Amtrak train info w/pics!All Aboard-Choo-choo!UPDATED

[GetGlowing]

Not being tired from the drive is why we're looking forward to our first trip in a few weeks. (We used to drive from Tennessee to Boca Raton only stopping for gas when we were in college; now we get cranky if we're in the car more than six hours. Ha!)

We have to drive 3½ hours to catch the train, but then we're on all night to Kissimmee. I hope we're able to sleep well on the train. I sleep pretty well in the recliner at home so I'm expecting the train to be comfortable.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Not being tired from the drive is why we're looking forward to our first trip in a few weeks. (We used to drive from Tennessee to Boca Raton only stopping for gas when we were in college; now we get cranky if we're in the car more than six hours. Ha!)

We have to drive 3½ hours to catch the train, but then we're on all night to Kissimmee. I hope we're able to sleep well on the train. I sleep pretty well in the recliner at home so I'm expecting the train to be comfortable.

Back in the 80's....alot less restrictions.....no car seats....We're only an hour from our nearest station (and free parking) and we board at 3 am....from being up so as to not miss the train....we're pretty tired when we board....we settle in...bring a blanket for each...headphones on and some soothing music on the Ipod. So easy to recline and let the motion of the train lull you to sleep. We pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks for later in the day but wife hits the club car around 9 am for coffee.....enjoy

 

[sorul82?]

I'm getting pretty excited about our train ride. I'm hoping it will be a good fit for us and our needs. Our children are all "adult size" now and there just isn't enough room in the van for six of us and luggage.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I'm getting pretty excited about our train ride. I'm hoping it will be a good fit for us and our needs. Our children are all "adult size" now and there just isn't enough room in the van for six of us and luggage.

A train trip is an adventure...it is what you make it...being prepared and able to relax is key. There's alot of info on train travel, some by me, to make the journey stressless and comfortable. It's nice that you're in NC, no transfer, board and away you go. We found packing sandiches, snacks and drinks entertains us the most, along with some books, Ipod's etc. can't say enough about a small blanket per person...A/C gets mighty cold at night and expensive to buy on the train.

You feel so isolated on the train...fairly quiet, peaceful but there are times....you have to go with the flow. Trains running late...does happen but you'll... get there, just relax and enjoy the trip...

 

[sorul82?]

I used to ride the train one a month from Wilson, NC to Florence, SC. It was always an adventure.

 

[rockydek]

Your welcome ...Sorul82!

I would like to add...You can buy up to 10000 Amtrak Guest reward points.. they have a sale 30% more points for your money twice a year ..Its worth waiting for.

Every year... I will buy the max allowed 10000 pts when they go on sale and get 13000 pts.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Your welcome ...Sorul82!

I would like to add...You can buy up to 10000 Amtrak Guest reward points.. they have a sale 30% more points for your money twice a year ..Its worth waiting for.

Every year... I will buy the max allowed 10000 pts when they go on sale and get 13000 pts.

nice tip! How much does that run ya??

 

[rockydek]

nice tip! How much does that run ya??

10000 points are 275.00...they can be purchased once in a calendar year.

15000 points will get 2 people from Bos to kis with a roomette....20000 get the bedroom...very big compared to the roomette...Be careful with that ...as you will not go back to the roomette....private separate bathroom.

 

[Teacher03]

10000 points are 275.00...they can be purchased once in a calendar year.

15000 points will get 2 people from Bos to kis with a roomette....20000 get the bedroom...very big compared to the roomette...Be careful with that ...as you will not go back to the roomette....private separate bathroom.

Do you know when they will run that special again (buy points, get 30% more)?

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Yes-please let us all know

 

[lisa-upnorth]

http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webcgi/webserve.cgi?partner_dir_name=amtrak_18k&page=cont&mkid=6NLL

Get your amtrak guest rewards credit card now and start earning!

 

[rockydek]

I bought them in November 2010. they should be coming up again soon.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Thanks Rocky! I will watch for it!


I have been busy getting as many points as I can lately! Using my amtrak credit card for groceries and such to earn more points

 

[discorsner]

I haven't read the whole thread yet but I have gotten through some of it. Thanks for posting. We are in NY also near Syracuse and thinking about the train.

How does the train compare to flying for "pooh sized" passengers?

Fit in airline seats fine and haven't had to do the buy two seat thing but at the same time it is cramped and we usually put one adult and one child together so we aren't so squished.

I am wondering if you think the train is better for larger people?

Are the seats bigger or more comfortable? Do you have seat belts or anything? It doesn't seem like you would be I have never been on a train so I don't know!

How much walking around can you do while moving?

We are trying to see whether we would want to take train from home or drive to VA and take the auto train. We have a rental car planned in FL because we are doing Disney and also visiting family that lives a few hours from WDW. I am thinking it would be great to have our vehicle down there and not need to rent but then I think If I am going to drive to VA then what is the point.

TIA for all the info!

 

[sorul82?]

The seats on the train are much larger than on a plane.

 

[DC7800]

How does the train compare to flying for "pooh sized" passengers?

Fit in airline seats fine and haven't had to do the buy two seat thing but at the same time it is cramped and we usually put one adult and one child together so we aren't so squished.

The seats are much larger, but in the very, very unlikely instance that someone still didn't fit its not like someone is going to say anything, and certainly not ask you to buy another ticket.

Fit in airline seats fine and haven't had to do the buy two seat thing but at the same time it is cramped and we usually put one adult and one child together so we aren't so squished.

So the train will probably be roomy, but in the event of 'space' issues, the adult+child arrangement solves the problem anyway.

Are the seats bigger or more comfortable? Do you have seat belts or anything?

Yes, yes, and No - in that order.

How much walking around can you do while moving?

As much as you want (well, without disturbing others). Coach passengers will not have access past the dining car; First-class passengers may walk the entire train except for the baggage car.

 

[discorsner]

The seats are much larger, but in the very, very unlikely instance that someone still didn't fit its not like someone is going to say anything, and certainly not ask you to buy another ticket.



So the train will probably be roomy, but in the event of 'space' issues, the adult+child arrangement solves the problem anyway.



Yes, yes, and No - in that order.



As much as you want (well, without disturbing others). Coach passengers will not have access past the dining car; First-class passengers may walk the entire train except for the baggage car.

Thanks so much! That helped quite a bit!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

How does the train compare to flying for "pooh sized" passengers?


I am wondering if you think the train is better for larger people?

Are the seats bigger or more comfortable? Do you have seat belts or anything? It doesn't seem like you would be I have never been on a train so I don't know!

How much walking around can you do while moving?

We are trying to see whether we would want to take train from home or drive to VA and take the auto train. We have a rental car planned in FL because we are doing Disney and also visiting family that lives a few hours from WDW. I am thinking it would be great to have our vehicle down there and not need to rent but then I think If I am going to drive to VA then what is the point.

TIA for all the info!

Hello fellow NYer The seats are larger on the train as mentioned above.You can get up and walk and move around as often as you want. Technically you could stand the whole time! I also agree that if I have to drive to VA why bother! Getting on in NY and enjoying my vacation from that moment on is what I like to do.
Lots of info here on the boards so read up.

 

[GetGlowing]

We board the train tonight for our trip to WDW!

How much carryon space is there under the seat or overhead? We have a small rolling suitcase. I think it's carryon size for the airlines. Can we bring it to the seat with us?

 

[pepe of ohio]

We board the train tonight for our trip to WDW!

How much carryon space is there under the seat or overhead? We have a small rolling suitcase. I think it's carryon size for the airlines. Can we bring it to the seat with us?

There's quite a bit of space in the car....the shelf runs both sides of the car, overhead, about a foot and a half high...it's all open so easy to place your stuff...no space under seats, leg rest folds under but there's alot of room around the floor in the 2 seats. We each have a carry on plus our cooler and have no trouble storing our items...