First timer from Chicago to Pittsburgh

[sumeet]

Hi,

I'm an international student and this is my first time on Amtrak. I'll be boarding the Capitol Limited from Chicago to go to Pittsburgh. I have a coach seat. I had a few questions:

1) I have a check in size bag with me (<50lbs). Am I supposed to check in the bag or can I carry it with me? The halt in Pittsburgh is only 15 minutes, so I'm not sure I can get back my bag in that short interval (Sorry if this is a naïve question, but I've only traveled by flight in the US).

2) Are coach seat travelers served dinner? How's the food on the train? Would you recommend getting something on the Union station instead?

Appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

 

[amtkstn]

Plan on carry on your bags. On the lower level of the Superliner cars is a large luggage storage bin. You can either have a set down meal in the dinner or get a light meal in the lounge car. I would recommend eating in the dinner. The food is for the most part good and you get to sit with fellow passengers. Since you are riding in coach you will have to pay for meals. Dinner on the Capital starts with the sleeper passengers first because they board early. After they finish up you should be able to get a table in the dinner about 6:30

 

[the_traveler]

There are no dumb questions, except the one you don't ask because it's too dumb. If you don't know the answer, it's not dumb to you. Beside, that's what AU is for - to receive an answer!

You can check you bag between those stations, but you do not have to if you don't want. The Capitol Limited is a 2 level train. On the lower level is a large luggage rack where you can place your bag, or you can put it in the luggage rack above your seat. An advantage to having it as carry-on is that (in addition to being able to have access to it during the trip) it is not weighed or measured! And the 15 minute stop is only for the train - it has nothing to do with the baggage retrieval. At some stations, you may get it off the cart eVen before the train departs or it may be a 30-45 minute wait.

Coach passengers do get dinner, if any slots/seats are available. However, be aware that dinner is served from Chicago on Central Time but shortly after departure you enter Eastern Time (1 hour ahead). So the 8:00 dinner call will be at 9:00 local time. The entire upper level of Union Station is a food court is you want to grab some food.

 

[sumeet]

Thanks a lot amtkstn and the_traveler for your helpful replies.

I had a wonderful trip. Like you advised, I carried my luggage with me, and stored it in the storage bin. I wasn't offered a chance to have dinner, the train was running full, I guess they didn't have slots. I had the pizza at the small cafeteria, not too bad. I had a mini-dinner at the Union Station too.

The best part of the journey was the sightseer lounge, I sat there for almost all the time I was awake, reading a book.

The guy next to me was from Texas, he was drinking and chatting the whole time I was at my seat. Though I didn't understand his accent very well, I tried to be polite by saying hmm or wow at every pause. I don't think he cared though.

All in all, a nice journey. I look forward to more train travels.