Amtrak

I recently came across an interesting analysis of same-day pricing trends for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor routes (Boston–NYC, NYC–DC, and DC–NYC), based on several days of systematic tracking. The data suggests that: A significant portion of trains (around 30–60%) saw price...

I recently traveled on an overnight train with Amtrak and saw something unusual. A passenger got into the empty luggage rack area and slept there during the trip. I could not decide if this was a clever solution or just uncomfortable and inappropriate. The context: I was also...

This is mainly a PSA regarding recent changes at the Chicago Union Station Metropolitan Lounge operated by Amtrak. Around 12–18 months ago, Business Class passengers on Amtrak Midwest services were reportedly no longer allowed access to the more spacious two-story lounge, making...

Background: I took the Amtrak Southwest Chief from Chicago to Albuquerque in April 2026 as a 30 year old solo female traveler. I have solo travel experience but this was my first time on a train. I tried researching beforehand, but some details like seat layout and comfort were...

I recently took the Empire Builder from Chicago to St. Paul and booked a roomette for one since I was extremely sleep deprived and wanted to rest. After boarding, I asked the sleeping car attendant if I could handle the turndown service myself. He said that was fine if I knew...

I am currently stuck on Amtrak Silver Meteor Train 98 near DeLand, Florida. I boarded the train in DeLand at around 1:40 PM yesterday. Things were normal at first, but later we experienced major delays due to a fire south of Jacksonville. After waiting for about 6–7 hours, we...

My partner and I are currently traveling north on the Coast Starlight and unfortunately left our phone charger behind at our hotel in Los Angeles. We spoke with a staff member, and it seems unlikely we’ll be able to get a replacement until we reach Portland tomorrow. This is a...

I’m planning a trip from Lawrence, KS to Kalamazoo, MI using the Southwest Chief with a connection in Chicago. I’ve made this trip before without major issues, but I know the Southwest Chief is often delayed. Recently, Amtrak reduced my connection time in Chicago from 3 hours to...

I recently took my 11-year-old daughter and her friend on a day trip from BWI to New York City and back on the Northeast Regional. The trains were quite crowded in both directions. On the way up, a kind passenger offered to switch seats so the girls could sit together, and...

Hello everyone, I’m providing an update regarding an issue I mentioned previously. I purchased a USA Rail Pass but had not made any bookings yet. However, at around 4:00 AM EST a couple of nights ago, multiple trips were booked using my rail pass without my authorization. I do...

i was traveling on an amtrak train from boston to new york and sat in the quiet car. shortly after boarding, two passengers who sat near each other began talking in low voices for an extended period of time, about 25 minutes. although they were speaking softly, their...

I recently traveled with my bike on an Amtrak Northeast Regional train from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, and wanted to share my experience. I arrived at the station about 45 minutes before departure with my bike prepared (front wheel removed and battery disconnected). At the...

I boarded an Amtrak train at 8:30 AM with a roomette, and my understanding was that breakfast should be included if you board before 9:30. However, my attendant told me they are only serving lunch and dinner. I didn’t get a chance to eat beforehand, so I’m unsure whether I...

While traveling in a sleeper car on the Amtrak Coast Starlight, observed multiple instances of disrespectful behavior directed at the car attendant despite their long hours and efforts to assist passengers. Situations included children repeatedly pressing the call button...

A first-time Amtrak traveler asked how early they should arrive at the station for an evening train departing New York to Washington DC at 7:52 PM. The concern was mainly about ensuring enough time to navigate the station, handle boarding procedures, and avoid missing the train....

Booked the California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville) for next week with 2 adults and 3 kids (ages 4–12), all in one family room to save money. Now I’m starting to wonder if that was a mistake and it’s going to feel super cramped 😅 Adding another room now is way too expensive,...

That’s brutal… planning ahead, booking a roomette, and then getting cancelled the day before not once but twice. At that point it’s not even about preference anymore, you’re basically forced into last-minute flights just to make it work. I always thought long-distance trains...

Random little thing I noticed while comparing my Amtrak tickets. My reservation code looked something like C35266 (not the real one). On the QR code it showed up as something like C35266-08MAR26, which seemed normal. But the PDF417 barcode on the physical ticket had a long...

My kids really want to try a train trip, so we’re thinking about doing DC to NYC on Amtrak. It would be two parents and three kids (ages 6–10). None of us have taken the train before, so I’m a little unsure how seating works. Coach tickets are a lot cheaper, but since seats...

Just finished a long Amtrak trip from NYC back to Florida and something always fascinates me on these long rides. The person sitting next to me for the entire trip barely moved the whole time. Didn’t eat anything, didn’t get up for the restroom once, nothing. And this was a 21...

Usually fly from Birmingham, Alabama to Washington DC every March for a conference. For the past few years it was always Southwest, but after the recent changes decided to try Amtrak instead. The trip actually went really well. Left on time, arrived on time, and the crew was...

Always been curious about this. BWI Rail Station consistently shows up as one of the busiest stations for Amtrak in the country. My guess is that it’s less about the airport itself and more about the location along the Northeast Corridor. It sits right between Baltimore and...