Amtrak

[Sohil]

Hi,

 

I'm gonna be visiting US for the 1st time & will be traveling on Amtrak: NY, Penn - Niagara. I have a few queries:

 

1.  
   
2. How can i select my seat, considering it is a long 10 hr journey?
   
3. Where & how do i check-in my luggage (bags)?
   
4. Does it have reclining seats, so that one could sleep?
   
5. Any other tips / suggestions for me?
    
   

Thanks guys!

 

-Sohil

 

[fairviewroad]

Hi,

 

I'm gonna be visiting US for the 1st time & will be traveling on Amtrak: NY, Penn - Niagara. I have a few queries:

 

1. How can i select my seat, considering it is a long 10 hr journey?
2. Where & how do i check-in my luggage (bags)?
3. Does it have reclining seats, so that one could sleep?
4. Any other tips / suggestions for me?

Thanks guys!

 

-Sohil

Thanks for stopping by!

1. Unfortunately, Amtrak does not offer advance seat selection. Considering that you will be getting on the train at the beginning of its route, you should have a fairly decent chance at getting a seat you like.

2. Unfortunately, Amtrak does not offer checked baggage service from New York to Niagara Falls. There is plenty of room on the train for carry-on bags. The general rule is, if you can carry it yourself, it can be carried onto the train. However, you should familiarize yourself with Amtrak's carry-on baggage policy.

If you absolutely must check a bag, you can book a ticket on the Lake Shore Limited to Buffalo-Depew, which is reasonably close to Niagara Falls.However, you would be arriving in Buffalo around midnight and that may not be an attractive choice for you.

3. The seats do recline slightly. You'll find them far more comfortable than a typical airline coach seat. However, they do not by any means lie flat. Many people find them comfortable enough for a quick snooze.

4. Your train will have a cafe car that offers a limited selection of food and beverage. I'm sure others can chime in with more tips.

 

[Tracktwentynine]

When you get onboard, you are generally free to pick whichever seats are not occupied. I strongly advise sitting on the LEFT side of the train leaving New York. You will be treated to fantastic views of the Husdon River Valley between New York City and Albany.

 

[the_traveler]

And further west of Albany, also on the left side, the train travels near the banks of the Mohawk River for a great distance. The Mohawk River is also part of the New York State Barge Canal - which basically is the old Erie Canal!

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

You will be riding in this type of seat: http://history.amtrak.com/archives/amfleet-interior-1

 

[R30A]

Actually, unless they are on the Maple Leaf, they won't get an Amfleet II(like that picture) And even if they do get the maple leaf, it has been a mix of Amfleet Is and Amfleet IIs, so there is no guarantee.

That said, Amfleet Is are still comfortable cars, just slightly less legroom, no foot/legrests, and no curtains. (And on a totally other note, Amfleet I toilets work better...)