What’s it Like to Travel In an Amtrak Sleeper Car?

[@avagd6293]

Thank you for the video. There are millions of people/travelers that do not like to fly. I am one of them. The airlines do not want high speed rail to be improved because it will eventually cut into their profits. The day is coming that rail travel will get faster and better and the ridership will increase.

[@Ira88881]

ava gd There’s no profit in high speed rail in the U.S., so don’t hold your breath. It has nothing to do with cutting into air travel.

[@helmitpeak]

@@Ira88881 Wrong, Amtraks high speed Acela trains are making big profits for the company. As they update to newer trains and update the road way it will only increase. Trains between close by cities can be profitable and the NEC has cut into air traffic.

[@Ira88881]

helmitpeak Still don’t buy it. There will be an exception here and there, depending on the route, but it’s never going to make a dent in our national infrastructure. Hell, they can’t even afford to build the things. Just look at Cali.

[@LeeRoggy]

@@helmitpeak The Acela is the ONLY profitable route for Amtrak. Amtrak does not even have 'right of way' for most of it's routes, so they pull over for freight travel. Building new lines is VERY expensive because you don't have legacy lines like Europe between cities (distance between many Euro cities is far less than in America - for example, from London you can fly to EITHER Paris or Amsterdam in ONE HOUR, so a 3-hour train ride is competitive in time.) or have access to slave labor to build the lines, like in China. I LOVE train travel but thinking this is the airline's fault or just wanting to build something is delusional on your part. We are privately building Brightline down here in Florida to connect Orlando to Miami via the east coast but it will take as much time via train as just driving because the route is circuitous. The best possibility for new rail service that is profitable is likely stuff like linking Dallas, San Antonio and Houston in a triangle (those are 3 of the largest 10 cities in population now and plenty of open ground between them) and something like LA to Las Vegas or Phoenix to Las Vegas. There's just not enough room to build new tracks. What might be a much better idea is to try monorails over Interstate highways, like Charlotte to Atlanta for example.

[@helmitpeak]

@@LeeRoggy Right, I knew that. I personally would like Amtrak to keep the cross country trains speeds as they are now. I like the leisurely pace.

[@Jeffhuebner]

That viewing car would be awesome in a thunderstorm!!

[@The_DuMont_Network]

It is.

[@zerjiozerjio]

It's beautiful during a blizzard, too.

[@rachelolvera4495]

I would love to see the stars

[@The_DuMont_Network]

To paraphrase Perry Como, "Come Along with me, I'm on my way to the stars..."

[@daviddarlenemccullough9878]

I was in an extremely severe thunder storm, on a trip from New Orleans to Chicago several years ago. I love thunderstorms and that one was a real thriller. I was in my sleeper just watching the show and finally I fell asleep. I woke up a couple of hours later and there was dead silence. the storm was still raging and were dead on the tracks. we had lost electrical power and were going nowhere. We sat on a siding while they were recharging our system from a rescue engine. That storm followed us most of the way up to Chicago and we made up for lost time. Was it exciting? You betcha And I would do that trip again in a heartbeat...Darlene

[@daviddarlenemccullough9878]

I was traveling in a sleeper roomette a few years ago and an extremely loud family with two unruly children got a room next to mine. At 11:00 pm when I complained to the attendant she upgraded me to a first class room at the other end of the car. Wow! first class is nice. They had rack of lamb on the dinner menu and I had it every night, three nights in a row. My husband doesn't like lamb. Spokane to Chicago and down to New Orleans is a wonderful round trip. Happy trails to you...Darlene

[@jimcamac6160]

Are you able to lock your sleeper door when you go to the dining car?

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@jimcamac6160 Nope. No more than you can lock your seat on an aircraft while visiting the head. However, comma, you can close your door and the curtains, put any valuables ut of sight or carry them with, and feel pretty secure. Only Sleeper (First Class) riders are allowed in the cars, and the SCA keeps an eye on things. In all my travels, I have never had my belongings disturbed, either bags in the storage area downstairs or items left in my room.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@Error Report Sleepers ARE considered First Class. I am presuming she was moved from a Roomette to a Bedroom. That would appear to be an "upgrade", mayhap. Rack of Lamb in the diner? Wow. hat's a first for me. The AMTRAK website can be a pain in the butt. I have seen better designed websites to be sure. If you have questions, call them 800 - USA RAIL.

[@gairikchakraborti8686]

A dream came true with beauty....

[@enniswhalen2428]

D & DM - Thanks for the info ( since Amtrak NEVER tells you much ). I eat a LOT ! Will they tell me that I get that one measely portion each time in the dining car ( I would eat about 6 sausage patties, 8 pancakes, almost a quart of orange juice for breakfast ), OR is ALL your food REALLY free when you have a sleeper ticket? Did Amtrak say?

[@pdelmercado]

I wish this country would embrace train travel again, better trains, more routes. And let the airlines go jump at themselves.

[@markplott4820]

Patti - GM & Ford killed American rail in the 1930's, there was a slight Gain during WWII but that was for Troop Transport. after the war. many likes FAILED, because they were NOT upkept and did NOT adapt to changing technology. JAPAN after the war, decided SLOW trains were NOT good enough. then they Designed the Bullet Train in the 50's and built it in the 1960's. America, today still rely on SLOW DIESEL trains on shared track with even Slower CARGO rail. IF America Electrified all Trains, used Bullet Train Livery, used Conical Wheels, and Double Tracks AMTRACK can be improved using the System MODEL from Japan. RAIL now has Competition. called LOOP Tunnels. LOOP tunnels are for Electric cars for long Distance travel, all Underground and cheaper than a Train Ticket. you can EVEN sleep in a Automatic Electric car. traveling at 210+ mph.

[@DTD110865]

@@markplott4820 Sorry, but GM joined the market for American rail in the 1930s, and held onto it until 2005. Ford tried to make people movers for Bradley International Airport, but faced criticism from left-wing activists that delayed production.

[@markplott4820]

@@DTD110865 GM, Ford , Interstate Battery, MAC Trucks, Firestone Tire and Stand OIL killed Electric RAIL in America

[@DTD110865]

@@markplott4820 That's a lie made up by anti-car zealots. Overexpansion, bureaucracy, strikes, and weather killed electric rail. Actually it didn't really die partially because not every metro area got rid of them, and some were converted to rapid transit lines.

[@markplott4820]

@@DTD110865 - and WHO makes and Supports Rapid Bus and Motor Coaches ? GM, Mac Trucks, Interstate battery, Firestone Tire, Standard OIL and others !!!!!! the Major Players in Electric Rail inc InterCity Urban Electric Rail were bought up by Shell Corporations (pun intended) and converted to Bus lines which the above Supported. before the Great Depression the Electric Rail Lines were the MOST popular way to get Around, more than Taxi, Personal cars and Buses. they could carry Workers to the Big City and Back to the Burbs. it was Efficient and Cheap.

[@photomanwilliams4147]

One of my favorite vacations. I flew from California to Chicago and spent a few days there. The return was by Amtrack and had the sleeper car. I took the northern route along the US/Canadain border. Loved the view of the countryside. Often the railroad traveled inland away from freeways, so got to see the wildlife. As he said, the food is included, and it is restaurant quality, not fast food or greasy spoon stuff. You are able to walk around and have special comfortable seating in the observation deck. The cost is reasonable when you think about it. The train ride is part of the vacation and no hotel room bills, or extra money being spent. so when you average the daily cost of a vacation day a days cost for the train trip can be cheaper. The train does make stops along the way, it might be a 5 min. stop or maybe an hour. You can get off and on the train to shop at the local stores around the train station if you care to. The only downside, and for some this is major. In the smaller room, you have a higher and lower bunk (which is made up for you in the morning and set up in the evening) but it is small or hard and requires climbing into......not so easy for us older folks, or to be frank, overweight people would have a hard time being comfy, so if that's you, think of paying for the larger rooms with 2 lower bunks assuming your traveling with a mate. Remember, if you book a sleeper car you are seen as a first class passenger which come with perks, On my trip, we passed through the wine country and a cheese and wine tasting event was presented for us. Sure airlines are so much faster, and if time is limited you fly, but we all know how airlines treat the traveler like crap and we are forced to deal with the stress. A train trip will be much more relaxed, fun, and see sights never seen before. I loved it, hope to do it again.

[@stlrsmike]

You nailed it! My girlfriend didn't like to fly, so we took the train from Pitt. to Seattle. It was more like a cruise, we met people, saw things we wouldn't have normally seen, received newspapers in the morning from the area we in, and other amenities. Loved it!

[@jeffking5536]

about how much im terrified of flying

[@sandieserrano2425]

I did the coastal starlight from los angeles to seattle in a sleeper..agree with you completely😀

[@Khrys32]

I love to travel and would like to experience doing this in all it's forms: Car, plane, and even train - of which I've never done before. Thank you for your comment, as it provided so much insight to this method of traveling.

[@geofftayloruk]

Great info, thanks.

[@Snapepet]

You did a really nice job! You also seem like a very kind man. Enjoy your travels!

[@pagandeva2000]

Train rides are nostalgic. I loved the rhythmic feel while lying in our sleeper car...and the sound of the train is great for sleeping. In fact, I listen to train sounds to lull me to sleep almost every night.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

There is something about the motion and sound if a train. Evrn though the clickety clack of rhe rail joints is for the most point gone.

[@eavesdroppin1]

My mother and I traveled round trip from Los Angeles to Houston a few years back and had the 2 person sleeper. We loved it and the food was wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

[@whoooami2090]

How long was the journey?

[@ronclark9724]

@@whoooami2090 Depends upon the route. Those east of Chicago sleeper train routes are for one night, those to the west of Chicago are for two or three nights. From around 20 hours to around 50 hours. Many of the routes route through Chicago, so it can take three to four nights to cross the nation. Keep in mind America is a large nation, not a tiny one like France or Germany. It is a five hour flight from London to Tel Aviv, it is a five and a half hour flight from New York City to Los Angeles, notice a half hour longer. It is a six hour flight from Boston to Los Angeles. A seven hour flight from Miami to Seattle. Notice I didn't mention Alaska or Hawaii destinations...

[@ralphharrison1903]

If I’m going to travel by Amtrak any long-distance I would definitely want a sleeper with a shower. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@jamesohara325]

There are showers on the trains if you have a sleeper but nit in your room..I can forgo a shower anyway for a few days

[@FlintIronstag23]

@@jamesohara325 Did you not see the part in the video where he showed the in-room bathroom with a shower?

[@bcaye]

@John Sabp, why? There is such a thing as a sponge bath, even rinseless shampoo for your hair. You don't have to immerse yourself in water every day to stay clean.

[@juanthompson8016]

@@bcaye you must be a stinky ass

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@FlintIronstag23 Combo shower/throne is in the bedrooms and some H rooms. ANd there appears to be a gentility amongst First Class patrons, or at least they can aim better I've never seen a shower in foul condition, and only once or twice found a foul rest room.

[@Ashoerchen]

"The trains can vary differently, depending on their age and how old they are....." Precious.

[@CharlieKnobcheese]

He forgot to add, "and the year they were built"

[@Ashoerchen]

@@CharlieKnobcheese rofl

[@markplott4820]

yep, compare that to HIKARI Sleeper trains in Japan.

[@Ashoerchen]

@@markplott4820 Good luck. The Shinkansen has no sleeper cars. It doesn't run by night.

[@markplott4820]

@@Ashoerchen - true, I wanted to say, Limited Express Hitachi trains.

[@jacquelinerollins2099]

If you ever travel by train. Please take my advice and get a sleeper in business class .Your on bathroom is definitely a Must I promise you.

[@jamesohara325]

Using a shared bathroom is not that bad and the price is double than a single sleeper

[@The_DuMont_Network]

All sleeper accommodations are first class. There are 4 different accommodations: A roomette will accommodate two people, and has an in room toilet on Viewliner equipment. A Bedroom will accommodate 4 people, and has an in room toilet/shower combo compartment. A Family Bedroom will accommodate 2 adults, a couple of children, but has no in room toilet or shower. The "Accessile" or Handicapped room has accommodations for two, a wheelchair dock, and a private toilet. See the Amtrak website for more details www.amtrak.com/onboard/onboard-accommodations-for-all-your-needs/sleeping-accommodations.html

[@NozomuYume]

You only get your own bathroom if you get the full-sized bedroom. The roomettes do not have their own bathrooms. But that's okay as the shared bathrooms in the sleeper cars are usually kept in pretty good shape. Especially on Superliner 2-level sleeper cars where there are 4 bathrooms to choose from. The reason for this is that the people who trash bathrooms are usually tweakers, etc. and they aren't gonna shell out for the sleeper car. On routes with business class seats even if it's not a sleeper, the bathrooms in that car are usually still pretty good for the same reason.

[@ellisjames7192]

@@jamesohara325 I do not want a toilet where I sleep. Sorry, that's just me.

[@r.f.pennington746]

As a kid, my family rode the train for long trips, say Chicago to Ft. Worth. Now in my retirement, I rediscovered the rail. Usually get the Amtrak roomette, but occasional bedroom. Pricey?--not really, when you consider fuel, wear and tear on vehicle, hotel cost, food cost and having to sit behind a wheel for a day's drive. I can walk around on a train! Amtrak's food is five-star and so are their porters (please tip porters and wait staff!). The occasional hour or two delay is minimal. We consider train travel a vacation inside of a vacation, as the rails go places that the interstates don't. Air travel makes me sick. It's not a fear of flying, it's the denigration of having to take off my shoes and belt, be herded like sheep, arrive HOURS before boarding (which is another half-hour or so wait)...and they lose your luggage! I don't pay to park at most train stations, and have to pay through the nose to park at airports. All that for this--try it! Hats off to Amtrak personnel.

[@gregstarkcindywelsh1065]

Thank you so much. The sleeper car that you are in looks like it's a lot more comfortable than the smaller one. I can't wait to travel on Amtrak. Thanks again!

[@larryhardy7928]

Greg Stark/Cindy Welsh no its horrendous its not what it appears BIG WARNING DO NOT ever ever ever travel amtrak

[@AmericanPatriot-bp7cu]

I think everybody is getting sick of airlines.

[@wronggg]

Until they take Amtrak and realize it's way worse.

[@alwaysathinkerkee4504]

That's the way my family travel. You get to meet people ,and see more. I work at the airport and don't fly and never will especially after working there. 😔

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@wronggg Hmmm... No TSA, no seat belts, no long lines waiting to be abused by minimum wage federal employees who can't find real work, being crammed into uncomfortable seats, NO decent food, no being able to get up and walk around at will, snooze, read, watch the scenery, go sit in the sightseeing lounge, yeah, that's worse than flying... NOT!

[@deanburton8927]

@@The_DuMont_Network b

[@competetodefeat4610]

Until you go to book a ticket with a room like that... and see the price tag... and realize you could have gotten a first class airline ticket for 1/3rd the cost and literally 1/10th the travel time. And can we stop with the "no long lines waiting" when comparing it to an airport because unless it takes an extra 80 hours of your time waiting in a line you aren't actually saving any time on your trip. Can you also stop acting like you'll be "packed in" if you fly because you can get a FIRST CLASS ticket for 1/3rd what is shown in this video. There is literally no way to rationalize it with your arguments, at all, ever.

[@bradleyr34]

Thanks for the video. My wife and rode the California Zephyr from Sacramento to Chicago. 48 hours in a roomette. Best land trip ever. Much better than flying. Great scenery and food. We hopped off at all the stops no matter what time it was. 3am in Salt Lake City! Mostly Short stops though. All the employees were friendly and helpful. The only thing better than a train trip is a cruise!

[@rachelolvera4495]

Bradley R agreed

[@rynev3392]

How much was a ticket per person

[@bradleyr34]

Ryan Neville , I think we paid $550 for two. The second person just pays the coach fare. The first person pays coach fare plus the room fee. Something like $400 for one fare +$150 for the second. This was five years ago.

[@papablueshirt]

Train travel seems like it would be fun. My wife would rather drive though, so maybe I will make her drive and I will watch tv in the back LOL

[@KellyDsWorld]

I wouldn’t say food is “free”....to me it’s more that it is included in the cost of what you pay for first class accommodations

[@amancalledhawk5575]

Well said

[@jaccourt9531]

So only first class gets free food. Regular class cost like on a plane.

[@thegrandcanyonisegypt2489]

indeed, whos still drinking diet soda tho??

[@donutninja43]

@@jaccourt9531 yup, only the sleeper car gets free food, coach and business have to pay for their food, and dont have their on bathroom ect.

[@KellyDsWorld]

@@jaccourt9531 NOTHING IS FOR FREE...purchasing a First Class /sleeper ticket actually means that you paid for the food in advance (when you bought the first class/ sleeper ticket) and "regular" class aka coach seating means you have to pay for it (usually in cash) as you order/eat it

[@harlowblackadder356]

Luxurious compared to plane travel!

[@WickedWest512]

If you wondered where all the film critics and the Martin scorsese's of the world are, they're here! Judging a guy doing a quick video of his trip on Amtrak! I mean really people get a life! Maybe we could all judge you, that this is how you spend your day!

[@kennywowie]

and how you spend yours...though I hope it didn't take you a day to comment like it did all of us wannabee film-makers.

[@christianfaux736]

Oh relax, I think it's perfectly valid to say the music choice was odd.

[@andrewthompson6492]

Sleepers do look better than the roomettes which are tiny for 2 passengers. The upper berth is so close to the ceiling it's like being in a coffin - no good if you are claustrophobic but nobody seems to comment on that. Go for a sleeper if you can afford it.

[@jasondaniel918]

During my military career, I spent a lot of time stationed in central Europe. I traveled a lot by train. It was fun, convenient and reasonably priced. I have never traveled by rail in the U. S. I will consider giving it a try.

[@annpane7889]

On 9/13/2001 it was the only way I could get home from speaking engagement in Charleston, SC back to Washington DC. One of the best travel experiences I ever had. All flights were grounded. Awesome.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Love the roomettes. Can never go back to coach.

[@bradleyw3771]

He sounds just like Bill Mahr

[@LibbyRal]

Thank you! It was driving me nuts trying to figure out who he reminded me of. He looks like him, too.

[@bradleyw3771]

@@LibbyRal LOL!

[@pdelmercado]

Bradley W Bill Mahr is an ass.

[@ssnoc]

Wow you’re right ! Good ears 👂

[@hellen7066]

....He could have his own TV Talk Show---I would watch....!!!.....lol

[@Theenemy38]

I would love to try traveling by train, it looks fun.

[@darnitaburwell965]

I have been flying most of my life and I rode the train for the first time this year and I am hooked! I love the train!

[@bettywith2girls]

Me and a 70 yr old friend of mine took our one and only train ride (2 connecting trains to get us to Virginia from Minnesota) to visit friends about 2 years ago, and we got the small 2-person sleeper. We learned that put us in 1st class and one of the best things about that really is the free food (you get one meal per lunch or dinner, IF the train serves that meal). One train was one of those old fashioned cloth napkin dressed up waiter dinner cars, and would have been expensive (about double the price of a regular meal off the train if we had paid); and one was an airplane box of food only. The 2-person sleeper that they put together the bunks at night, I would never do again with 2 people and would rent the 1st class rooms with the private bathrooms (they were all occupied so we couldn't upgrade). We shared a bathroom with 2 rows of these cabins and you can guess there was a line in the morning and a line at night of people waiting to use them, as well as sometimes during the day. The bunks look reasonable in this video, and the lower one is, but I am a fairly agile and in good shape 5 ft. 2 in. female and I had a really tough time getting up and down from the very high one (wouldn't surprise me if it was up 6 ft.) that doesn't have any ladder or stairs. You basically climb up by putting your foot on the bench hand/arm rest (any place that is tall) that's against the wall and heave yourself up (and you go down this way too...pretty dicy at times). I am not, but if you are at all afraid of heights, forget it. There is a full-length net so you don't roll off. I have heard of women who weren't able to get up there. Also, to my surprise, about the middle of the night, on one train, freezing air was pumped right on me for an hour or two (it was August)...I wished I had brought my winter coat to sleep in, and I'm from Minnesota and used to cold. To this day, I don't know why they did that...I was freaking freezing. We had been warned by friends about this cold air so it happened to them too. If anybody could tell me why they do this, I'd appreciate it. You get one blanket, and about 2 pillows. If you are not in 1st class, be prepared to keep your valuables with you at all times, as we noticed you only got a single padded chair out in the open and no food paid for, but a lot less cost. One guy we ate with said he liked to travel by train like that because he got to talk to people, but we were glad we had a compartment (altho unlockable) that we could store our valuables at night in 1st class. The observation deck is pretty good...but remember also that the best houses and businesses are not by the train tracks, but you do get to see Americana. Except for the top bunk beds, it was a pleasant enough experience and one should at least try it once in their lifetime, but given the choice of driving, taking a train, or flying, I was glad we booked a flight home and didn't have to take the train back (by train it took 3 days; by airplane the same trip took 4 hours). It's worth it to do at least once in your lifetime; see if you can get the fancy dining car and not just the box lunches for a true old fashioned experience, tho.

[@DHARK1873]

So cute- he narrates travel like me: “blah, blah, blah”, 🤣. Thank you for making this Sir! I had no idea sleeper cars could have bathrooms! That makes me even more excited to try a train ride.

[@danielfronc4304]

I took a sleeper train car trip with my mom in a trip from Indiana to the suburbs of D.C. The trains steward's are true professionals and I slept like a baby in the top fold down bed. Great memories of me with me mum!

[@EdwardTravels]

I’ll take the sleeper from Seattle to Spokane so I can lay down and sleep after we leave Wenatchee. It’s a great way to travel

[@wendybesse90]

I needed dramamine watching this. Its been a long tine since ive traveled Amtrak in a sleeper car. Thanks!

[@traciebecker6669]

I felt that too and I got car sick as a child. I have never traveled like this, only been on train or over head rail, forget what they called it at Busch Gardens.

[@traciebecker6669]

@Blue Finally Gets A Clue good question

[@tangledshoelace4726]

We use to take the train from Colorado springs to Jackson mn to visit my grandparents. This was in the late 50s early 60s. Then it was the rock island line!! Best memories ever!!!

[@franksmith2334]

The auto and airlines advocate against rail travel! I would love to see high-speed rail in the states.

[@demetriamiles6197]

Thank you for taking us along with you on our own private tour. It really helped me to see and no exactly what to expect. Having been in the Marines I would always fly or drive and this is a pretty nice alternative when time isn't an issue.

[@waredbear]

Anybody can use the dining car. Only difference is coach has to pay. Food and drinks are included with all sleeper rooms.

[@youtuuba]

Good effort, especially for a first timer. If you do more of these, it will better inform your viewers (and be less confusing) if you can learn the correct names for things and use them consistently. I know this from experience, when I started to make train videos. Some examples: - AMTRAK is different from other carriers, and accommodations and terminology can be different, so it is important to stress that you are on an AMTRAK train - AMTRAK long distance trains differ from their regional trains, so it is important to note which one is being described - AMTRAK long distance trains are, for the most part, the only ones to have sleeper cars. These are divided into Superliners (two level) and Viewliners (single level). There are lots of differences, so it is important to distinguish between them - Sleeper cars are the same as 1st class (all sleepers are first class, everything else is coach class) - The small sleeper compartments, which are on only one side of the central aisle, and called "Roomettes" by AMTRAK - The larger sleeper compartments, which are to one side of an offset aisle, are called by several names by AMTRAK, most commonly just "Bedroom". Some sleeper cars, and pretty much all Superliner sleeper cars, also have "Accessible" rooms and "Family" rooms. - Roomettes on Viewliners have a toilet and sink, whereas Roomettes on Superliners do not have those, but they have wider, more comfortable seats. All regular "Bedrooms" have a combined toilet/shower and a sink. Passengers in Roomettes can use the shower room down the aisle, and Superliner Roomette passengers can use any of three or four restrooms just a few steps away down the aisle. - On most AMTRAK long distance trains, the Dining Car is available to all passengers, but only sleeper passengers have their dining car meals included in their ticket price. Dining Car meals are expensive if not part of the ticket price, so few coach passengers use the Dining Car. The trains have a Cafe which any passenger can visit to buy food, snacks and drink. - I have never seen a Dining Car that was segregated between Sleeper and Coach passengers, but they might exist on some routes. I hope this helps with your future train videos

[@George75605]

30 Year Amtrak Ticket Agent Here...Your comment and response get an A++++. Very accurate. If you could have done a voice-over and narrated this video, it would have been above average. It seems to me like he is a newly engaged enthusiast with a developing interest for knowledge of the History of Rail Passenger Service and these are his first impressions prior to the depth of research you have mastered.

[@gerardhaubert8210]

I personally found sleeping on a train to be Super Comfortable, Train rocks you. Gently tosleep

[@sachaput]

I’ve always loved traveling by rail. I booked a sleeper for a trip to the Grand Canyon. I found it worth the price as it includes meals. The attendants were so nice.

[@MW-gs8wz]

My husband and i took a round trip to Atlanta in a roomette it was awsome

[@deborahkogan8742]

I just did a transcontinental in August. Thank you for bringing back happy memories!

[@stevemiller4494]

Thanks for the Positive, thorough and nicely done tour of the Sleeper rooms and dining area 😉👍🏼

[@ericperich1240]

I've always wondered about this! Thank You for Sharing!

[@nanceenana3010]

Thanks for the video, it was fun and enlightening! I’m going to look into first class sleeper car train travel for at least one of my next adventures! When I was little, we traveled by train to see Grandparents. I like the freedom of moving around, the dining cars, the view cars, and especially the privacy when I just want to sit and be quiet, or if I want to take a shower! THAT was pretty cool!

[@marshapowell2054]

Loved my first class from Los Angeles to Houston & back. Thank you for showing others what first class is like.

[@IIVVBlues]

It has been more than 50 years since I traveled by train cross country. Thing have been updated, but not that much. It could be my memory, but everything except the dining car seems to smaller or more cramped. You've inspired me to at least look into it again, but when I'm not in a hurry, I usually travel by car, except at Christmas. I then travel by sleigh at the speed of thought.

[@6ixConfessions]

Very informative but the music kind of sounds like it belongs with a 'Creepiest Houses' video or 'Strange Abandoned Towns' video.

[@billhager8636]

Creepy music...right, huh?

[@MA-vw1pl]

Great video👍👍👍 im glad some of us adults still have a sense of adventure whimsy and humor👍👍👍

[@chantellenew2331]

My favorite way to travel. Sleeper cars...heaven.

[@marcushennings9513]

I agree.. fun, fun, fun but I wouldn't recommend taking the auto train from Lorton Va to Sanford Fl. They take so long to load the cars, board passengers and then go sooo slow someone can drive the same distance in half the time at half the price but besides that two thumbs up for Amtrak

[@vaughanbackup4787]

@@marcushennings9513 im considering a trip..and live in kissimmee..how much is the sleeper ?

[@marcushennings9513]

@@vaughanbackup4787 this was back when I lived on the east coast so I forgot what it cost but I do remember I couldn't afford the rooms lol

[@zipitshut3572]

Best way to travel long distances. I slept most of the way, but it was pure joy. The rhythm of the train is as good as a sleeping pill. Trying to decide on a East coast to west coast travel.

[@somamondal1913]

I don’t know why USA doesn’t promote railway transport as in so many countries! It should be cheaper and people should not be burdened with expensive flying options or travel by car in such a huge country. Train journeys are really very comfortable if one has such amenities on board.

[@judithann7193]

The big car companies don't want trains to be popular again. They want every train passenger to be out driving a car. All of that money being wasted.

[@peoplez129]

Do you know how much it costs to make all that track and maintain it? In places like China and India, the trains are often one long route because people are going from the poor area to the rich area, or from one rich area to another. In the US it's very different. Much worse weather. Gets soo cold in the US that they have to light tracks on fire to keep them usable, or run gas lines along the tracks to keep them from getting too cold. Now imagine what it would cost to heat thousands of miles of steel track. Compare that to other countries where weather conditions aren't as bad so not as much care needs to be taken. In India and China, trains are practically travelling through forever-summer areas, where maintenance is less of an issue. Train tracks fair well in dry warm environments. There are 25,000 cities in the USA. In contrast, India, with its more than 1 billion people, has only about 4,000 cities. 6x the amount of cities, 4x less people. Now imagine how convenient it would be to make track to reach most of those cities. Because someone isn't going to want to get off a train and be like "OK now I have to travel another 300 miles to get to my destination, by car or plane". At that point they might as well have taken the plane to begin with.

[@judithann7193]

@@peoplez129 We had the track, maintenance would be about as much as road work. The "big" three car companies made sure the trains were replaced after WWII with cars and busses so they would still profit after military contracts ended. The growth of the auto industry was carefully nurtured to keep the money coming in at war production levels.

[@MrDude826]

@@peoplez129 Expense isn't the matter dor the US as it can waste trillions on a pointless military budget. China and Russia are paper tigers and other countries revolutions are none of our business. We can reduce the military budget and spend it on infrastructure and healthcare.

[@The50Fordman]

My dad worked for the railroad for 5 years in the 50s before he died. We had a 5 year rail pass for anywhere in the states. We would take a vacation by rail each summer. I loved it. Met some interesting people in coach class and for an 8 year old it was pure luxury. We took a rail trip last summer from DC to Orlando and brought our car. It was pretty convenient but the trip was an overnight and very long. Not much to see in the dark. The price was very reasonable for 3 people and a car. I plan to take another trip in the future without the car and in sleeper.

[@davewilson4058]

Looks a nice way to travel, much more civilised than being crammed into a metal tube with no legroom, 30,000 feet in the air. We seem to prefer getting to our destinations as quickly as possible, so will put up with being treated like livestock and paying for the dubious privilege, rather than taking a bit more time and enjoying the journey itself in a much more relaxed manner.

[@fuutubesukas]

The attendants on the trains are a lot nicer and more helpful than airline attendants, too.

[@tacolove892]

I slept in the scenic viewers cart at night and was woken by the train stewardess come sun light to go back to my seat. Slept well on the padded bench and it was really cool.

[@charlottehutcheson740]

I agree 100%. As far as the cost, all the comments are correct; it is expensive, but check into an Amtrak Master Card. This card makes the cost of train travel more reasonable.

[@mircat28]

Noisey wobbly and no hot meals. First class doesnt sound so nice.

[@tacolove892]

@@mircat28 / Jetline trafick is indeed lame....no argument there. Some like getting felt up by strangers...too each their own.

[@dabprod]

Excellent... Showed a very good comparison of the different accommodations. Yes, well done. THANKS

[@maryellenherr777]

Been there, done that and will do it again!!

[@robgionet9582]

I've travelled in a sleeper car several times on Via Rail from Montreal to New Brunswick. If you can afford the first class rate i highly recommend it. The dinning room prepares fresh meals on an actual grill. No pre cooked tv style dinners. Attendants are friendly and turn out your bed for you and even wake you if your stop is during the night or early morning. Wonderful way to travel.

[@doylehurt2014]

Thank you, I’ve wondered about sleepers for quite a while. I abhor flying as well! Nice job!

[@j.j.w.6431]

I never travel by train before. Now that you show me how wonderful it can be, I will like to try it sometimes in the near future. A big thanks for the tour!

[@larryhardy7928]

J.J. W. no its horrendous especially amtrak do not do it

[@llgrazes]

OMG so cool. Moms bucket list trip!!!

[@marcofranko2]

I'm a survivor of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane crash, ( I hate flying ) and made it through two Stokes. I can drive, ( It wears me out ). At 68 I haven't lost my fire for adventure. ISO helpful information on getting the best deals and how to work/negotiate Amtrak. The multi trip sounds cool. Seriously and pointers or advice, will at least get me Started. I live in Upstate SC

[@SkywatcherSandra]

Ty for sharing your adventures and time with us ALL. Fun and informative. HUGS and blessings from NY State 🌌🏞🌠👣👍🚅🚉

[@booognish]

I did the Amtrak sleeper thing one time. Florida to New Jersey round trip. My room was smaller than this guys but it had a toilet in it and a sink. Dining car was right near it. I didn’t even know about any sitting sightseeing area. But I enjoyed it. Sleeping at night and looking out the window before you fall asleep.

[@archieolmstead6688]

Food is only free to First Class passengers with compartments.

[@checkyoursix5623]

As in roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms, and handicapped bedrooms ...

[@larryhardy7928]

Archie Olmstead unless the staff is on overtime then they tell u at boarding o sorry sleeper section closed regardless if u have a ticket or not they dont care because that would require them to actually work answer lights etc. again never ever travel amtrak unless u have a death wish

[@grandparails8858]

the food is not free it's included in the price of the room

[@ahonestwoman]

@@larryhardy7928 WHAT??? those people both in coach and first class work their asses off. I was always treated with kindness no matter what compartment I was in.

[@bevsputler5455]

It's not free it's included in the price of your ticket! Excellent food to

[@kemmuckleroy8587]

Thanks. I was debating on getting a sleeper this trip and this really helped me make my mind up TO get the sleeper so THANKS for the video. 🚊 🚂 🚞 I read a few comments and yes, a trip from Little Rock, AR to Dallas, TX: Train 8 hours, flight 1 hour. Cost flight $400, round trip train coach round trip $120 Superliner Roomette round trip $500. I hate flying and have taken the train but you will spend two of your days traveling so if your in a hurry the airplane is your choice but if you want to take a break and enjoy the scenic route a train is the way to go. The only problem traveling by train is the routes. I wanted to go to Orlando, Fl from Little Rock and there is not an easy way to get there so you have to go way up north then go east then go south. Hope this info helps...safe travels!!!

[@Knaeben]

I wanted to do Amtrak once, but the schedules are impossible to figure out.

[@larrybothe8246]

Kaeben The Amtrack app needs a serious overhaul!

[@harley8471]

simply call them, let the agent do the work

[@MADMAX353]

Best trip I ever had was on a train in a sleeper car with my parents from Vancouver to NYC in 1966....seemed like the sleeper cars were bigger but it may have been that I was just a kid and everything looked bigger but the views from the viewing car were spectacular.

[@wlwal1]

Loved the tour!last time on a train was when I was 7 years old, traveled from California to Kansas! We stayed in coach all the time.

[@annafoust2018]

this was the best train video i have EVER seen!! thank you so very much! i use to love to fly but now i only ride the train because it's so much fun and relaxing!! oh, and most people are so very nice too!! unlike flying

[@jeffsteffen211]

Thank you for this. I am taking the California Zephyr in October and am really excited about it.

[@jp58]

I (and hubby ) plan to too in Oct or early Nov. Will be 1st time on train. I too cant wait :)

[@lisamoore6804]

I took my first train ride ever in 2017, from Cincinnati to Omaha. The first leg of the trip was from Cinti. to Chicago and I got motion sickness sooooo bad, I felt like dying. Luckily someone had dramamine and the second leg from Chicago to Omaha was much better and I had two seats to myself so I was able to lay down the rest of the trip. With that said if I ever travel by train again I'll be getting a sleeper car and bring five bottles of dramamine. Thank you for the tour of the sleeper car.

[@tranquilwaters4051]

Thank you so much sir for sharing your delightful sleeper car/train experience! This informative Video is very helpful to me because I'm going on a cross country trip in a couple of months. 😊💺💺. We all have one life to live and I wish that everyone had the opportunity to travel and enjoy life 😁. I loved the music as well!🚄🎵🎶💜

[@marygoodwin2349]

I use to travel in a pullman car in the 60's from Flagstaff AZ to Hutchinson KS every summer. i loved it!

[@davidimhoff2118]

I actually would do this as I love trains. I have always wondered what the different levels of tickets would look like. I would do first class

[@AcornHillHomestead]

First Class IS upgrading to the sleeping room. Everything else is the same and shared with other travelers as far as the dining and public spaces go. The sleeping space is not big but meals are included. It is considerably more expensive. I know, we just booked a 2019 trip.

[@shauna5466]

In the 60s I traveled in a sleeper car which looked pretty similar to the one you showed from Toronto to Winnipeg in the winter. It was one of the most memorable trips. It was all fine dining with white tablecloths. They had a bar car & up steps to the dome car where you could sit and travel with full scenic panoramic view.

[@jessicamoores181]

Thank You, Barry. I’m going to try it next year from Boston to Seattle. 💕

[@AcornHillHomestead]

Thanks for sharing. American rail cars are not exactly the Orient Express. When I was a teen in the summer of 1969 I had the fortunate experience of going to England for a month with my Grandmother. England was her homeland. Part of our trip included rail travel after leaving Heathrow airport. It was very cool. The train interior was upholstered and the dining car had linen tablecloths. It was roomy, elegant and classy looking more like what is seen in old movies. It was one of the highlights of that trip that I often think about. The young people today have no idea how things have been degraded over time and how bland and boring things are as compared to decades go. Elegance and class allude society today. I guess if you’re not looking up from a device and in it for the experience, it doesn’t matter...... And Amtrak calls this rail experience. Holy cow. We are taking a cross country Amtrak trip to the west coast in fall. It should be interesting indeed.

[@claytemorgan1923]

Thanks for the video! I love trains and need a trip ASAP! 😎😂

[@kennethmccann6402]

I've travelled on Amtrak train (even former private RR Company before Amtrak merged) for 50 years. So, I go once (sometime twice) a year in any part of USA as I love it and no matter if on time or delays. Train travel is a blast and amazing trips and friendly people.

[@MaxItUpwithMarta]

Thank you so much Barry. I am trying to book a ride now but something seems to be wrong with the Amtrak website. Maybe I should call. Either way your video was very helpful.

[@TheJanet4321]

Thanks! This was so fun to go along with your tour of the train. I love train travel! I have stayed in a roomette, but plan in the future to travel via sleeper car, and you're right, looking at diagrams on the Amtrak site didn't help me visualize what a sleeper car is like. This video was so helpful! Thanks again.

[@zl1David]

Nice sleuth-hunting background music while headed downstairs

[@carrotjuse]

I really like rail travel, particularly in Europe. My grandfather and great grandfather both worked for the railroad. Amtrak doesn't compare to rail travel in other countries but it's still better than the cattle call of air travel.

[@karonhamilton7314]

What a sexy way to travel!

[@mojo7495]

what a stupid word to use in relation to travel. Learn to speak English

[@karonhamilton7314]

@@mojo7495 your an asshole

[@annpane1227]

I loved it, loved it, loved it! Traveled from Charleston SC to Washington DC on September 13th, 2001 when all the planes were grounded, after speaking at a convention on morning of 9/11.

[@kettle_of_chris]

stupid question: Is there a Full Sized, SINGLE Person Room?

[@The_DuMont_Network]

No such thing as a stupid question. You can book the Roomette as a Single person. It is quite comfortable for one. You can book a Bedroom for one person, it's certainly roomy enpugh, albeit a little extravagant. You do get your own potty and shower though. The way the system works, is everyone pays a rail fare. (A butt in a seat). That gets you a seat in coach. You pay the room or "Accommodation" charge ONCE per room. So if you are traveling single, you don't pay a penalty, they don't force a roommate on you, Up to two people in a Roomette, . Four in most bedrooms. Some BRs have room for a child or two more. Each person in the room is considered traveling Fitst Class and is entitlef to all First Class meals, the charge for which is included in the Accommodation Charge. Alcohol is extra, natch. There is a Handicapped accommodation which can hold 2, has a potty and shower, and a wheelchair clamp. There is also a Family Bedroom, at least 2 adults and 2 kids. Check the website www.amtrak.com for details. Hope this helps.

[@VentureAHighway]

Thank you for sharing this. Train travel just seems so much more enjoyable than air travel, even if it takes longer and is more expensive

[@NHseacoast]

I always wanted to see the inside of am Amtrak sleeper car! Great video!

[@isabellayessi]

Showed my husband this video but he rather drive lmfao was worth a try.. Truly liked this video. Thanks.

[@Diverhog]

FYI What you call the two person sleeper is called a "Roomette" by Amtrak

[@loro9385]

My family lived our trip from Iowa to California in a sleeper. We met the most fascinating folks.

[@jimwilloughby]

The Meals and drinks are not free. They are included in the cost of the bedroom.

[@kevinhoward9593]

Actually on the Capitol Limited and Lakeshore Limited they are free because Coach class is not permitted to eat in the Dining Car anymore. its kind of corny but not really because the food is so limited in the Dining car. They stopped preparing hot meals and just have ready to eat meals they just give you.

[@ARUD08]

Amtrak under the new CEO eliminated the dining car from the Washington to Chicago trains a year before this was posted. It would be interesting to viewers to compare the real fresh meals with the cold box meals.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@ARUD08 The new Ready to Eat (Like MREs) are crap. The moron now running AMTRAK has a hard on for Long Distance trains and is doing his damndest to run people off so he can get rid of them and spend the entire AMTRAK budget on the NorthEast Corridor. So he canceled what was left of the Dining Car Experience on many long distance trains.

[@michellec9871]

Doc DuMont Welp, there goes my plans...😩

[@kettle_of_chris]

@@The_DuMont_Network - Wait I just rode (Coach) from Martinez CA to Burbank on the Coast Starlight and we had access to the Dining Car with a Reservation of course. However sleeper passengers got first dibs on the times and if the train is booked like mine was, you're eating in the Lounge Car or Snack Bar....going down to L.A. they were whoring out their food; "The Snack Bar is still open! Plenty of Food" announced like every 15 minutes. Coming back was worse. Lunch Reservations booked by Sleeper passengers same for the Dinner Reservations. Thankfully I brought a huge cocktail of "appetite suppressants" so it was all bad.

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this! I traveled coach a couple of years ago from Indianapolis to New Mexico...really wished I had gotten a roomette. Coach was OK, but had a terrible time sleeping, with folks moving around all the time...also, worried about my luggage, as some it it had to be kept at the end of the car...I only had my my small bag at my seat. Luckily, no one messed with it. I've traveled in sleeper cars many years ago when I was a kid, but this was very interesting to see what it is like now. Thanks again!

[@brucemoose9587]

very nice room, even tho on a train everything is a bit small/crowded, the First-Class cabins are pretty nice, the Coach car is like travel on a BUS or a PLANE,,, just a seat and aisle/window -- but WHAT is THE COST??? how much for 1st Class, how much for 2nd Class or Coach?

[@paulmax9728]

Just go on the Amtrak website, type in the destinations like Washington, DC to Chicago and the cheapest fares are Coach seating and you can also find out how much a sleeper car will cost. Depending on what train he was on I saw the price at $416. A roomette with shared bath was $275. These were summer prices.

[@ckildegaard]

It varies greatly depending on demand (the prices you see depend on how much space is available for the date you selected). As a general rule of thumb, coach tends to run around the price of airfare (not including meals); sleeping car accommodations are much more than that but offer more amenities and include meals on most trains.

[@mdteletom1288]

Call Amtrak. Even if he did provide pricing chances are they would be changed by the time you saw it.

[@checkyoursix5623]

Even in Coach class there's a lot more leg-room, the toilets are usually available with no or little waiting (and clean), and you can get yourself a drink or a snack when you want. I much prefer it over flying in economy (Y class). In Business class, non-alcoholic beverages are free (last time I went).

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

My wife and I have started using the only auto train in the U.S. runs from Sandford, Florida to Lorton VA. Load your car up put it on the train and retrieve it at the other end. We do get the smaller sleeper room. Food is like the old airline food but when was the last time you got a meal on a flight.

[@bpintar]

Hey Everyone! SO many excellent questions! I answer almost all of them in the video I posted : "Amtrak Questions Answered" (Part 1 and 2) where we talk about everything from pricing, to coach vs 1st class, to food, and more! It's on this same channel. Check it out!

[@Muffin192213]

thanks for the walk through, never used long distance rail travel but planning it as option in the near future, nice to know what to expect.

[@virgloh8934]

Very, very interesting..I've always dreamt about taking a train vacation after watching the original "Murder on The Orient Express"....thank you...love your music...

[@MrDefreese]

virg loh Uncommon Journeys does them.

[@cuzuvmcvoy]

Another Poirot fan spotted! ♥️😍

[@kennywowie]

@@cuzuvmcvoy Hercule forever!!!

[@tombenson5957]

What height is the bed off the floor (how many inches high from the floor?). I keep asking Amtrak but nobody can tell me. This is really important for certain types of handicaps...some people can't get down real low to the floor when they lie down. Same for seats. The only way to know is to know how high off the floor the seat/bed is. Typical beds are 24-30 inches off the floor.

[@George75605]

You're missing the fact that a year ago, the dining car was once staffed with waiters, and a Lead Service Attendant where everything was served on china and snowy white linen. Steaks cooked to order, legendary French Toast with crunchy, broiled crusts after grilling. This is a huge downgrade and after 30 years as an Amtrak Agent, I would love to share some history with you, should you wish. At your service with best wishes and blessings of safe travels!

[@yehudivenuti]

wait. a YEAR ago?? sounds like something out of an old b&w movie. i've taken amtrak many times and never experienced that.

[@George75605]

It might have been more than that. Perhaps two years. The point is that when I hired on in 1990, the train you rode, the "Capitol Limited" had Vista Dome cars and regular "Heritage Fleet" cars that have long since been retired. It was one of the trains chosen to "Re-introduce" actual china, glassware and linen as a move away from microwaved meals served on fast-food Styrofoam. It does sound like an old B&W movie, because at that time, Amtrak was looking at a way to entice passengers with better on board amenities. This continued until a few years ago when dining car service was downgraded to what you experienced. Thank you for giving me the perspective from a passenger standpoint. Again, Safe Travels!

[@LTTurnerJr]

Wow, thanks for sharing. I actually knew realized all that existed on a Amtrak. And didn't realize there is more than one floor on a train. Wow. :)

[@gaylenemorley916]

Oh yah i slept in amtrak 5 sleeper car june 14th 2019. It was fun sir

[@sassytbc7923]

This is sooo cool. My family all worked for the railroads, for 2-3 generations back. My grandparents used to ride the train from south Texas here up to Washington DC, and back. Great little tour., brought back some good memorie. Thanks for sharing!