how early to amtrak station?

[disney_girl125]

It'll be me and my 3 kids traveling. I have gotten us luggage that is the size for carry ons. I know we can each have 2 carry ons, so we'll pack everything and just each carry on 2 bags. We won't have to check anything. How early do you plan to arrive? Me and the kids will be taking off from work/school starting on a Friday. But I was thinking we may be able to add another day on to our vacation without missing work or school. We can have everything packed up on Thursday go to work and the kids can go to school. Then we'll all be done at 4. It's about a 30 minute drive to the train station. And the train leaves at 5:25pm. I just have to park and get us all in the station. Does this sound doable? That way instead of wasting a whole day on travel we can add another day. We won't be checking in anything so we won't have to worry about that. Opinions?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Do you have a back-up plan in case traffic is, well, backed up? I don't know where you live, but a thirty minute drive on a Sunday morning here can easily turn into a ninety minute or more ride at 4:30 pm on a Friday. The few times I've used the train, I've gotten to the station an hour or so early - too early, sure, but better than late.

Also, while you have only/all carry-on size luggage, have you considered where you're going to stow it all? There are, to the best of my recollection, no overhead compartments - just a shelf, so it seems any 'regular' luggage up there has the potential for causing injury on a fast turn. Checking luggage on the train isn't necessarily the drawn-out process it would be for a flight, but do expect to not have access to every suitcase while onboard the train. Pack one of those carry-ons, or a large tote, with all the stuff you'll need for the ride.

 

[DC7800]

Then we'll all be done at 4. It's about a 30 minute drive to the train station. And the train leaves at 5:25pm. I just have to park and get us all in the station. Does this sound doable

So long as there aren't any excessive traffic delays, you'll have extra time to kill. I wouldn't want to cut it too close when there isn't another train (in many cases) for 24 hours, but with no checked baggage (and tickets already in hand), you will be way early.

There are, to the best of my recollection, no overhead compartments - just a shelf, so it seems any 'regular' luggage up there has the potential for causing injury on a fast turn

All coaches have overhead luggage racks. It's perfectly safe for 'regular' luggage. That's what its designed for, and there is a small rail to keep bags from falling off anyway. It is limited space for everyone, though, so you might well want to consider checking some bags. It just takes a few minutes and leaves you less stuff to manage yourself, but you'll be fine either way.

The only place you have to really beware of limited luggage space is in the sleepers, where the small roomette size just won't fit more than a single, small overnight bag or similar.

 

[Rae&familyxmas05]

I would get there at least an hour early, just to be on the safe side and your not rushing.