On Track On Line - Amtrak Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Last major update July 2009

Introduction

To begin to learn why we say

"There's Something About a Train That's Magic"

call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), or visit your local station, and ask them for their brochure Amtrak America 2008-2009 - Your Travel Guide to Amtrak Routes and Services, a 60+ page booklet all about Amtrak. It contains a wealth of information, including a description of each major route. You may also wish to pickup the Amtrak Vacations 2009-2010. a 40 page booklet. It includes special train packages, as well as diagrams of the layout of all of the types of cars used, including sleeping compartments. You can also order either brochure on-line here. Allow two to four weeks for mail delivery. While you wait, much of the same information is on the Amtrak Web Site.

Also ask for a copy of the Amtrak National Timetable which will greatly assist you in planning future trips. New Timetables usually appear about the same time as the Spring and Fall time changes.

Taking the Auto Train? See also our separate, detailed Amtrak Auto Train Tips, compiled by Don Weinstein.

Planning Group Travel? Amtrak's special Group Reservations number is 1-800-USA-1GRP, 8:30am to 8:00pm Eastern Time. A "group" is 15 persons or more.

Amtrak ahora en Español: The Amtrak web site is now available "en Español".

Click the buttons below to see our Amtrak Travel Tips:

	How to plan and book an Amtrak trip.
	All about Amtrak coaches, sleeping cars, dining cars, lounge and cafe cars.
	What do to on the train, what to bring and not bring with you; how to enjoy your experience.
	The crew members you will meet, and who you might consider tipping -- and how much.
	Tips concerning photography on and from a train; information about electricity available to passengers on the train.
	Some random hints that will help you enjoy your Amtrak travels.
	Links to other web sites with useful information about Amtrak, including organizations that support passenger rail travel.
	Perhaps the most important tip of all.

Easy Print Version

Amtrak Travel Tips edited by from personal experience and suggestions from many Amtrak riders. Particular thanks to former OTOL Leader HaRRy Sutton.

Amtrak does not endorse this page and other associated On Track On Line pages, nor does it sponsor this or any other On Track On Line page. Amtrak sources were used to compile or confirm some of the information here, but this does not represent official Amtrak information, nor is this information endorsed by Amtrak.