New Amtrak rider questions...

[alynch]

So... I'm taking an open-ended trip to San Francisco for the first time, and I've decided to go Amtrak. Leaving on Saturday, and picking up the Lakeshore Limited in Rochester, NY to Chicago, where I'll be taking the California Zephyr for the entire length to Emeryville, CA.

I just got my tickets today at the station- I generally travel on the spur of the moment.

Now, I'm a complete train newbie, who's on a very strict budget... So I'm riding coach. My first question is this: Is there any way for me to tell if the trains I'll be riding in will have power outlets? I don't think my iPhone or laptop will last 3 days without juice.

Second, what's the difference between upper and lower level seats? The website's description was not helpful at all.

Third, can I get off the train for a smoke at certain stops? Or should I just stock up on nicotine gum.

Fourth, am I nuts for not getting a roomette?

Thanks for your help!

-Adam

 

[the_traveler]

Welcome!

My first question is this: Is there any way for me to tell if the trains I'll be riding in will have power outlets? I don't think my iPhone or laptop will last 3 days without juice.

There is no way of knowing if the coach you have is refurbished - and have multiple plugs - until you board. When the cars were built 30+ years ago, not everyone had cell phones, laptops, iPods, DVD players, etc... - so 2 plugs per car was enough for the cleaners. If you do not find plugs at your seat, you can find plugs in the Lounge car - but the other xxx passengers can also! (HINT - if you have a power strip with multiple plugs, I'm sure you''ll make many new friends!)

Second, what's the difference between upper and lower level seats? The website's description was not helpful at all.

There is no big difference - except 1 is on the upper level and a smaller cabin is on the lower level. There are signs I've see that say the lower level seats are reserved only for use by those that have lower level tickets only. One thing to keep in mind is that access between cars is on the upper level only.

Third, can I get off the train for a smoke at certain stops? Or should I just stock up on nicotine gum.

Only get off when they announce this is a smoking stop. (Normally, you can tell if you see the schedule shows a separate Ar and Dp time - otherwise the stop could be less than 30 seconds. And the train does not wait for anyone!)

Fourth, am I nuts for not getting a roomette?

Nuts - no, crazy - maybe. I used to preach going coach, but have changed my mind. You may still be able to get a sleeper onboard - if any are still available when you board. And they will be for sale at the lowest price!

 

[Long Train Runnin']

well i am not sure how much it will help but here in my report i list almost all the smoke stops i think and it might give u a little more insite

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?showtopic=24172

good luck

 

[GG-1]

Welcome!

My first question is this: Is there any way for me to tell if the trains I'll be riding in will have power outlets? I don't think my iPhone or laptop will last 3 days without juice.

There is no way of knowing if the coach you have is refurbished - and have multiple plugs - until you board. When the cars were built 30+ years ago, not everyone had cell phones, laptops, iPods, DVD players, etc... - so 2 plugs per car was enough for the cleaners. If you do not find plugs at your seat, you can find plugs in the Lounge car - but the other xxx passengers can also! (HINT - if you have a power strip with multiple plugs, I'm sure you''ll make many new friends!)

Second, what's the difference between upper and lower level seats? The website's description was not helpful at all.

There is no big difference - except 1 is on the upper level and a smaller cabin is on the lower level. There are signs I've see that say the lower level seats are reserved only for use by those that have lower level tickets only. One thing to keep in mind is that access between cars is on the upper level only.

Third, can I get off the train for a smoke at certain stops? Or should I just stock up on nicotine gum.

Only get off when they announce this is a smoking stop. (Normally, you can tell if you see the schedule shows a separate Ar and Dp time - otherwise the stop could be less than 30 seconds. And the train does not wait for anyone!)

Fourth, am I nuts for not getting a roomette?

Nuts - no, crazy - maybe. I used to preach going coach, but have changed my mind. You may still be able to get a sleeper onboard - if any are still available when you board. And they will be for sale at the lowest price!

Aloha

Don't forget to factor in the cost of meals, these are included in the sleeper cost.

 

[TimePeace]

I just got back last week from a round trip from Boston to SF on Lake Shore Limited and Zephyr.

Any time I happened to look I noticed outlets between seats in coach. lHowever I did notice a few foks who were taking turns charging cell phones on the cafe car.

I'm really glad I had a sleeper but it is a whole lot more money - as was noted, if you get it once you're on the train it is at the lowest price. When you get to Chi, go right to the ticket desk and see if there is one available in the Zephyr that leaves later.

I don't smoke but it seemed to me that they announced a smoke stop once every three or four hours or so.

Have fun!

David

 

[Shanghai]

Do note that between Rochester and Chicago you will be in a Viewliner car which does not have an upper and lower level - only one level. I just returned from Texas via the Eagle and Lake Shore Limited. I was in a roomette, but I have traveled several times in coach.

As for the electrical outlets, the car that I traveled from Dallas to Chicago had outlets, but none of them were working!! But the heat didn't work either!! It must have been a very old car.

I hope you enjoy your trip to California. The scenery must be outstanding.

 

[the_traveler]

When you get to Chi, go right to the ticket desk and see if there is one available in the Zephyr that leaves later.

You can ask at the desk in CHI if there are any rooms left, but DO NOT book at that time! Wait until you board to get an onboard upgrade! If you book before you board (even 5 minutes prior to boarding), you will pay the current price for the room (which may be at the highest bucket). If you ask onboard, you will get it at the lowest bucket - if any are available.

 

[alynch]

Thanks to all your great replies to my questions... I'm definitely looking forward to a bit of adventure!

 

[sky12065]

Thanks to all your great replies to my questions... I'm definitely looking forward to a bit of adventure!

In addition to all the good information you've been given so far, consider even a partial upgrade on the CZ. i.e. Sometimes a room is booked at the beginning of the trip but vacated enroute for the rest of the trip or booked again at a later station. If you could catch a room for just one of the two nights, it could give you a rest and break from coach at a lower cost than occupancy for the full distance. Why you may even get a free meal or two thrown into the deal!

 

[spacecadet]

Just to add about the lower level seats -

In my experience, and it may not always be this way but in my experience, the lower level seats are used mostly by large families and the disabled. The reason for the former being that it's more of an enclosed space where there's not quite as much room for kids to run around and get into trouble (and fewer passengers to annoy), and the reason for the latter being that it's on the same level as the bathrooms and the exit to outside.

I would not really recommend riding in the lower level unless you need to.

Also, I have done this exact trip many times, in both coach and in roomettes. I didn't mind coach when I was young but I'd never go that long in coach now that I'm older; it's just too long without a shower, too long sitting in the same seat day and night, and too long having to listen to other passengers' noises at night. I'd ask about upgrades, definitely - you don't need to buy one for the entire trip, maybe just one night of it in the middle - but plan for the fact that you will want one at some point, which means asking about it early.

 

[alynch]

Just to add about the lower level seats -
(cut)

I would not really recommend riding in the lower level unless you need to.

Awesome... The Ticketing Agent just said "Its on the lower level." With that sort of explanation, I wasn't sure what to expect.

If you could catch a room for just one of the two nights, it could give you a rest and break from coach at a lower cost than occupancy for the full distance. Why you may even get a free meal or two thrown into the deal!

I'll give that a go... Spending $355 for an upgrade the length of the CZ didn't really appeal to me. And at age 29, I'm definitely not quite as young as I used to be, and tend to enjoy the occasional shower.