New to train travel and kinda..very nervous

[Rainbowcupcake]

hi ,

I am traveling by train next month with my bf and we both have never traveled by train before. I have been trying to do as much research as possible and trying to call the amtrak customer care for info but still I have concerns. ( sorry if this is a tad lengthy)

For background info we are taking the cardinal 51 overnight.

Does this train tend to have many delays?

I have read to arrive an hour before departure or should I give us more time?

what if the train is early does it leave earlier or still on scheduled time?

We have already purchased tickets online, do we pick them up at the station before the day we leave or can we pick them up right before we are departing?

HOw do you know it's time to board, are you in a waiting area then they call those to board?

Once on the train what happens? do we just find a seat?

We have reserved coach seats what does that mean and will we be able to sit together?

How do we know it's our stop? will they announce the stops on like a pa system and how then do we disembark?

If I need to get something out of my carry on can I get to it?

I think that's all for now lol, sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

 

[Ryan]

First off, welcome and relax!

The answers to a lot of your questions depend very much on what stations you will be departing from/arriving at.

But in general: Yes, the Cardinal tends to pick up some delays in the middle of it's run. There is a stretch in Virginia where there is only 1 main track and the sidings are not long enough for the coal trains that run out there to fit into. This means that every time you run across a coal train, you're going in the hole to wait for them to pass.

Depending on your station, arriving 30 minutes in advance should be more than enough. The train cannot leave a stop that people are scheduled to board at before the scheduled time (there are some "discharge only" stations that the train is permitted to leave early, since nobody is allowed to board).

You can pick the tickets up the day before, or the day of. Once you have picked them up, treat them like cash - they CANNOT be replaced. However, some like to get them a day early, so that if there are any issues getting them, you can work it out well in advance (I always get mine when I arrive at the station to depart).

"Reserved Coach" means that there will be a seat for you on the train. No guarantees that you'll be able to sit together, but they make every effort to do so. Again, this will vary (as will the seat assignment process) depending on what station at which you board.

Yes, they announce all stops over a PA system. It's also likely (but not certain) that someone will come around before the stop to remind folks that their stop is coming up. To get off, just walk to the end of the car with the door and go down the stairs. There should be a staff member at the door to assist folks.

You will have access to your carry on, it'll either be in the (very large) overhead rack, or stored at the end of the car. If you check any baggage, that will be stored in the baggage car and you will NOT have access to it for the duration of your trip.

Have fun! Let us know where you're going, and we can give a lot more detailed advice about the boarding/detraining process.

 

[ehbowen]

While it's nice to be at the station 30 minutes or more before departure, it is not required unless you are checking baggage or picking up your tickets. (Baggage checked at the last minute, if they accept it at all, may end up being put on the next day's train...which could be 2 or 3 days for the Cardinal.) There is no "check-in" counter for the train; if you are not checking luggage and you already have your tickets then simply wait in the station for your train to arrive. Trains may ARRIVE early, but they never DEPART early, so don't sweat it.

When the train arrives, normally the crewmen will be out on the platform to direct you to the proper coach or sleeper. If there are many passengers, they may direct you to form a line and then check each passenger's ticket one by one. Otherwise, go to your car and step aboard. If the passenger load is heavy the conductor may assign you a specific seat; otherwise you may take any open seat. Seats which are taken are marked with a "seat check", which is a small slip of paper tucked into a clip in the overhead luggage rack. If the conductor had you form a line in the station then he probably punched and lifted your tickets there, but if not then he will come through the train and take your tickets shortly after departure. After boarding, remain in your seat until the conductor has taken your tickets and issued you a seat check. Once you have your seat check you are free to move about the train.

If you have any issues pertaining to seating or comfort, such as being unable to sit together as a group due to too many single passengers trying to hog a double seat, then speak to the conductor. They will usually deal with the seat hogs politely but firmly. If you want to switch seats after boarding you may normally do so, although if the train is crowded check with the conductor or your car attendant first. If they are OK with it then simply switch your seat check to the new seat and move.

Station stops are announced over the PA system during the day; at night the conductor will come by and alert you prior to your destination as marked on your seat check. (This is one reason why the crew tries to group passengers getting off in the middle of the night in one specific coach or area.) Your carry on luggage will be right there in the car with you...in coach, in an overhead rack; in a Viewliner sleeper there is a storage cubby high up (stand on the toilet cover) and you may access it as you wish. Checked luggage, however, will be in a secure baggage car or compartment and is not accessible until you collect it at your destination.

Have a great trip!

 

[afigg]

For background info we are taking the cardinal 51 overnight.

Does this train tend to have many delays?

...

We have already purchased tickets online, do we pick them up at the station before the day we leave or can we pick them up right before we are departing?

Unfortunately, the Cardinal has among the poorest on-time performance of all the Amtrak trains because of the bottlenecks of a single track line in VA and coal export train traffic in VA and WV.

If your departing station has an agent or a Quik-Trak machine, you can get the tickets printed at the station before you get on the train. The Cardinal serves a number of small stations that are not attended and don't have Quik-Trak machines. We could provide more specific advice if you post which station you are departing from and going to.

 

[fairviewroad]

First off ... relax!

Best advice on this thread. While it's good to be asking about and thinking about these issues, OP, the main thing is that

train travel is on the whole a lot less stressful than air travel. No worries about 3 ounce bottles of liquids, no worries about

removing shoes to step through an xray scanner, no worries about climbing over 2 strangers to use the potty, etc.

As a general rule feel free to ask your fellow train travelers at the station or along the way...we're generally a pretty

nice bunch! And have fun!

 

[saxman]

Many of us have been to just about every station in the system. We could probably give you more specific answers about how and where you board if we knew which station you were departing from. Although it looks like most of your general questions have been answered. Hope you have a fun trip.

 

[darien-l]

Before you head to the staton, check the status of your train on amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

 

[Linda T]

The Cardinal is my home train. I take it everytime I travel Amtrak, so if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Where are you traveling from and going to? By giving us stations we can usually be more helpful, or we at least think we are.

As others have said, the 51 has a very poor track record (no pun intended). I depart from Huntington, WV and very seldom is it ever less than an hour late, and sometimes two! However, it does have a one hour layover in Indianapolis, and if it's running late (arriving after normal departure time) it will have those boarding get on in haste and take off, no layover. Notice I said, if it arrives AFTER normal departing time -- the trains will NEVER leave a station early.

I tend to start long distance trips on the Cardinal, and when traveling west (on 51) I always start out in coach to Cincinnati, so I do have a little experience with Coach, and even more with roomettes and bedrooms. So, ask away, and also just sit back and enjoy the ride. I just took the 51/50 to Chicago and home a few weeks ago, and will be taking it again in a few weeks to NY, and then in a few more months to Charlottesville.

If you need to get something out of your carry on, you can. It's stored overhead (similar to airplanes). The great thing about train travel is that you can get up and walk around and stretch your legs while traveling, don't know any other mode of transportation where you can do that. You also don't need to deal with TSA, like at airports, though a word of advice, if you see a German or Belgian shepherd dog, etc. at an Amtrak station, don't pet him, he's working to keep you safe.

Some here complain about the Card's food, but I love it -- though it is expensive! So do take your own food if you're in coach unless you just want that "Orient Express" experience of eating in the dining car.

The Card's a great train, she's a little old, but she gets the job done. If you're boarding before you cross into WV you will see some the New River Gorge, one of the most beautiful sites on Amtrak in the east, (yes I said *one* of the most beautiful -- NY state has some really cool scenery too.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Does this train tend to have many delays?

I have read to arrive an hour before departure or should I give us more time?

what if the train is early does it leave earlier or still on scheduled time?

We have already purchased tickets online, do we pick them up at the station before the day we leave or can we pick them up right before we are departing?

HOw do you know it's time to board, are you in a waiting area then they call those to board?

Once on the train what happens? do we just find a seat?

We have reserved coach seats what does that mean and will we be able to sit together?

How do we know it's our stop? will they announce the stops on like a pa system and how then do we disembark?

If I need to get something out of my carry on can I get to it?

1. Tons and tons of delays on the Cardinal. Much more in one direction (51) than the other (50). Much less delays for other trains.

2. 30 minutes if not checking baggage, 60 if you are. Any more time is totally redundant. No security lines, for better or worse.

3. Still on scheduled time or later. It will only leave earlier if the stop is "detrain only", so no more pax will come on.

4. Depends on which station you depart from.

5. They call you to board, but in some stations you can hang out on the platform at any time, even if there is no train.

6. Just find a seat anywhere if you're in Coach. If you get a Sleeper you get an assigned seat.

7. That means you will have a seat, any seat. The seat is not assigned so you may not be able to sit together with your friend. You must have a Sleeper to get an specific room.

8. They should announce your stop. you get off the same way you came on, you walk off the train! :huh:

9. You can put it on the overhead rack. You can also check three pieces for free for each person. the limits are 36'' by 36'' by 36'' and 50 pounds max for each piece.

 

[Rainbowcupcakes]

Sorry for the other thread everyone!, still trying to get the hang of this board. , but thank you all for your answers! all the answers really did help with the fear of it all.

I am going from cincinnati to indianapolis on the 51 if that helps

Also do any of you recommend the quik kiosks?

 

[zephyr17]

Sorry for the other thread everyone!, still trying to get the hang of this board. , but thank you all for your answers! all the answers really did help with the fear of it all.

I am going from cincinnati to indianapolis on the 51 if that helps

Also do any of you recommend the quik kiosks?

Quik Traks are fine, but just a way to get the ticket issued without having to see an agent. Also, they seem to have something of a tendency to go on the fritz and not be available.

If there is a long line for the agent, or you don't want to deal with the agent in the wee hours of the morning when the Cardinal goes through Cincinnati sure, use the the Quik Trak kiosk.

 

[Lakeshore]

I am going from cincinnati to indianapolis on the 51 if that helps

Also do any of you recommend the quik kiosks?

It doesn't look like Cincinnati has a Quik-Trak kiosk. But they do have a ticket office. You can just take your reservation bar code to the ticket window and the attendant can print your ticket(s) for you. You can check the "Status" tab on the Amtrak web site to see the approximate time that the train will arrive at your station. You can use this to kind of judge when to get there. I usually go with the 30 minutes before departure, like some others here, but you may want to give yourself a few extra minutes, since you are a newbie ^_^

Other than that, relax and have a nice ride.

 

[zephyr17]

I am going from cincinnati to indianapolis on the 51 if that helps

Also do any of you recommend the quik kiosks?

It doesn't look like Cincinnati has a Quik-Trak kiosk. But they do have a ticket office. You can just take your reservation bar code to the ticket window and the attendant can print your ticket(s) for you. You can check the "Status" tab on the Amtrak web site to see the approximate time that the train will arrive at your station. You can use this to kind of judge when to get there. I usually go with the 30 minutes before departure, like some others here, but you may want to give yourself a few extra minutes, since you are a newbie ^_^

Other than that, relax and have a nice ride.

Just make sure to allow enough time to pick up your ticket before boarding, since there isn't a kiosk there (didn't know that). There may be a line. I don't know much about Cincy, but at many stations, there is only one agent and if so, they'll close up a few minutes before the train arrives to handle the baggage. Speaking of which, if you are checking baggage, my experience is they are pretty strict about the 30 minute cutoff, and that means you have it checked 30 minutes before, not just being in the line to check it 30 minutes before. At Everett, I've seen them refuse to check bags because they didn't make the cutoff.

 

[Linda T]

Sorry for the other thread everyone!, still trying to get the hang of this board. , but thank you all for your answers! all the answers really did help with the fear of it all.

I am going from cincinnati to indianapolis on the 51 if that helps

Also do any of you recommend the quik kiosks?

I'd make certain to call 1-800-USA-RAIL before leaving to see how late the Cardinal is running. This is a site where you can check the ontime performance of Amtrak trains over the last four weeks -- but it will not tell you what your train is actually doing at that very moment. Unfortunately it only shows the days that people have checked, so it isn't a complete list of each day. In fact, not many people have checked it's ontime performance into Cinci. The Cardinal coming into Cinci does show an average delay of 62 minutes (that's probably pretty accurate). Into Indy it shows an average delay of 47 minutes (again, probably pretty accurate).

My experience is that you will probably be asked by the conductor to sit in a particular car, and in a particular section of it since you're going such a short way. That way he'll keep all those getting off at Indy grouped together (maybe in the front or back of the car). They also do a fairly good job of keeping people quiet, since you'll be traveling in the dead of night. The seats are very comfortable and roomy, a lot like a recliner. There will be a lot of people boarding at Cincinnati. I've never been in the station so I don't know how they line up, but being near the front of the line will definately help, if they don't board by number in the group. I've only gone from sleeper to coach and vice versa at Cinci, and to go to coach I have to detrain and get in line. The last time I was there (a few weeks ago) the conductor called out for groups traveling together. He'll ask for 5 or more and work his way down to singles -- so they do try to keep everyone together as much as possible.

The conductor should come through after you've boarded and put a white ticket on the bin over your head, it'll say IND. Then as the train starts to approach IND he'll wake up everyone with the tag for IND and you'll have time to get your things gathered. If you get into your bags, one bit of advice I'd give you is to take a small flashlight so you can check the floor around your seat to make sure you didn't drop anything. They will not make the car real bright, as others will continue to sleep while you detrain.

The only real downside to traveling the Cardinal from CIN to IND is you're traveling during quiet time, it's dark the whole way, and well... you miss the great gorge, but other than that... the best advise is to just sit back and enjoy the trip!

 

[Rainbowcupcakes]

Thank you everyone I planned on using the kiosk in indy for clarification since it seemed like the easiest option.

I truly am grateful for all of you taking time to help me with these questions

 

[Ryan]

I planned on using the kiosk in indy for clarification since it seemed like the easiest option.
I truly am grateful for all of you taking time to help me with these questions

That's what we're here for!!!

If you bought both of your tickets under one reservation number, when you get them printed in Cincinnati for the outbound leg, both sets of tickets will print. You'll have to keep track of them for the duration of your trip, but you won't have to do anything at Indy other than show up and get on the train.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

How in the world does a big (physically) station like CIN not have a Quik-Trak kiosk? I know there's not much trains but still, there's apparently one in IND.

 

[afigg]

How in the world does a big (physically) station like CIN not have a Quik-Trak kiosk? I know there's not much trains but still, there's apparently one in IND.

Indianapolis does have daily train service with the Hoosier State filling the 4 days the Cardinal is not running. Cincinnati only gets the Cardinal, so it gets a total of 6 trains a week and in the middle of the night at that. The station is staffed, so the cost of a Quik-Trak machine is pretty difficult to justify. Checking the Cardinal schedule, there are no QT machines at the stops between Charlottesville and IND. Once eTicketing rolls out to the Cardinal, it will eliminate the hassles of getting tickets for boarding at the unstaffed stations on the route.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Indianapolis does have daily train service with the Hoosier State filling the 4 days the Cardinal is not running. Cincinnati only gets the Cardinal, so it gets a total of 6 trains a week and in the middle of the night at that. The station is staffed, so the cost of a Quik-Trak machine is pretty difficult to justify. Checking the Cardinal schedule, there are no QT machines at the stops between Charlottesville and IND. Once eTicketing rolls out to the Cardinal, it will eliminate the hassles of getting tickets for boarding at the unstaffed stations on the route.

Well, they could have eliminated most or all of the staff and added Quik-Trak. Just saying.

 

[johnny.menhennet]

Indianapolis does have daily train service with the Hoosier State filling the 4 days the Cardinal is not running. Cincinnati only gets the Cardinal, so it gets a total of 6 trains a week and in the middle of the night at that. The station is staffed, so the cost of a Quik-Trak machine is pretty difficult to justify. Checking the Cardinal schedule, there are no QT machines at the stops between Charlottesville and IND. Once eTicketing rolls out to the Cardinal, it will eliminate the hassles of getting tickets for boarding at the unstaffed stations on the route.

Well, they could have eliminated most or all of the staff and added Quik-Trak. Just saying.

Right, because Quik-Trak checks baggage and can physically help someone if they are distressed and have to cancel/modify something.

 

[spot1181]

The waiting room is upstairs and to reach the platform the agents will lead you down using either the elevator, stairs or ramp. A lot of people have been departing Cincinnati and some days the Cardinal has been sold out to Chicago. If someone is seeing you off they may accompany you and wait on the platform.

 

[Rainbowfalls]

The waiting room is upstairs and to reach the platform the agents will lead you down using either the elevator, stairs or ramp. A lot of people have been departing Cincinnati and some days the Cardinal has been sold out to Chicago. If someone is seeing you off they may accompany you and wait on the platform.

Thank you though do they just sell out the rest of the tickets or can my ticket get sold too? I know this can happen to like cruise ships and hotels even though your guaranteed and purchased.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

No, they won't sell your tickets. Amtrak does not overbook reserved seat trains.