Optimizing my once-in-a-lifetime Amtrak sleeper tour of the USA
July 17, 2024 8:27 AM Subscribe
In a few days I’m leaving for a 7-day Amtrak Vacations trip around the US from Washington DC to Chicago, LA, New Orleans, and back to Washington DC. I'd love any advice, recommendations, and suggestions on how to ensure I get the most out of my dream vacation.
I’ve always loved trains and dreamed about long train trips (even back in 2012). My time has come!
I’ll be staying in a private bedroom, and the trains are the Capitol Limited, the Southwest Chief, the Sunset Limited, and the Crescent. Because of train times I’ll be in a hotel for one night in New Orleans, but the rest of the nights will be on the train. I’m planning to load up on books and audiobooks, and also plan to spend hour after hour just staring out the window watching the world go by.
I’ve read almost every train-related Ask MeFi and wanted to poll everyone for any last minute tips, tricks, or advice. I’ll be prepared for delays, and thankfully I can be flexible if the heat or other issues affect the timing of the trains’ arrivals.
I’m specifically looking for:
** Insider info on what to pack (Assume I’m bringing the basics like electronics with media already downloaded, an eye mask, slippers, a comfy pillow, etc. All meals are included in the dining car and beverages like water and coffee are complimentary for bedroom reservations.)
** Are there specific sights or locations that I shouldn’t miss as the train rolls by?
** Any secrets of navigating the Chicago, LA, or New Orleans train stations? I’ll have about 8 hours in LA and will either head for the Getty or Venice Beach but am open to other ideas. I can walk far, and will probably want to after sitting on a train for days.
I know many MeFites share my train enthusiasm, and I appreciate any thoughts or advice. Choo-choo!
I’ve always loved trains and dreamed about long train trips (even back in 2012). My time has come!
I’ll be staying in a private bedroom, and the trains are the Capitol Limited, the Southwest Chief, the Sunset Limited, and the Crescent. Because of train times I’ll be in a hotel for one night in New Orleans, but the rest of the nights will be on the train. I’m planning to load up on books and audiobooks, and also plan to spend hour after hour just staring out the window watching the world go by.
I’ve read almost every train-related Ask MeFi and wanted to poll everyone for any last minute tips, tricks, or advice. I’ll be prepared for delays, and thankfully I can be flexible if the heat or other issues affect the timing of the trains’ arrivals.
I’m specifically looking for:
** Insider info on what to pack (Assume I’m bringing the basics like electronics with media already downloaded, an eye mask, slippers, a comfy pillow, etc. All meals are included in the dining car and beverages like water and coffee are complimentary for bedroom reservations.)
** Are there specific sights or locations that I shouldn’t miss as the train rolls by?
** Any secrets of navigating the Chicago, LA, or New Orleans train stations? I’ll have about 8 hours in LA and will either head for the Getty or Venice Beach but am open to other ideas. I can walk far, and will probably want to after sitting on a train for days.
I know many MeFites share my train enthusiasm, and I appreciate any thoughts or advice. Choo-choo!
Best answer: I haven't ridden those particular lines, but in general:
Bring binoculars! That's one thing I missed on my last overnight train trip, and I wish I'd had them to see some of the more far-flung sights from the window. And/or a camera with a telephoto lens.
Ear plugs would be good if you're sensitive to noise, especially while sleeping.
The Chicago train station has a nice VIP lounge (or at least it was pre-pandemic) which you should have access to - take advantage!
Have an incredible time!
posted by Ms. Toad at 8:40 AM on July 17 [6 favorites]
Bring binoculars! That's one thing I missed on my last overnight train trip, and I wish I'd had them to see some of the more far-flung sights from the window. And/or a camera with a telephoto lens.
Ear plugs would be good if you're sensitive to noise, especially while sleeping.
The Chicago train station has a nice VIP lounge (or at least it was pre-pandemic) which you should have access to - take advantage!
Have an incredible time!
posted by Ms. Toad at 8:40 AM on July 17 [6 favorites]
Best answer: Consider getting a collapsible silicone cup (from a camping supply place like REI) and then a bottle of wine stashed in your backpack or something. Just kinda nice to sit back and watch the sun set with a glass of wine in your room.
It would also be advisable if your slippers were waterproof, so you can wear them in the shower.
Consider some kind of hook dealie; I found the electrical outlets were a bit loose, and a hook would have helped me stabilize my charging arrangement. This depends on the layout of your specific cabin on the various routes, but a magnetic hook, suction device or S-carabiner would have been handy on my ride on the Empire Builder. Alternatively, a very long charging cable so you can plug in to a less convenient outlet and then run the cable up to your device.
posted by aramaic at 8:46 AM on July 17 [7 favorites]
It would also be advisable if your slippers were waterproof, so you can wear them in the shower.
Consider some kind of hook dealie; I found the electrical outlets were a bit loose, and a hook would have helped me stabilize my charging arrangement. This depends on the layout of your specific cabin on the various routes, but a magnetic hook, suction device or S-carabiner would have been handy on my ride on the Empire Builder. Alternatively, a very long charging cable so you can plug in to a less convenient outlet and then run the cable up to your device.
posted by aramaic at 8:46 AM on July 17 [7 favorites]
Best answer: The LA train station is sprawling but easy to navigate if you follow the signs. Unless they've changed the Metropolitan Lounge, it's up an elevator that's tucked away in a hidden hallway. It's also not that impressive, but hey, you have access! There are also guided tours of Union Station, and if your timing works out I would highly recommend one.
You could spend a couple of hours in traffic going to the Getty or Venice Beach. Or you could walk around downtown Los Angeles, which is hoppin'. There is Grand Central Market, which has a mix of old standbys and new interesting restaurants. There is the truly excellent Broad Museum. The Los Angeles Public Library is architecturally unique. And there are lots of other great things to do and see, depending on when that eight hours is. (I have a LIST of food recs for DTLA.)
If you do go to Venice Beach I would recommend taking the Expo Line out to Santa Monica. On a good day the drive is 30 minutes from Union Station but on a bad day it's 3-4 hours (ask how I know!) But the train is very reliable. Then walk to the beach and turn left – if you like to walk it should be an easy one and there's lots to see on the way.
posted by rednikki at 8:50 AM on July 17 [4 favorites]
You could spend a couple of hours in traffic going to the Getty or Venice Beach. Or you could walk around downtown Los Angeles, which is hoppin'. There is Grand Central Market, which has a mix of old standbys and new interesting restaurants. There is the truly excellent Broad Museum. The Los Angeles Public Library is architecturally unique. And there are lots of other great things to do and see, depending on when that eight hours is. (I have a LIST of food recs for DTLA.)
If you do go to Venice Beach I would recommend taking the Expo Line out to Santa Monica. On a good day the drive is 30 minutes from Union Station but on a bad day it's 3-4 hours (ask how I know!) But the train is very reliable. Then walk to the beach and turn left – if you like to walk it should be an easy one and there's lots to see on the way.
posted by rednikki at 8:50 AM on July 17 [4 favorites]
I take the Capitol Limited somewhat regularly, and you've got the basics covered. Personally, I like to pack at least a few shelf-stable snacks for when the dining car is closed, or nothing on the menu sounds appealing, or whatever. I also layer clothing because sometimes the cars are warmer or cooler than expected, especially if you're stuck on the tracks without power for a few hours. I wouldn't bother with the pillow personally, the train bedding is unremarkable but fine for me and the blackout curtains pretty reasonable, but Your Sleep Needs May Vary. Ear plugs are a must, though - I tend to sleep like a baby on trains but sometimes there is an actual baby in the next bedroom and I'm grateful for earplugs.
I hope you have a great time!!
posted by Stacey at 8:56 AM on July 17
I hope you have a great time!!
posted by Stacey at 8:56 AM on July 17
What a fun trip! I know that the last time I was on a train for 36 hours, it took me several days to stop feeling like the floor was constantly moving, but YMMV. You may also want to bring things that help you feel cleaner/refreshed, like an alcohol spray that can be used on hands/surfaces, face wipes, etc. Shower shoes might be good, too.
Do a lot of research on public transit options to the Getty and Venice Beach, specifically for the times of day you’ll be traveling. How hard of a limit is that 8 hour window? You may spend 4 of those hours or more in transit. But the above suggestion for seeing downtown is great! I would add Little Tokyo and The Last Bookstore, as well. If you are into sewing, there are districts downtown for fabric and trims that might interest you.
If you’d like to get out of Downtown but not venture quite as far as the Getty/Venice, the La Brea Tar Pits are closer. Lots of museums in the area, plus The Original Farmers’ Market (a collection of outdoor restaurants/shops built in the 30s.)
posted by corey flood at 9:24 AM on July 17 [2 favorites]
Do a lot of research on public transit options to the Getty and Venice Beach, specifically for the times of day you’ll be traveling. How hard of a limit is that 8 hour window? You may spend 4 of those hours or more in transit. But the above suggestion for seeing downtown is great! I would add Little Tokyo and The Last Bookstore, as well. If you are into sewing, there are districts downtown for fabric and trims that might interest you.
If you’d like to get out of Downtown but not venture quite as far as the Getty/Venice, the La Brea Tar Pits are closer. Lots of museums in the area, plus The Original Farmers’ Market (a collection of outdoor restaurants/shops built in the 30s.)
posted by corey flood at 9:24 AM on July 17 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I've ridden the train from New York to Oakland a few times. It's great!
Two things:
- bring a blanket, sweater, or light puffy jacket; every time I've ridden the a/c has been on full cold the entire trip
- bring snacks; the bar car offerings can vary widely
My favorite time on these trains was in the very early morning in the cafe car and/or vista-dome car, with a cup of coffee and a book and the morning scenery rolling by. Enjoy your trip -
posted by niicholas at 9:42 AM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Two things:
- bring a blanket, sweater, or light puffy jacket; every time I've ridden the a/c has been on full cold the entire trip
- bring snacks; the bar car offerings can vary widely
My favorite time on these trains was in the very early morning in the cafe car and/or vista-dome car, with a cup of coffee and a book and the morning scenery rolling by. Enjoy your trip -
posted by niicholas at 9:42 AM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I've taken the Southwest Chief across the country in a private room a few times now and loved it.
Although the bedding was adequate, I found my back was sore in the morning so I started packing a couple of those adhesive pain patches and some ibuprofen.
I also like to thrown in a small terra-pack of wine and some extra-indulgent treats to enjoy in my room as the sun goes down.
A small gift for the room concierge is a nice way to kick off the trip.
Most importantly, a realistic flickering LED candle will really add to the whole experience. I promise. There's nothing better than a candlelit room on a train at night.
posted by mezzanayne at 9:44 AM on July 17 [12 favorites]
Although the bedding was adequate, I found my back was sore in the morning so I started packing a couple of those adhesive pain patches and some ibuprofen.
I also like to thrown in a small terra-pack of wine and some extra-indulgent treats to enjoy in my room as the sun goes down.
A small gift for the room concierge is a nice way to kick off the trip.
Most importantly, a realistic flickering LED candle will really add to the whole experience. I promise. There's nothing better than a candlelit room on a train at night.
posted by mezzanayne at 9:44 AM on July 17 [12 favorites]
If you will be using the shared shower, I recommend taking a bathrobe, so that you don’t have to fuss with multiple articles of clothing in the tiny space and risk them getting wet. I found it much simpler to change clothes in my room.
Also, snacks! Because sometimes you won’t like something on the dining menu, or your appetite timing will be off, or just cause it’s fun to idly snack and watch the world go by.
And nthing that maybe Venice, and definitely the Getty, feel like too tight of a turn-around for an 8-hour layover. (You might be looking at a map and thinking that 2+ hours to get across town sounds ludicrous, but I promise it happens regularly! Also the Getty has an additional tram that eats up time.) I recommend either walking or taking the subway around Downtown LA, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, or Los Feliz, or taking the bus/lyft to mid-city for the LACMA/Tar Pits/Grove/Farmer’s Market experience.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 10:14 AM on July 17 [6 favorites]
Also, snacks! Because sometimes you won’t like something on the dining menu, or your appetite timing will be off, or just cause it’s fun to idly snack and watch the world go by.
And nthing that maybe Venice, and definitely the Getty, feel like too tight of a turn-around for an 8-hour layover. (You might be looking at a map and thinking that 2+ hours to get across town sounds ludicrous, but I promise it happens regularly! Also the Getty has an additional tram that eats up time.) I recommend either walking or taking the subway around Downtown LA, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, or Los Feliz, or taking the bus/lyft to mid-city for the LACMA/Tar Pits/Grove/Farmer’s Market experience.
posted by CtrlAltDelete at 10:14 AM on July 17 [6 favorites]
How great! I've done the Coast Starlight overnight twice this summer and loved it. I was in a roomette, not a private room, but that's pretty similar. My train packing list included:
Earplugs
Sleep mask
Camping blanket (packs up very small)
Cash for tips
Gum
Cleaning wipes for hands / face
Cleaning wipes for my surroundings
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:23 AM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Earplugs
Sleep mask
Camping blanket (packs up very small)
Cash for tips
Gum
Cleaning wipes for hands / face
Cleaning wipes for my surroundings
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:23 AM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Bring a roll of duct tape. Amtrak bedrooms often have doors or panels that rattle with the movement of the train, which can make sleeping tough, but that can be remedied with a little tape. Ditto loose electrical outlets that won't hold your wall warts. Probably other uses I'm not thinking of at the moment. Bring duct tape.
posted by telegraph at 10:26 AM on July 17 [12 favorites]
posted by telegraph at 10:26 AM on July 17 [12 favorites]
My overnight Amtrak experience is from ~15 years ago, so hopefully things have changed, but bring food! With delays due to freight traffic and needing to change staff, you can run into a situation where the dining and snack cars are out of food hours and hours before they can restock. A few snack bars and some trail mix should do it, but definitely pack something to eat.
Also, when I rode in a sleeper, they kept us well-plied with wine. Wine as prizes for trivia contests, champagne in the drinks bar for mimosas, so much wine. This wasn’t mentioned in anything I saw pre-trip, and again, not sure it’s still a thing.
posted by momus_window at 10:48 AM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Also, when I rode in a sleeper, they kept us well-plied with wine. Wine as prizes for trivia contests, champagne in the drinks bar for mimosas, so much wine. This wasn’t mentioned in anything I saw pre-trip, and again, not sure it’s still a thing.
posted by momus_window at 10:48 AM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Have a blast! I took a trip to and from Oregon to Arizona a few years ago with a private bedroom and loved it. It sounds like you're pretty ready and there has been good advice in the thread; the one thing I would recommend is to take a lot of pictures, either with your phone or a dedicated camera. The scenery rolling by your window is such a big part of the experience, and the photos I took on my trip really bring me back and capture some of the magic of the trip.
posted by lhputtgrass at 11:06 AM on July 17 [2 favorites]
posted by lhputtgrass at 11:06 AM on July 17 [2 favorites]
My parents did a coast-to-coast trip a few years ago and while they mostly enjoyed it, there were a few hiccups - enough, in fact, that Amtrak gave them $1000 travel credit when Mom sent feedback. The two things I remember were the air conditioning going out for a relatively long period of time, and a segment in Texas where they had to get off the train and take a bus, resulting in a 4 am departure from the somewhat sketchy El Paso bus station. I'll ask her about it tonight and pop back in with any advice she might have. I would add a battery-powered handheld fan to your packing list, be prepared for something to go sideways, and keep detailed notes in case you need to bring issues to anyone's attention when you get home.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 12:06 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 12:06 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Oh, if you’re a photography person you can buy cheap little suction widget things that keep your photos from including reflections off the windows. Available in camera and cellphone styles.
I kinda wished I’d had one.
posted by aramaic at 1:00 PM on July 17 [3 favorites]
I kinda wished I’d had one.
posted by aramaic at 1:00 PM on July 17 [3 favorites]
like an alcohol spray that can be used on hands/surfaces, face wipes, etc.
This is something I always want on trains- just because sometimes handrails are greasy or sticky and going to wash your hands means you'll just encounter the same greasy or sticky handrails on the way back. While things get cleaned regularly it doesn't happen multiple times a day.
posted by oneirodynia at 1:16 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
This is something I always want on trains- just because sometimes handrails are greasy or sticky and going to wash your hands means you'll just encounter the same greasy or sticky handrails on the way back. While things get cleaned regularly it doesn't happen multiple times a day.
posted by oneirodynia at 1:16 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
The number 1 thing to bring is patience. The train will stop on sidings for 30 minutes at a time, it will move along at 20mph behind a freighter for hours at a time. The section of BNSF track that has been abandoned for all traffic except for Amtrak trains is incredibly rough.
For a cross-country journey, expect your arrival to be a minimum of one hour late and up to four hours is not out of the question.
posted by Huggiesbear at 1:31 PM on July 17 [8 favorites]
For a cross-country journey, expect your arrival to be a minimum of one hour late and up to four hours is not out of the question.
posted by Huggiesbear at 1:31 PM on July 17 [8 favorites]
I recently took the Crescent from Atlanta to Philly and back with a roomette. The promised complementary beverages in the car did not actually exist on either leg. Where the drinks station is shown on the car map, there was just a big cardboard trash bin. We got the promised free drinks with meals, including alcohol at dinner (I took all meals in my room), but otherwise I just drank water from the tap in my room. It was a little disappointing, but not a big deal for two 16 hour rides. I hope it doesn't not happen to you regularly on your trip, but just something to be prepared for, that you may end up going to the club car for beverages more than you might have hoped.
posted by hydropsyche at 2:28 PM on July 17
posted by hydropsyche at 2:28 PM on July 17
Best answer: Also what others have said about outlets possibly not being conveniently located. My room on the way up had multiple modern outlets, but I wished I had brought a power strip for my room on the way back, which had a single outlet located on the sink.
Otherwise, what a cool trip! Have an amazing time.
posted by hydropsyche at 2:30 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
Otherwise, what a cool trip! Have an amazing time.
posted by hydropsyche at 2:30 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
I’ve thought of a train trip on Amtrak but I hear they’re frequently late and was concerned with what happens when one leg gets in too late for the connection? Do you get a room on the next train or do they expect *you* to deal with it by reserving something else? Or something even more Procrustean?
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 2:49 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 2:49 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
The Getty is phenomenal but if I had just spent several days on a train then I might prefer the Huntington. It has some great art exhibitions and the library exhibitions are *incredible* but it also has world-class gardens that might be especially refreshing and restful.
posted by ElKevbo at 2:58 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
posted by ElKevbo at 2:58 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
At least one person mentioned LACMA and it's pretty great, too. It's also right next to the La Brea Tar Pit and just a few blocks from Peterson's so you have some really good options if you get through LACMA more quickly than anticipated or just have some extra time.
posted by ElKevbo at 3:03 PM on July 17
posted by ElKevbo at 3:03 PM on July 17
Best answer: I can answer the question about being late. I've taken the train from Michigan to LIncoln, Nebraska, three times in the past year. There is only one train leaving Chicago per day to get me back to East Lansing, and it leaves a couple of hours after the California Zephyr is due in. That train starts near San Francisco and comes through the Rockies before it gets to Lincoln. Sometimes there is an avalanche onto the tracks. Sometimes a train hits an Elk. Sometimes, it just has bad traintrack luck.
I've missed my connection 2 out of 3 trips and ended up spending the night and the next day in Chicago.
Amtrak is quite splendid when you miss a connection because of them, and their system in Chicago at least is a well-oiled machine. They know well in advance that a train is coming in late, so they'r standing by, and they're only dealing with your train.
The first time, our train didn't arrive until 2:00 am. When we got into Chicago, we were greeted at the train by Amtrak Employees who ushered us into a lounge area where they had box lunches and beverages ready for us. Then they gave each of us a voucher for a hotel room, and food vouchers.
We all trooped out to a bus that was already waiting for us, which drove us to our hotel. Amtrak uses a rather fancy hotel on Wacker. It's interestingly triangular, so you get some nifty room shapes, and they have an absolutely terrific room service continental breakfast, which your food voucher will totally pay for (there are not good food options in the Chicago train station, so this is a much better way to use in IMO.
At the hotel, multiple staffers awaited us at the desk and they processed us as quickly as possible into our rooms.
The next morning, the bus came and took us back to the train station.
AND they gave me a travel voucher equal to the cost of that leg of the trip.
It's not convenient, but it's not the same kind of stressful airline delays are, and rather than getting the sense that you're troubling anybody, they are all eager to help.
Last time I was delayed, in February, I ended up using my day in Chicago to see an amazing Faith Ringgold exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
I'm going back to LIncoln next week. I like the fancy hotel and room service breakfast and day to do something in Chicago so much I hope to be late coming back. I make sure I don't have anything I need to be back for the next day, and that I have enough money to enjoy myself in Chicago. It's like a mini post-vacation vacation. And Amtrak is footing the bill.
If your train is delayed, the cafe car will run out of many, many items. This is, for me, one of the reasons I am careful to pack snacks. I've been on a lot of late trains in my life.
posted by Well I never at 3:07 PM on July 17 [14 favorites]
I've missed my connection 2 out of 3 trips and ended up spending the night and the next day in Chicago.
Amtrak is quite splendid when you miss a connection because of them, and their system in Chicago at least is a well-oiled machine. They know well in advance that a train is coming in late, so they'r standing by, and they're only dealing with your train.
The first time, our train didn't arrive until 2:00 am. When we got into Chicago, we were greeted at the train by Amtrak Employees who ushered us into a lounge area where they had box lunches and beverages ready for us. Then they gave each of us a voucher for a hotel room, and food vouchers.
We all trooped out to a bus that was already waiting for us, which drove us to our hotel. Amtrak uses a rather fancy hotel on Wacker. It's interestingly triangular, so you get some nifty room shapes, and they have an absolutely terrific room service continental breakfast, which your food voucher will totally pay for (there are not good food options in the Chicago train station, so this is a much better way to use in IMO.
At the hotel, multiple staffers awaited us at the desk and they processed us as quickly as possible into our rooms.
The next morning, the bus came and took us back to the train station.
AND they gave me a travel voucher equal to the cost of that leg of the trip.
It's not convenient, but it's not the same kind of stressful airline delays are, and rather than getting the sense that you're troubling anybody, they are all eager to help.
Last time I was delayed, in February, I ended up using my day in Chicago to see an amazing Faith Ringgold exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
I'm going back to LIncoln next week. I like the fancy hotel and room service breakfast and day to do something in Chicago so much I hope to be late coming back. I make sure I don't have anything I need to be back for the next day, and that I have enough money to enjoy myself in Chicago. It's like a mini post-vacation vacation. And Amtrak is footing the bill.
If your train is delayed, the cafe car will run out of many, many items. This is, for me, one of the reasons I am careful to pack snacks. I've been on a lot of late trains in my life.
posted by Well I never at 3:07 PM on July 17 [14 favorites]
Seconding huggiesbear on building flexibility into the schedule.
In the States, passenger trains have to yield to freight trains, and those are comically long. My Amtrak journey from Alabama to New Orleans was 8 hours late. The dining car was really nice though.
In other words, do not prepay for that one night in a hotel, or at least confirm that they can accommodate what Amtrak throws at you.
posted by dum spiro spero at 3:08 PM on July 17 [4 favorites]
In the States, passenger trains have to yield to freight trains, and those are comically long. My Amtrak journey from Alabama to New Orleans was 8 hours late. The dining car was really nice though.
In other words, do not prepay for that one night in a hotel, or at least confirm that they can accommodate what Amtrak throws at you.
posted by dum spiro spero at 3:08 PM on July 17 [4 favorites]
I envy you -- what a fun trip!
I've had a few experiences with Amtrak sleeper cars. A couple summers ago, I took the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago, and the Lakeshore Limited from Chicago to NYC.
Here are some thoughts:
- I agree with the suggestion that you bring your own snacks, given that the dining car and the cafe car are not always available. But I wouldn't bring absolute junk food that you'll be tempted to scarf down immediately. In the past I've brought crackers, fruit, popcorn, hard salami, and granola bars.
- I wouldn't drink the water coming out of the onboard drinking water dispensers or sinks -- as with the tap water on airplanes, you just don't know how well or how often the tanks or the pipes are cleaned out. Amtrak will sometimes provide bottled water, but not reliably. So I would bring a large bottle or jug of drinking water -- in fact, for a journey as long as yours, I'd either bring multiple bottles/jugs, or buy more somewhere along the way.
- As for other beverages: I've brought small amounts of alcohol with me on board. (I think this may be officially frowned on, but nobody will ever know.) And I've brought tea bags, along with a small electric kettle that looks like a large travel mug. Obviously, you should be careful heating water on a moving train. (I think this is also against Amtrak rules, but again, they're not going to be rigidly policing what you do in your room, especially if your curtains are closed.)
- Many Amtrak sleeping compartments, especially older ones, only have a single electrical outlet. If you have multiple devices you're going to want to plug in, I'd advise bringing some kind of adapter that will turn that one outlet into multiple outlets... maybe even a short extension cord with multiple outlets on the end.
- Wet wipes are a good idea. I'd also bring hand sanitizer. And I always sleep with earplugs. A white noise app on your phone can be good too.
- I recommend taking as many of your meals in the dining car as possible. If you're a solo traveler, they'll sometimes seat you with random strangers. I'm something of an introvert, and had some trepidation about this before my Empire Builder trip, but it turned out to be a great part of the experience. I met a fascinating range of people.
- A nice thing about riding in the sleeping car is that you have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges at select stations. The nicest ones I've seen are in Chicago and NYC. And lounge access also gives you free access to private shower rooms, at least in Chicago; I had a refreshing shower there after forgoing the dingy-looking showers on the Empire Builder for a couple of days.
- I concur with the suggestion of just walking around downtown LA. If you like historic architecture, it's amazing! And you'll see numerous places that have been immortalized in movies (I saw 3 Blade Runner locations in one day). Walking around Chicago and D.C. near the stations in those cities can also be great, if you have time for it.
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 3:26 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
I've had a few experiences with Amtrak sleeper cars. A couple summers ago, I took the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago, and the Lakeshore Limited from Chicago to NYC.
Here are some thoughts:
- I agree with the suggestion that you bring your own snacks, given that the dining car and the cafe car are not always available. But I wouldn't bring absolute junk food that you'll be tempted to scarf down immediately. In the past I've brought crackers, fruit, popcorn, hard salami, and granola bars.
- I wouldn't drink the water coming out of the onboard drinking water dispensers or sinks -- as with the tap water on airplanes, you just don't know how well or how often the tanks or the pipes are cleaned out. Amtrak will sometimes provide bottled water, but not reliably. So I would bring a large bottle or jug of drinking water -- in fact, for a journey as long as yours, I'd either bring multiple bottles/jugs, or buy more somewhere along the way.
- As for other beverages: I've brought small amounts of alcohol with me on board. (I think this may be officially frowned on, but nobody will ever know.) And I've brought tea bags, along with a small electric kettle that looks like a large travel mug. Obviously, you should be careful heating water on a moving train. (I think this is also against Amtrak rules, but again, they're not going to be rigidly policing what you do in your room, especially if your curtains are closed.)
- Many Amtrak sleeping compartments, especially older ones, only have a single electrical outlet. If you have multiple devices you're going to want to plug in, I'd advise bringing some kind of adapter that will turn that one outlet into multiple outlets... maybe even a short extension cord with multiple outlets on the end.
- Wet wipes are a good idea. I'd also bring hand sanitizer. And I always sleep with earplugs. A white noise app on your phone can be good too.
- I recommend taking as many of your meals in the dining car as possible. If you're a solo traveler, they'll sometimes seat you with random strangers. I'm something of an introvert, and had some trepidation about this before my Empire Builder trip, but it turned out to be a great part of the experience. I met a fascinating range of people.
- A nice thing about riding in the sleeping car is that you have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges at select stations. The nicest ones I've seen are in Chicago and NYC. And lounge access also gives you free access to private shower rooms, at least in Chicago; I had a refreshing shower there after forgoing the dingy-looking showers on the Empire Builder for a couple of days.
- I concur with the suggestion of just walking around downtown LA. If you like historic architecture, it's amazing! And you'll see numerous places that have been immortalized in movies (I saw 3 Blade Runner locations in one day). Walking around Chicago and D.C. near the stations in those cities can also be great, if you have time for it.
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 3:26 PM on July 17 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Oh here's a fun little "you'd probably only know it if you've done this route" thing: have some cash on you for the LA to NOLA route because during a usually hour-long stop in El Paso, there's often someone selling burritos outside the train. I've always enjoyed the food in the dining car well enough, but the menus don't change a lot and "the burrito lady" provides a little break if you're doing multiple days.
On that same route, going that direction, I think you'll also be in west Texas at sunset. I'm trying to think if my memory of this is from a trip this time of year, but anyway west Texas sunset are often spectacular. You can also catch a glimpse of the art installation "Prada Marfa" from the train I think though I've never been looking out the window at the right time.
Practical thing: know that, because you're on sleepers, you have access to the lounge in LA (you may have to ask someone where it is....it's kind of up an elevator around a corner) which has cleaner, nicer bathrooms than the main Union Station ones and free soft drinks and stuff, plus you can check your luggage there while you're between trains.
The station in Chicago is within walking distance of some nice architectural sights and is, itself, architecturally slightly confusing!
I don't know, I've done all of these routes and I think mostly you're just in for a lot of nice scenery and, well, yes, a lot of delays. As long as you're game for the delays, you'll have fun.
posted by less-of-course at 3:46 PM on July 17 [3 favorites]
On that same route, going that direction, I think you'll also be in west Texas at sunset. I'm trying to think if my memory of this is from a trip this time of year, but anyway west Texas sunset are often spectacular. You can also catch a glimpse of the art installation "Prada Marfa" from the train I think though I've never been looking out the window at the right time.
Practical thing: know that, because you're on sleepers, you have access to the lounge in LA (you may have to ask someone where it is....it's kind of up an elevator around a corner) which has cleaner, nicer bathrooms than the main Union Station ones and free soft drinks and stuff, plus you can check your luggage there while you're between trains.
The station in Chicago is within walking distance of some nice architectural sights and is, itself, architecturally slightly confusing!
I don't know, I've done all of these routes and I think mostly you're just in for a lot of nice scenery and, well, yes, a lot of delays. As long as you're game for the delays, you'll have fun.
posted by less-of-course at 3:46 PM on July 17 [3 favorites]
Best answer: (Oh also, for that matter, you'll want cash for tipping your sleeping car attendant. You can find opinions and arguments online for how much is appropriate.)
posted by less-of-course at 3:50 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
posted by less-of-course at 3:50 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
OMG you're going to have so much fun! I rode the Zephyr in May from SF to Chicago and absolutely loved it. Already planning my next Amtrak trip!
*I had my kindle loaded up but honestly spent most of the time watching the scenery. So mesmerizing!
*I brought my own pillow case and used their pillow.
*Layers are your friends --temps can fluctuate.
*Try to get out and get some air at any stops you can
*Be open to eating with strangers in the dining car because you will be seated with others. Everyone I ate with was friendly!
*I brought snacks but didn't eat them. I found the meals pretty good with large portions.
*Body wipes if you don't want to use the shower in the car.
*Cash for tips.
Have fun!
posted by WithWildAbandon at 3:52 PM on July 17 [4 favorites]
*I had my kindle loaded up but honestly spent most of the time watching the scenery. So mesmerizing!
*I brought my own pillow case and used their pillow.
*Layers are your friends --temps can fluctuate.
*Try to get out and get some air at any stops you can
*Be open to eating with strangers in the dining car because you will be seated with others. Everyone I ate with was friendly!
*I brought snacks but didn't eat them. I found the meals pretty good with large portions.
*Body wipes if you don't want to use the shower in the car.
*Cash for tips.
Have fun!
posted by WithWildAbandon at 3:52 PM on July 17 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Bring small cash bills to tip each sleeping car attendant.
Use https://amtrack.live/ and/or https://railrat.net/ to stay apprised of train delays. The former loads up faster and has zero ads; the latter can be somewhat easier to navigate. They are both a lot faster to load up on a mobile data connection or on Amtrak wifi than is the official Amtrak train status webpage.
posted by brainwane at 4:14 PM on July 17 [5 favorites]
Use https://amtrack.live/ and/or https://railrat.net/ to stay apprised of train delays. The former loads up faster and has zero ads; the latter can be somewhat easier to navigate. They are both a lot faster to load up on a mobile data connection or on Amtrak wifi than is the official Amtrak train status webpage.
posted by brainwane at 4:14 PM on July 17 [5 favorites]
A few years ago I did extensive research when I was thinking of going on a similar cross-America journey. I ended up not making the trip for other reasons but I found the forums at Amtrak Unlimited to be very helpful to browse.
posted by Preserver at 7:30 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
posted by Preserver at 7:30 PM on July 17 [2 favorites]
There's no secret to navigating the station in New Orleans, other than get out of it as quickly as possible. It's not very special. I also wouldn't bother with trying to navigate public transportation from there to your hotel, it's kind of a pain with luggage and isn't a picturesque streetcar ride or anything. Just call a Lyft and get where you're going. Feel free to message me with any New Orleans-specific questions if you'd like!
posted by CheeseLouise at 3:05 AM on July 18
posted by CheeseLouise at 3:05 AM on July 18
For your time in LA, walking around downtown and/or taking the train to Santa Monica are probably your best, most flexible options. Taking the subway to Hollywood blvd is also an option, but Santa Monica/Venice would be more refreshing. (And these are on separate lines, so you’d have to taxi/bus between them, or go all the way back downtown to switch lines.)
I’d recommend against going to anything Midcity since you’d be subject to so much traffic. The Tar Pits are interesting, but not worth the hassle of getting there, and most of LACMA is still closed for renovations.
If you take the subway to Santa Monica, you have the option of stopping in Culver City, stopping by In-N-Out for a bite, then going to the Museum of Jurassic Technology for a very special local experience.
DTLA sightseeing—Little Tokyo and the Arts District are fun for browsing and eating, same with Grand Central Market. The Bradbury Building, the library, the Broad are fun to look at, and I also recommend going to the observation deck at city hall.
posted by itesser at 5:38 AM on July 18 [1 favorite]
I’d recommend against going to anything Midcity since you’d be subject to so much traffic. The Tar Pits are interesting, but not worth the hassle of getting there, and most of LACMA is still closed for renovations.
If you take the subway to Santa Monica, you have the option of stopping in Culver City, stopping by In-N-Out for a bite, then going to the Museum of Jurassic Technology for a very special local experience.
DTLA sightseeing—Little Tokyo and the Arts District are fun for browsing and eating, same with Grand Central Market. The Bradbury Building, the library, the Broad are fun to look at, and I also recommend going to the observation deck at city hall.
posted by itesser at 5:38 AM on July 18 [1 favorite]
Alec Watson of the YouTube channel Technology Connections took a trip from Chicago to LA and documented it on his second channel Technology Connextras.
posted by kiblinger at 6:50 AM on July 18 [1 favorite]
posted by kiblinger at 6:50 AM on July 18 [1 favorite]
My parents ride the Empire Builder about once a year to visit family, and recently got themselves short, squat travel mugs to fit under the coffee dispensers without having to hold it at an angle.
posted by abeja bicicleta at 7:36 AM on July 18 [2 favorites]
posted by abeja bicicleta at 7:36 AM on July 18 [2 favorites]
I went San Jose to DC, albeit in 2019 so things may have changed - definitely bring snacks and any exotic beverages you want to drink, the dining car food is very expensive and only sometimes palatable. The tap water on board was drinkable but I'm not picky about tap water.
When I went, the observation car had at least one staff member stationed there from dawn to dusk giving running commentary on what you could see out the windows, which was wonderful.
Noise-canceling headphones and a warm jacket or blanket are necessities, the sound of the train really gets into your head and they run it cold.
There is absolutely no wi-fi on the route I took, and cell reception only in or near stations. I thought this was great, but don't count on being able to contact anyone between stations.
The train I took was four hours late into Chicago to change trains (mainly due to being pushed into sidings for very long freight trains to pass), and I made my connection with about two minutes to spare, but the Amtrak staff seemed to know it was late and had staff stationed along the connection route to usher all the passengers to their connection.
posted by ngaiotonga at 4:41 PM on July 18
When I went, the observation car had at least one staff member stationed there from dawn to dusk giving running commentary on what you could see out the windows, which was wonderful.
Noise-canceling headphones and a warm jacket or blanket are necessities, the sound of the train really gets into your head and they run it cold.
There is absolutely no wi-fi on the route I took, and cell reception only in or near stations. I thought this was great, but don't count on being able to contact anyone between stations.
The train I took was four hours late into Chicago to change trains (mainly due to being pushed into sidings for very long freight trains to pass), and I made my connection with about two minutes to spare, but the Amtrak staff seemed to know it was late and had staff stationed along the connection route to usher all the passengers to their connection.
posted by ngaiotonga at 4:41 PM on July 18
Response by poster: What great responses! I've marked a few as best answer, particularly if there was some specific thing I am going to bring or buy as a result (duct tape! binoculars! LED candle! extension cord! warm layers!) that I hadn't thought of. But I got some helpful advice from everyone. I'll come back in a few weeks and let you all know how it went and what worked best.
posted by kinsey at 6:30 AM on July 19 [4 favorites]
posted by kinsey at 6:30 AM on July 19 [4 favorites]
You can ask them to not change the beds to seating for a day or two if you would like to lie and read or look out the windows. On another train we also found the seating very uncomfortable compared to the beds so asked for it to always stay as beds.
posted by meepmeow at 6:03 PM on July 20
posted by meepmeow at 6:03 PM on July 20
Response by poster: I'm back!
TL;DR: Riding in an Amtrak bedroom across(ish) the country was great and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, especially with the great MeFi recommendations here!
So my plan was to go DC - Chicago - LA - New Orleans - DC. Because of a freight train derailment out west, I had to scrap the entire part west of Chicago. A few hours after we left Chicago, we were offloaded somewhere in Iowa and waited a few hours for a coach train to come pick us up and take us back to Chicago, where Amtrak put us up for the night at the Swissotel. Since I didn't "need" to get out west, I didn't have all the stress of the poor folks who needed to get to LA; it seemed like they had some troubles with Amtrak customer service, but I just waited it out and dealt with it the next day. They ended up putting me on a train to NO from Chicago, where I picked up my original train back to DC. Not being able to go out west sucked, but I got to spend an extra day in Chicago and in New Orleans. Amtrak Vacations refunded the parts of my trip I didn't get to take, and gave me a $2,000 voucher towards future travel (along with paying for an extra hotel in Chicago and New Orleans).
The suggestions here were so helpful! The LED candles were so awesome at night (picture to prove it), and I was happy to have a bunch of suction cup hooks to hang my binoculars (another MeFi recommendation).
For others who may be thinking about a trip like this, I was really glad to have:
Individual wet ones wipes and Lysol wipes
LED candles
Suction cup hooks
A combined eyemask/bluetooth player
My own little pillow and blanket
My multi usb charger
Lots of cash for tips for the Amtrak staff (who were great)
I ended up not using the earplugs at all - the bedrooms were pretty quiet at night in the sleeper car.
The food on the trains I did take was.... OK. I never got to do the fancy sit-down "real" dinners that I guess only exist on the trains out west, so maybe that's better? I ended up taking way too many snacks - it felt like we were eating all the time (all meals were included on the train, but it was mostly fancy-ish microwaved prepared meals that came to the table hot with the plastic still on).
The bedrooms were all a teeny bit different, but cozy and comfy and clean. I'm pretty small and nimble and had no problems moving around in it, but even I thought it might be a stretch for two people for an extended period of time.
The views were amazing, though I'm bummed I didn't get to see the west of the USA. Many of you said to enjoy the ride and be flexible with timing and delays (ha!) and that was great advice. Looking forward to next time!
posted by kinsey at 5:42 AM on August 7 [3 favorites]
TL;DR: Riding in an Amtrak bedroom across(ish) the country was great and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, especially with the great MeFi recommendations here!
So my plan was to go DC - Chicago - LA - New Orleans - DC. Because of a freight train derailment out west, I had to scrap the entire part west of Chicago. A few hours after we left Chicago, we were offloaded somewhere in Iowa and waited a few hours for a coach train to come pick us up and take us back to Chicago, where Amtrak put us up for the night at the Swissotel. Since I didn't "need" to get out west, I didn't have all the stress of the poor folks who needed to get to LA; it seemed like they had some troubles with Amtrak customer service, but I just waited it out and dealt with it the next day. They ended up putting me on a train to NO from Chicago, where I picked up my original train back to DC. Not being able to go out west sucked, but I got to spend an extra day in Chicago and in New Orleans. Amtrak Vacations refunded the parts of my trip I didn't get to take, and gave me a $2,000 voucher towards future travel (along with paying for an extra hotel in Chicago and New Orleans).
The suggestions here were so helpful! The LED candles were so awesome at night (picture to prove it), and I was happy to have a bunch of suction cup hooks to hang my binoculars (another MeFi recommendation).
For others who may be thinking about a trip like this, I was really glad to have:
Individual wet ones wipes and Lysol wipes
LED candles
Suction cup hooks
A combined eyemask/bluetooth player
My own little pillow and blanket
My multi usb charger
Lots of cash for tips for the Amtrak staff (who were great)
I ended up not using the earplugs at all - the bedrooms were pretty quiet at night in the sleeper car.
The food on the trains I did take was.... OK. I never got to do the fancy sit-down "real" dinners that I guess only exist on the trains out west, so maybe that's better? I ended up taking way too many snacks - it felt like we were eating all the time (all meals were included on the train, but it was mostly fancy-ish microwaved prepared meals that came to the table hot with the plastic still on).
The bedrooms were all a teeny bit different, but cozy and comfy and clean. I'm pretty small and nimble and had no problems moving around in it, but even I thought it might be a stretch for two people for an extended period of time.
The views were amazing, though I'm bummed I didn't get to see the west of the USA. Many of you said to enjoy the ride and be flexible with timing and delays (ha!) and that was great advice. Looking forward to next time!
posted by kinsey at 5:42 AM on August 7 [3 favorites]
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I travel through the Chicago station a lot—like, 8 times in the last year, for instance. Although I am generally very good at finding my way around and keeping my sense of direction, I still get easily turned around in there in a way I just don't anywhere else. They have these digital displays that show a map of the station, but it's a rotating display and the map never stays still long enough for me to figure anything out from it. I have not been able to figure out how to pause it so I can study it longer.
I've found it useful to take a printed map of the station with me.
You may not be prone to Chicago Train Station Disorientation Syndrome at all, but if you're a person who has difficulty finding your way in new places, a printed station map (which you can get online, I think at the Union Station website) might come in handy.
posted by Well I never at 8:38 AM on July 17 [2 favorites]