Top Tips for Amtrak Travel

Planning your own Amtrak overnight adventure? Here are some essentials that will make your journey on the rails a lot easier!

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Don't forget to pack these essentials before your next Amtrak Adventure!

Shower Shoes

Definitely pack a pair of slides to wear in the shower.  The shower was kept clean, but Suzanne was still happy to have these to wear.  They are also helpful during the night if you have to head down the hall to the toilets. They may not win any style awards, but you’ll be happy not to be tying your shoes in the middle of the night!

Here's a great pair from Amazon!

Foldable Bag

Storage space in your cabin on Amtrak is definitely limited!  A fabric bag is essential for those everyday items - pajamas, toiletries, etc - so you won’t be constantly rummaging through your luggage.  There are hooks in the rooms as well as the toilet and shower, which is perfect to hang up this bag.

This is a great, compact bag that's perfect for the hooks in the rooms!

Shower Wipes

Let’s face it, sometimes the thought of showering on a train just sounds like too much effort.  These shower wipes can help you feel refreshed without the effort of a visit to the shower room.

Face Wipes

The sinks in the Amtrak toilets are not the easiest to control, understandable on a moving train!  Instead of washing my face in the sink, Suzanne often uses these face wipes instead for a quick clean-up on the move.

Toiletry Bag

For the shared bathroom, get yourself a hanging toiletry bag.  It's much easier than trying to find a spot to put your toothbrush and toothpaste!

This toiletry bag hangs perfectly on the hooks in Amtrak's bathrooms.

Small Bills

Before you leave home pay a visit to the bank for some smaller bills.  Tips are appreciated by the dining car staff as well as your room attendant.  We usually tip at each meal - $5 for breakfast and lunch and $10 at dinner.  And at the end of the trip we tip our room attendant at least $20 per day.

Card Games

For long days on the rails bring along some card games to pass the time.  Your room has a fold out table - put it to use with a game!

Plug

A roomette on Amtrak has only one plug!  Simply not enough for our modern devices.  Get yourself a plug that has multiple USB slots to maximize what you’re able to charge.  Amtrak hack - you can also charge devices in the Sightseeing Car!

Pillow

Amtrak provides two pillows per roomette, and Jeb had success asking for a second.  However, Suzanne packed her own travel-size pillow to be more comfortable falling asleep on the rails.

An extra pillow is always a good idea on Amtrak!

Sleep Aids

Not gonna lie - sleeping on a moving train isn’t always easy!  To help, definitely bring earplugs and an eye mask.  Also, I take Melatonin to help me drift off. Of course, check with your doctor first!

Between now and the next time, sleep well!

Ready to book your own trip?

We've connected with the team over at Amtrak Vacations to make it easier to plan your own Amtrak Adventure. For more about how that works, head over to this website!