OpenTube

Amtrak Tips and Strategy for a Better Experience for Long-Distance Trains

Retirement Travelers

52,091 views

Learn about 50 Best Amtrak Tips - Don't make any of the same mistakes we did! Understand Bedroom, Roomette, and Coach Classes.

🆓 Join our FREE Facebook Community to share in the conversation: Facebook: retirementtravelerscommunityforseniorworldtravel

▶️ HELP US GET TO 200,000 SUBSCRIBERS: https://www.youtube.com/c/retirementt...

_____________________________

👉 WE HAVE NO PATREON, BUY ME A COFFEE, OR PAYPAL. We just don't feel right about asking our viewers for money. If you'd like to support our channel, please use our links to purchase travel products and travel resources. We have many on our website in our travel store. We earn a small commission when you use our links. Thank you! ❤️

🛍️ Our Travel Store: https://www.retirementtravelers.com/t...

_____________________________

V I D E O S T O W A T C H N E X T :

👉 OUR PERSONAL FAVORITE VIDEOS: Our Personal Favorite Videos

👉 2026 VIDEOS: 2026 Videos - Retirement Travelers

👉 2025 VIDEOS: 2025 Videos - Retirement Travelers

--------------------------------------------

📫 NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/h_P0RD
🌎 WEBSITE: https://retirementtravelers.com/
📸 INSTAGRAM: Instagram: RetirementTravelers
📘 FACEBOOK: Facebook: RetirementTravelers
💼 LINKEDIN: LinkedIn: retirement-travelers

___________________________

🛠️ OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL TOOLS & PARTNERS
We only recommend products we use and love. Some of these are affiliate links, which help support our travels—at no extra cost to you!

💳 CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE CC: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19...
📬 RVMAIL SERVICE: https://gomyrv.com/RetirementTravelers
🔐 EXPRESS VPN: www.expressvpn.com/retirementtravelers
🛜 AIRALO E-SIM: https://airalo.pxf.io/rQnbrB
💸 DAILYDROPPRO: https://faredrop.com/?fpr=john13
🚗 MY DAY TRIP PRIVATE DRIVERS:https://bit.ly/45pVNgG
🧳 FAYE TRAVEL INSURANCE: https://bit.ly/4qXBDCQ
🚑 SAFETYWING TRAVEL INSURANCE: https://bit.ly/45ZXBgr
☎ GOOGLE FI PHONE SERVICE: https://g.co/fi/r/8T10HP

💼 RETIREMENT RESOURCES WE TRUST:
👧🏼 URS Financial Advisory Link: https://www.ursadvisory.com/
🎥 Retire with Julia Youtube: @retirewithjulia

#amtrak #amtraktrain #amtraktrains #trains #traintravel #retirementtravelers #retirementtravel #travel2026 #seniortravel #railtravel #trainvideo #amtraknortheastregional

00:00 Introduction
01:58 Amtrak Ticketing and Planning
06:40 Amtrak Food and Dining
09:46 Amtrak Stations and Boarding
14:00 Amtrak Onboard Life and Moving Around
15:58 Amtrak Guest Rewards Program
16:47 Amtrak Coach Class Tips

20 Comments

@RetirementTravelers Creator 7 months ago (edited) Pinned

We love taking trains all around the world. In the USA, we've had some great trips and so terrible trips on Amtrak. Today, we share our tips for new riders to hopefully make your experience better. Don't make the same mistakes we did. We would love for you to share your thoughts and experience on Amtrak as well. Happy journeys, John and Bev https://www.facebook.com/groups/retirementtravelerscommunityforseniorworldtravel

@WorldTravelerSSC 7 months ago

I so agree especially regarding Texas Eagle. I used to take that often to go from Austin to Chicago and then a different train to Michigan. I finally had to stop. Smelly and uncomfortable . I finally paid big $$ for a sleeper but as you say, uncomfortable and very unclean. I wrote to Amtrak and advised them that they really needed a janitor full-time on board. They sent me $150 voucher for my next trip. I sent it back to them and told them when they hire a janitor, to let me know. I never heard from them again. After starting to travel overseas, I realized what a huge difference it is between everyone else in the world and the USA. Pretty sad.

@cindyweaver6785 7 months ago

You are right about the people that work for Amtrak! In 2008 my parents came to Illinois for my son's graduation. My dad walked with a walker and had a lot of anxiety about falling. In Galesburg, IL (a small train station) they had to walk across several flat tracks to get to the train. Then the actual door to board was 3-4 train cars the opposite direction. An attendant just happened to notice this and my dad's anxiety. He ran back to the station and got a wheel chair and pushed dad over those tracks. Then he had them move the train so the door was closer! The steps to the train were quite high. So he got another attendant and they without waring swooped my dad up and put him on the train. They didn't give him any time to worry about the step. Brings tears to my eyes now almost 20 years later!

@jeffstowe4860 1 month ago

At 64, I agree and thanks y'all for keeping it real! I love Amtrekking long distance around the country a few times a year in coach class checking out the sites. I hope to take the Cardinal through the Appalachians from Chicago to NYC!

@ThePorterossa 5 months ago

Pack light! Then be sure to bring, pillow blanket,jacket/sweater, food,slipping shoes,mask,ear plugs,chargers etc...😂

@grovewiley1889 4 months ago

We loved our first adventure on the Coast Starlight, Emeryville to LA. Hung out in the Observation car, had coffee and snacks in our comfortable coach seats, watched the beautiful scenery, read! We’ll definitely book an overnight adventure next.

@marilynsue4273 6 months ago

Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am - no announcements. The attendant will come to your seat if you are scheduled to get off the train.

@AverageUser1040 6 months ago

Someone said, 'if you like camping, then you'll be fine on Amtrak'. Just finished my first trip - Seattle to Chicago on the EB, set expectations appropriately, loved it. Will be doing another trip soon!

@cyndyjohannsen1856 7 months ago

Tips are right on the nose. Having ridden on both multi-day trips and short hauls I can attest that each has it's own perks and disappoints. I think the best thing anyone can pack is a good attitude. Helps bunches when the disappoints loom. Thank you for such a comprehensive tips video.

@travelman677 7 months ago

Great video as always and thanks for all the tips. We’ve been on the fence about trying a longer Amtrak trip and this is helpful.

@squalli1297 7 months ago

I’ve been a train enthusiast all of my life & have been riding Amtrak since its inception. Needless to say I’ve seen many changes in equipment & service. I’ve learned to book long distance trains & will only travel in sleeper cars as a solo traveler. If I need to make a connection, I will stay overnight to insure I won’t miss a flight, cruise, or train. I also pack my own cleaning supplies including disposable gloves. I don’t expect much service from attendants, so I’ll make my own beds, carry my own bags, & will eat in the dining car.

@JennyBee14 7 months ago

Great info! I actually took several three-night Amtrak trips on Sunset Limited in a roomette with my almost three-year-old son back in the late 90s. There was no internet, movies, or anything like that, but it ended up being one of my favorite memories. We spent the time watching the scenery change across the country. Even the announcements and train horn became part of the experience. It was simple, but really special.

@robertstambaugh3495 5 months ago

I spent thirty eight years as a railroad trainman. My wife and I have traveled on Amtrak all over the country. I just came back from a trip to Altoona PA. and back from Denver, CO. Your advice is spot on. I have utilized a roomette and coach, either is a plus from my perspective compared to air travel. I would like to advice people on the utilization of bathrooms and solid waste. However our social structure won't allow it. Accurate video.

@SoloTravelwithLydia 7 months ago

Here I am commenting again! 😅I just always appreciate the content you put out. Thanks for the tips that experienced travelers do. Several years ago, I did manage to book a roomette on The Crescent with my son in the upper bunk. If I do it again and if budget allows, I'll book an extra roomette.

Also, I love the navy hats. Counting down the days to Africa! I really enjoyed "meeting" everyone on Tuesday. See you soon!

@Lael1 5 months ago

Great suggestions!! Thank you

@MelloCello55 7 months ago

Very informative!!! Thank you.

@JDPiera 5 months ago

Very helpful video THANK YOU

@davidgiffen6349 7 months ago

I’ve taken trains on the northeast corridor many times. Generally cheaper than flying, you’re able to move around, and you end up close to city centers without long wait times and expensive extra transports, but…in September of 2024 we got on the train from Trenton, NJ to Boston MA and smelled perfume. When we tried to avoid it by changing cars we realized it was being pumped through the system. The same thing happened on the way home a few days later. I haven’t been on a train since then.

@Anonymous-One1 7 months ago

Thank you for sharing your experiences and suggestions for traveling on Amtrak. Admittedly, traveling by Amtrak isn't high on our travel bucket list. Maybe after watching this video we will reconsider.

@Eyagsf 3 months ago

Thank you for such an in depth review. It’s so sad that one of the most advanced countries in the world has such an antiquated train system. We are so far behind 😢