Amtrak First Time Riders Guide | Tips and Tricks For Beginners

[@leszekmazur9541]

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.

[@dlsjr123]

FYI the online shop has it for just under $12

[@leszekmazur9541]

@@dlsjr123 TY!

[@benedmonson3445]

I would think as many seniors ride Amtrak, there would be someone of crew trained in emergency situations & essential equipment available.

[@e2atthamovies418]

This was so helpful. Thank You 🤗

[@sarahlewis7213]

Thank you for your help but am 54 and learning about Amtrak I’ve never been on am traveling from San Diego California to Medford Oregon so I will get comfort kit 😊

[@knndyskful]

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

[@oswurth8774]

So much easier to smuggle, amiright!?

[@sharjones2633]

Amen!!1

[@oldspiritart]

@@oswurth8774except they use sniffer dogs in each car, you just try it, they’re waiting for ya.🤣🤣🤣 Do your research before you shoot off ignorant comments

[@6ix-Beetle]

​@@oswurth8774The TSA rarely if ever actually stops any smuggling. They've also been caught numerous times stealing stuff they've confiscated from people.

[@stellaz2595]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for sharing that

[@Lilikitty73]

Lower lever doesn't have a good view outside 🫣

[@brianamonique]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@lawyermorty6735]

@briana I’m going to use the Amtrak soon and very nervous because I’m going alone as well. How was it for you?

[@jimbaker8243]

I'm so glad I found this video, I'm planning on traveling to VA.beach later this year.this will be my first time traveling by rail now I have a blueprint of the do's and don't 's

[@brianamonique]

@@lawyermorty6735 soon i’m actually gonna be using it for a third trip ! i still do get anxious but the workers on board are very helpful as well as the workers at different stops. even people traveling on the same train have double checked with me so we both know where our train is going. on the speakers if there’s any delays or you have a connecting bus they’ll announce it and what’s going on. jus remember to not be afraid to ask for help that’s what i’ve found the most useful. i hope you have/had a safe trip !

[@harrygrace6539]

I’m riding a an Amtrak for my very first time in a roomette traveling from Harrisburg to Jacksonville. It’s a 20 hour trip and I don’t have any idea what I can bring on the train or what to expect. My anxiety is very high.

[@andrewparker6094]

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

[@ruralangwin]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Wow, that is great, glad you had such a great trip!

[@juleepeacock5379]

​​@@GroundedLifeTravel What are the travel rules for pets I have a small 5 pound dog I would like to bring

[@juleepeacock5379]

​@@GroundedLifeTravel Could you enlighten me on what the up grade tip was. To go from I guess coach to business, I missed out on it , reading through messages heard someone talk about it

[@puccafunnylovefan1]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Hope you have a great trip!

[@WallaceDunn]

You got this!

[@vsweetwordsable]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Our pleasure!

[@azurain1]

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

[@kikicool01]

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!!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun! We wish you a great trip!

[@akeffo]

Trust me, lower your expectations and you’ll be ok.

[@leed119]

That is a trip I want to take.

[@ruthknight9727]

Delays delays. For Freight trains delays delays.

[@ruthknight9727]

Take less luggage as possible.

[@Dixey3]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarixiDilane]

How was your trip?

[@Dixey3]

@@GroundedLifeTravel trip last year went well, I feel like an "experienced" Amtrak traveler now. In fact, I'm taking another cross country trip in two weeks.

[@Dixey3]

@@MarixiDilane good

[@michellesmith8912]

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

[@JimRosipkoRN]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Very cool! Glad you had a good trip

[@ericasarat1834]

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.

[@indigosue3070]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Great tip!

[@konradxtofik]

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! ❤

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, have a great trip!

[@zacthomas77]

I was thinking of doing something like this too

[@konradxtofik]

@@GroundedLifeTravel❤ Thank you!

[@toddinde]

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

[@nolabrooke]

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.

[@raymondm.9954]

I was never able to connect to the Wi-Fi on the Lake Shore Limited, either.

[@stellaz2595]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Awesome!

[@samuelserrano9789]

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..

[@JohnF-m2i]

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?

[@wcoasttigger]

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

[@squalli1297]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Very true! On our first trip we had to take some things out of our checked bag. We packed way too much anyway!

[@hemendraajmera9025]

Nice video. Pl share email id to clear some doubts. We are from India and coming to USA by end of current month. Require your advice.

[@brandond.7768]

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.

[@jacquelineottina7373]

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

[@makulewahine]

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.

[@waterisprecious1]

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! 😄

[@mikejt1966]

Another thing to know about Amtrak is if you get stuck due to a delay in train travel that they have the following policy. As information, Amtrak does not authorize monetary reimbursement of expenses incurred with other service providers, nor do they offer monetary compensation for inconvenience. I got stuck due to a delay on the Amtrak Cardinal in Chicago overnight They were able to get me on the Southwest chief the next day but I have to overnight in Chicago and they told me they would cover that expense. I just got an email telling me that is not the case. Spread the word on this too.

[@sheilab4978]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, hope you had a good trip

[@tailorforeman7082]

Wow you two are very thorough. I am a single 25 year old graduate student and want to start doing train trips. I am doing my first trip tomorrow Dec 12th ‘22 on the auto-train (FL to VA), I got a sleeper car but I would strongly prefer to have my meals in my room and no other video has touched on that. That you you two, new subbie for sure!

[@tailorforeman7082]

Oh and my corgi will be with me 😍

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! Yes we eat in the room all the time!

[@junehood6248]

This was very helpful. My husband and I are getting ready to do our first long ride on the train Labor Day Weekend. We will be getting on the California Zephyr in McCook Ne, which is 2 hours from home and going to Glenwood Springs, CO for the weekend and then back to McCook to go home. We will be traveling coach this first time. If all goes well we will plan a bigger trip on the train. I am so excited for our trip.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip! They Zephyr is awesome!

[@nataliajimenez1870]

Take a pillow and blanket with you for coach. Also recommended: eye mask and ear plugs

[@amaricejenkins4795]

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

[@luxuryqueen42]

Have a great trip!

[@ElsieMay22]

How did it go? I’m going for the first time in a few days and am really anxious.

[@laurencethorn3429]

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!

[@shannonjones6496]

I do hope you have a good experience on Amtrak. I love it, have only traveled coach style, and found that my favorite scenery so far is from NYC north (or Albany ⬇️ South back to NYC.)

[@jjstevens9261]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Couldn't agree more!

[@CoryMatthew87]

TIPPING QUESTION: You mentioned tipping the room attendants each night (which makes sense)... do you hand them the money directly, or leave it somewhere in the room as you go eat, etc? Just trying to figure out the norm for this. In hotels we usually leave it on the nightstand or table but not sure with trains. Thanks. Love your videos!

[@carlajones6616]

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.

[@rockyfalcis]

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!!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@Right-is-Right357]

I'm going to take the Pennsylvanian after a couple of weeks from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia! Amtrak first timer! Your video is very informative! But more importantly, its made so well! 30 minutes - you had my rapt attention! Your narration was excellent. Intonation, voice flexing, energy, enthusiasm. You have covered all the points comprehensively yet concisely! It seemed like you are talking to me over a cup of coffee or a beer. Way to go! Or shall we say "way to Amtrak"! Good luck to you guys!

[@lylacolemam6404]

Been watching you on KZbin 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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MzBettyK]

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

[@donhorvat1931]

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…..

[@thesocialbutherfly6960]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks

[@carold6542]

I absolutely love you guys. So much info; so many notes.We are heading down to Disney World this fall(1st time riders). Would you recommend we get off at the Orlando or the Kissimmee stop? When we do, are there taxis there to get to WDW? We are kinda scared and excited. Being in our 70's makes us a tad more so. Thanks for all your help. We will be watching ALL your videos before we sign up so we can avoid mistakes.

[@kathleenw5788]

so so appreciate your tutorials on train travel...my adult son and i are braving a trip from Oregon to Colorado to see my daughter.

[@shaydelre1898]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Happy to help!

[@Doopdedoopskiboop]

I just went on my first two Amtrak rides as a result of your videos. I enjoyed it very much! It made me look into using it as a form of travel more often, but I was discouraged by the difference in price between 1 and 2 adults in a roomette. I felt a couple hundred dollars was unreasonable. I wonder what would happen if my second guest booked coach and came back to my room by my invitation? Lol

[@akeffo]

Amtrak attendant would probably demand a threesome and then a tip for his “service.”

[@Stache987]

Amtrak frowns on it, it goes by original booking, but if the conductor offers a accommodation and you team up with someone it's fine, the cost may get discounted too.

[@shannonjones6496]

As long as the passenger has a paid ticket, I personally see no problem! If otherwise, I'd like to know, and the justification either way.

[@mike07646]

Keep in mind the roomette comes with food included as well, so you are paying for that added value as well. An additional adult is additional food/drinks that they have to prepare/serve.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

it depends if they only stayed for a while in the roommate and did not eat the dinning food, it would probalby be okay since they are just visiting your room for a little bit. If you got extra dinning food that is like stealing since it costs money to have food unless you shared only your meal with the other person in your roommate.

[@chungusmayonnaiseegg]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun!

[@jimdolde]

DON"T DO IT

[@LadyHavoc]

Hope you enjoy!

[@akeffo]

Read some of my posts on this video. I’m here to put you at unease. Moohahaha

[@sandrahewitt9015]

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.

[@onemat2000]

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.

[@CherylCuttineau]

I just discovered your channel, and what a treasure trove of good advice based on experience! I am 72 and I have never been on a train before. I used to travel internationally when I was younger and flying was fun ;) You have inspired me to travel by train, and I love learning new things. Thank you for all your efforts--perhaps we will meet up somewhere 😊

[@DannyA3579]

I just booked a cross country trip on Amtrak. Miami to San Diego. 4 trains. 3 days. Almost entirely in coach seats because it was $517 for coach / business OR $2K+ for a roomette. It’s either going to be a great adventure or my most regrettable trip. Miami to DC DC to Chicago Chicago to Los Angeles Los Angeles to San Diego

[@mitstock4603]

how did it go?

[@DannyA3579]

@@mitstock4603 it was awesome.

[@barbaradiaz345]

Update please.

[@DannyA3579]

@@barbaradiaz345 Sorry. I should’ve posted the update a long time ago. The trip was absolutely fantastic. I should say that I think I got lucky because I had no major delays. In fact, my first train arrived in Washington DC about 45 minutes early. I had 9 hours in DC which was great because I met up with an old friend and we went to just about every major monument, as well as the WH. Traveling the first 2 legs in coach took some getting used to, especially since I was a solo traveler, sitting / sleeping next to a stranger. Most of the other passengers were very nice and the fact that the train cars and seats are spacious meant you didn’t feel cramped. I had upgraded myself to a roomette for the Chicago to Los Angeles route because it was 43hrs. It was worth it. Having the roomette meant I also had lounge access (including showers) at Union Station. I only had about 4 or 5 hours in Chicago but was able to take a shared ride to see Wrigley Field and to enjoy some great food. The roomette was great. I had access to a shower on the train but didn’t use it since I’d showered Chicago. My cabin attendant was fantastic. She was so sweet. The dining staff were amazing. It was nice to have really good food that was actually cooked on the train. I really enjoyed watching the scenery change as we progressed from state to state. My final left of the trip from Los Angeles to San Diego was scenic but had that “commuter rail” vibe. Would I do it again? Absolutely! I’m already trying to plan the next one.

[@minnap]

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!

[@akeffo]

Bahahaha you’re in for a treat. Take a close look at your dirty cabin. Glory in the bumpy rail line. Get completely bored by looking at pick up trucks, fields and depressing small towns in N.Dakota, Montana. In Spokane in the middle of the night you’ll get woken up as the train separates for Portland. Your attendant will expect a tip at the beginning or end or both for doing very little other than taking your reservation or turning down your bed. Glacier and the Washington coast are interesting and the food is good. But, it’s train food. Have a great time!

[@estherstephens1858]

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!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Great to hear! Have a great trip!

[@lisaharrington6488]

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! 😊

[@simonwillingham3550]

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.

[@marijafarmer5349]

I watch a lot of travel on utube. I really like what you guys r doing. You guys complement each other. I would never guess that you r a mixed couple. I find this very refreshing. Makes me know that my faith and prayers do make a difference. God bless both of you.

[@9lavender]

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

[@Tomcat304]

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!!!

[@blossomct]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@nataliemkennedy_aboutthebooks]

Just came back from Philly and the traditional dining is back on Amtrak from New York to Miami . From Miami to Philly not yet.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@jgee3369]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@Pleasegoaway2024]

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

[@msjdb723]

Great info! I was checking out airline fares from Reno to Philadelphia to visit my son, and I could not believe how much higher the fares have gotten since I last flew. I googled train fare, and it was under $400, but it occurred to me that's probably just coach. So I'd probably end up spending just as much or even much more for a sleeper car for that 3-day train ride. However, maybe I'll just do a one-night trip somewhere just for the experience. I'm going to be watching your sleeper car types next.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, that is probably coach. Thanks for watching!

[@Just2gofoods]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Oh that is a great station!

[@fimuseum]

Your station is one of the highlights of my trips !

[@KarenValtin]

Is it still Union station or did they move it. I haven't been back home in years.

[@eddy2561]

Amtrak from Sacramento to Bakersfield (to make my wife happy) it stops near Corcoran, CA where newly released inmates take the train to LA...we learned they are not allowed to enter the club car and on occasion the train will make an emergency stop where the sheriff's deputies will get on and take an inmate back into custody!!

[@JasmineYee142]

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

[@btownjackson1819]

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!!

[@swearenginlawanda]

How was your trip? May i ask the cost? Is per person or for a room ( sleeper )

[@cassie9338]

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

[@barbaralienhard3490]

Great job, I think we need to turn up the audio in the Roomette, we have never heard announcements. The attendant has been good to tell us before iur stop but we didn't hear fresh air breaks. Something to check out in November when we travel. Thank you for the tips.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@apriljackson5304]

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❣️

[@leannsanford906]

I'd like to see how you book a trip. E.g. Santa Rosa, CA to Tulsa, OK.

[@gladosfan13]

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

[@alecboucher5984]

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

[@B0BBYSW0RLD]

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!

[@sarattasavage5089]

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

[@ryangordon3611]

Going to Sacramento from Chicago next month and will only have a carry on. Should I just put that above me and not worry about checking it? Ride is 50 hours.

[@judith780]

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.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Our pleasure!

[@ivankalash2696]

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.

[@kikyochan66]

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

[@dannycnoble]

Amanda and I are flying to Chicago from Dallas to catch the Zephyr in a roomette. we are really excited. we are going to stop by Giradons for a real deep dish pizza then head to the station. We plan on getting to the station around 1245 (we are not checking bags 1 little carryon is all we will have) so i can walk around and check it out. we want to get off at the richmond station in cali to catch the bart. but amtrack wanted to charge us an extra 200 bucks so i said we will just go to emeryville and walk to the Bart station 2 miles away. after being on the train for 3 days we could use a good walk. LOL

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have a great trip!

[@bikenraider99]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Our pleasure!

[@aliciadanvers350]

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 😊.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

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.

[@keeperofthekatra]

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 🖖

[@IsaacNYC212]

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

[@ramonalfaro3252]

LA Union Station has transformed since before the Subway was built and work for future high speed rail started. The old 24 hr lunch counter (From back when trains were the main means of travel) is now a Brew Pub. There's a waterfall & big fish tank in East Entrance and lots of news eateries throughout the station. Also, Plaza Olvera & Chinese American Museum across the street would make this a destination spot for anyone visiting Los Angeles. LA Union Station often put on free events Music, Movie Screenings, Holiday events ( Christmas Tree Lighting), in the Front by the old tickets booths, along with events at Plaza Olvera (Cinco De Mayo, Dia De Los Muertos) & Chinese American Museum (Chinese Lunar New Year). There's a good chance some event is happening. Architecture alone is worth a few extra minutes. Big difference from back in the 70's & 80's when it seemed like only the destitute rode the train.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for sharing

[@penjim]

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

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derrickturner7163]

Are you made aware of time zone changes?

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Thank you. I usually take the bus from DC to NY but my knees can’t take the seating anymore. Penn Station is crazy but I’m taking Amtrak next time.

[@marisahokefazi4735]

I've done that route a couple of times and they had an express train.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Mentioning Burbank reminded me of my first time there. I flew in, got a Metrolink ticket at the kiosk, but accidentally boarded an Amtrak train. Same tracks, same route, same stops, but not the same.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That is a confusing place to board

[@stephenduncan872]

ANOTHER excellent video. Thank you for your dedication and information.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks!

[@pamelas7746]

Your video's are so helpful and informative. I will be taking my first trip with my mom next year. We just lost my dad and my hubby does not want to go, so we are going to make it a girls trip and your video's have help me so much in planning and preparing. The one question I do have and I apologize if I missed it in any of your videos, is once you leave your sleeper bedroom are you able to lock it or does your valuable bag have to go with you everywhere? Thank You

[@dmacnic]

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

[@lindabeeson6704]

For the past three days since I discovered you and your vlogs, I have been pouring over every video and comments related to you two. I am eternally grateful to you for doing this wonderful work, you are both naturals at it, thank you! I am not clear as to what is considered round-trip on the Sunset Limited. If I board in El Paso, will I go to both New Orleans and Los Angeles and back to El Paso? Do I understand correctly that there is a loop where one could use a padlock outside of the Roomettes bedroom door? And, a reviewer commented that a companion traveling with me could have their own Roomette at no extra cost, is that correct?

[@fredspofford]

Shut up

[@collidingforces9589]

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

[@mikerich8661]

I call the fresh air break as you call it as the long stop. I have traveled on Amtrak but not in recent years. I usually look at the timetable of the train I travel and see which stations have both the arrival and departure times with them; I call them the long stops. If the train arrives early, I know the train will not leave early; it'll depart on its schedule time. For any stop I can get the train to stretch out and get fresh air, I basically stay next to the car I have my reservation in and use audio cues of the locomotive's horn or the "Board!" call by conductors. Hope this information helps you and other passengers that are traveling on Amtrak for the first time or have been a long time since they traveled on Amtrak trains. I do have the Amtrak app on my smartphone.

[@Master0fHyrule]

Do we need every luggage tagged or can I just go to the train?

[@blossomct]

Thanks!

[@jodiethierry4994]

Thank you so much for this information. I'm disabled and I'm traveling from Colorado to Miami. I was wondering how I was going to get around as I can't walk far. I have to take 3 different trains. 1 to Chicago then to DC then to Miami.

[@danielmaloney128]

I found this to be very helpful as I will be taking Amtrack in march

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun

[@danielmaloney128]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks, Its my first time taking Amtrak