Simple Tips for Travel in an Amtrak Sleeping Car
As noted in the previous blog, when traveling on one of Amtrak’s long-distance trains, I invariably choose a roomette for my overnight accommodations.
Many first-time passengers traveling in one of the Superliner roomettes are unhappy to discover that the lavatory facilities are elsewhere in the rail car … one on the upper level, and three more on the lower level. But it’s no fun having to struggle into your clothes – shoes and all – when a trip to the facilities becomes necessary, usually – in my case, anyway – around 3:00 a.m.
There is, however, an easy way to minimize the inconvenience: I pack a pair of lightweight slippers (you probably call them flip-flops or go-aheads) and I sleep in a pair of soft comfortable gym shorts and a T-shirt. So, when nature calls in the wee hours, I just sit up, poke my feet into the slippers and head off down the hall.
What about a hot shower on the train? No problem. Passengers in roomettes can avail themselves of a changing room and shower on the lower level of Amtrak Superliners. It’s more than adequate and much to be preferred over the phone-booth-size shower/toilet in the big bedrooms. (Every so often, someone hits the wrong button and gets a shower instead of a flush.)
By the way, in the event my wife accompanies me on one of these rail journeys, I book two roomettes instead of one of the large bedrooms. (See previous post for the reasons for doing so.)
Yes, the roomettes are small. But they are very well designed and, once you learn a few tricks-of-the-trade, you’ll find them perfectly adequate. And a lot less expensive!
By the way, a small wash basin and toilet are included in roomettes in the Viewliner sleeping cars used on Amtrak routes in the eastern part of the U.S. For me, this is not a plus because it simply reduces your moving-around space. Furthermore, when two people occupy the Viewliner roomette, someone has to go stand in the hallway when the other one … Well, you get the picture! Amtrak has ordered more Viewliner sleepers and rumor has it that the toilet and wash basin will not be included in the roomettes. Good!
Hi….
The dining car is packed for every meal and if you are traveling alone or with one other travel companion there is a good chance you will be seated with other passengers. Sleeping On The Train When you are ready to go to sleep you push the call button in your room and the room attendant will come to fold down your bed and make sure you have pillows and blankets.
Being seated with other passengers for meals in the dining car is the best part of the whole experience.
Not during COVID-19… thank you very much.
That was posted eight years ago.
I’ve never travelled on a Viewliner, but I agree with you on the in-roomette prison toilets. Just think of all the men over the decades who’ve missed the bowl slightly and sprinkled the front-right corner of the seat upholstery… And if you use it for something more substantial, you may flush and return to your chair, but you get to sit there in your own stink until it dissipates. Or rather, settles out of the air onto every surface.
Far, far better to keep toilets separate from living space.
I have mixed emotions about that. The en suite toilets are fine when the roomette is occupied by one person. I know I’ve said this several times before now but, when my wife and I travel together, I book two roomettes across the hall from each other. Each of us has privacy when we want it, no one has to climb into that upper berth, and we get to see out of both sides of th train. And most of the time, the costs are about the same.
I’ve rode the Viewliner Roomettes many times with my dear wife. When one of us has to go, sometimes we step outside, sometimes we don’t. It’s never been an issue with us!