Complete Guide To Riding Amtrak

[@jaymyers9396]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for your insights, suggestions, and story! Some of the same reasons we love riding the trains!

[@steveshama5960]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Sweet story about the group of people...Yes, I take Amtrak for the experience and I am "never" disappointed.

[@joejanitor8410]

Me and family took a Grand Canyon 3 yr ago and a Miami trip because of them , Hell I never knew of a Amtrak train until I stumbled upon their channel.

[@susanharris-rohde1127]

What a great memory and experience. Better than a solo car trip or an airline. Thank you for sharing.

[@favyoutuber]

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 👍

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Amazing!

[@1stadboricua984]

Wow amazing! How are they with checking ID?

[@blake1701grogu]

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 😊

[@tayloroids]

you guys are saints for making this video

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! Have a great trip!

[@deniseriley790]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip

[@joemeyers3127]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@NancyBiker]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun!

[@cordybluejeans]

How was your trip and where did you go?

[@MirandaLayh]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! And thanks for sharing about that station.

[@diva70smusic]

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!!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Awesome, we are glad to hear it! Have a great trip!

[@diva70smusic]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Thank you. You are the best!!

[@benedmonson3445]

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.

[@71tarheelfan]

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

[@squalli1297]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Wow, that's amazing! The bedroom suite is the ultimate in space!

[@reneecasey7241]

Thank you so so so so much for this informative video. I cannot wait for my Amtrak adventure with my family.

[@fw7993]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks so much! If you go back many years when we started the channel and look at really old videos there are quite a few more personal ones!

[@fw7993]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Will do. Thanks!

[@davidlang6511]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!

[@bew4464]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@bew4464]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks! I wonder how long you guys have been riding the rails. Has it been over twenty years? My husband and I met a couple on a cruise decades ago. Say early 2000's. We found out they had arrived to the port and were going back home to New York by train. I remember the guy was trying to convince us that travel by train was great. I think one reason was price and he didn't really care to fly. We just thought he was nuts because no way were we going to spend that amount time getting back home. If it is you guys, you've finally convinced me to give rail travel a try.

[@JohnMlakar]

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.

[@choochootrain7540]

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

[@carolineloncher9997]

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!

[@karltitz1725]

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!

[@theliteraryabyss]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!

[@dnice9168]

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.

[@hiwind58]

The map is great. Thank you!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You are welcome

[@humbledman9990]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@philsams]

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!

[@rabarbosa62754]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@armondtodd6969]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad you liked it!!

[@joek3362]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for sharing

[@glennfjenkins2702]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrsparklepants1705]

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. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You're so welcome!

[@BigThangs]

These videos are so helpful thanks

[@katherinedraus9211]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@carolynallard97]

I love your videos! So much valuable information.

[@drmichelelinski9325]

Great tips and advice. Thank you tons !

[@frankrueter5218]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for your comments!

[@marcyl2003]

Taking a trip to Austin from Detroit this month. Headed to the next video 😊

[@michaelfrantz1940]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!

[@MarkWayUp]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, have a great trip!

[@KimtheElder]

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!

[@naomimaxey436]

Great information. I enjoy your videos.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@AA_8184_1]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! Great to hear from you!

[@joanie3158]

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. 🥰

[@maretoner766]

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

[@karentyler]

Just wrapped up a Coast Starlight - California Zephyr - SW Chief trip this morning. Superfine 1's for CS and SWC. Had a Superliner 2 Transition car for CZ. Unfortunately, due to major delays on CZ, we didn't get to Colorado until dark. So the major scenic part of this trip was at night, and we reached Chicago 8 hours late. The Amtrak staff on board was amazing. Coach passengers ended up getting two complimentary meals and there was an additional meal for sleeper car passengers. Had an email from Amtrak when I got home apologizing for the delay and to expect an email with a travel voucher. Your videos give a lot of practical information and preparation along tips and I felt very prepared for this trip.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad they helped with the situation after that delay, and sorry you missed some of the scenery. Thanks for watching and sharing your story!

[@TheKingOfCrocs]

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

[@donnalange6927]

Lots of information. Thank you.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@catherineanthony5353]

Thanks for video. Great information.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nutti2you380]

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!

[@nutti2you380]

Cruise. I can usually spell.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!

[@crynolyn]

Thank you for all the helpful info :)

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You are so welcome!

[@darkmoon10000]

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.

[@johnslyfield5096]

Amtrak cascades has some Talgo trains (tilting) and horizon (vanilla commuter trains) :)

[@melindamcclure5278]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@rtodo9994]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We've got one for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKmlkHSvm7yJn80

[@tracymiller2571]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@harperwood3562]

Fantastic - thank you!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Our pleasure!

[@patricialemke3449]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, that is the best thing to do. TN is hard to reach on the train, but that is the best.

[@patricialemke3449]

@@GroundedLifeTravel your so awesome for replying. Happy travels and good health 😊

[@Homer500]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It is not big, think duffle bag or small backpack

[@richbednarski2338]

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.

[@tammyharper4152]

Thanks great information

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@notaverygoodguitarplayer]

Great vids!

[@DeborahAllen-s1k]

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.

[@kingtommen6454]

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?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

The summer is high season for them so it is more expensive usually.

[@dhawthorne15]

California Zephyr on Monday finally👏🏽

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@dhawthorne15]

@@GroundedLifeTravel trip was awesome, for whatever reason we didn’t have an observation car and the grill stopped working after the first day….it was awesome. Now on to the Coast Starlight in 3 hours.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

@dhawthorne15, you said you had problems on the Amtrak trip, since it was only a few months ago, I would call 1800 usa rail and talk to customer relations department and they should be able to give you a partial vocher for a future trip.

[@jessicaclaborn8907]

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!

[@rebeccasochor4665]

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?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That is what we always do, since the EB is the longer ride id stay the night in Chicago

[@BoratWanksta]

I would try to do the connection of both these 2 trains in Chicago, on the same day. IF by some chance you do miss the connection to the EB, Amtrak will reschedule you to the next day's Empire Builder train. Along with also putting you up at some hotel near downtown Chicago to stay, overnight.

[@DraconaiMac]

Thanks very much guys :)

[@duanehewitt8852]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You'll need to go to Chicago, then the best two are the California Zephyr or the Empire Builder from there

[@dmaebinkley6819]

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?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes you can do both! You usually pay in the dining car but they would figure it out.

[@davidvant1047]

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?

[@Patrick_Gray]

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?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You want to go on a day when the Cardinal goes so it'll be direct. The bathrooms aren't too bad to use at night

[@lindastansbury2067]

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.

[@LadyHavoc]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It shouldn't matter which segment you are on

[@evwonder1889]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We've never been in A, we were in E last time. It seemed just like the others to us so we have no real preference.

[@carrievornkahl6442]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You would not have time to get them and get back on.

[@MrBettyw95]

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

[@susanmachell]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

This happens if you are going to a city that the trains don't go to. It is usually no trouble to switch to the bus.

[@NadiazVlogsUSA]

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 ❤

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

There aren't any sleeper trains to Toronto, they go during the day

[@cceatl]

Thanks yall

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you

[@MrBettyw95]

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

[@miragexl007]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, it is a transition car in that case. We actually prefer that car because the bathroom is a bit bigger usually, but if you want to switch it they sometimes will switch your room if you call in.

[@sharonheng5884]

hi, how is the toilet for maple leaf train from new york to niagara falls please? i’m really anxious about dirty toilets.

[@denisemead1271]

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?

[@BoratWanksta]

I just googled both stations on Amtrak's website. And YES, both stations are stuffed, and have checked baggage service.

[@isabellepoynter5193]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That would be great!

[@isabellepoynter5193]

I even heard a commercial on the radio about Amtrak which NEVER HAPPENS! What would you recommend for someone if the seats and beds are not comfortable? I’ve seen some cons about the comfort on youtube

[@sbeckas]

CZ from chic-emery-with a roomette on the Northside - if observation car is full-can I sit in unoccupied coach seat on Southside? until observation is available?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You likely could for awhile, it might be full though, but there are other places you can linger a little, like the dining car, plan your meal time when the scenery is coming and get on the south side.

[@sbeckas]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Could the "cafe" car be another option to linger? thanks for videos and your feedback.

[@marisasmith6987]

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

[@connielee1126]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Possibly we meant the dining car, if you have a roomette, you don't also have a seat in coach

[@bradleyeis7319]

Hello, can you tell us about Teir Status. When you reach a certain level do you hold that, or does it start all over at the New Year ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It starts over every year

[@bradleyeis7319]

@@GroundedLifeTravel What a bummer. If you spend a lot of money every year, they should let you keep it.

[@susanharris-rohde1127]

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

[@debm7596]

I have a service dog. (I’m deaf). We did get a family sleeper for more room even tho it’s just my husband and me. How hard do you think it will be to travel with my service dog?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You will need to call and make special arrangements with them

[@marshall9574]

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?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Your attendant can usually find a place for it. There is room for 1 suitcase in the room though.

[@journalersketcher]

When booking a sleeper car on a Viewliner train, would booking a bedroom vs a roomette be worth it for someone that has concerns about possibly having the commode in the room?

[@sbeckas]

Talk to ur Dr. there r meds to curb frequency. If not interested - there are over the counter products-depends, liners etc. If u have no issue with paying a great deal more go with an upgrade for a commode in ur room. I am trying methods such as less water after a certain time of day- which seems to help me reduce frequency.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It would eliminate the possibility for sure, the bedrooms have a toilet also, but in an enclosed private space. It is usually quite an upcharge for the bedroom though.

[@melanie3500]

I've heard about the state of the amtrak bathrooms on several videos. If they have this reputation, why don't they have scheduled cleanings partway through the trips?

[@mycontainergarden]

Can I still get travel rewards from Amtrak if I book my trip through Vacations by Rail? Or is it better to book directly through the Amtrak Vacations Website?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Only through the Amtrak website, which is different from Amtrak Vacations

[@mycontainergarden]

Thank You So Much for the info!!!

[@lakb45]

Many moons ago, didn’t Amtrak have a hopper option? Do you know why they discontinued it?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Good question, we aren't sure of the answers!

[@leonardquirk2406]

Yes they did but it was at least 30 yrs ago we did that

[@Sheriff_Erik]

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

[@ryanpowell9929]

Hello Allie and Rob I have a question I would like to take a Amtrak trip but I am not sure the way to do it. I have a couple places to go My name is Ryan Powell.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

The best is to book right on their website

[@ryanpowell9929]

@@GroundedLifeTravel thank you very much what seat do you think or a room do you think St. Louis is a good place to visit? I haven’t been to places like that before by myself?

[@geremi140]

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?

[@CJJJCC]

Any idea why a train station, like in Cincinnati only operating 12a-4a?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Only 1 train goes through Cincy, so it's only open when that train is there.

[@miragexl007]

Disliked the Bedroom on the Zephyr mainly because the Windows are very Small!.. Roomette, upper bunk is OK for kids but not adult/me anyway. We've both slept on bottom-heads on opposite sides. Unfortunately unexpected trip this week, so prices aren't great unfortunately. Hopefully your on our train. And whats the Exclusive Number for Members (didnt' know about this before)?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Our train got canceled today, we were supposed to be on the Coast Starlight. There is a number for executive select status.

[@frostyfly31122]

asking as a foreign traveler, other than calling in, any idea how fast they reply to emails? if i remembered correctly, u previously mentioned amtrak doing partial refunds for long delays in form of vouchers if u contact them about it after. is there a time limit to do the feedback? could u get a refund back to the credit card used for booking instead of the voucher?

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

I think it is voucher only, we've never gotten a refund. I'd also think you wouldn't get a response real quick from an email. When we are out of the country we call them on Skype to get through.

[@RashidHussain007]

great video vlog

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!!

[@PseudoFiction]

just got my Guest Rewards Mastercard, they're only offering it until 12/2 apparently

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It's a good card, we've gotten a lot of free sleepers using it!