If you plan to travel on Amtrak overnight or even for just a short day trip, an Amtrak coach seat is definitely your most economical choice.
To help you enjoy your travel aboard Amtrak in a coach seat, I’ve listed my tried and true tips for travel in a coach seat. I’ve also added personal advice for passengers in coach seats, based on my experiences.
And yes, I’ve slept in an Amtrak coach seat on several overnight trips.
Amtrak Coach Seats – Travel Tips and Advice
First, you need to have a reservation to travel with Amtrak. The sooner you can reserve your ticket, the better the price.
Amtrak, like the airlines and even some cruise ships, will increase their rates as less seats become available. You can reserve your ticket online, by phone or through a travel agent.
Whether I’m booking a coach seat or overnight sleeper, I always call to speak with an Amtrak reservations person. When you first call Amtrak, you get “Julie”, Amtrak’s automated agent-voice. Don’t want to talk to a robot? Every time “Julie” asks you a question, simply reply, “Agent”. Nothing more.
After three attempts to direct you “to the best department”, the voice gives up and connects you to a real-live Amtrak reservation agent. Works every time.
Only select Acela trains on the east coast offer assigned seating when you make your reservation. All other trains, your seat assignment is completed at the station when you check in or by the conductor as you board your train.
How to Choose the Best Unassigned Coach Seat
Occasionally, there may be a train that allows you to choose your seat when you board. If this is the case, and the coach car looks full, you’ll want to glance up at the little ticket in the slot over the coach seat. See the orange ticket in the photo above. See here it says, “CHI”? That means the person is going to Chicago.
In this case, Chicago is the terminus. I just wanted you to see where these tickets are displayed. So if you’re taking a train that allows you to choose your own seat, look for a seat ticket with a destination abbreviation that is before your stop.
There’s a chance that you’ll have both seats to yourself but there’s also a chance that it might get a new passenger in it. But it doesn’t hurt to play this game.
READ NEXT: How to Buy an Amtrak Ticket – Step-by-Step Instructions
Check In at the Amtrak Station
Nothing like at an airport, it is suggested that you arrive at the station about 45 minutes before the expected arrival time. If you plan to check luggage, the cut-off time is 30 minutes before departure, so definitely get to the station an hour before departure.
One of the best things about traveling on Amtrak is that you can almost bring your entire wardrobe. But there are some restrictions.
With coach seats, there’s only overhead storage for small carry-on luggage, same size requirements as the airlines. But if you’re traveling with oversized suitcases, you’ll need to check them at the station. There’s a generous 50 lb. limit for two checked bags, but it’s free!
However, not all stations offer checked baggage, so inquire when you make your reservation. Here’s a list of Amtrak stations that provide baggage handling services.
Be Courteous to Other Coach Passengers
Etiquette is an absolute necessity when traveling in an Amtrak coach seat. Yet easily overlooked. Common sense should prevail, but sometimes not everyone plans ahead.
Earphones are required for all devices. And it’s nice if you keep your personal space tidy. Leave the tuna fish sandwich and dill pickles at home. If you don’t want to visit the café car, pack a picnic lunch and snacks that won’t be offensive to others.
Using the Public Bathrooms in Coach
It’s a public bathroom, so clean up after yourself. It only takes a paper towel to wipe down the splashes around the sink or wherever. Your coach attendant can’t clean up after everyone so be considerate of the next person.
Ladies, if you happen to board the train at the very first or second station on the route, the bathrooms will be very clean. If you need to “go,” visit the restroom earlier rather than later. I guarantee it will be a much nicer experience.
Cozy in Coach Seats on Overnight Trains
If you’re traveling aboard Amtrak on a coach seat overnight, it might help if you bring a small pillow and blanket from home. Sometimes in coach, the air conditioning can get a little too cool, especially during the night.
Also, even though it’s “lights out” at 10PM, if it helps you to sleep, bring an eye mask and ear plugs. Just don’t miss your station because of ear plugs!
READ NEXT: What to Pack for an Amtrak Overnight Train Trip
For most coach passengers, a truly good night’s sound sleep isn’t really possible. Plan your evening accordingly.
Dining Aboard Amtrak When You Have a Coach Seat
Due to recent cutbacks, dining cars on various trains were removed. However, the future of Amtrak is looking brighter and you’ll soon have dining cars back in service. Unlike when you book a sleeping room, those who travel in coach seats do not receive complimentary meals.
If you decide to take your meals in the dining car, reservations are required for lunch and dinner. A dining car staff member will walk through the coach cars and offer you three dining times to choose. Lunch is usually from 12 until 2:30 and dinner is served around 5:30pm until 8:30pm. Breakfast is open seating.
Dining Car Procedure for All Passengers
Whether you are in a coach seat or have a sleeper, when you step into the dining car you must wait to be seated. It’s community seating, four passengers per table.
If you’re traveling with someone, you’ll be seated side-by-side, not across from each other. If you decide to bring your backpack or purse with you into the dining car, it’ll have to either be placed on your lap or against the side of the car. It can be a bit of a tight fit.
Remember to tip your waiter, just as you would at a restaurant that isn’t on wheels.
Getting Food From the Café Car to Bring to Your Seat
There is almost always a Café Car on every train and you can pay with cash or credit card. Lines forms at peak hours, so again, plan ahead. It’s appropriate to leave a tip for the always-busy snack bar attendant. Usually $.50 – $1-2 dollars, again, depending upon the purchase cost.
And you can bring your meal back to your coach seat. Remember to pick up any needed condiments while you’re there so you don’t have to trek back for what you forgot.
Sometimes the snack bar has to close, usually when passing through a “dry” county or when the attendant takes a meal break. Closings are always announced and advanced warning given.
Read next: Amtrak tips and advice if you reserve a sleeper
Arrival and Departure Times – Be Prepared
Ground travel comes with its inherent hiccups. Weather is one of them, especially in winter. Ice storms, blizzards, sudden downpours in the desert, even remnants of hurricanes can cause disruptions.
Then there’s the Big Guys…the freight trains. Except for tracks within the Acela network and the northeast corridor, Amtrak trains are at the mercy of the freight trains.
Big railroads like CSX and Burlington Northern own the tracks and have right-of-way privileges over passenger trains. I give Amtrak a 60-minute on-time window before I consider the train to be running late.
When a long delay happens, there’s nothing you can do except sit back in your seat, watch a video on your tablet or iPad, read a book, or get up and visit the lounge or observation car.
Amtrak is prepared for traffic delays and weather-related issues. Until Amtrak can finally own its own tracks, a cool head, calm demeanor and a few snacks and beverages from home will get you through these disruptive situations.
RELATED: How to Reserve Parking at Amtrak Train Stations
Amtrak Coach Seats for Family Travel
An Amtrak train ride in coach seats can be a fun and interesting experience, especially for families. Kids love it because they can stand up at their seat and stretch. Or stretch out and doze on an empty seat.
INSIDER TIP: There are a few coach seats on the lower level of Amtrak Superliner trains. Ask an Amtrak reservation agent for one of those if you want a quieter, less crowded area on the train. This can make for a much nicer Amtrak overnight in a coach seat.
If your kids get bored, depending on your route, head to the Observation Car. Boredom is seldom an issue. What kid (or grown-up) doesn’t love trains?
Read More: The Complete Guide to Plan Your Amtrak Train Trip
Travel Cheaper in Coach
While overnights in coach can mean a not-so-perfect night’s sleep for some, it’s still the best value for your travel dollar. After lights-out at 10PM, the coach car quiets down and it becomes peaceful and calm. Be sure to pack earphones so you don’t disturb your neighbor.
Save more money when you bring your own food and beverages. Dinner in the dining car for coach passengers isn’t cheap. Though meals are included for those in sleeping accommodations, Amtrak coach passengers can easily pay $25 for a steak, salad and dessert dinner.
I hope these Amtrak coach tips and advice are helpful. Know what to expect when traveling in an Amtrak coach seat. You’ll save money, see gorgeous scenery and meet interesting people from all walks of life. Enjoy the journey!
More Amtrak Articles
- Amtrak Riders Can Now Bid for Upgrades
- Best Tips – How to Pack for an Amtrak Overnight Trip
- What Amtrak Trains and Stations Have Wifi
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I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Chris,
You are 100% right. Amtrak is very helpful when it comes to Customer Service and doing the right thing to try to make amends. Because I travel a lot on Amtrak, a voucher is fine with me.
Thank you for reading my article and for taking the time to write your comment. Very much appreciated. Happy ‘rails!
Chris Dobrowolski says
For the people who had problems with Amtrak and Delays or other stuff not working you can call Amtrak and tell them your story and the date of travel and they should issue a partial refund or a vocher for a future trip.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Julis,
All the westbound trains have an observation car, now called Sightseer Lounges. So that’s the Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, California Zephyr and Coast Starlight plus the City of New Orleans.
The sightseer lounge is open to both coach and sleeper car passengers and is on a first-come, first seated basis.
Thanks for reading my article and taking the time for your question. Happy travels!
Julis knight says
How do you know if the train has an observation car
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Theresa, thank you so much for your comment and sharing bits of your life. I’m not too far behind you in years so I totally understand your thinking. You were extremely smart to accumulate all your Amtrak Guest Rewards over the years! That’s quite a feat! Vancouver, WA has a cute little train station and I’m going to guess that the cruise line is using the Red Lion Hotel? A Columbia River cruise is spectacular, especially if the weather is good and you can see Mt. Hood. If they offer a trip up to Mount St. Helen’s and you’re not a white-knuckled motor coach passenger, it’s a great tour. Don’t give up entirely on cruising as there are bargains out there on occasion…less so for these smaller ships, though. And with 254K points…WOW!
I haven’t booked any Amtrak trips yet but I’m definitely mulling over a few for late winter/early spring when the mountains still have snow. Maybe our Amtrak paths will cross some day! Thank you again for your wonderful note. Have a fabulous train ride out to Washington! And please drop me a note after your trip and let me know how you liked your river cruise. Thanks!
Theresa G. Olson says
Sherry,
I enjoyed reading all the comments of those traveling on Amtrak.
Thank you for offering your suggestions.
I have been riding trains since I was 7 years of age.
I am presently 75 years of age. I became an Amtrak Guest Rewards Member in
2008. I have over 254,000 points as of
now. I plan to kick off my Senior Train
Travel trips in 2022.
I will travel from Milwaukee, Wi to Vancouver, WA
I will then get on to the American Empress
for a week. I have taken the Amtrak Empire Builder many times thru the years
I would take the train from Milwaukee, Wi
to Red Wing , Minnesota during the years
that I attended Villa Maria Academy, a Catholic Boarding High School that was
located in Frontenac, Minnesota.
I graduated in 1965.
I have many train trips planned for my Senior travel. I hope to meet you on one
Of my future Amtrak trips.
I am hoping to read about your future travel trips I have traveled on two cruises
so far. The American Empress will be my
last cruise. I enjoy cruising, however
I am still working part time. Cruising
is too expensive. I can redeem my Amtrak
train travel.
Pls.keep me informed about your future
exciting travel plans!!
Theresa G. Olson
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Ted, Thank you for your question. To the best of my knowledge and the words of two Amtrak reservation people said, yes. However, they were not sure if the tables are open at this time for seating. Situations can change quickly these days but I hope by next month, all the services will be back…including Traditional Dining! Thank you for taking the time to read my article and email your question.
Ted says
Hi, I just wanted to check if the observation cars are available now on the long western routes.
Thanks so much,
Ted
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Elaine, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Part of the traditional dining rollout is to re-include coach passengers access to the dining car, presumable next month or so. As far as WiFi, I’m guessing your Chicago – Pittsburgh was on the Capitol Limited. If so, the Amtrak res agent may have read Capitol Corridor which does have WiFi. I just use my usual 5G to connect where I can. Even when you’re on an Amtrak train with WiFi, if everyone is using it, it’s like anywhere else when the bandwidth is used up…slow.
I’m glad you planned ahead to bring a small pillow and blanket. It makes the trip in coach SO much more comfortable. Thank you again for taking the time to write your comprehensive comment. Much appreciated and hopefully will help others.
Happy travels!
Elaine G. says
Hi Sherry, thank you for sharing this information regarding the Amtrak experience. I wish I would have seen this article before my trip but that’s ok. Here is my personal experience.
I just arrived back home to Dallas TX after taking a 1 week vacation to my hometown of Pittsburgh PA to see my family. My trip on Amtrak was from Dallas Union Station to Chicago Union Station, with a 5 hr layover in Chicago and then to my final destination Pittsburgh PA. The attendants on all of the trains were nice and accommodating. I was highly disappointed that there was no WiFi on the trains. I was told before I booked that there would be WiFi as well as the opportunity to purchase a real meal option. These were not available on any of the trains that I was personally on. Meal options were only set up for 1st class, not coach. I brought my own bottled water, teas and fruit thinking I could purchase healthy food choices. I was wrong. The selection of foods they provided were practically all microwave prepared meals, for eg. all beef hotdogs, cheeseburger, cheese pizza, mac n cheese bowl, chips, pretzels,trail mix, candy bars etc. Breakfast included sausage egg biscuit, breakfast bowl (sausage, egg, other items) cinnamon roll, and a few other items. Since I don’t eat cheese anymore or eat alot of sweets, it was slim pickings. It would be nice if they offered healthier options and the food is not cheap. eg. all beef hotdog and sea salt chips, drink approx $10-$13. The other customers on the train were nice and everyone was courteous to one another. I interacted with several individuals sitting next to me or near me. It was very peaceful but sleep was not very comfortable. I brought a neck pillow and blanket with me since my sister told me it could get cold on the train. I’m sure glad I did. I would take Amtrak again, but will bring my own meals for lunch/dinner and will definitely know what to expect. Hope this helps anyone that is traveling. Fellow travelers, please stay safe and enjoy your ride!
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Betsy, Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m glad to learn that you still enjoy traveling on Amtrak. Sorry that you couldn’t access the Dining Car on your trip. As you probably learned onboard, it’s a slow roll-out across the fleet for everyone to experience “Traditional Dining” again. I’m so happy to know it’ll be reinstated, as well as all the new and/or refurbished cars. Thanks for your comment.
Betsy Strain says
We traveled Zephyr July 6 from Galesburg to Grand Juntion and return July 14th. Dining Car service not yet open for coach passengers. Cafe Car is credit only no cash. Looking forward to future travel when coach cars are renovated.. we do love the train!
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Lynnia, Thank you for reading my article and taking the time to send your comment. Both the observation car and traditional dining are returning or have already returned, depending on your train. Happy travels!
Lynnia Dawson says
Please bring back observatory and dinning car, I travel amtrak alot. Thank you.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Adrienne,
Thank you for reading this article and sending your question. First, the Crescent train is a Viewliner and that means it’s the one-level train so there isn’t an observation car. No, you can’t secure your carry-on items when you leave to use the bathroom or to the cafe car. I think your late evening departure from Atlanta to Alexandria will be good timing as you’ll be able to snooze right away when you settle into your seat. You might also bring a small pillow and lightweight blanket in case the car is too cool for your comfort.
There should be an electric outlet at your seat so plugging in should not be an issue. Another reader suggested bringing an extension cord “just in case.” Your special coach seat should be close to the bathroom, so hopefully that will not be an issue.
I hope you have a wonderful journey on Amtrak! If you have any concerns, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL and speak with a reservations agent and mention that you will have two oxygen tanks with you. Arrangements can be made ahead of departure for assistance in boarding, if needed. Also, when you check in at the station in Atlanta, be sure to mention that you would like assistance in boarding. The staff is there to help.
Thank you again for reading my article and happy ‘rails to you!
Adrienne says
Hi I’m a senior with oxygen dependence, I need to take a rechargeable tank with me, will I need a extension ord to plug it in? I also want to take with me a portable roll on tank for back up. I am traveling alone with a small carry on case and a bag of snacks and medication. Does this train have an observation car? I’m traveling from ATL to Alexandra VA, Can you secure your things when you leave your seat or is it like flying. I booked a special seating for handicap people. I can walk but not very far. I know I am going to go to the restroom. What advice do you have for me. You can tell this is my first long trip on Amtrak. Please tell me I made a wise choice and I won’t be dreading my return. Thank you for your comments really good information.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Robert, Wow! Sounds like a fabulous train adventure! In my opinion, Amtrak (and trains in general) are the best way to see the world. Sounds like you were on the Empire Builder AND the California Zephyr for two of your trains. Thank you for taking the time to read my article and also for your kind words.
Good suggestion about the extension cord. I am glad that you were able to make the trip with your CPAP machine. I hope you and your wife plan another Amtrak train adventure in the near future. Thank you again for your kind comment.
Robert McGarrah says
My wife and I are in our mid-seventies and just returned from a months trip from coast to coast,
(something on our ‘bucket list’ from NC to MT to visit one of our daughters for a week. Then we traveled from Kalispel, MT to Denver. We were on a total of 5 different trains and had a sleeperette on each train. The train to Chicago had a toilet in the room, the other 4 did not. Though we don’t like a public bathroom, we preferred it over the one in our room.
We love to travel and have missed not being able to due to COVID. Going by train was an excellent way to travel and a great experience!
Your article was ‘spot on’! The only suggestion I have is to bring an extention cord & an adapter with you. I slept on the top bunk, use a CPAP and would not have been able to use it in the outlet otherwise!
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for your question…very good one, too. The train from Atlanta to DC is a one-level train – one less concern. Here is what I would suggest. Each train car has one wheelchair accessible compartment. Amtrak stations have lifts to carry a wheelchair passenger from the station platform to the car level. Once up there, the wheelchair accessible room is the first one. Your car attendant can bring your meals to your room, so you don’t have to worry about trying to get to/from the dining car. This should work out very well for you and your wife. When you call Amtrak, or go through your travel agent, be sure to inform the Amtrak reservation person that you will need wheelchair assistance at both stations. You may need to be flexible with your travel dates to be sure and get the wheelchair accessible room. Thank you again for reading my article and taking the time to write. Have a wonderful train ride! Sherry
Dennis E Miller says
Suppose two people deaf in their 70s took around trip from Atlanta Ga to Washington DC. Rent a room for two not coach. Wife has bad leg and can’t walk and tries to avoid stairways. Is a wheel chair possible with train moving? We want to ride train instead of me driving all the way. What are your suggests ?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Dana,
I would think that yes, you can get ice for your drinks as needed. I can’t promise, but I think you will be able to get ice. Have a nice train ride. Thank you for your question.
Sherry
Dana says
I am traveling from Sanford, Fl to Lorton, Va. If we’re sitting in coach and bringing our own snacks and beverages, will they give us ice for the beverages?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Linda,
Congrats on your decision to travel on the California Zephyr for the entire route. The train trip actually ends in Emeryville, CA, across the bay from San Francisco. But transportation is provided or you can spend a couple of days in Emeryville and go into San Francisco as you’d like.
The route scheduled is already planned so that you’ll see the most beautiful scenery during daylight hours (especially before the fall time change). For someone tall like your brother, a deluxe bedroom would provide a much better opportunity to “stretch out” than a coach seat. You’ll also have a private bathroom and shower for the two-day trip. In my opinion, two people in a roomette (the smaller sleeping accommodation) for two days, especially with someone as tall as your brother, would be a little cramped.
If budget prohibits traveling in a deluxe sleeper, then ask the reservation agent or your travel agent to book lower-level coach seats. It’s much less crowded and you’ll have more leg room.
Have a wonderful train ride!
Sherry
Linda Tann says
My brother and I would like to fulfill a “bucket list wish” and travel from Chicago to San Francisco, hopefully in September. How do you plan this ttrip so we are awake during the best views? Since he is 6’5″, he thought taking coach might be better for leg room (sleeper might be too cramped for him), any suggestions? I enjoyed your article and now Im anxious to take this trip.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for your comment. I’m sorry you had such an awful experience. Let’s hope that Amtrak gets the necessary funding to purchase new equipment.
Sherry
Kathy Theiss says
I just came back from a trip recently on the Amtrak.. I went from Cincinnati to Chicago from Chicago to Cincinnati because my train was cancelled going to Colorado and the trip back couldn’t be guaranteed that I would be able to reach my destination home on the time that I needed to be. The restrooms on the train to Chicago were very disgusting when you walked through the car you just smelled urine permiating throughout. The staff in Chicago or extremely rude not helpful at all and yelled at me and also disregarded the fact that my sugar was dropping and I had to leave to get food and George told me do you want to see the manager or do you want to eat …totally disregarding my hypoglycemia. This of course was after waiting 5 hours to see the manager. I wouldn’t write another Amtrak train if they were free. Amtrak travel should be a thing of the past. The trains are severely outdated dirty and unkempt. Customer service in the Chicago Union station need to be replaced . I witnessed total disregard and the uttermost disrespect towards the elderly and handicapped. Thanks but no thanks.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your suggestion. I didn’t know there was such a thing. Great to know.
Sherry
Jules says
Silicon earplugs work MUCH better than the foam ones. I buy them from my local Kroger before a trip. About $2 for 4 plugs.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Joy,
If someone is being a chair hog in the observation car (and it does happen quite often), my advice would be to tell your room attendant that you’d like to speak with the conductor. He or she is the only person who can remedy the situation. I’ve been on trains where the conductor has announced over the PA system that no sleeping is allowed and to please leave the observation car if you’ve been there for a few hours so others can enjoy the experience. Bottom line, ask the conductor and don’t get involved in asking someone to move…that’s my suggestion. I hope it all works out for you on your next train trip.
Sherry
Jay Kennifer says
If you’ve checked the Observation Car several times and someone seems to be “camped out” there, can you ask them when they plan to leave so others can get a chance to see the views. Or, is that too aggressive?
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Kathleen,
That’s a fabulous idea to head over to the Observation Car during a station stop. I will definitely try it soon. Your early morning suggestion is also a good one. Thank you for sharing!
Sherry
Kathleen Powell says
I’ve had luck going to the Observation car as soon as I get my stuff settled on board or real early in the morning. You may also want to try during a Station stop when a lot of people get off to smoke.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Emily,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Unfortunately, there are some changes happening with the new Amtrak president (from the airline industry) that is upsetting to many dedicated Amtrak passengers. Glad to know you’re sticking with the train despite the miserable time you mentioned.
Sherry
Emily Gelston says
I just took a trip on the LakeShore Limited from Chicago to Buffalo, which departs at 9:30 p.m. The lights were so bright in our car all night long!
We departed right on time, with the announcements beginning a few minutes in to the trip. One of the announcements stated that soon the lights would be dimmed. I waited…and waited….and waited, but it just stayed bright in the car. Finally, at 10:50, I got up (carrying my very sleepy child) to look for someone who could help. I found two conductors in the cafe car (I think they were conductors, they had on white Amtrak shirts instead of blue Amtrak shirts I usually see). I asked if the lights in my car could be turned down, and they informed me that they had been turned down already, at 10:00. I explained that the car closest to the cafe car was dark, but the one I was in was still bright. One of the conductors then got up and to check things out, mentioning to the other conductor that some of the cars had recently been upgraded to LEDs. Yep, that’s what happened in our car. They were the bright LEDs. I overheard another passenger ask our attendant if he could turn down the lights 30 minutes later.
My five-year-old finally fell asleep, but I could not. It was bright enough to read a book without the aid of the personal reading light above. After a few hours, the idea came to me to attach our blanket to the overhead luggage rack and pinning the other sides to the aisle chairs in front of and behind us. This worked amazingly well to block out the light and I was able to get some sleep after all.
I have taken many trips on Amtrak, all of them on coach prior to becoming a mother and all but this one in roomettes since traveling alone with my young son. We were returning from Flagstaff, AZ, having a roomette on the Southwest Chief.
I do not ever plan to switch away from train travel! But this change is detrimental and even dangerous. Thanks for giving me the chance to explain. I’m copying this and sending it to Amtrak!
Sherry Kennedy says
Hi Renate,
No…all you can do is to keep calling or looking online. Accommodations sell out way in advance for sure. I’ve been told that cancelled reservations go back into inventory overnight (EST) so you may have a chance if you call Amtrak very early in the morning. Good luck!
Sherry
Renate smith says
Was unable to book sleeping accomadations as all booked. Amtrack dies not have a waitlist. Any advice on getting a cancellation besides just calling everyday?
Sherry Kennedy says
Hi Carolyn,
I totally. On my last long-haul ride, the conductor had to announce over the PA system that sleeping in the observation was not permitted. Thanks for your comment!
Sherry
Carolyn says
hmmm I am investigating train travel and wondered about getting seats in the observatory. Perhaps they need to install timers on the back of the seats, maybe even coin operated. Then you could say “excuse me but your time seems to be up, scram!” ?
Sherry Kennedy says
Hi Cecilia, I’m glad all went well. I totally understand your frustration about the observation car. Unfortunately, there always will be inconsiderate people who homestead instead of sharing. It’s a lot like lounge chairs on a cruise. At least you enjoyed your trip. By the way, did you take the train home and if so I hope you were able to get seats in the observation car. Thanks for your comment.
Sherry
C Brown says
We had a sleeping car for 4. We took our granddaughters from Texarkana to San Marcus. Everything was fine except we could never get even 2 seats in the observation car. The older women stay put during our entire 12 hr trip!!! How can we ever get a seat in observation?
Sherry Kennedy says
Hi Lydia and Jim, I totally agree! It’s a wonderful way to travel cross-country. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Sherry
Lydia and Jim Jasper says
There’s nothing like taking the train…we’ve taken the Empire Builder from Chicago to Washington State many times…always a relaxing and fun way to view the country we pass through. Meeting the other passengers is the best part…we’ve met some mighty interesting folks this way. You won’t be able to do that on an airline trip!
And the coach car does quiet down nicely, often before 10 p.m. You make yourself comfortable and the train kind of rocks you to sleep. Don’t get caught up being so curious about what’s outside the window!
The food is actually not so bad and the snack bar has good snacks…maybe not the massive selection, but hey, there’s bound to be something there to drink and eat happily.
Sherry Laskin Kennedy says
Thanks, Don! Always good advice from you. Happy railroading!
Sherry