If you’re thinking about traveling by train but feel unsure about where to start, this post is for you. Many share your feelings, especially if you live in an area where passenger rail is less common. Although railroads were once central to American travel, the 20th century saw a decline in train use as policies favored automobiles and air travel.

Recently, awareness has grown regarding the environmental benefits of passenger trains as an alternative to cars and planes. Despite ongoing challenges, there is renewed interest in expanding rail services, and we hope this continues. Here, we’ll share tips to help you plan your first train journey.

Train Routes and Stations

When planning your trip, the first thing to do is to look at train stations and routes near you.  Amtrak has more than 30 train routes crossing the U.S. and Canada.  You can check out this map for routes and stations. While long-distance trains with sleeper cars are certainly an option, we recommend you try a shorter route for your first trip.

Download the Amtrak App

Download the Amtrak app for easy trip planning. It helps you check train status, find station information, and save your tickets for boarding. Don’t forget to enable “Trip Updates & Status” in the settings!

How to Book Your Amtrak Train

There are several ways you can book your train ride. Options include:

• Online through the Amtrak website
• Use the Amtrak mobile app
• Call Amtrak and book with an Agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
• Walk into a staffed Amtrak Station and book with a ticketing agent.

Guide to Fares and Seating Options

Make your reservations as early as possible for the best fares. Reservations can be made up to 11 months ahead of your travel dates.  Expect higher fares during holidays and peak travel seasons.  Check Amtrak’s website for a detailed fare information.  See the Deals Section on Amtrak’s website for discounts and special deals.

Amtrak has three types of seating (not including sleeping rooms):

• Coach Class – The most affordable.
• Business Class – Higher cost for extra legroom and wider seats. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Priority boarding.
• First Class – Only available on Acela high-speed trains along the Northeast corridor. Luxury seating with the highest level of comfort.  Also allows access to station lounges and complimentary food. Priority boarding.

All seats include at-seat trays, electrical outlets, and access to bedrooms.  Accessible seating is available for folks with disabilities.

Amtrak has two main types of fares:

• Value Fare – Charges a 25% fee if canceled before departure. No changes are permitted,
• Flex Fare – Offers a full refund if the trip is canceled before departure. Changes are allowed with no extra fees.

Some Amtrak Superliner trains have two levels. When booking, you can choose the upper level for better scenery or the lower level for easier access if you have mobility concerns. For questions about fares or routes, we suggest contacting an Amtrak employee, as their Customer Service Agents are very helpful.

Plan for Delays

Amtrak is not ideal for those in a hurry, as passenger trains share tracks with freight trains that take priority. Delays are common due to freight traffic, fires, weather, and maintenance. If you have an event to attend, allow at least a day between your arrival and the event.

Boarding Your Train

One of the significant advantages of traveling by train compared to flying is the simplicity of boarding. It is advisable to arrive at the train station at least half an hour before your departure time. If you are checking bags while flying, it is recommended to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your flight. Boarding gates are usually announced 15 minutes before departure.

Most stations have monitors that display boarding information and gate locations for each train. You will likely hear announcements over the intercom about boarding times and locations. If you’ve downloaded the Amtrak App, you will also receive automatic notifications about gate and track changes on your mobile device. Another option is to check Amtrak’s train tracker page on their website, where you’ll find a map with real-time arrival and information on delays.

Seat assignments depend on the train type. For Acela and B-Class on Northeast Regional trains, you can choose your seat when booking. On other Regional trains, Coach Class seats are first-come, first-served. For some West Coast and long-distance routes, your seat will be assigned at the station by an Amtrak employee.

You can show your ticket using the Amtrak App, a booking email, or a printed copy, but it’s best to carry a printed version.

Amtrak Baggage Policies

Amtrak’s baggage policies are fairly relaxed. Passengers can bring two carry-on bags and one personal item, like a purse or backpack. They can also check up to two large items for $20 each. While size and weight limits are not strictly enforced, it’s best to adhere to them.

If you’re planning to hit the slopes, Amtrak allows you to bring skis, snowboards, and boots onboard for free! Please take a look at Amtrak’s carry-on baggage policy for more details on baggage rules and allowances. Check to see if your departure station takes checked luggage by viewing the station details on Amtrak’s website.

You’ll find luggage racks above the seats in Coach and space under the seat for smaller bags. If you need help with your luggage, look for an Amtrak Employee wearing a red cap or ask for Red Cap Service before boarding. These staff members can help you board, carry, and stow luggage, and locate your seats. While there is no fee for Red Cap service, a tip of around $5 per bag is a nice gesture.

Food and Drink Options Onboard

Most Amtrak trains have a Café Car offering meals, snacks, and drinks, which vary by route. Typical items include sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and beverages like sodas, coffee, wine, and beer. It’s courteous to carry cash for tipping the café car attendant.

We recommend packing snacks or a light meal for your trip. A small cooler is a useful carry-on. On your way to the station, you can grab sandwiches or takeout, or pack a picnic from home.

Note that passengers in coach cannot bring or consume their own alcohol, but those in sleeping cars can enjoy their own in their rooms. Café cars may close for breaks or payment issues, so having extra food is a good idea.

Do All Amtrak Trains Have Observation Cars?

Not all Amtrak trains have Observation Cars. However, if you’re on an Amtrak Superliner, you’ll likely have access to the Sightseer Lounge on the upper deck. It features large windows for great views and is a perfect spot for socializing and playing card games. The Observation Car is open to all passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Our First Amtrak Train Journey

We aimed to keep our first Amtrak train ride simple. With that goal in mind, we chose a route departing from our closest train station in Tacoma, Washington. We planned to stay overnight at the McMenamins Olympic Club Hotel in Centralia, WA, a short walk from the train station. We knew from experience that McMenamins Hotels offers amenities such as onsite restaurants and bars, and fantastic food and drinks from their brewery. Additionally, the fascinating history and uniquely quirky decor of each hotel add to their charm.

Our train ride on the Amtrak Cascades was short, lasting less than an hour. We had booked our tickets in Coach Class, as it was the most affordable option and made the most sense for such a brief journey. While we waited at the Tacoma station for our train to arrive, I wondered if we needed to check in at the Ticketing Counter. However, looking around the station, I noticed that no one else was checking in with Amtrak staff. Everyone seemed to be waiting quietly, so we decided to do the same.

When the train arrived approximately 15 minutes early, an announcement informed passengers about which platform to board from. An Amtrak employee greeted us at the train, checked our tickets, and provided us with a slip that indicated our seat numbers. They instructed us to hang the slip on the clip above our seats. We were amazed at how smooth the boarding process was—there were no security hassles, no long lines, and absolutely no stress when boarding!

We had a quick ride to Centralia Station, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Upon arriving at the station, we took a short walk across the road to our hotel. Restaurants and shops were also within walking distance. We initially had low expectations but were pleasantly surprised by Centralia. The city offered an array of antique stores, record shops, vintage signage, and enjoyable dining options. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring this charming little town during our overnight stay.

The next day was rainy and windy, and we were eager to board our train home. We were surprised to find the doors closed and locked at the station, but we took shelter under the eaves while we waited. Fortunately, there were no delays, and boarding was quick. We enjoyed our larger, quieter business class seats during the smooth ride home, watching the rain through the windows.

Essential Tips for a Pleasant Train Ride:

• Make sure to bring your ID and passport if you’re traveling to Canada.
• Bring comfortable clothing and layers.  The train temperature can vary quite a bit, so make sure you have something warm you can put on if it gets chilly.
• You are welcome to get up and walk around during your train ride. The only car you cannot access is the sleeper car, unless you have a reservation in one. The doors between the cars have a button at waist height, as well as a foot pedal you can use to open them.
• Check out our page for top train travel packing essentials.

Takeaway

We hope this blog helps you plan your next Amtrak train ride. While the rail system in the U.S. isn’t as expansive as those in Europe or Asia, there are still many beautiful routes and exciting destinations to explore by train. Train travel in the U.S. has a unique culture, filled with nostalgia for a bygone era and the thrill of new adventures.

We believe that understanding what to expect can enhance your experience with train travel. By following our tips and preparing for potential surprises and delays, you may find that trains become your new favorite way to travel.

We’d love to hear from you if you have questions or comments!