12 Tips for Overnight Train Travel.
1. Amtrak’s Most Scenic Trains are the California Zephyr, (daily, Chicago-Bay Area), the Empire Builder (daily, Chicago-Seattle/Portland), the Coast Starlight (daily, Los Angeles-Seattle), the Cardinal (three times weekly, Chicago-Washington-New York).
2. Book Early because long-distance trains sell out quickly and sleeping car accommodations are especially hard to get in the summer months.
3. Get Help from a Pro if your itinerary is in any way complicated. If you do use a travel agent, be sure he or she is familiar with booking train travel. Many are not.
4. Think Twice about making connections. Amtrak trains often run very late because the freight railroads own the tracks and give priority to their trains. It’s usually best to stay overnight in the connecting city.
5. Infants will need some comfort and distraction, so bring their favorite thing – teddy bear, blue blanket, whatever it is.
6. Young Kids will want their tablets with plenty of videos and games.
7. Pack Light because there is limited space to store luggage, especially inside sleeping car accommodations. The secret is lots of tops—polo shirts, blouses, T-shirts—and minimize everything else.
8. Travel in a Sleeper? Absolutely, if you can afford it; privacy, comfort, your own bed, and all dining car meals are included in the fare.
9. Travel in Coach? Bring a blanket, a pillow, and something comfortable to sleep in.
10. Tipping: Sleeping car attendant—minimum $5-$10 per night per person (extra if you have meals brought to your accommodation); dining car staff—15% of menu price, even though meals are included in your sleeping car fare.
11. Route Guides tell you what to look for outside the window. They probably won’t have them on the train, so get them on line before you leave.
12. Don’t Forget: That’s the the United States of America passing by right outside your window. Relax and enjoy the ride!
I’m considering a trio on Texas Eagle from Dallas to Illinois. It would be overnight. Coach prices are reasonable. Is it crazy to consider coach for an overnight 17 hour trip?
It’s not crazy, but if you can afford a sleeper, my best advice is to go for it. There’s a reason coach is cheaper. You’re sleeping sitting up and chances are there will be someone sitting next to you. Who? You just never know. A roomette gives you an actual bed and privacy. And, really, the cost differential isn’t as much as you first think. Don’t forget that your meals in the dining car are included in your fare when you travel in the sleeper. From Dallas to Illinois, that means a dinner and a breakfast. If you’re in coach and have to pay for those meals, the cost would be $40 or a bit more. Maybe it’s just that I’m too old and too soft, but the whole experience is different when you travel in a sleeper. A long-distance train ride in a sleeping car is more than just another mode of transportation. Let me know what you decide and how it goes.
I took the Texas eagle from Chicago to Longview Tx… It was AMAZING!! Literally the best (most comfortable) train I have ever been on. I was on the train for almost 24 hours. It was comfortable, the food was good and the sightseeing car was amazing (floor to ceiling windows). The seats reclined almost all the way down and there is a foot rest that comes up. In addition to that there is about 2 feet of additional space so your feet are not awkwardly crammed under the seat when you recline. In the dining car, I had a delicious steak dinner with potatoes and green beans. So much tastier than I expected it to be. I did not have a sleeper car so I don’t know much about that. I was able to walk the entire length of the train.
How early should you arrive at the station before departure if you’re not checking a bag?
They often begin boarding the long-distance trains as much as 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you’re on a short-haul train–NE Corridor, for example–there are no assigned coach seats, so if you want a good seat, be among the first to board.
Is it possible to tip via credit/debit card or do they only run on cash?
Cash for the car attendant; if I have a beer at lunch or wine for dinner in the dining car, I pay for the by credit card and add the tip to that. Otherwise cash.