Over the past few years, I’ve done a lot of train travel.
I’ve crisscrossed the US several times on Amtrak trains from San Francisco to Chicago; Denver to California; Los Angeles to New Orleans; New York to Chicago; Chicago to Washington, DC; New York to Boston; and Chicago to Portland, Oregon.
Although my long-haul journeys have been positive overall, things can always go wrong.
Here are some of the biggest mishaps I’ve encountered on Amtrak rides so far, along with how I try to prepare for them in advance.
Before I board the train, I prepare for spotty signals and limited cell reception.
Amtrak travels through some remote areas of the US, including the Rocky Mountains and the northern plains.
These parts of the country don’t always have great cell reception. Though some of Amtrak’s routes and trains advertise WiFi access, reception may still be spotty.
If I know I’ll be riding through more rural areas, I always tell people not to worry if I don’t reply immediately. I also download any books or movies I want access to on the train before I board.
Delays of any size can wreak havoc on travel plans, so I plan my schedule to account for them.
Between freight traffic and track maintenance, delays can feel pretty common when you travel on trains. I’ve frequently experienced delays of up to three hours on long-distance Amtrak journeys.
I also have friends who’ve been delayed by up to seven hours on a ride. So, whenever any sort of delay is announced, I’m always prepared for the worst.
I never plan anything time-sensitive for the day I arrive, and I always bring a book or something that can keep me occupied if the journey is longer than expected.
I pack my own food so I don’t have to rely on the onboard options.
Amtrak has stepped up its onboard food game quite a bit in the past few years. Even if you don’t spring for access to the dining car, the café car usually offers basics like coffee, crudités, and noodle bowls.
Still, the options are often limited, and eating the same things for three days straight on long-haul journeys can get boring. The café can also run out of items and isn’t open 24/7.
Packing my snacks and meals saves me money and ensures I always have access to something I want to eat.
I prepare for crowded coach cars, which can be difficult to sleep in.
Amtrak’s sleeper cars are not in my budget. I usually book a regular coach seat, even if the journey is scheduled to take over 20 hours.
I don’t typically get to choose my seat on Amtrak, but whenever I do, I’m savvy about it. A spot far from the bathroom or families with noisy kids is ideal — bonus points if there’s no one else in the row.
If I board and the coach cars are already crowded, there’s not much I can do other than hope people get off before me.
To prepare, I also like to bring a travel pillow, a sleeping mask, and earplugs, which make sleeping upright on a long journey a little easier.
Train tickets can get pricey, so I stay on top of discounts and deals.
Traveling by train, particularly on longer routes, isn’t always cheaper than flying.
To get the best deals, I look out for Amtrak sales by signing up for promotional email lists. I’ve landed discounts of up to 30% at certain times of the year.
I also have a free Amtrak rewards account that I use to earn points toward future tickets.
This story was originally published on November 2, 2024, and most recently updated on April 29, 2025.
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