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.

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 ! 😊

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

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.

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!

One thing I've learned over the years was not to pack checked baggage heavier than 50 lbs. They will charge extra for each additional pound they handle. I've also learned to pack my patience. Long distance trains can be heavily delayed causing passengers to miss connections. Sometimes Amtrak will accommodate by having ticketed folks transfer to busses in order to meet connecting trains in time.

I love you two. Great shows and content. Thanks for the info!

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

Thank you for another informative video. I love the channel, it's been so helpful in preparing for my first trip. I'm taking the California Zephyr in December for my birthday, I can't wait!

Thank you for making these videos, I plan to do a solo amtrak ride next year and it is my first time ever riding on a train. I've been watching your videos and saving them for tips, I just worry that I might be confused at the station and not being able to find my train haha! Thanks again! 😄

You two are the best! I love your channel. Thanks for sharing you experiences.

Appreciate the info! If you guys go back and want to do something like this again , you should do a tips and tricks specifically for each class vs. covering them all in one shot.

I’m so glad I found you all planning my first trip and a huge one at that. Lovelovelove ❤️✌🏻🌸

This one is essential. I love that you give such great tips. I would have had no clues at all. Thanks so much.

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

Thank you both, such a thorough overview. I'm travelling on SWC later this year and these tips are very useful. I loved your other uploaded videos, also.

We are planning a trip across the country from Connecticut to Seattle Washington, I am watching a lot of your videos. Very excided about this trip, we have been on a lot of trips from Connecticut to either Boston and New York and loved the train ride. You two are giving me a lot of information that I would never of thought of. Thank you.

Flying to FL in December, but taking the train back home. I'm so excited I've been watching, rewatching and taking notes. Thought this would be a great experience to end my vacation with.

Loving the videos. Your information is very helpful. We're going on our first trip in December.

Thank you so much for all the info, looks fan lot of fun!!!

Great info!!!! Thanks so much!!

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!!

Thank you for your videos. I'm traveling on Amtrak for the first time and I was wondering about checking and retrieving luggage. 👏 👍

Great video, I’m traveling long distance for the first time, all the details really helpful 👍

Solid vid as always! Amtrak is always a great adventure, and especially enhanced with a good attitude.

Hugeeee help. You guys have answered to all of my questions! thank you so much! Excellent video!

Have an overnight coach trip today, your videos have been SO helpful!

Viajo com essa dupla todos dias São fantásticos

In the 90's I went skiing in Montana. We were riding coach and we went to the dining car. It is worth going to the dining car because it is a break from the coach seats, I would recommend it.

Thanks so much. Even though I'm not a newbie, I found some useful information anyway. Like the temperature control and dining car information. A couple of points I'd like to make: my business class ticket on the Coast Starlight does not have a designated seat assignment. On the Cascades last week it was the same, no seat assignment just open seating. Announcements can be really soft or murky, so ask questions. I was thrilled last week when one of the car attendants was crystal clear and loud. Usually they are not. And, experiment with your luggage etc. I bought the back pack you recommended to use on my trip to Bellingham and discovered it was way too big and heavy for me. I'm making a long trip in September so wanted to make sure things worked for me. I returned it and bought a smaller version which fit me better and was not so heavy. So glad I did that. Happy travels.

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

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.

Going on my first ride august 7th to Reno I’m super excited 😆

Thanks so much for all of this info! 🥰

Mornin’ from south Florida. Enjoying your vids. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Always helpful and informative.... couple does a great job!

Excellent video! It’s been a while since I went cross country on Amtrak. This is a great refresher!

Appreciate ya'lls videos! The knowledge drop has been invaluable as I have started to use Amtrak for regional trips. Thanks!

Hi Grounded Life! Thank You for all videos. I grew up using the New Haven, and later other trains in the Northeast corridor. Mostly not overnight. This October my wife and I are going to travel from Memphis to Portland, OR. Your advice is so helpful. We're getting a roomette. So far we've had a hard time booking using the app. It's pretty difficult.

Thanks for posting this as you know I'm going on my first long train ride soonish so this is very helpful!!

Love ur videos Am going to orlando , fl from wash, dc : amtrak riding in sleeper car also.

I’ve recently started watching your videos as I am preparing for a long trip across the USA at some point this year. This video is so helpful, it answers all my questions and more! I’ve been to the USA twice already, however I never took a train before while there. This time is going to be different and I’ll spend over 25 hours on trains traveling across states. 😅 Thank you for creating and uploading such useful content, greetings from Warsaw, Poland! ❤

so helpful! taking my first amtrak from pittsburgh to nyc in april! thank u for these videos!!!!!

Going on the car train to Florida asap! Great info!😊😎🍀🇺🇸

thank you! very helpful

Thank you both! This was such a thorough and informative video.

Red Cap service would have been wonderful when I traveled roundtrip from Denver to Emeryville but it wasn't available. I am a senior and although I usually don't have any trouble, no one told me how long of a walk it is from the station to the train cars. If you are in coach, you get there first because the cars are at the back of the train but if you are travelling in a sleeper car it is a very long way up to the front of the train. Going out to California, I checked my bag but coming back I was in a Roomette so took my bag with me. First, that very long walk and then you haul your bag (s) up a set of stairs that are very narrow and turn half way up. I think I got my exercise for the whole week just with the walking! All of your tips are spot on. Your earlier version of this video helped immensely with my first trip. Thank you! 😊

I've got another amtrak trip in 3 days, although I've been on amtrak before and this certainly isn't my first, it's good to recap because it's been a while since my last trip.

Thank you!! Very helpful tips for the train ride beginner.

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..

I did it took from NYC got lost the Moynihan building is closed at 3 am so go to a part in Penn Station nice ride was on time bathrooms horrible Cafe opened on train in am all on all I loved it oh I could have put more stuff in bag my fault but thx for all of your videos they helped me a lot

Hi, It is so nice seeing your wonderful videos!!. I finally posted the videos hanging out with you both on the California Zephyr. I even posted our dinner video. I had such a great time on that trip. By the way, I had the pizza you recommended, when I went to Chicago. I will post that video also. 🌺🌺🌺

I love this information, I rode twice, but only in two hours in time. But never slept there. Thank you.

Thank you guys for all your videos. Definitely they are a great guides for riding for first time in Amtrak. I have some plans to travel for the first time on Amtrak from Orlando to Seattle, all your advices have been very helpful to me and I was wondering if it is better if I buy all my trip or ir If I buy it for destinations for example… Orlando To Washington …. Washington to Chicago… I ask that is because I read that Amtrak used to be very late … any advices for that guys… and again… thank you so much for your videos.

Super helpful. Thanks!

I'm visiting the US for the first time next month, will be riding Amtrak from DC to Chicago. Some great tips on this video - thanks for sharing!

Been watching you on KZfaq TV but now I'm subscribing. I've written a lot of Amtrak trains. I love train travel. Thank you for your tips. You all are fantastic

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

You guys are awesome so much great info , definitely going to try the train travel

Wish I had found your channel before my first ride. I was going to Florida for 4th of July and the attendance were so busy it was hard to stop them to ask questions. I now have two rides under my belt and I’m still learning.

❤❤❤ Thank you for this video!

Thank you so much for posting this video. My husband and I are planning on traveling on Amtrak for the first time this summer. We found your video to be very educational and informative as with all of your other videos. Thanks again, happy and safe traveling 😊.

Thank you for sharing! I'm doing a solo trip for the first time on Amtrak! This is very helpful information!

As always, you guys really delivered useful and entertaining content. 👏🏼 Seriously, your standard of organization and efficiency is next level.... you guys are experienced teachers! I learned new things like I always do. To follow up on "no need to bring drinks on sleeper cars", does that include an abundance of bottled water throughout the trip? Thanks so much for all you do❣️

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.

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

Thank you for the Heads UP!! Amen 🙏

I really enjoy watching you guys I love to watch what my bucket list adventures will be n look like lol thanks for sharing

thank you so much for this video! very helpful

This was an interesting little flick. Thanks for taking the time folks

Wow. This was very informative. I plan to take a little trip hopefully before this year is over.

Im gonna be going from LA to Cleveland soon. With one in-between at Chicago. Im super excited!

I ALWAYS enjoyed the seating arrangements of a traditional dining car. You get seated with strangers. I found it was a great way to meet people. I’ve never had my meals served in the room because I like the social aspects of a dining car.

I booked my first Amtrak. I leave Friday. DALLAS to CHICAGO. A little nervous but I look forward to the journey! I've been on Planes, Buses and Driven. Planes, Trains, Autos & Buses! Thanks for ypur content!!!

Thank you for you information

I’m from the UK and looking forward to my first Amtrak trip from Chicago to Boston in October. I have booked a Roomette. Your videos have been really helpful and the Amtrak trains and experience looks fantastic compared to what we get in the UK! Here the trains may be a lot more punctual but that’s about it. The British trains are really expensive, overcrowded, often dirty, cramped (they cram more seats in than the coaches are designed for, so often your ‘view’ could be a pilar rather than a window), and they got rid of the dining cars and even the on train buffet shops years ago - all you get on British trains now is a trolly that will sell you drinks and a few snacks, but often they are not there or can’t make it down the train the train due to the overcrowding. I really feel sorry for the staff on our British trains as there are so understaffed and they then get the blame for things out of their control. In comparison Amtrak sounds amazing! I found booking on the Amtrak website relatively easy, but was disappointed I could not join the Amtrak rewards scheme as its only open to US and Canadian residents - maybe that is something you can highlight in future videos?

Rob and Allie Thank you so much for your invaluable help!! We are very grateful for your support in making our 36th Wedding anniversary a truly memorable and special occasion!! God bless you always!!

I’ve watched some of your videos which have made me interested in trying new travel experiences (train). I just purchased some of your suggested must have items from your blog!!!! I’m getting them TOMORROW!

Allie/Rob thank you. Can you consider an “Advanced” video? (for those of us familiar with rail travel but asking mare specific questions) On each of the longer haul trains, (Empire Builder, zephyr, SW chief, Limited) if everything is running on time - which is your preferred direction for the most scenic trip. Taking the views through the Rockies is nice, but wouldn’t see much at night. Understanding all the associated issues, what stations/cities are worth interruption to visit along those routes. Thank you…..

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

About to take my first Amtrak trip and I found this video extremely helpful!! Thank you 💛💛

Greetings from Chicago! I love our station. Great video!🚈

I use red cap all the time and they are great😊

Hey you guys thank you so much for all your information. I am very interested in riding a train. All of your information is very helpful.

Thanks for info, wife and I are planning a trip from MS to CA in April 2023. It will be our first time traveling by train, definitely will be checking out all you guys videos!!

This video was so informational thank you.

When I traveled cross country in coach (from Chicago to Portland on the Empire Builder), I checked one larger suitcase, and carried on a small one with essentials, including a warm throw and small pillow. Btw, I booked a roomette for the return trip!

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.

This was a great video. You are both super helpful. We’re doing the Empire Builder in a Roomette in Sept, Chicago to Seattle. Looking forward to it. Traveled all over by train in Europe but not much here in US. Your videos and blog have really helped us prepare. Thanks!

Not sure if anyone has already commented on this, but I’ve taken the City of New Orleans back and forth between Nola and Chicago monthly for the past year and there is no dining car other than the cafe. I upgraded thinking I’d have different dining options and was disappointed to find that passengers in bedrooms and roomettes were only offered food from cafe at no charge but no dining car or other meal options. Your videos are very informative and I really appreciate your sharing your knowledge. Just hope no one else pays to upgrade thinking they’re also upgrading food options on board. Amtrak also advertises that the train is equipped with wifi which is untrue.

Thank You very much for this information, I am visiting from Germany and will take a train from Washington DC to Norfolk next week. I am excited about travelling by train. You all LLAP 🖖

Beautiful couple! Love your content.

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

Another helpful tip is that in Business or first, you can even change your seat while you are on the train through the app if for whatever reason you need to move

Great info as always. I'm taking my first Amtrak trip ever in September and your videos are putting me at ease 😌

The station in Okeechobee Florida is like a little bus stop, there is no attendant there. I had to ride from there a few years ago and as a solo traveling woman I did not feel safe. There was no one around when I arrived at first. Finally, a few other riders showed up.

Very helpful for us newbies.

Great tips! Thanks!

Thanks!

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.