29 Best Tips for an Amtrak Overnight Train

While these tips for Amtrak overnight trains are aimed at those who have a roomette or bedroom, almost all of these tips can apply to overnight coach passengers as well. And the Amtrak Auto Train, too.

Best Tips For Your Amtrak Overnight Train Trip

I recently completed a circle America Amtrak train journey that included seven overnights on several Amtrak trains. From my experience, here’s my list of what I hope will help you on your Amtrak overnight train trip.

1. Always pack a roll of tearable duct tape

Let’s face it, unless the train is moving at a snail’s pace as it climbs up and over mountains, there are bound to be some bone-rattling moments. Old equipment plus freight line maintained tracks can cause sliding doors and various in-room mechanics to loudly clank. Using a wash-cloth or towel plus duct tape can help ensure a better night’s sleep.

2. Bring Rubber Flip-Flops

Whether it’s for the public bathroom and shower room or your en suite bathroom shower, you’ll be glad to have them.

3. Get Some $5s and $1s For Tipping in the Dining Car

Update:  New dining procedures without the traditional dining car does away with traditional dining. However, should someone prepare your packaged meal for you, tipping would be a good idea. Suggestion per person: $2 breakfast, $3 lunch and $5 dinner. 

4. Designate One Bag for Your Overnight Gear

In here, pack only what you’ll need for your overnight journey; toiletries, meds, clothes, computer/iPad etc. Packing cubes like these from Amazon Basics, make this even easier. No more searching for items and tearing through your luggage.

5. Train clothes

Yes, train clothes. For a two-night train trip, bring at least two extra tops. Only one extra pants, really – depending upon length of trip. Make sure everything is comfortable to wear for long periods of sitting. Taking three Amtrak overnight trains from Montana to sunny Florida in the winter? Remember to put a change of summer clothes in your overnight bag. 

6. If You Wear Contact Lenses

If you will need to remove or insert contact lenses, do it at a station stop. Don’t poke your eye while going 80 mph. Been there, done that.

7. Washing/Make-Up Removal Before Bed

Again, plan ahead and do this at a station stop. It’s much easier than trying to get ready for bed while the train is in motion. Also, do it before your attendant turns down your bed. If you have to use communal bathrooms down the hall or down the stairs, again, do this while the train is stopped.

8. Bring (and use!) Clorox wipes

I’ve been wiping down my Amtrak compartment long before COVID-19 arrived. If you’re in an Amtrak sleeper, wipe the tray table, door handles, even the flip-over door lock and handle. Whether your private bathroom or the communal ones, wipe the toilet seats or use the paper covers, sink countertop, faucet handles and door locks.

9. Download Videos, Books, Podcasts Before Boarding 

Internet on a moving Amtrak train isn’t always possible. Besides, most long-haul trains don’t even have wifi anymore. You will travel through “No Service” areas quite a bit, too so tethering to your mobile network isn’t always reliable or fast enough. Even if it was, you could easily exceed your hotspot roaming plan.

10. Plan Your Meal Times to Not Conflict with Long Station Stops

The conductor will announce upcoming “Fresh Air Stops”. These are longer station stops with enough time to step off the train and walk a bit outside. Read your timetable carefully.

Check to see if any long station stops coincide with your dining time. For me, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting a hot meal just before a long station stop.

11. Keep a Sweater or Light Fleece Handy

You never can predict when the A/C will be blasting throughout the train. Temperatures fluctuate between train cars as well as in geographic areas. Freezing isn’t fun. Always keep a sweater handy. 

12. Understand Accommodation Size

Two large-size people may be uncomfortable in a small roomette with an upper and lower super-narrow bed. If you can book your accommodation way in advance, you might be able to snag a deluxe bedroom at a lower rate. Or book two roomettes across from each other.

READ NEXT:  Your Guide to Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations

13. When Dining Car Service Finally Resumes…

It’s community seating in the dining car. Wait at the entrance for the dining car attendant to seat you. Don’t walk in and grab a seat.
Be prepared to sit backwards. Don’t bring your backpack or large purse…there may be very little room between you and the person seated next to you.

14. Remember to Tip Your Room Attendant

Depending on your needs, $10 – $20 per night is thoughtful.

15. Take Lots of Photos – Here’s How to Do It

Turn off the camera/smart phone flash. I see people shooting photos through the window and have the camera flash turned on. Photos are a great way to share your cross-country photo with friends and family and spread the word. It’s the only train system we have…let’s keep ridership on Amtrak overnight train trips growing! Take photos!

Read Next:  Aboard Amtrak Silver Star without the dining car

16. Order Room Service in Your Sleeper

One of my favorite things to do on an Amtrak overnight train trip is to order room service to my sleeping compartment. It’s complimentary, too! Simply ask your room attendant. He or she will deliver your meal direct from the galley. When you place your order, try to include everything you want so your attendant doesn’t have to run back and forth.

17. Reservations Are Taken for Lunch and Dinner in the Dining Car

The good news is that sleeping car passengers get first dibs on dining times. Be sure to leave your compartment door and curtain open. The dining car manager doesn’t knock if the curtain is drawn. If you miss getting a reservation, a wait list will be announced for sign-up.

18. Social Gatherings

Head up to the observation car or find a booth in the other half of the café car, where you can play cards or board games.

19. Etiquette in the Observation Car

If you have an observation car on your train – Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle – seats are first come, first served. Sometimes coach passengers will try to spend the day in the Observation car…but it’s not the place to bring a pillow and sleep.

The conductor will ask loiterers to return to their seats. And similarly, since seats are at a premium, be sure not to overstay too long and give others a chance to experience this window to the world.

20. Yes, You Can Take a Shower

Sleeping cars are equipped with a communal shower at the end of the car and are remarkably well maintained. Deluxe bedrooms feature an en suite combination toilet and shower stall. Towels and soap are furnished. Unfortunately, the electric outlets in compartments are no longer able to handle hair dryers or flat irons.

21. Pack an Extra Pair of Socks

You might want to bring a pair of running socks to wear in your room. More cozy and you may not want to walk barefoot in your compartment or in your “good” socks. I bring a pair of hotel slippers (still in the cellophane). Shoes are required to be worn when walking through the cars.

22. Dietary or Medical Needs

You will need to bring your own cooler. Amtrak cannot heat or store personal items. Your room attendant can get ice for you to replenish as needed.

23. Mobility Limitations

Amtrak has lifts for wheelchairs or if you are unable to climb the steps onto the train. Make sure Amtrak is notified that you’ll need lift assistance. Lower level accommodations include roomettes and a wheelchair accessible room with en suite facilities.

24. Staying Charged

There are electric outlets in every room so you can keep your phone etc. charged.

25. Waiting in Line for Dining in the Dining Car

If you’re waiting in line to be seated in the dining room and the line is too long, do not stand in the vestibule. It’s way too dangerous. Just wait in the previous car until you can safely cross into the dining room.

26. B.Y.O.B. – Yes, You Can

If you’d like a cocktail before dinner in the comfort of your room, you can bring your own booze. Just ask your room attendant for a cup with ice. Or you can buy beer, wine and spirits in the café car. You can’t bring your own alcohol into the dining car, but you can order it.

27. Ask Your Attendant for a Second Blanket

You never know how cold or drafty it might get during the night. The new blankets are thinner and each one is cleaned and sealed in plastic. Don’t open the second blanket unless you need it. Keep it clean for the next passenger. If you’re in coach, it’s wise to bring a small, warm throw blanket.

28. Take Advantage of Longer Train Stops

What used to be called “cigarette stops” are now called “fresh air breaks.” You can get exercise walking the length of the train. For me, a train car length is about 35 steps. If an average Amtrak overnight train is 10 cars (not including the engine or baggage car) then I can walk about 1500 steps in a 10 to 15-minute stop (dodging other passengers and smokers slows you down). To make the most of your Fresh Air Break, be ready to detrain as soon as departing passengers have stepped outside.

29. Order a pizza!

If there happens to be a long stop that coincides with meal time, call ahead and order train delivery! Yes, you can! For example, in Havre, MT, you can order a Papa John’s Pizza and they’ll deliver it when your train arrives. Just quickly hop off the train and look for the delivery person.

30. BONUS TRAIN TIP!

If you really want to kick back, relax and enjoy the journey, ask your sleeping car attendant for an extra pillow and blanket. The standard issue pillows are pretty thin and so are the blankets. 

Sit back, take a nap, read or gaze for hours at the changing scenery. You’re finally off the grid…enjoy it!

I hope that I’ve covered everything on this list of Amtrak overnight train tips. If you think of something I’ve missed, please let me know. I’ll share it with others.

More:  Overnight on Amtrak from Florida to New York

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