Five Tips for Overnight Train Trips

1. Relax! That’s the first rule of train travel. A long-distance train is much more than just another mode of transportation; it should be an important part of your vacation experience. So enjoy it.

2. Upgrade if you can afford it. Traveling in coach class is inexpensive, but in a sleeping car you’ll have privacy by day and a real bed to sleep in at night. Yes, it’ll cost more, but all dining car meals are included in the price of the ticket and for a two-night trip, that would be worth about $150 for two people.

3. Pack smart. You’ll be much more comfortable in your cozy room – especially a roomette – if you leave your suitcases in the storage area near the entry doors of the sleeping car. Take only a tote bag to your compartment containing just what you’ll need for the night: toiletries, a change of underwear, a clean shirt, etc.

4. Don’t miss a connection. If your itinerary involves changing trains somewhere, beware! Amtrak’s long-distance trains are often delayed because they run on tracks owned and controlled by the freight railroads whose dispatchers give priority to their trains. My advice: allow at least five hours for a connection. Better yet, stay overnight and take the next day’s train.

5. Dealing with Delays. See Rule # 1.

In the next day or two I’ll start posting about some of Amtrak’s overnight train rides … where they go and what you’ll see along the way. So start thinking now about taking a nice long trainride!