Amtrak First Time Riders Guide | Tips and Tricks For Beginners

In this Amtrak first time riders guide, we will share everything from when you show up at the station to picking up your bag at your final destination. We will share tips for riding in coach on Amtrak to riding in sleeper car on Amtrak. We talk about luggage as well as when there are fresh air breaks and what you can do on the train. It is important to know the difference between a Viewliner and a Superliner as well as what type of sleeping car choices you have. We hope these Amtrak tips and tricks are valuable on your next train ride!

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[leszekmazur]

One thing that was not mentioned in this video that I found very useful when traveling in coach or business on long distance routes is the official Amtrak comfort kit. You can buy it either at the station or in the cafe car. For $20 (as of this writing) you get an officially branded Amtrak blanket, eye mask, ear plugs, and an inflatable neck pillow.

[andrewparker]

Using Amtrak for the first time in a couple of weeks and - especially as a non-American citizen - I found this really useful.

[knndyskful]

The No TSA thing is my fav part of Amtrak, it’s so stress free ❤️

[stellaz]

Lots of good tips! One thing I didn't hear is this: If you are in a coach car that is a double decker, you might want to reserve a seat on the lower level. Why? That is where the bathrooms and carry on luggage are, and there is no through traffic on the lower level, so it is more private.

[brianamonique]

i’m traveling with amtrak tomorrow actually for a good couple hours and i’ll be solo for the very first time. i’ve been very anxious about this little trip but this video really helped me with everything i’ve been worried about so i want to thank you guys for it ! this was extremely helpful it feels good to have someone go step by step in details ! 😊

[toddinde]

Amtrak is a great way to travel. In coach overnight, I recommend an eye mask, ear plugs, a blanket, small pillow and bring some snacks/food. I frequently bring a small, Playmate cooler. A great invention is the thermal pot. The sleeper is very comfy. Coach is great too and the best analogy is it’s like camping. I always find it interesting that people harshly criticize the train but put up with horrible plane travel with no complaint.

[ruralangwin]

I took you tip and upgraded to Business on Coast Starlight Portland to Martinez. $20 to upgrade. What a pleasure. I was in a car with no more than 10 people. Bigger seats. Bottled water offered. Quiet and clean . Between dining car and parlor car! I've been traveling the Coast Starlight for over 20 years and I had no idea! Thanks for this great advise!

[michellesmith]

The red- cap service at the Chicago station is wonderful. The workers are the best- tip them please, they deserve it.

[puccafunnylovefan]

thank you so much for your channel. im on the autism spectrum and was having a lot of anxiety over my first train ride but your videos have been soothing my new experience worries

[Plodalong-allday]

My wife and I just rode the city of New Orleans from Chicago to Jackson for the first time and had a very enjoyable experience, except for bedtime. The lounge in union station was comfortable and quiet, the roomette was fine for both of us and we both really enjoyed a relaxing dinner and breakfast in the dining car. The only problem for me was trying to sleep on the upper bunk on a moving train. The single pillow was way too small and the padding was almost non existent. We will do it again but I’ll be bringing extra pillows and a softer rolled up mat. Or maybe double roomettes. Thanks for all your helpful advice.

[jacquelineottina]

Thank you, this was helpful . I'm 66 and my mom is 96 ! We're taking our first train trip . My cousin moved to western Pa . We're visiting for a week .So we're leaving out of Philly and traveling to Johnstown . We will take advantage of the Red caps ! I'm excited !

[vsweetwordsable]

I love you both. Can’t travel but I do vicariously through your videos. Thank you.

[azurain]

Subway sandwiches in New Orleans??? I would be taking down po' boys & mufelattas while enjoying my Amtrak journey. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[ericasarat]

If anyone needs this reference: Grand Rapids, MI has parking available at our station and it's located (literally) next to the bus terminal. Both public and Greyhound buses are located there. Many hotels and attractions are within walking distance.

[samuelserrano]

Thank you so much for you guidance, I will be taking my first trip in 53 years this coming January and because of you guys I booked it back in October way ahead of time and I also have the card now. Thanks again..

[indigosue]

Love the adapter tip! Brilliant! I travel with a 10-foot charge cord. I can reach an outlet from anywhere and if a stranger is between me and the outlet I can run the cord under their seat so I only have to bother them once.

[JimRosipkoRN]

My trip from Connecticut to Philly was enjoyable, then I transferred to Jersey transit and then my return trip. Was also great. All my concerns were eliminated before the trip. Thanks again. No more driving to Atlantic city

[kikicool]

I have my first Amtrak trip this Thursday, going from LA to Chicago! I’m pretty excited and all your videos have helped me so much to be prepared!!

[wcoasttigger]

You can really tell you like and love each other. Its so sweet. Thanks for sharing your adventures!!

[Dixey]

This was helpful. I’m traveling coast to coast in a Roomette next week, first time with Amtrak. I started wondering a few things and now this cleared those up and has me looking forward to the trip.