Overnight Train Travel

Years ago I traveled Amtrak from NJ to Charleston SC.  I should have splurged for the sleeper cabin but I still had a great trip.

We also took the AutoTrain and I was amazed by how efficient the process was.  When we arrived in Florida we were off and in our car in under 30 minutes.

My wife and I travel at least once a year on the Silver Star from Newark NJ to Lakeland FL in the handicapped bedroom. The Viewliner IIs are much more handicapped accessible than the older ones. Diners are back and the food while not great has improved greatly.

The issue we have had is with the staff. Most of the sleeping car attendants have been very helpful and pleasant but we've had some really terrible ones. On a recent trip he refused to carry my suitcase from the platform to the vestibule even though I use a cane. Said we "should have checked all the luggage", we had two same suitcases.

My wife has spoken with Amtrak about this lack of service several times. Amtrak is concerned and agrees some of the staff would be better in other jobs. Twice we've gotten checks from them over this lack of service.

They are trying hard but the budget and personnel issues are hard to overcome.

It still beats schlepping to the airport and having to rent a car when we get to FL.

Took the Autotrain to Fla many times when the kids were young (Disney). Sure beats the 2 day drive from NY. Went coach each time in Superliner coaches.  The cost increase for a sleeper for a family of 4 wasn't worth it. Not the best for sleeping, more like cat-napping, but OK overall. The trip was about 18 hours if CSX cooperated. The nighttime sounds as the train cruises along are hypnotic.
Food was OK but the quality and portion size did go down over the years. They used to offer unlimited wine with dinner but that stopped on our 2nd to last trip. The crew was always friendly and helpful, but I'm sure there's more @Scotie stories out there.

Waiting for the car to be off-loaded was always like playing roulette. The worst wait we had in Lorton on one trip home was being one of the last 10 autos to come off. They offer preferred/ priority service for your car now.

Overall beats airports, and rental cars by a mile. Agreed that it would be great to see better long-distance rail service in this country. The rest of the world can and does do it well.

Bob

We never took auto train but took Amtrak to Orlando. The first trip was in 76. It was still operating at Pennsy standards. The most memorable event on that trip was on the way down. They announced that the dining car lights on battery weren’t functioning so when we went into the Baltimore tunnel the car would be dark. We were in the dining car which had tablecloths and china. The waiter came up and offered more coffee; as he was pouring the car went dark. When we got out of the tunnel he was gone, my cup was full and there wasn’t a drop on the table!

The second trip was in 83; much different. There was a serve yourself buffet without the frills. Walking with trays of food to the table was an experience. I think Jacksonville is where the train is split. The NY train meets the Chicago train. They swap cars and one goes South and the other to Tampa. Well the train from Chicago was late. We were left on a. Siding for 2 hours. The lights were so dim that you could see the filament in the bulb.  

Very interesting thread, Bruce, thanks for starting it.

I never took such a long distance train ride including the automobile and a sleeper car. At the very least, this will be a bucket list item for me and my wife.  Arnold

I have ridden Numerous night trains in Europe and they are well run, always had a compartment,We traveled .

Vienna to Florence

Milan to Paris

Paris to Salzburg

St Malo to Cologne

It was fun to Wake up and and Look at the scenery on the way into the destination.