Noob looking for tips on the Empire Builder

[ThePun]

If you call Amtrak to book (as opposed to booking online), you can choose a specific Roomette based on what is available. You should first join Amtrak Guest Rewards online (this allows you to get points for your trips), and after you have an account number, call the dedicated AGR number (1-800-307-5000) to make reservations. The AGR agents are often more knowledgeable, and should know how to select a particular room.

I like lower-level Roomettes (11, 12, 13 & 14) because there is less traffic in the hallway; and you are closer to three toilets, the shower, the luggage rack, and the door to go outside at fresh-air stops. Also, you can clean the outside of your window either in Chicago or at a fresh air stop (depending on whether or not your room is on the side of the platform).

It is not possible to predict on which side your room will be; the cars can be oriented either end forward.

I always print a copy of the schedule with mileage, as well as a route guide. Here's a link to the route guide:

https://juckins.net/amtrak_routes/route_guide_Empire_Builder.pdf

Great info this is gold.

I would have thought upper cars had better views? Bathrooms are all on first floor then right?

 

[Maglev]

I would have thought upper cars had better views? Bathrooms are all on first floor then right?

I do not find a significant difference between the view upstairs and downstairs.

There is one toilet shared by ten Roomettes upstairs, while there are three toilets shared by four Roomettes plus the Family Bedroom downstairs. There is often a wait for the upstairs toilet, since people seem reluctant to go from upstairs rooms to the downstairs toilets.

Try upstairs one way and downstairs the other!

 

[Cal]

I do not find a significant difference between the view upstairs and downstairs.

I don't think being on the lower level really ever means you can't see the best views, but I do love the feeling of being on the upper floor.

There is one toilet shared by ten Roomettes upstairs, while there are three toilets shared by four Roomettes plus the Family Bedroom downstairs. There is often a wait for the upstairs toilet, since people seem reluctant to go from upstairs rooms to the downstairs toilets.

Even when upstairs I usually go downstairs anyway. Good to get your steps in.

 

[ThePun]

Well I’m booked at the $622 price for Roomette each way. Got the travel protection also to be safe.

Thanks to all for the help.

 

[Mr.Technician]

It was somewhat confusing, but I found these prices for a Roomette CHI-PDX at the end of December.

At the risk of hijacking the thread, I'd like to know how we can improve the UX on RailForLess for this search!

 

[ThePun]

At the risk of hijacking the thread, I'd like to know how we can improve the UX on RailForLess for this search!

Feel free!

It took me a few tries until realized I was putting in Portland Maine hence why no Empire Builder. Lol user error.

I got my mom using it now for her Floridians trip. Love it.

 

[PaTrainFan]

I don't think being on the lower level really ever means you can't see the best views, but I do love the feeling of being on the upper floor.

I am in general agreement. But I've had more than a few heart palpitations while riding on the upper level as cars swayed violently as we flew at high speeds over extremely rough rail through such places as Kansas.

 

[Cal]

I am in general agreement. But I've had more than a few heart palpitations while riding on the upper level as cars swayed violently as we flew at high speeds over extremely rough rail through such places as Kansas.

Can't lie I love those times, it makes it so much fun IMO. But I can definitely understand why some wouldn't.

 

[ThePun]

I am in general agreement. But I've had more than a few heart palpitations while riding on the upper level as cars swayed violently as we flew at high speeds over extremely rough rail through such places as Kansas.

Can't lie I love those times, it makes it so much fun IMO. But I can definitely understand why some wouldn't.

Is it harder to sleep up top, I am a light sleeper.

 

[railiner]

Is it harder to sleep up top, I am a light sleeper.

That depends on the individual. There is slightly more motion on the upper level, especially if you’re at the ends of the car, however there is less roadway noise penetrating from pebbles, debris, or crossovers …

 

[Jay Aitchsee]

There is one toilet shared by ten Roomettes upstairs, while there are three toilets shared by four Roomettes plus the Family Bedroom downstairs. There is often a wait for the upstairs toilet, since people seem reluctant to go from upstairs rooms to the downstairs toilets.

And that is why I almost always use a lower-level toilet when I have an upper-level roomette. The lower-level facilities always seem cleaner and more private to me. Note the operative word "seem,".

 

[flitcraft]

And that is why I almost always use a lower-level toilet when I have an upper-level roomette. The lower-level facilities always seem cleaner and more private to me. Note the operative word "seem,".

Well, my admittedly small sample size would confirm this belief. I prefer using the downstairs facilities, since being plural, they are more likely to be free at any given time, and do seem generally tidier. I will also say, caveat to even a smaller sample size, that the EB seems to keep cleaner facilities than other LD trains.

 

[ThePun]

I am excited about this trip; any advice on when it is best to use the BidUp feature to try to go from a Roomette to a Bedroom, and can you do it on the day of the trip?

 

[Maglev]

I am excited about this trip; any advice on when it is best to use the BidUp feature to try to go from a Roomette to a Bedroom, and can you do it on the day of the trip?

I don't have any experience with bidding. I have watched fares as my travel date approaches, and paid for upgrades when I saw the Bedroom price drop.

Here is a thread about bidding:

https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/bid-up-questions-and-experiences.80709/