Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you travel on Amtrak. Traveling by train is not as common in the US as it is in other places like Europe. However, Amtrak does cross the country and can be used to travel around the United States. And along the east coast, there are some good commuter routes. Before you book your Amtrak trip, be sure you know what NOT to do!
Don’t Wait to Buy Your Tickets
Depending on your route, there may be only one or two trains per day, so once they fill up, you’re out of luck and you’ll have to change your travel plans. Also, the prices go up as it gets closer to your travel date, so it’s best to just buy them ahead. You’ll save some money and have peace of mind. Don’t forget to check for discounts before you buy!
Don’t Expect a Cheap Ticket
You might assume that taking the train is a cheap way to travel. For shorter train rides within a region, it’s usually fairly cheap, but if you’re going cross-country, it may cost almost as much as a plane ticket. Not to mention, it takes up a lot more time to travel by train, so it’s always worth doing a price comparison between taking the train and flying. On the bright side, Amtrak doesn’t charge you for checked luggage or carry-on luggage.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for “Red Cap Service”
Amtrak’s Red Cap Service is a great option if you need a little extra help with your luggage. This is an especially great option if you have mobility issues or need assistance for any reason.
Don’t Expect Trains to Be on Time
The biggest drawback to train travel in the US is the schedule or lack thereof. Amtrak is kind of notorious for being late, especially on the longer routes across the country. The East Coast commuter routes are generally pretty punctual, but there are stories of the long-haul trains being late by as much as a full day sometimes. Make sure you have some leeway in your schedule in case your train is delayed.
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Don’t Expect a Station at Every Stop
Not all stops will have a train station. Of course, the bigger cities will have a large station, but some stops may just have a bus shelter to wait in. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, and make sure you’ll be warm if you have to wait outside for a train.
Don’t Fake Sleep and Take Up Two Seats
Not all Amtrak routes have assigned seats, so sometimes it can be challenging to find a seat on the train. A lot of people will take up a second seat with their bags or just spread out across two seats. When you approach to sit down, they pretend to be asleep, hoping you’ll move on. Don’t do this.
Don’t Think Amtrak Coach Class is Like Airline Coach Class
Compared to flying, Amtrak trains are way more spacious. Even your coach class seat on the train will have a lot more room than an economy seat on a plane. If you’ve never taken Amtrak before, this is a pleasant surprise. Most seats will also have their own electrical outlet, so you can charge your devices along the way, plus free WiFi on a lot of trains! That said, sometimes business or first class is only a few bucks more than a regular ticket, so go ahead and splurge!
Don’t Put Your Luggage on the Seats
Just because there’s an empty seat next to you, don’t use that for your luggage. There are overhead bins for this reason and the train conductor will remind you if you don’t store your luggage above. That overhead luggage rack is typically way more spacious than what you are used to on airplanes.
Don’t Disrespect the Conductors
In our experience, the train conductors have been very friendly and helpful. But they are there to ensure everyone is following the rules, so make sure you listen to them and don’t give them any grief if they ask you for something. If they tell you to go to a specific car, listen to them! Chances are, they are trying to make it more convenient for you.
Don’t Think All Stops Will Be Announced
If you’re visiting a major city, of course, that stop will be announced, but they don’t necessarily announce every small-town stop along the way. The conductor will usually keep an eye out for you and based on your ticket, will alert you when your stop is coming up. But it’s a good idea to pay attention to where you are, especially as your stop gets closer. Likewise, don’t assume every door will open at every stop. Some platforms are smaller, and only a few doors will open. If you’re not sure, ask your conductor.
Don’t Expect “Bullet” Trains in the U.S.
If you’ve traveled by train in Europe or Asia, you’re probably familiar with bullet trains and fast trains. The fast trains in the US are about as fast as a regional express train in Germany. Because there are fewer routes, there aren’t as many “express” trains, especially cross-country, so you will be stopping at every stop along the way. Taking Amtrak across America can take several days!
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Don’t Expect Amazing Food
If you’re on a long train trip, you might want to bring some food from the train station. Don’t expect amazing food from the Amtrak cafe car. Everything is basically reheated in a microwave. Yes, you can get snacks and sodas to tide you over, but if you’re looking for a full meal on the train, you might be disappointed. It’s also pricy, so it’s a big disappointment to pay a lot for mediocre food. (If you bring your own food, just make sure it’s not stinky!)
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t let these don’ts keep you from planning a train vacation! It’s a fun way to travel and takes some stress off the driver in the family. While you may not get the best food or the fastest way to get somewhere, U.S. train travel is an adventure! Want more family travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: