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Don’t Board Amtrak Until You Watch This (Full Beginner's Guide 2026)

Casey Krause

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Taking Amtrak for the first time? 🚆 Before you book your trip, there are a few things you’ll want to know.

In this complete Amtrak beginner’s guide for 2026, I’m sharing what I wish I knew before taking Amtrak. Including helpful tips, common mistakes to avoid, what to expect onboard, and things that can make your trip much easier.

Whether you’re planning your first Amtrak journey or just want to feel more prepared, this guide will help you know what to expect before you go.

In this video:
• Amtrak tips for first-time passengers
• Common Amtrak mistakes to avoid
• What to know before your first trip
• What to expect onboard
• Tips for making your Amtrak experience easier

If you’re taking Amtrak for the first time, watch this before you go!

#Amtrak #AmtrakTips #AmtrakGuide #TrainTravel #traveltips

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Disclaimer:
This video is based on my personal experiences, research, and opinions. I’m not a financial advisor or travel agent, at the end of the day, you alone are responsible for your decisions. Keep in mind that all financial decisions that you make, are solely up to you and you are the person making those decisions, just keep in mind there are risks with any kind of investing. My goal is to share what I learn. I appreciate every one of you who joins me on this journey, making these videos and connecting with you all is the best part.

00:00 Intro
00:49 What is Amtrak?
01:54 Basic Experiences
02:48 Superliner vs Viewliner
03:57 How to buy tickets
05:59 How to save money
06:51 What should you bring?
07:58 WIFI Availability
08:49 What luggage can you bring?
09:57 How safe is your stuff?
10:52 Don't miss the train!
11:40 What do the stations offer?
13:07 How boarding works
13:34 Which side to sit on?
14:33 Coach Overview
15:34 Roomettes Overview
17:48 Bedroom Overview
19:00 Family, Accessible Rooms
19:28 How's the food?
21:25 Snack Bar/Cafe Car Options
21:54 How are the toilets?
22:38 Shower on a train?
23:29 The people
23:55 Amtrak workers
24:34 Train stops
25:25 DELAYS
26:40 Amtrak vs Flying
27:10 Amtrak vs Driving
28:01 Use your GPS app
28:21 Sightseer Lounge
28:58 BE CAREFUL
29:56 Auto Train
30:35 Canada
31:16 New Trains
31:54 Final Thoughts
33:48 Outro

17 Comments

@caseykrausemedia Creator 2 weeks ago Pinned

What are your tips for riding Amtrak? 👇🏻

@DopeAsThePope1 8 hours ago

Traveling by train is my favorite way to travel!

@this_jedi_crafts6626 2 weeks ago

I don't know if you covered it - I watched the entire video but didn't hear you mention it - "tipping." I did research prior to my first Amtrak adventure (about four years ago) and made sure that I got cash (singles, fives, tens, etc) pre-trip. I think it's always a great idea to tip your attendants - especially for the times when they bring your meals to the roomette. At the end, I gave a larger tip and thanked them. They are "at work" and are essentially in the hospitality business and providing a wonderful service. Also remember to tip your server or dining staff. I think it's just the right thing to do (but I'm Gen X) and I know it's a bit different now, culturally. Thank you for another cool video. I'm so happy the algorithm brought me to your account.

@randyjohnson5565 2 weeks ago

well done casey, been traveling on amtrak for over 20 years on vacations and you covered a lot of the important things to know. plus always tip your room attendant ,dining car and cafe car workers, they do a great job .

@joemeyers3127 2 weeks ago

Wonderful overview of Amtrak service. Thanks!

@CrabRangooner69 13 days ago

Superliners & traditional dining west of Chicago. Viewliners & flex dining east of Chicago.

@wanderingtin 18 hours ago

we will go to GA via Amtrak in Dec and I'm excited for it!! appreciate the advise!

@TimHart-ew7ec 11 days ago

I've been pondering a Florida to Ny trip. This gives me some stuff to chew on, thanks.

@Jasmine-ur1sl 2 weeks ago (edited)

I have done some long trips (California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief) as well the Chicago/New York route. Loved, loved every minute of each of these adventures. If I knew then what I know now; I would have brought more snacks and my own veggie burgers; extra wool socks and an extra novel. I travelled those routes before cell phones, iPads and laptops - so between scenic routes; entertainment (besides chatting with fellow passengers and crew or hanging in the upper sky deck lounges) should be considered - along with earplugs and eye masks.

@marysalisbury4634 2 weeks ago

Wow! This is great. Thanks for all the great information. We will be taking our first cross country trip in November. I appreciate all your info.

@Squints30 2 weeks ago

Awesome info thank you so much Casey

@Clemmyyyy 2 weeks ago

Thank you so much❤

@dirtbag58 11 days ago

Tell me the best price from Oakland to Chicago

@Luscious3174 13 days ago

Many states and airlines won't let you fly if your ID is a drivers license with "Federal limits apply" in the upper right - is this also the case with Amtrak??? What ID requirements does Amtrak have? Can a foreign passport work?

@iainmacinnes1657 10 days ago

When booking a Viewliner Roomette or room, do you have a preference for Viewliner 1 or 2? Have you been able to book your preference when booking your trip. Thanks.