I would disagree with one thing. If all you are going to do is work on your laptop, be courteous to other passengers. The seats with big windows in the Superlounge are in very short supply. If you are more concerned with working on your laptop, stay in your seat or take seats on the lower level where it will be quieter anyway. Let people who want to view our beautiful country have a chance at the big windows.

6:38: Showing up too early: If you have a sleeper, you can use the lounges at major train stations like Penn station and Union Station, Chicago. They have nice, comfortable seats and free food, and they will announce when your train is ready to board, and even take you to the train.

We were 9.5hrs late going from Sacramento to Chicago. Plan accordingly! Reasons: rubber tires on the tracks that disconnected the lines between the cars, freight trains take priority, train stopped in a town where a passenger was removed from the train, break checks needing to be performed, conductor/crew reached allotted hours and could no longer drive the train had to wait for the west bound train to deliver a fresh/rested crew (in the middle of nowhere), engine issues….etc. honestly, we couldn’t make this stuff up - but it happens. Our room (bedroom A) was so cold because of the air conditioning that our car attendant kept extra rolls of duct tape and covered the vent in the ceiling and all of the cracks with air coming in. We called the trip the “polar express”. Now with all that being said, in April we are taking the Empire Builder, room E from Seattle to Chicago. With everything we experienced previously, it is still a great way to see the country.

Regarding the rocking or bouncy motion of the train being more noticeable on the lower level, that’s exactly backwards. The higher up you are in a train, or a cruise ship for that matter, the more side to side or “sway” motion you will feel. It is a little noisier on the lower level, though not significantly, but in terms of motion the upper level is actually more pronounced, again, not significantly. I have ridden each of the Western trains hundreds of times over 30 years, both in the lower and the upper rooms, and I know this to be true. It’s simply a matter of physics. The best thing you can do to get the smoothest, quietest ride possible is to try and reserve rooms that are in the middle of the car as opposed to rooms over the trucks “wheels”, which are to some degree rougher and noisier than rooms between the wheels. Also, in my hundreds of train trips, more often than not the trains were on time or within an hour of on time. But yes, sometimes they are definitely late, so it’s true, you cannot count on your train arriving on time.

I'm about to move halfway across the country in nothing more than an Amtrak, wish me luck & that they'll let me bring a wheeled utility cart as a carry on y'all 😂

My friend & I learned our lesson from sharing a roomette from Chicago to Flagstaff, AZ. We now each book a roomette across from each other. Perfect! Earplugs or noise cancelling buds help with all of the horn blowing at road crossings, sometimes every 1/2 hr. or more, to sleep a little more soundly. (pun intended)

I was so surprised out of 8 trains on my trip only 2 were late, The Cardinal 4 hours late which left me 1 minute to connect to the Northeast Regional, then NE Regional was 1 hour late. So yes! I agree with you don't think you are going to be on time. Your videos prepared me for this issue, so thank you!! I agree on sitting on bottom, I had to sit on bottom of Pacfic Surfliner and it is way different than upper level. I would also make a suggestion to bring some cleaning wipes, I found some of my roommates and bedrooms needed a little TLC. Again thank you for your videos, I did 8 trains in 11 days, East Coast to West Coast and back, Solo! It was the BEST trip I have ever taken and I am eager to go again.

I bring a power strip to keep my iPad tablet charged, whether coach or roomette. While with an overnight train journey I book a roomette to sleep better, if the train journey is during the day only I book coach. When connecting with another train I spend a day/night at that city and catch the next train the next day. Enjoy that city for a day/night, visit some museums or restaurants/clubs. But most of all, always book to get to your final destination a day earlier than you need to be there. A wedding, graduation, funeral, birthday, or anniversary. If you do this simple get there one day early recommendation, you won't fret over any of the delays that pop up... All it takes is for one of the axles wheel bearings on any train car to get very hot to delay your train ten hours or more... If not your train, the freight train ahead of your train... While there aren't that many axles on a passenger train, most of these mainline freight trains have over one hundred freight cars...

Thank you Allie and Rob! I’m on my first multi-segment trip down the east coast and, having watched all of your videos for the past year, I felt that I was very well prepared. Used my Amtrak MC lounge pass for the Metropolitan lounge in NY and LOVED it! You are so right about the spotty cell coverage south of DC - luckily I had downloaded a book to get me through that stretch. A shout-out to the awesome Amtrak employees - great service!

Good points! My 1 time on Amtrak was to catch the 1am Crescent in Charlotte. It didn’t arrive until after 3am! Unfortunately I didn’t nap during the wait and was wide awake for an hour after boarding. Very little sleep that night, and 3 hours late arrival into NYC! Good thing I didn’t plan for an immediate tour upon arriving.

Regarding speakers in Viewliner sleeping cars, so far we are .000 for in-room speakers working. So being prepared by knowing your route and knowing that there are speakers in the halls of sleeping cars really helps. We were able to get anything vital from the speaker in the hall, but one of them was faulty, too. Our only loss was missing out on a fresh air break that I really wanted, because we weren't prepared for the stop to be a longer one. I did get to step out, walk a quick circlet, and then board again--in my bedroom slippers. 😊

I took Amtrak a couple of times going from Savannah GA to Jacksonville Florida visiting my brother and it's was a smooth trip. I eat in the snack bar.

OMG! On our first Coast Starlight cruise we thought we were saving money by reserving a Roomette. It was WONDERFUL. We're again taking the CSC but this time, because we can afford it, we reserved a Bedroom. But then you reminded me of the joy of the Roomette and my husband doesn't get it. I'm hoping he'll see the light on the way up and then agree to Roomettes on the way back. Fingers crossed.

I'm lucky that my two 12 hour train rides were less than 30 minutes late and it wasn't too late at night. I had a family member and boyfriend pick me up so no worries but that's good to know.

Many great points! Regarding checked baggage: If you're on a long trip and have big, heavy suitcases (50 lb. limit per suitcase, and they WILL weigh it) and you don't check them, you may have to lift it/them up into your car's luggage rack, wrestle it into place if it's nearly full, or keep it in your room. Let Amtrak do the lifting! Of course, pack an overnight bag with essentials (medicine, snacks, chargers/power strip, anything you may need if you're in a sleeper) as you won't have any access to your checked luggage en route. Also, many rural and smaller cities on long-haul routes don't have checked baggage service, any many regional "feeder" trains don't have checked baggage service at all (even if long-haul trains on the same route do.)

Thank you so much for sharing this. It took me a long time to learn that coach had a wall outlet and that didn't always need to check my bag (for the places I was going). These types of videos are extremely helpful.

Good tips. For people who enjoy a cocktail, I'd add bring a bottle of Angostura bitters. You can get the sugar and the bourbon from the snack bar and you'll have an Old Fashioned. If you're more into Manhattans, maybe add a couple mini bottles of vermouth.

This is AWESOME Information!!! All of it!! So important to know!!

Be aware that at some of the larger stations (such as Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York) and are checking baggage, you may need to be there up to an hour early in order to check the bags. You can check with the station ahead of time.

I've been watching you for a couple of years. On our 2nd journey on the EB Empire Builder, we met a few people who booked back to back train journeys. My husband and I thought those people were asking for trouble. We arrived at every stop early, even though they can't leave early. We even arrived at our terminus, Chicago 30 minutes early!

Re: Checked baggage on Superliners. Don't be like the family of four on a Southwest Chief out of LAX a couple years ago. Perhaps they were ultimately going on a cruise or something -- although they got off in Kansas City -- but they brought so much baggage with them, they filled the entire luggage rack on the car. The rest of us had to stow our one or two suitcases on the much smaller rack and floor in the downstairs seating area. Fortunately there were only a couple people seated in that section so they were not adversely impacted.

Four hours late getting there, five hours late getting back, freezing air conditioning at night, no sleep, having an oversized AND handsy person placed next to me, messy bathroom, never any room to sit in the observation car, overpriced food with the cashier expecting a tip for doing the bare minimum, and the hostel was locked up for the night when I reached my destination, suffering sleep deprivation and not of the best mind in a strange city at 2am. To say the experience disillusioned me is putting it lightly. I wasn't expecting much, but it was worse than Greyhound. Almost 200 years of passenger trains and they still can't figure out how to keep a schedule? On top of all else, the guy at the station wouldn't sell me a ticket home because I arrived within an hour before the train was "scheduled" to leave. The counter was completely shut down between my arrival and the train's an hour and a half later. No one had said anything about that policy when I called for information the day before and there was nothing posted at the station. I had to get a room and wait another day for the next one. As much as I dislike some of the issues associated with flying, I don't know why anyone would subject themselves to a train ride. It takes longer, is more uncomfortable, and not cost effective; it can cost more than flying if you want any comfort at all. If I want to "see the country," I'll drive.

I’ve rode the NER multiple times from Wilmington to Providence. It actually takes about the same time as it does to drive and you don’t have to deal with NY and CT traffic plus the snack car, Also few wifi interruptions. For me I’ve only had to wait at most 15 minutes. Never tried Acela, just couldn’t justify the extra cost for a one hour travel time difference. I’ll be taking my first long distance trip later this year from Wilmington to Orlando, Can’t wait. Thanks for the tips.

Thanks for all of your videos. I rode Amtrak previously, but we planned a big trip out west (Chicago, Denver, SF, LA) on Amtrak using your advice. The Amtrak credit card bonus paid for the Den-SF leg and we got companion coupons for the other 2. All in, it was just over $800 for 2 in roomette the whole way. Your advice (and having seen what the trains, rooms, cars, etc would look like) led to us making all the right choices and having a fantastic trip!

There are some advantages to the downstairs roomettes. There are more bathrooms (3 vs. 1). They are closer to the shower. They are closer to the exit for fresh air breaks. They are closer to the luggage racks if you want something out of your suitcase. A disadvantage not mentioned is that the family room is downstairs, so sometimes there will be small children making noise in the hall.

Y'all two are very knowledgeable about Amtrak Trains.

First time I took Amtrak it hit some big rocks that fell off a cliff.The train set still on the tracks for over 3 hours while they inspected the damage.

Starlink would be a good option, if Amtrak decided to make WiFi service working where cell service is unavailable. There are mini-sized immersible water heaters that can plug in to 120 volt outlets, for making coffee, tea, ramen noodles, etc. There's probably a limit on amps for those wall outlets, so best not to trip the circuit breaker & annoy the attendant. A hot plate or toaster would probably draw too many amps. The wall outlets in coach may have different amp ratings compared with couchette wall outlets.

Well, you talked me out of it. We has a wonderful time on the trains in Europe. but our trains seem like a major pain in the arse. My trouble than fun.

We decided to take Amtrak, but no one told us our luggage would not go on the same train as us, WHAT?! We arrived in Oceanside, Ca… no luggage. Would not arrive til midnight. Booked a room locally, and go to Walmart to buy a change of clothes. midnight comes and no luggage.. “sorry, the luggage train doesn’t stop in Oceanside” we had to drive down to San Diego to get our luggage. One and only time we tried to save $$ and take the train.

I love your channel! My family and I are preparing for our first Amtrak journey and you guys have been so helpful!

Your channel is so helpful! I’m riding coach from NOLA to La sometime in a couple months. I was really nervous so I want to be as prepared as possible and your channel has been a great help!!

Took Texas Eagle in 2017 from Ft. Worth-Chicago. Had lower level Family Bedroom. Thought would be great, but as soon as we started rolling I realized a wheel right below me had a flat spot (we were at the end of the car directly above the truck/wheel assembly). Not a good start. At track speed the whump whump whump sound became an intolerable vibration. I was even concerned about possible derailment. Sleeper attendant said it had been that way for months. Also, my car was 2nd on the train, right behind the engine. All night long the train horn never stopped. I guess they have to honk even at the farm road crossings. Between the two issues I got 0 sleep. Cancelled the return train trip and flew back on Southwest for practically nothing. 1/10th what I paid for the sleeper accommodation. Was hoping to enjoy the journey and embrace Amtrak/long-distance rail travel. Haven't tried it since. Just fly everywhere...

coming 'home' from San Antonio to Chicago (the Texas Eagle or part of it anyway) we got there, with just a little bit of time to spare to catch the Blue Water (Chicago-Port Huron Michigan). ALSO, if youre going to go up to the Dome Car, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, do not monopolize the seating. there arent enough seats for the entire train to sit there, so share with your fellow passengers.

I rode Amtrak...2 different, connecting trains...last fall and was amazed...AMAZED...all four trains were actually on-time. It was the first time I have ever witnessed such a thing on AMTRAK. One thing about "checking" your bags... If you're getting on, or getting off, at an unmanned Station Stop, they may not actually be able to check your bags.

Haven’t taken Amtrak much but went coach Chicago to St. Louis two weeks ago. I did not care for the upper level. I felt it was too overcrowded so I changed to downstairs. That was the Texas Eagle Superliner equipment. Returning to Chicago, we were booked business class on the Lincoln Service. That was a relaxing and pleasant run. A nice touch was the cafe attendant greeting us and welcoming us to the cafe before it was open to the rest of the train. Also before approaching Union Station, the attendant closed the cafe then invited us to a last call before she had to complete her paperwork.

Great points! I was on the Empire Builder in 2023, and Amtrak had an additional WiFi network on the train that was better than their regular one. Not perfect, and I took it as a chance to disconnect and enjoy the real world. Which was my expectation.

I've been traveling annually on Amtrak long distance since 2007. One of the trips I make every year is Chicago to Albuquerque, NM. That train has NEVER been on time in either direction. When I am talking to my family and discussing the planned arrival time there is a moment of silence and then we all burst out laughing. To be fair to Amtrak, the problem is freight trains. They are supposed to, by law, prioritize Amtrak service and they just ignore the rule. No one enforces it so you are either stuck on sidings or creeping along behind a slow freight. when I ride the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle, by exception, it is usually very good at staying on schedule because there isn't that much north/south freight. If you are traveling out of Chicago to anywhere west, though, expect delays, sometimes huge ones. All that said, once you have built that into your plans, there is no more fun and fascinating way to travel then on Amtrak. I love them. I'll be back on the train this summer.

Great advice, as always. My previous Amtrak trips have just been in my state. But, I'm planning some multi-day and multi-state travels this year. I'll definitely be well prepared now.

The quality of your film is superb. Pretty colors outdoors and on the train.

As a one-time Amtrak traveler, I had to learn all of these things on my own. Thanks for sharing them ahead of time for all of the newbies!

The reason trains are late can be because Amtrak shares the tracks with the freight trains and they have right of way. Also the tracks can change shape depending on weather. Hot weather will cause tracks to bend slowing the train.

Great tips for everyone! Have an awesome weekend! I am stuck at work all weekend. 19 straight days, no days off.

Thank you for your honesty and insight about what Amtrak is really like. I rode it at least twice a month from 2005-2020 and when it is good, it’s great, but 99%of the time one of the problems you mention or many others happen. So thanks for being transparent and honest. Another thing that should be mentioned is that trains could and WILL be cancelled at a moment’s notice with no alternative transportation. I rode Amtrak because I had no other alternative at the time-I’m glad I have an alternative.

I wish I had brought a blanket for my Amtrak trip. The car never really heated up because with each stop the doors open. This was a SC to FL trip in winter. 🥶 Also if on an intermediate stop be prepared for the employees to rush you on. They are stressed because they are behind schedule and they basically yell at you to get on. It’s not the “friendly skies”

I looked at all of the Amtrak departure times from Sac to SF and each departure time that worked for me only had a 2 minute layover in Emeryville. I hope I make my connecting bus to SF

Have y’all ever done a vid in tipping? I did tip frequently, but never sure if I was ripping myself off lol.

thank you for your super helpful videos!

Thank you for sharing this really useful info! I appreciated this. 🙂

I live on the Northwest coast. My trains are very close to on time most of the time. And I have never checked baggage for this reason (planes too)

This is the kind of practical, useful content I was looking for. Thanks!

Thanks for showing the path forward. Robert in NYC.

Very well done and informative 👍🏼

Excellent! Thanks so much. Love your videos. :- )

A short extension cord with three outlets on the end works well in the roommates

Good information!

I'm a single traveller. I've only been on double decker trains and I travel with lots of luggage because I'm visiting relatives and taking presents, etc. I always check my luggage. That way I don't have to haul it out on the platform. At the end I always have someone picking me up so I have help. I love Amtrak and will always go with them if possible. Also, the only time I experienced more than a few minutes delay was a westbound Zephyr in Omaha. It was several hours late due to massive fires east of Omaha. Inconvenient but we arrived at our final destination on time. 😊😊

First Amtrak trip coming up. Your videos helped me decide to give it a try. Myself and my twin 12 year old boys going Mke-Chicago-St Louis for a few days. Looking forward to it. Thank you for the great information!

Thanks for the hints. I'm looking at taking Amyrak from Los Angeles to Seattle and back. I am going to look at some of your older vids

My wife and I have dreams of train travel out west from our Alabama home. Your video on possible new Amtrak routes has fired up the wanderlust in me again. I'm thankful for your channel! Subscribed.

Thanks for another amazing video! I leave on another trip next week! Been taking the Coast Starlight from the Bay Area to Oxnard, wondering what you think of biding to upgrade a roomette to bedroom? I’ve done it a few times and it’s worked out pretty well! You’re one of the reasons I got so in to Amtrak travel! Going to Seattle next month too!

Great advice as usual. I have only taken Amtrak trains on the east coast. The Crescent Train leaving south out of Washington, DC is always late and crowded, especially on the weekends.

One piece of advise that I'd add, especially in coach, bring a small power strip with you. You will become the the hero of the row if you have that power strip to make it easier to have power to the aisle seat (plus allowing each person more than just one outlet).

Thank you.

Thanks Guys, I am planning my first Amtrak trip for this May (CHI - SLC) and these are definately some good tips.

Are you showing my beautiful New Mexico?😊

I need another train trip! Y’all are the best!

Thanks! I think I’ll give it a try!

I want to add what I got wrong on my first Amtrak ride 24 years ago: They had a volunteer guide who was speaking / narrating down one end of the observation carriage, and for whatever reason I was convinced that the volunteer would take turns and move about the carriage to give everybody a chance to hear them. Not only did this not happen, but the scenic section (through the Rockies) was the only time, maybe half a day in a 3-day trip, that any interesting information was given. I still enjoyed the rest of the scenery from coast to coast, but had to learn about it from TV and KZfaq decades later. Also, I was cheap and travelling in coach / economy, somehow surviving the nights by sheer force of youth 😂 but I missed out another announcement: Not all the speakers worked equally well in every carriage or every cabin. I recommend to be REALLY sure that the announcement you’re waiting for is going to come up where you’re sitting. So that’s how I missed breakfast one time. Remember - time zones change and there’s no mobile coverage (certainly not then, and still a lot now). The other minor tip I’d give is that the outside of the trains may look shiny and silver, but they’re dirty! Don’t touch them if you think that’s fun 😅

Yessss!!! I am totally here for this video!! ❤🎉❤

Great, as usual. You two are such a joy to watch. So nice & down to earth. Thank you for being so organized.

I use a Hot Logic portable warmer to heat food on the train.

🎉❤I’m the first viewer! Thank you for this really helpful video. It’s been years since I’ve ridden Amtrak. So it’s good to know how to avoid the potential pitfalls.

Thank you for the information. We will be on the silver Meteor, and the station that we are getting on at is an unmanned station. I have been told by Amtrak that the Silver Meteor doesn't have a luggage car. We will be in a roomette. What can I do with my luggage. This will be the beginning of a 3-week trip, so we will have bigger suitcases.

Great tips! We're frequent Northeast Regional riders but would love to try the auto train one day so your videos are helpful. Ahhh the late trains. I find that Amtrak is either right on time or extremely late. There seems to be no in between most times. And yes, to using the hotspot! I learned how to use my hotspot on my phone on an Amtrak train during the pandemic. I took a trip with my daughter, and she needed to login to school (when all the schools were doing virtual). I could not for the life of me figure out the Amtrak wi-fi and that's when I finally "discovered" my phone's hotspot and learned how to use it - on that trip!

Lower level is great for Roomette sleepers because there’s not as much movement/swaying. For sightseeing, head to the Observation Lounge.

Great presentation, as usual. I keep meaning to ask you about baggage check not being available on the Lakeshore Limited, eastbound to Boston. For such a large station, you would think baggage claim/check will be available. I’ve tried to research on line for an explanation, but to no avail. Do you know why it’s not available at Boston South Station? TIA

Great information

Practical and useful tips. Thanks for sharing

Thank you!!

We traveled on Amtrak years ago from Sacramento to Denver. The outbound trip was great, pretty much on time. The return trip was very, very late (over 6 hours), nixing the connection back to Fresno for my family members, and back to San Jose for myself. In both cases Amtrak provided bus service, but not nearly as nice as the train connection. Beware and be prepared.

Amtrak traveler since 1975. If you check your bags, make sure that they will travel on each train that you are riding to your destination. Not all trains have baggage cars and your checked bag may travel on a later train. Once, my bags arrived a day late and my cruise had left. I was outfitted in clothes from K-Mart. I made the cruise but my suitcase did not. Keep your bags with you sure they will get to your destination when you do. Actually, modeling my K-Mart wardrobe each evening in the formal dining room dining room was kind of fun....

Thanks good pointers

Going to California from Bloomington Illinois. I leave Wednesday morning I’m looking forward to the trip/vacation! First time riding Amtrak thanks!

I use to take Amtrak from Syracuse to Albany NY. I have chronic pain & driving a car for over 2 hours was an ugly experience. Amtrak was so much better & the best thing was thanks to the electrical outlets i could use my heating pad an essential in helping control my pain. I did learn quickly which train not to take. It came from Canada to Buffalo to Syr. It was always very late due to getting through customs.

Some of the newer short distance trains like the Cascades have plugs at every seat but I agree with you that the Wifi can be pretty spotty even between Portland and Seattle.

Can you recommend the charger that you use?

Yeah given the price, Amtrak isn't worth it. I've always wanted to take a train trip but I just can't bring myself up pay so much for so little

Thanks for heads up. I want to go from Dallas to west coast

Thanks for your tips. The assumption that transportation will be punctual led me to make ferry reservations the day after I land in Aberdeen. I wouldn’t have thought of it without your tip.

I personally like to check my bags. Coming from Cleveland and with most of my connections being via long layovers in Chicago, I like to walk around Chicago and not have to worry about hauling my luggage around. I am taking the train to New Orleans for my next cruise and have almost 11 hours in Chicago. I have hauled my luggage around and I don't recommend it to anyone especially if you plan to go somewhere to sit down and eat before your train leaves. I have my bookbag or small duffel for my books and headphones that I walk around with, but I don't plan on seeing my luggage again once I check it in until I get to New Orleans.

No baloney, just good advice. Very nice.

8 Things Amtrak does that first time riders MUST KNOW. 1. The Thruway Buses are ALWAYS early to pick up and ALWAYS late to arrive at the destination. 2. ALL REGIONAL TRAINS ARE ALWAYS OVERSOLD. They claim they don't oversell but non-reserved regional trains are. In fact, they'll claim there are still seats available when people are standing room only. 3. ARRIVE EARLY. My train today got into the final destination 45 minutes EARLY. Meaning if you were hoping to catch that train at a stop at a certain time, well, that train is long gone. BE THERE NO LESS THAN 1 HOUR EARLY. 4. GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE LEAVING HOME. There are no bathrooms at many stops, most of them aren't even attended anymore, and if you're on a bus, forget it. 5. BRING SNACKS AND DRINKS. There are overpriced snacks and drinks at stations if they are attended stations, on board the cost is relatively low, it's a deal considering you're in the middle of nowhere on a train, but things sell out quick, the dining, lounge and cafe cars all close long before the final stops too. 6. If you want privacy, buy a reserved ticket on the low levels and not the upper. There are less seats and its closer to the restroom on the lower level. 7. TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE LEAVING HOME AND BRING SANTITARY WIPES for the longer journey. You stink. A LOT. BRUSH THEM TEETH. And if you're a smoker, have some respect and maybe don't smoke at all on the journey, even at rest stops. Why? BECAUSE YOU STINK. Like cigarettes and then get on board and everyone has to smell it from your clothes and hair. 8. Just fly if the trip is more than 3 hours. If its a NYC/Boston/DC route, just fly. If its SF to Sacramento, think about flying.

Took a 24-hour trip on the Crescent, and they were never late for any of the once-an-hour-average stops! Return trip, too.

I took the southwest chief to anaheim from chicago back in 97’ never had an issue in my sleeper car I had power, a shower, refrigerator and a small microwave. It was the best trip i had taken! I spent 90% of my time traveling by air. It was a welcome change. Amatrack had a program with United train oneway on your return flew first class united from LAX to ORD!

If your cell phone gives you service in Mexico, on the LA to TX route, use your roaming to get Mexican data for a hotspot or just the phone. Expect about 5-8 minutes of regular cell service when passing through small towns.

I ride the empire builder most frequently, and I've been pleasantly surprised how rarely it runs significantly late.

Interesting video. My father worked for the railroads in the 1940's, (Missouri Pacific and Illinois Central) but I have never taken a train journey. I prefer to drive and I take two month long cross country trips each year. I'm 78 years old and don't own a cell phone or personal computer so that's no problem for me. El Mirage, Arizona

Another reason not to check bags: they might get lost. This happened to us going from Washington DC to Tampa, they simply offered no explanation. We finally did get them delivered to our house, 2 days later.

Years ago I was taken off a freight train I was hopping and had to wait until the next day to get Amtrak. They were 6 hours late so they were driving 90 mph to make up for it. It derailed because the tracks weren't built for that. Luckily, no one was killed and only one person got a broken arm.