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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
9 mistakes travelers make on their first train trips
Benét, known as the Aviation Queen, is a former senior editor at TPG who is best known for being an aviation journalist for 25-plus years. Her love affair with travel and aviation began at age 6, when her Air Force family moved from California to a military base outside of London. The family flew from JFK to London on a pretty new Pan Am 747. She was amazed when, in 1992, she got her first aviation journalism job.
August 17, 2021 • 9 min read
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Quick summary
The article provides essential tips for first-time long-distance train travelers in the US, focusing on comfort, planning and maximizing the experience.
It highlights the importance of researching train routes for scenic views, checking on-time performance and selecting the right seat or accommodation, such as a roomette for added amenities.
Travelers are advised to bring their own entertainment and snacks, especially for longer journeys or if they have dietary restrictions, as food options can be limited in coach.
Additional advice includes dressing comfortably, preparing for possible delays and understanding the social aspect of dining cars, where communal seating is standard.
What to consider
Observation car seating is first-come, first-served, so early arrival is recommended for the best views.
On some routes, complimentary meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included with certain accommodations, but coach passengers may need to bring their own food.
Many long-distance trains have inconsistent Wi-Fi, so downloading entertainment in advance is suggested.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed tips for choosing the best train, seat and amenities to enhance your long-distance rail journey.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Congratulations! You've just booked your first train trip. That was the easy part. Now what you need to do is prepare before your trip to ensure you have a pleasant experience.
I'm a regular traveler on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, with countless numbers of trips between Washington, D.C.'s Union Station to New York City's Penn Station. But back in 2015, I booked my first long-distance trip, a roomette on Amtrak's Capitol Limited from Washington, D.C., to Chicago. My trip wasn't horrible, but it could have been much better if I had done some simple research before boarding. I'm sharing my tips, so you don't have to learn the hard way.
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Some of Amtrak's long-distance trains are notorious for delays.
A whopping 14 of 15 routes fail to achieve 80% standard of arriving within 15 minutes on schedule, according to Amtrak's Railroad Report Card 2020.
Only The City of New Orleans route made the cut. Long-distance lines with dismal on-time schedules include the Sunset Limited (33%), the Texas Eagle (48%), the Capitol Limited (52%) and the Crescent (53%). So check the on-time statistics of your train before you book that trip, so you don't stress out during delays.
Passengers prepare to board Amtrak's Southwest Chief at the station in Lamy, N.M. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
One of the biggest thrills of train travel is seeing the majesty that is America from a window. So make sure you choose a train that will give you that. Some of the more popular routes include:
The California Zephyr between Chicago and Oakland, Calif., is called one of the most beautiful train trips in North America, traveling through the heart of the Rockies and snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, as well as through the plains of Nebraska to Denver.
The Coast Starlight, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, features views of snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline.
The Southwest Chief between Chicago and Los Angeles journeys past wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos, mountains and deserts and through canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself.
4. Not bringing your own entertainment
(Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images)
Train rides can be long, especially if there are delays. Northeast Corridor trains have Wi-Fi access, but the pickings can be slim to none on some more remote areas. So be prepared by downloading plenty of movies, television shows, music and books on your smartphone, laptop or tablet to keep you amused -- especially if there are train delays.
5. Not choosing the right seat
The business-class seats have impressive recline and footrests. (By Jacob Harrison, TPG)
On Northeast Corridor trains, I don't bother booking a reserved seat. I make a beeline to the Quiet Car because most people can't stay off their phones, so there's a good chance of snagging two seats.
Sitting in that coach seat -- especially if you have someone sitting next to you -- can get old quickly. But if you're on a long-distance train, try and pay extra for a roomette. The roomette comes with the following amenities:
Two comfortable seats by day
Upper and lower berths by night
Fresh towels and linens
Access to a private restroom and shower in your car
A dedicated Sleeping Car attendant
Complimentary lounge access
Priority boarding
Complimentary meals
There's also room for your luggage, plus dedicated restrooms and showers in your train car.
6. Missing out on observation cars
The observation car on Amtrak's Empire Builder. (Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)
The views from observation cars on Amtrak's long-distance trains can be incredible, thanks to cars with floor-to-ceiling windows. But get there early because seats are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Not bringing food and drinks
1 of 2
The current Cafe Dining menu. (Screenshot courtesy of Amtrak)
2 of 2
Amtrak's three-course dinner menu. (Screenshot courtesy of Amtrak)
The good news is that Amtrak is bringing white tablecloth dining back to six long-distance trains -- California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle -- which includes the return of china dishes and real silverware. And if you've booked a roomette, your meals and non-alcoholic drinks come with your ticket.
But if you're sitting in coach or have special food requirements, you may want to bring your own food and snacks because a long train ride is even longer when your stomach is growling.
When you make a reservation for Amtrak's dining car with the three-course menu, know that you will be seated with three random passengers at your table. If you're an extrovert like me, it can be great.
One of my tablemates on the Capitol Limited was a woman who was part of a team that investigated Amtrak accidents, and our table had a fascinating conversation about it. But if you're an introvert, it may feel like a circle of hell to make idle chat with your fellow passengers at the table. You may be better off getting food from the Cafe car and eating at your seat.
9. Not dressing for comfort
Like airplanes, temperatures can vary on train rides. So prepare accordingly and bring a hoodie or sweater to protect you from the chill. Multiple hours on a train wearing skinny jeans can be so uncomfortable. So avoid that by wearing yoga or sweatpants or comfy leggings.
Bottom line
Everyone should go on a long-distance train trip once in their lifetime. It's not for everyone, but by following my tips, you'll have all you need to make it a wonderful trip.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
