Here are my practical tips for travelling across America by Amtrak – plus a little tour of my roomette.
- There are three routes that cross the country: one across the top (the one I took to Seattle) and two through the middle, one via the Midwest and one through the Rockies. They all involve one or two nights on board.
- Book through Amtrak Vacations – their people are incredibly helpful.
- The train is slow. That’s the point!
- No Wi-Fi, and there are plenty of spots with no phone signal either.
- Three meals a day are included with a roomette or bigger room, plus a glass of wine with dinner. It’s train food, but they really make an effort. If you’re travelling alone (or even as a pair), expect to share a table – it’s a great way to meet people.
- Each carriage has its own attendant who looks after you and makes up your bed while you’re at dinner. There’s help-yourself tea and coffee each morning and shared showers.
- Did I feel safe? Completely. You can’t lock your room from the outside, so take valuables with you, but you can lock it when you’re inside.
The roomette itself has two seats that turn into a bed, with a second bunk above if there are two of you, a little table, a charging point and a bit of hanging space. Perfect for one – shut the door, draw the curtain and put your feet up.