Hello, Allie and Rob! You two are the best thing to happen to Amtrak in a long time! Apologies in advance for this long posting, but this is the only way to reach you. Suggestion: prepare a video that covers all the reasons WHY you would take Amtrak. You have now thoroughly and expertly covered the hows, whats, whens, and wheres. Amtrak is not the easiest travel company to do business with; why WOULD anyone go to that effort/expense/time to travel by Amtrak? The answer is not obvious until you actually do travel by Amtrak. The scenery, the downtime from daily life, the views of America that are not available in any other way--yes, those are all powerful reasons to take Amtrak. But there's so much more that's hard to describe, unexpected, even sublime. My close friends and family often ask me why I refuse to travel in any way other than by Amtrak. I always respond that, for each of my Amtrak trips, I can count on three things: (1) being exasperated at least once, (2) being involved in some sort of unexpected adventure, and (3) having an impromptu conversation with a stranger that I will remember for the rest of my life. I'll close this posting with a true story that I experienced in July 2022 in the Amtrak station in Osceola, Iowa. It was evening, and our eastbound "California Zephyr" had been due into Osceola 11 hours earlier. The Osceola station has been completed restored to its 1907 pristine condition--a time machine in and of itself. Besides me, the only other party waiting in the station for the "Zephyr" was a group of eight adult Amish people, speaking German. I'm sure the wait was wearing on them as it was on me. All of a sudden, one of the Amish women came up to me and asked me, in English, if it would be OK for them to sing. I said it was fine by me. So, the five Amish women began to sing in harmony--a capella--with a sound so pure and perfect that it resonated throughout the vaulted ceiling of that ancient depot. At first, they sang hymns in German, but then they sang, in English, "Amazing Grace" . . . and I lost it. It was one of the most transcendantal moments of my life. THAT is what you cannot ever experience traveling in any other way; THAT is why I travel via Amtrak. Bless you both. And thank you for all the great work you do and share with us!

I would maybe never have considered Amtrak if it wasn't for y'all's videos. Did my first train trip on the Crescent 19 from NYC to ATL in a roomette this past January and LOVED IT!! Your videos were spot on in what to expect and how to act and be respectful of the employees and other passengers. Later this month I'm going from Charlotte NC to DC (roundtrip a few days apart) for a concert and museum visits but this time in business class. Your lovely folks are my train gurus, thank you so much 😊

Did 90 days across USA last Summer using 3 x USA Rail passes in a row. Did 27 cities, 20,000 miles and 36 states all around the USA. Coast to coast 4 times and border to border twice! Amazing times, videos like these helped enormously 👍

you guys are saints for making this video

I fooled around and waited to get a roomette the price jumped from $230 to $550. So I am in businesses class. Hard lesson to learn but I should have followed your advice. Traveling to Virginia to NC

I am constantly amazed by how much information you pass along to your subscribers. Thank you!

I love your videos! So much valuable information.

Best comprehensive breakdown EVER!! You have made my decisions easier when planning my bucket list of train trips. You two are a Godsend!! Thank you SO much for your time, advice, stories and experiences. I am so excited to get started this summer. Thank you, thank you!!

Great tips and advice. Thank you tons !

These videos are so helpful thanks

I’m taking my first Amtrak trip next month and the info you provide is invaluable! I’ve watched quite a few of your videos and feel like we’re friends. Thanks.

Great advice!! You're so right about roomettes & bedrooms being cramped. Many years ago, an exceptional sleeper car attendant opened a partition between our bedroom & an adjoining unused bedroom allowing us more space for the balance of our trip. My wife was hooked afterwards & expected me to get the same accommodations for every long distance Amtrak trip or she wouldn't go. His & Hers en-suite bedrooms offer the ultimate in space where couples can share the same space during travel without feeling cramped at bedtime. Pricey but worth it.

I'd love to see a video more about you guys, your background and how you came to doing this type of travel video. I have watched several of your videos as I have just discovered the joys of train travel myself!

Always excellent comments. Very helpful with all aspects of Amtrak travel. I have taken all the westbound trains out of Chicago, and your insights have been very helpful.

WOW. Great presentation and organization of a lot of information. My first zephyr was from Reno To Chicago in 1957 and second was a continental round trip from Houston to Houston 2011. The eye candy remains overwhelming in my minds eye. Gimme More!

Ty ur always very helpful. I found that doing practice bookings online made it easier to book. Each time I found new informative things I missed. My round trip on the southwest line was 40 percent booked on the return from chicago even at 7 months ahead. Ty again. Can't wait for my trip in may.

As is always the case a ton of great information! Should be required viewing for anyone taking a train trip. Thanks very much!!

You guys are so great! I'm taking my stepson on a first time train trip (36 hours) & your videos have helped SO much! I was a little nervous & now im grateful to you both! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I've been waiting for y'all to do a video like this... Awesome!!!!!

I love your videos, you are very informative and entertaining. You have inspired me to book The Canadian and The California Zephyr this winter. I love train travel, but my longest ride to date is 5 hours, here in the UK. You've definitely made me go for it!

Absolutely love your train guides and trip vlogs. Awesome videos.

Really love your videos! Thanks for making videos like this as well. They really help people understand what they’re getting in to. Home run every time. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

We ride Amtrak all the time, and we LOVE your videos.

Great video, very helpful, you both explained a lot of details with a friendly, slow paced manner, you sound like real people not salesmen. I have navigated through the site & found it difficult to locate smaller trips, a schedule, of course I have seen the long named trips, but I’m going to take another look. Thank you

I am going to be riding Amtrak in a few weeks, headed down to Savannah. I am VERY excited about it.

Thanks for excellent comparison of family bedroom vs bedroom vs Roomettes & accessible bedroom. Our trip recently on Empire Builder roomette was very difficult for 2 seniors 85 and 80. It appears either 2 Roomettes across hall or even better price wise is the family bedroom. Bathroom on hall plus shower is the same just closer down stairs. Lower view Is the only drawback.

Been a while since I’ve caught your videos! Informative and fun as always! Happy Holidays!

always love your videos - best info on Amtrac out there! we were set to go grand canyon from portland, OR in sept - but amtrac canceled our trip due to the near strike - so we hope to get there next year!

Thank you for this guide; sending to family for their edification, AMTRAK trip in their future. ✌️

Lots of information. Thank you.

Great vids!

Thanks for your video. I'm planning a cross-country tip on Amtrak next year, probably in September 2023 so this was perfect timing!

Thank you both so much for sharing your experience, you've helped me understand what to expect and how Amtrak operates. I'm planning a trip soon and I can't wait for it.

Great information. I enjoy your videos.

Your videos are so helpful!!!In a few weeks, I’m taking taking an Amtrak trip on the Crescent to New Orleans with my vibrant 82 y/o mom and 91 y/o aunt for Madi Gras. I’ve shared your video of much have items for train traveling and a lot others and this is making them super excited about train trips. They’ve cruised and flown many places but they’ve become more excited about seeing glorious views of this country on trains. Thanks for sharing

Thanks for video. Great information.

I love you both in your explanation of Amtrak do's and don'ts. I personally haven't been on Amtrak since 1996, before the Union Pacific takeover of Southern Pacific. It was a trip from Houston to Fort Lauderdale on the Sunset. The travel experience and the meals, to me was exceptional 👌. When I retire, I hope to do more train trips.

Very informative thank you so much for sharing this video I have not traveled Amtrak in over 30 years the last time I traveled was back in 1988 when I took a train from Boston to Savannah Georgia I know things have changed since then just a little But it sure brings back memories once again thanks for sharing

Fantastic - thank you!

The map is great. Thank you!

Great useful information. Rob sounds like Al Franken and is nearly as funny.

Thank you so much...this is such a great video!! 👍

Thank you for all the helpful info :)

Thanks very much guys :)

This helps because im about to ride a train in 2 days to Illinois.

I love how you bring up how confusing unmanned stations can be. In Martinsburg, WV, it's like that. On one side of the tracks you have the MARC train going down to DC, but the far side is where Amtrak comes. So you actually have to get on an elevator and walk across a bridge, and back down an elevator to get to that other side. Or walk across the tracks, but couldn't be me- although I've heard people have HAD to do that bc the station is sometimes locked up. Soo many of the stops on the Capitol Limited route I've seen are tiny stations like that, too. You guys are so informative!

Thank you so much for this info. Have never traveled or ridden on a train and want to do a short trip from South to mid Florida. Am leery on my ability to get on and off the train and wondering if I can take my shopping cart with me rather than a walker. I think the station near me is unmanned. I guess I’ll call for more info. But this video was so nice. Thanks again. 🥰

Thanks great information

Allie you need to travel the Lincoln Service with their new cars. Plus after Joliet the speed increases from 90 to 110 mph. One more thing have you traveled the Portland, OR. part of the Empire Builder? I love the way you talk during your videos that sure beats reading 6 lines of words in 2 seconds or listening to a 3 yr. old talking and you can't understand it.

The app is so confusing or just limited. I will definitely be looking at your blog ----and your videos are Lifesavers. I said I never travel Amtrak again because of the last experience I had going cross country in a full room but you're giving me hope😇 My room attendant did not help me get off the train and I tried to get my order for food since I had a disability and they never came to my room. That's why I said I would never ride Amtrak again especially at that price for a room!

Just booked my first train trip. It was more expensive than a flight (last minute roomette one way) but because of you two I want to experience a train trip at least once. Who knows maybe I will become hooked.

I travel between CLE CHI LAX, bedroom from CHI LAX and have found that the bedroom actually has three outlets. One single is at the end of one of the large seats and the other dual is by the sink and it is GFI protected. Sometimes the double is quite loose but generally does work, if not check to make sure it is not tripped. Sometimes the train power will cause it to operate, just reset and you're good to go. Also if some of the lights don't work it is because they are on with the outlet. Had that happen once or twice. Car attendants have been really good and responsive on my trips. Great tips for the new traveler.

Was taking notes!😄Am leaving in 1 1/2 weeks to fly to LA to ride the Coast Starlight to Seattle. 3rd time I've scheduled this trip. First time was for late Sept/early Oct. Then possible RR workers strike, so canceled.. Second time was for Dec. 13 departure after flying out of Arkansas on Dec. 11. Again, possible RR workers strike starting around the 9th. So now am leaving a week earlier. Fingers crossed and looking forward to it!

Thanks again! Another comprehensive and educational video! Agree big-time: Burbank station is confusing! If you don't know what direction things are from there, the signs are not very helpful. (I love hearing the trains, though.) And oh yes, the Amtrak ticketing system is confusing! I wish they'd use a system similar to Southwest Airlines, which handles thousands of flights and is easy to read. Oddly, in my wishful bucket-list searches, I've seen tickets be cheaper within a month than they are several months out. Baffling. Hope the cruse is going well!

i am going to maine to sandiego - question i was told to take these trains -Lakeshore Limited and the Southwest Chief.and then the Pacific Surfliner.. I also have a question should i get the roomtte on lakeshore limited or is coach big enough because my concern is I am 6"2 and the roomette seems small and i don not want to be a sardine - I did that enough in the army lol- what would u suggest and the price difference is huge but i am going to get a roomettte on the Southwest Chief, Again great channel and great videos and great info and thanks for making a channel liek this. Oh there are no roomets available on lakeshore until oct 21 and the price diffence is like $1100 one way - coach $315 and roomette $1900 that was for the lakeside and the surfer.

Thanks yall

great video vlog

Superliners are forbiden on NY routes because they’ll hit overhead catenary wires and short out the system. Double stacks freights for the same reason.

California Zephyr on Monday finally👏🏽

I like the train that used to go btwn Wilmington De to Williamsburg VA

When you take a round trip vacations, are the thruway transportaion from train station to hotel reliable, and the car rentals at the train stations? Could you talk more about this travel.

Another one to save to the ‘watch later’ folder for future reference

My adult son and I have booked our first train trip in March on the Texas Eagle. We've booked a bedroom. After dinner we'll want to eat once or twice in our bedroom in the middle of the night when I assume no food service is likely to be available. Where and how can we get something before food service closes that we can stash in the room until we're ready to eat it ? Will our midnight meal be limited to sandwiches, chips and beverages or could we get a standard meal? Many thanks for these videos. I've been watching them repeatedly to get myself prepared.

I've got my tickets from Birmingham to NYC for myself and my daughter. I remember seeing somewhere your recommendations for hotels near the train station in NYC, but I can't remember exactly which ones you suggest. Was it the Fairfield Manhattan/Times Square South? Thanks!

Great video - extremely comprehensive! I do have a question. If you buy a rail pass, and you'regetting on for your second segment (for example), do you become last priority on seating? Or does it not matter? Thanks so much!

Wish I knew size of area under seats in Roomette and Room for bag storage. Great videos. Thanks

You need to take the trip from Seattle to New York and then from New York to Portland Maine

Would it be possible to make a video to explain the procedure as soon as you arrive at the station ? Great video !

I booked a coach seat on a 30 hour leg because no roomettes were available. Is there a way to get on an 'in case of cancellation' list to upgrade to a Roomette in case one comes open due to a cancellation? Thanks, love your videos.

Hi Allie and Rob, im trying to understand why there is a huge price difference from a business class roundtrip ticket and a room roundtrip ticket from Portland to L.A.?

I use a CPAP machine nightly. Is there a convenient location for a CPAP machine for use? When I cruise I’ve found it best to bring a long extension cord for instance. Probably not an issue in a roomette?

Question, for coach, how to get hot water for cup noodles ? only dining car ?

So excited. Next week I'll be taking my first Amtrak trip in about 35 years. We're traveling from Flagstaff to Topeka. Is there any way to find out if those stations are big enough to have bag check?

how do snacks, sodas, and coffee work for people in the sleeper car? Are they included too?

Allie and/or Rob: I’ll be on the Empire Builder in early March. I’ve got a bedroom booked for the trip. We’re in Bedroom E, which is right next to the stairwell. In your opinion, what is the best of the 5 rooms to be in? Also, have you ever been in Bedroom A? It looks like it has a slightly different layout than the other 4. Thanks! Love the videos!

Hey Guys. Great Video! I'm planning to do an Amtrak trip across American in the upcoming summer with a friend. We are planning to ride trains like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight etc. I noticed that the price of a roomette on the Zephyr for example between Jan and May 1 is lower than that of after. I was wondering if it is cheaper to travel during certain months or is there a sale going on?

As I continue to create my first cross country Amtrak train ride I’m finding it somewhat overwhelming. My main interest is the Amtrak ride to the West Coast from East Coast itself but I’m seeing this is having to book a flight and stay at a hotel despite I fly to the West Coast or fly back to the East Coast. Is there a way I can have a round trip avoiding a flight and/or the hotel stay? I’m interested in going West. Any suggestions?

Hi there! Another very good and informative post. I do have a question about the alcoholic beverages available on the trip. I understand that in the sleeper cars you get one per trip, served at dinner. If you are eating in your room and have already used your freebie (say on the first day), can the room attendant bring you another one if you are dining in your room on the second day? How would that work for payment? Also, since I am there with the adult beverage questions, if one wanted a nightcap in their room, could one walk to the cafe and purchase the beverage and then bring it back to your room/roomette? Or does it have to be consumed in the cafe car?

Nola to Chicago: better to take the Meteor or City of NO?

We're taking the Empire Builder from Everett cuz we live in Marysville Washington to New York and then from New York to Portland Maine we can only forward Ford coach and I've been watching your video and stuff I want to know if I know to bring extension cord to three-way plug and ice chest but is there anyway that I can bring a small electric coffee pot on board and make my own coffee and I already have my food planned out that we're taking and stuff like that Mark 4 cup coffee pods without paying the price for coffee

You guys need to write a book! BUT! It needs to be like a notebook which can have replaceable pages as issues seem to change! OFTEN! Don’t forget to give me a 10% commission on sales! 🤣🤪❤

Hey I am new to your channel I have come across your channel recently since we are planning to on a vacation by Amtrak train but I wasn’t able to find a train with sleeper or bedroom and we wish to go from NY to Toronto can you please tel me is there any sleeper train available?? I live in NJ thank you ❤

Hi , two questions; When booking online - it shows a roomette with a Commode - if I book that room am I going to get a roomette with a commode or can they just change it? Are you limited to one serving at meals?

Hello to you both. I am booking a trip from Little Rock Arkansas to Peoria, Illinois on the Texas Eagle. The app says that we will change to a bus in Springfield Illinois to get us into Peoria. Have you had to encounter this and did you have any trouble with the change over to a bus? Thank you both for all the great information.

I just found your site and the information is fantastic. I am trying to go see my son and his family in May. I am coming from Sacramento and he lives in Clinton tennessee. So I know I take the zephyr to Chicago. Is the best setup from there to go to DC and on to South Carolina? Thanks for any advice.

What train goes from California to San Francisco California ?

Leaving Grand Rapids MI in the spring what would suggest for a trip. Thank you.

I would love to ride from Tampa to the Carolina’s, rent a cabin for a couple nights and ride back

Thanks for the video. I am trying to convince my wife to go on an Amtrak 8 day trip to Yellowstone National Park. We would get a train in Wilmington Delaware that goes to Chicago. Then take the Zephyr train to Salt Lake City. Any suggestions on scheduling the Wilmington Delaware train to Chicago? One other question (concern), I am 73 and have to get up in the middle ofthe night to use the bathroom. Is it easy to get to?

Hi Allie and Rob…I’m planning a trip from Port Huron, MI to Everett, WA. We will take the Bluewater to Chicago and the Empire Builder to Everett. I am so excited, but there is only a 3 hour window from the arrival of the Bluewater to the departure of the Empire Builder. Do you know how Amtrak handles a missed train when another is late. I’ve called and been told they will just reroute us. What would you suggest? Should we just stay the night before in Chicago?

Great info! Too much mm-hmming, though. Distracting.

Nice video! I can't imagine ever being stuck on a train for more than a full night and day. What amnesties are on a train? Pool? Fitness center? TV? Comedy club? Bar? Basketball court? Mini golf?😂 You only get your own toilet and shower if you do an upgrade? Gross! Honestly, you literally could not pay me 5k to go on a cross country train ride. Seems like a moving prison. It looks like a prison cell is actually twice as large as a roomette. Not hating on you or your videos. Very informative. To each their own ..😊

We are hoping my family will give use tickets for a room for Christmas from Cincinnati Ohio to San Francisco California and back

I have a question. It sounded like, at the 23-minute mark, you said that you'll come back from your seat to the roomette or bedroom. Do you also get a seat? I was thinking you had to stay in the roomette. Thanks

OK. Room "22" came up and thought it was like 1-12 usually...So it's the TRANSITION CAR (Crew car?) 22 on California Zephyr???. Man. this doesn't sound like the best, with Crew, right behind the engine, farther from dining and "bubble" car etc.?. Loved brushing up on Amtrak Zephyr with You guys. 2016 was the last time my daughter and I rode (Not big on flying at all) and still nervous about train in some ways. Family member is failing health wise, so a trip out there From Michigan/Chicago. Any thoughts? thanks.

Does Amtrak let you bring your own alcoholic beverages on board?

If I am getting off at an unmanned station, can I check my bags and get them at the stop before (manned stop)?

If travelling on Viewliner sleeper, to a destination that does not provide baggage service, what does one do with the luggage?? Can it go on a coach car baggage rack?

We recently returned from a RT ride LA to Chicago, on the SWC. Watched your videos for months. Going we were 3 hours late. The ride was bumpy the second night. Returning our train was 10 hours late, but smoother ride. The food was good, and the car attendants were friendly. We had a roomette, and small does not even begin to describe how tiny it was. It was not as glamorous as you portrayed, and my husband absolutely got no sleep. Will we travel by train again? We’ll see.

Why not a powerstrip?