Now, if you're going from, say DC to Seattle, please don't NEED to be there on a certain day. There are a LOT of things that are beyond Amtrak's control. (Heck, even trains on the North East Corridor (NEC) can be late...) Just allow ample time. It's slow...it is SUPPOSED to be slow. We live in a beautiful country and you can really get a great appreciation for the beauty by taking the time out to take the train!
If you'll be going all the way across the country (or ANY overnight train for that matter), I highly suggest a room/roomette. Your meals will be included, you'll have your own little corner of the world, a place to sleep and a shower and restroom. (Some rooms have this in the room, others have facilities nearby in the same car.) Your sleeping car attendant will set up your bed, wake you, help you on and off the train and even bring your meals to your room! But, I encourage you to try out the diner! Lots of fun!!
Also, if you board at a larger station such as New York Penn, Philadelphia, Washington, DC Union Station or Chicago Union Station, sleeper passengers can use the Club Acela/Metropolitan Lounge and take advantage of a nice waiting area, free snacks and beverages (soft drinks) and luggage storage in most stations!
Amtrak uses "community seating" so if you are a party of less than 3, you'll be seated with others and you will make friends! Strike up a conversation! You'll meet people from all walks of life and all over the world! Chances are you will run into some "rail fans" who are obsessed with trains and the particulars of the "consist" (the train set you're on!) Many even have scanners that are set to the same frequency that is used by the conductors! Lots of fun hearing what's going on!
Some trains have WiFi but not all. I've used an internet 3G card and connected, but really-it is nice to NOT be in touch with the world. Sleeping car passengers usually get newspapers and it's neat to see what's going on in Minot, ND for a change! You may or may not have cell service. Frankly, I like to NOT have service. For one, the train is quieter, and two-much more restful!
I always pack some snacks too, and plenty of reading material. One of the best things about the "Coast Starlight" is the Pacific Parlor Car that's reserved for sleeper guests. Meals can be eaten there, or in the dining car. The PPC is a lovely car with WiFi, comfy seats and nice big windows through which you can gaze at the passing scenery.
You can also take the trip in coach to save money, or if you're going a shorter distance. You'll be much more comfortable that you would be in a plane. Also, you can eat in the dining car (meals are not included with coach), the lounge car or bring your own food and beverages. Again, you'll meet lots of people, and sometimes you'll get free "entertainment!" For some reason, every train has at least one person who is, shall we say, nuts! I could tell a LOT of stories, suffice it to say you will have many lifetime memories of the characters you run in to!
When your train stops along the way, get off (at designated 'service' or 'smoke' stops and stretch your legs, get some air and take a peek around. In Albuquerque, NM, Native American Indians set up stands selling hand made crafts for example. In San Antonio, you may have time to go visit the Riverwalk.
And Raton, NM is just plain cute!!
Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards and you can earn points towards FREE trips! You can even book vacation packages as well! Heck you can even take the train to your cruise! Just allow extra time!
Take care and take trains! If you would like to see more photos, Click here...and if you have questions, feel free to post them! See the country on the train! Trust me, it is a LOT of fun!
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