Lower level seating on Amtrak

[smilingmouse]

I've never traveled on Amtak before, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I noticed that lower level seating on Amtrak seems to be slightly more expensive than non-lower level. Does anyone know why? Is one bvetter than the other? I'd love to hear any opinions.

Thanks,

Smiling

 

[Pin Wizard]

I never knew there was a difference in price. We went to VA and back a few years ago. Had a small private room on the way there and coach on the way back. I didn't even realize you could stay up top. I thought it was just certain cars (like the dining car) that had that.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I am not 100% sure of this, but I think the lower level has more privacy than upstairs coach. I rode the Amtrak AutoTrain coach, and I believe the corridors connect eachother on the upstairs, while the downstairs gets no through traffic, so therefore is more quiet. I guess Amtrak can charge more for the lower level since people must perfer it.

Hope this helps!

<img src="http://home.att.net/~disneysue/hugsmall3.gif">

 

[Aurora63]

Pin Wizard, not all of Amtrack's trains have upper and lower levels. We rode the Silver Meteor from Ft. Lauderdale to Trenton, NJ once, and it had no upper level. However, I rode the sunset limited as well, and it does have upper and lower.

And you're right, Hugs, the lower level does not get the through traffic. No constant stream of people walking to the dining car. Much quieter. Though I didn't realize they charge more for it.

All this talk makes me want to get on a train!!

 

[CookieGVB]

Lower level is generally considered "handicapped" - but after taking the Autotrain, I'd rather pick the lower level next time if I'm traveling coach.

They never used to charge more - they must have realized that people want less traffic while they're trying to sleep, and jacked up the prices.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Thanks, Aurora! The one time we took the train was the auto train from FL to VA. (I moved there for less than a month...LOL!) It was the Silver something or other. I remember going to the dining car via the "lower" level. Don't know if the upper went all the way through. But getting from car to car across with a 2.5 year old wasn't much fun. I can't believe the price of a train ticket now!!! When we went in 1995, I paid $99 for me, $99 for the car, and I forget how much a child's ticket was. Can't get near that now!