Amtrak Vacations

Jack, I think 18/2909 is roomette number and car number.  You would be in roomette 18, car 2909. Coach seats are not assigned until boarding, and the coach attendants do that to keep couples and families together.

 

You would have to know the consist of the train to know how close it is to the diner, so that depends on each train.

 

I don't know the difference between ES and ED.

 

Yes, in Chicago by all means use the Metropolitan Lounge. You will show your tickets when you go in, and last time I was there was given a card with departing train number and time. They board the sleeping cars directly from the lounge on your outgoing train.  The lounge also has wi-fi, TV's, free refreshments, and is a much more comfortable atmosphere. There is also a room where you can store your baggage if you have enough time to sightsee. The former Sears Tower is only a block or two away and a trip to the top observation deck is always fun. Well, unless it is lost in clouds.

 

Suggestions: have  your camera, good book, laid back demeanor, laptop or Ipod, etc. There will be an electrical outlet in your room. I carry a small power strip so I can plug in more than one thing.

 

I know others will add more.

Jack, a good friend of mine has made an information page for new Amtrak travelers. You might find this helpful:  Amtrak Help

 

 

 

 

Guys, Are there special accommodations for the handicapped? Are Red Caps/Porters still available? Are there elevators involved or steps? Mike Maurice

Good evening 

Jack also don't forget, if your in sleeper class all meals are included. To me the best part of the journey, you'l dine with people from all over the globe. Also remember you are in no hurry.

 

Clem

Good advice.  About half the time in the diners I meet people who are just really different - folks from all over the world traveling America by rail, etc.  Its fun.  

 

At my local Amtrak station, particularly if I time it during an otherwise slack period between trains, the agent are quite helpful in not just explained details but helping arrange itenaries, etc.  You aren't in a hurry and so you can get you r trip set up so you stop for a few days here and there are you want.  It can be a lot of fun.  

 

I my rather limited experience, the trains further west are better set up and more enjoyable for vacation travel that those up and down the east coast . . . 

Mike, yes, Amtak trains are handicapped-accesible. Most coaches and each sleeping car have special areas or rooms. Make sure you let the reservation agent know at the time of booking what is needed.

 

Usually meals can be brought to the handicapped person's accomation as well if they are unable to navigate to the dining car.

 

Redcaps are available at larger stations. You can check the station section on Amtrak's web site to see particulars.  I always suggest using them if you have a family travelling or a number of bags.  They can get you on the train ahead of the rush and have always helped us find seats together when we are a family of 4 or 6.

 

Elevators likewise are available when station and tracks are on different levels. I'm not aware of any without, but perhaps there others who could advise if they know of one.

We've only traveled on the East Coast in the Viewliners. These have an accessable bedroom with toilet in the room and are the first room inside the car door--easy access. The diner staff will serve meals in the rooms.

On the trains we've taken to Florida and Georgia the number on the ticket indicated the roomette number and then a 4 digit car number (not the cars actual number but shown on the doors. The first two digits were the train number and the next the sleeper number. So last trip we were in car 9802 which was the second from the diner, 9801 would be the first.

The diner is the best part of the trips if you can ignore the food, service and staff are very pleasant.

Last trip back from Florida were had the sleeping car attendant from ****. She was mainly concerned with not breaking one of her nails. My wife wrote Amtrak to complain and we got a certificate good for $100 off our next trip.

Over all, even with the endless CSX delays its a good way to travel if you don't need to be somewhere at an exact time.

Scotie

Guys,

 

Thanks for the info! The last time I went on a sleeper it was 1990, they made us bunk in a double bunk compartment myself on the upper my wife on the lower. Made for uncomfortable traveling back then, my wife was 2 months pregnant. We were meeting a cruise in Florida.

Are there double bed or queen size beds available?

 

Mike Maurice

Not sure about the bedrooms but the Viewliner roomettes are upper and lower berths.

The uppers do have windows.

Scotie

My thanks to "BANDOB", for a interesting and informative read: Amtrak Help.