Amtrak question

[Teacher03]

I'm hoping someone here can help me. What is the difference/benefits of a lower coach seat over an upper coach seat on Amtrak (from Ohio to Washington DC)? We have always went went the upper coach, but am wondering why anyone would want the lower. Any experience? Thank you in advance.

 

[chartle]

I'm hoping someone here can help me. What is the difference/benefits of a lower coach seat over an upper coach seat on Amtrak (from Ohio to Washington DC)? We have always went went the upper coach, but am wondering why anyone would want the lower. Any experience? Thank you in advance.

On the autotrain people say that on the lower level there is less motion.

 

[dpknoll]

lower seats are on the same level as the bathroom so many people like not having to go up and down the stairs to use the restroom - also there are less seats on the lower level and no connection from car to car down there so there is less traffic moving through (so dome say it's easier to sleep at night without all the people walking through the cars)

 

[DC7800]

Lower level seating is for persons with mobility impairments or who otherwise cannot (or don't wish to) climb stairs, or who may desire to be closer and more convenient to the bathrooms (figure you go there more often than the dining car).

This, of course, only applies to the Capitol Limited; The other Ohio-D.C. train, the Cardinal, is single level equipment.

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

We used the lower level a few years ago on the autotrain. When we booked it, we told them that we want the lower level because it was very convenient for the kids to use the bathrooms. As a bonus, there was only one other person in the lower level with us, so it was like getting our own private car. Nobody came through the car and it was very quiet. The kids could stretch out and sleep on two seats at night. I would highly recommend it.

 

[MamaPotts]

lower seats are on the same level as the bathroom so many people like not having to go up and down the stairs to use the restroom - also there are less seats on the lower level and no connection from car to car down there so there is less traffic moving through (so dome say it's easier to sleep at night without all the people walking through the cars)

We'll be returning north on the AutoTrain with lower level coach seats in June. I specifically requested lower level seats because I have a mobility issue and stairs are really not my friend. Did I understand correctly from dpknoll's post that we can't go from one car to another on the lower level, and will have to go to the upper level to access the lounge, dining and entertainment cars?

 

[DC7800]

Did I understand correctly from dpknoll's post that we can't go from one car to another on the lower level, and will have to go to the upper level to access the lounge, dining and entertainment cars?

Correct. The dining and lounge cars are accessed via the upper level (no such thing as an entertainment car, actually; Movies are shown in the lounge car). But you will only have to make the up and down trip once in the evening for dinner, and again the next morning if you want breakfast, as opposed to every time nature calls.

The sleepers, incidentally, do have a (small) restroom on the upper level.

 

[MamaPotts]

Thanks for your answer. So if I use my scooter on the trip home, I'll be restricted to our car? That's and interesting and unexpected development. What about passengers who are in wheelchairs?

On the way down, we have booked a roomette (on the lower level). The situation will be the same then? We'll have to go to the upper level to access the dining and lounge cars?

 

[chartle]

Thanks for your answer. So if I use my scooter on the trip home, I'll be restricted to our car? That's and interesting and unexpected development. What about passengers who are in wheelchairs?

On the way down, we have booked a roomette (on the lower level). The situation will be the same then? We'll have to go to the upper level to access the dining and lounge cars?

I think I read that in your situation, if you can't go upstairs to get to the dining car they bring the food to you.