menu prices (sleeping car passengers may want to note this when ordering their meals).


Are drinks complimentary on Amtrak trains?

Complimentary beverages are available throughout your journey. First drink is on us.


Is there a toilet in an Amtrak roomette?

For customers seeking both privacy and savings in First Class, Roomettes feature: Two comfortable seats by day transformed into upper and lower beds by night. Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens. Access to a restroom and shower in your car.


Where is the quiet car on Amtrak?

Look for the Quiet Car symbol on the following trains: Acela: Adjacent to First Class car. Northeast Regional: Adjacent to Business Class car. Keystone Service: Adjacent to locomotive.


What are the most comfortable seats on Amtrak?

Coach Class: Designed for Your Comfort Stretch out with ample legroom and recline to relax as you cruise to your destination in Coach Class. Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela.


Where is the safest place to sit on an Amtrak train?

When choosing a seat on a train, try to get one in the center-most car, or one of the central cars. This will put you as far as possible from the most common points of issue for collisions or derailment, namely the front and end of the train.


Where do you put your luggage on a train?

Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.


How do you sleep comfortably on Amtrak?

Here are 10 tips for overnight sleeping in Coach.
  1. Choose Your Seat Wisely. Your journey begins by choosing the right seat for sleep. ...
  2. Bring a Neck Pillow. ...
  3. Wear Comfortable Clothing (& Shoes) ...
  4. Pack Earplugs and Eye Mask. ...
  5. Bring a Blanket. ...
  6. Travel with a Friend. ...
  7. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water. ...
  8. Adjust Your Seat.