Booked my ticket on Amtrak

[striker55]

Heading back to visit family in upstate NY in June. Thought why not see some of the country side. Should be an interesting journey, sleeping two nights on the train. Any tips from anyone who has traveled by Amtrak? I've watched some YouTube videos people made while traveling.

 

[BeatTheTunaUp]

A little jealous. Grew up a railroad kid so trains have a soft spot in my heart. We're doing a Temple to Fort Worth trip to take the kiddo to the zoo and ride the train. Your trip should be epic.

 

[msharley]

Heading back to visit family in upstate NY in June. Thought why not see some of the country side. Should be an interesting journey, sleeping two nights on the train. Any tips from anyone who has traveled by Amtrak? I've watched some YouTube videos people made while traveling.

You will get a tour of many fine "Salvage Establishments"....

 

[striker55]

And the back of some shack's.

 

[Cool 'Horn Luke]

Heading back to visit family in upstate NY in June. Thought why not see some of the country side. Should be an interesting journey, sleeping two nights on the train. Any tips from anyone who has traveled by Amtrak? I've watched some YouTube videos people made while traveling.

Coach or room?

 

[deemus]

Sounds fun! Always wanted to do that.

 

[popper]

Long time ago I went from Corpus to Norfolk, Va. Not much till I got to Ohio valley. Likewise the LA to KC on the old 'glass top'. A few neat views in the mountains was all.

 

[oldag]

Well, here is one guy who may never been seen again...

I remember back during the cold war days, someone suggesting putting our ICBM's on Amtrak. Said there would be no way the Russians would ever know where they were. Heck, we would not even know where they were.

 

[Vaquero]

Rode from Vancouver to Seattle.
Nice trip down the coast. Seattle train station was kinda ghetto.

 

[striker55]

Coach or room?

Coach

 

[kbaxter60]

Rode from Vancouver to Seattle.
Nice trip down the coast. Seattle train station was kinda ghetto.

We did Seattle to Spokane years back. The scenery was spectacular, but the sun was setting, so we finished in the dark. Had a nice meal in the diner car. The seats were like giant La-Z-Boys and reclined were pretty comfy and sleep-worthy.
We often said we would hop on some day from Spokane and hop off in West Glacier. That one picked up about 2am, so you would miss the stunning mountain passes in the dark.
I guess we'll just leave it on the bucket list...

 

[Vaquero]

We did Seattle to Spokane years back. The scenery was spectacular, but the sun was setting, so we finished in the dark. Had a nice meal in the diner car. The seats were like giant La-Z-Boys and reclined were pretty comfy and sleep-worthy.
We often said we would hop on some day from Spokane and hop off in West Glacier. That one picked up about 2am, so you would miss the stunning mountain passes in the dark.
I guess we'll just leave it on the bucket list...

We finished in the dark also. But it was July 4th.
The fireworks along the coastline were a great view.

 

[Grumps21]

We took a very short jaunt on Amtrak from NYC to Stamford, CT about 5 or 6 years ago. I can best describe the seating arrangement (coach seats) as not unlike flying in a single isle commercial jet. The seats were very similar, *but* there was at least twice the leg room, maybe more. I’m 6’1” and could comfortably stretch my legs out. Also the seats were about 1.5x as wide as an air liner. Definitely more real estate per passenger

 

[Cool 'Horn Luke]

Coach

Well, while the meals will be expensive, it's the snacks and soda that'll hit you hard. Try to bring as much of that as you can. Beyond that, sit back and enjoy the scenery and meeting new people.

 

[Cool 'Horn Luke]

If money isn't a problem, the best way to go is to get a room (even better is a 1st class room). A standard room you at least have access to a shared shower, 1st class you have a private shower in the room. With either room (I think, it's been awhile since I've traveled by train), meals are included.

 

[robertc1024]

Enjoy it! My favorite train trip was from Nuevo Laredo to Mexico City on the Aztec Eagle in the '80's. Winding through the mountains, we could walk out on the outside deck (vestibule? - whatever) and watch the countryside go by.

 

[wakosama]

watch your stuff very carefully. lock it up, maybe tip a conductor/steward up front to keep an eye on it. thieves are rampant, and many are known to 'specialize' on trains and specific types of travelers... targeting the way we 'look', they ride for one stop. scenery can be interesting or boring. you see alot of wasted places and run down communities along the tracks because the activity is now along the roads instead. take alot of books if you read. might meet a few friendly folks. first aid kit is a good idea. and as mentioned alot of non perishable snack foods, and drinks. it's different.

 

[oldag]

The trains through Germany and Austria make a nice trip. And they run on time.

 

[wakosama]

years ago you could get a 'eurorail' pass, take your bike and travel all over europe for the summer. that was fun, and everyone was peaceful and friendly back then. and the food was so good!!!! now that was REALLY the "good ol' days".

 

[rotor]

Very bad experience many years ago. Never again.