I'm taking Amtrak from Martinez, CA to back east in September. The Amtrak tickets indicate I will have to change trains in Chicago (Zephyr to Capitol Limited). This will be a new experience for me (statistically, almost a senior citizen) and I will be traveling solo and in coach seating the whole round trip (3 nights each way). I have read a lot of negative trip reports and comments regarding the food, conditions of the cars (in particular the dirty/smelly toilet rooms), lack of on time performance, and the poor level of service from Amtrak personnel but being a train aficionado I'm planning on trying to have a good attitude and a great time nonetheless.
Seeing that there are so many seasoned Amtrak riders on this board I was hoping to get some detailed answers to the many questions I have. Any suggestions, comments, or do's/don'ts, on what I can do to make the trip an enjoyable experience would be greatly appreciated.
- -Which seats (actual seat numbers would be great) have electrical outlets and have the best views out the window? Is one side better than the other for comfort (more room), sleeping, and views? Eastbound different from westbound? Zephyr vs. Capitol Limited
- -Tickets for each leg state "Accommodation: 1 Reserved Coach Seat". Does this mean that a particular seat number will be assigned at boarding, or does it just indicate that I have a seat somewhere in coach? When I asked at the station, I was told that seating is open for coach, especially at the stations at the beginning of the route when the train is typically not crowded yet.
- -Do all coach cars have the same seat numbering layout? Do the cars just have different names to differentiate the same seat in each car or is there some other system?
- -There is only a 3.5 hour window to catch the Capitol Limited in Chicago. If Amtrak is running so late that I will not be able to make the connection what will Amtrak do to get me to my destination, if anything? Do they take responsibility for the missed connection? Will they hold the Capitol Limited train departure until the Zephyr arrives? If so, how long? What are my options? Will I be stranded for 24 hours until the next departure? Is the Greyhound bus station close by?
- -I've read about the confusing layout and the lack of signs at the Chicago station. Will I have to run (try to), or walk a long distance to transfer trains? Will Amtrak allow enough time for passengers to transfer from one train to another? How early can I board if Amtrak is on schedule? Any links to a good map or description would be appreciated as I could not find a good map.
- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?
- -Baggage allowance is confusing. Quote from Amtrak website: "A new baggage policy will be in effect starting September 10, 2012." Does this apply to only the trains listed or does it apply to all trains? I could not get a definitive answer from Amtrak. Is this going to be absolutely enforced? One pound over or one inch over and you can't board? See Amtrak website quote below.
"Carry-On Baggage
Each passenger may only bring a total of 2 carry-on items onboard the train; each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches.
Due to limited available space onboard trains, please make arrangements to check your baggage if your trip requires the transport of baggage in excess of two pieces or in excess of carry-on size restrictions. For passenger's safety and security, Amtrak reserves the right to deny transport or charge fees for items exceeding policy limitations.
2 Bags — 50 lbs. — 28" x 22" x 14" Each
Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin —
28" x 22" x 11"
Personal Items
Small items needed for the duration of the trip may be carried on the train and will not count toward the carry-on baggage limit.
- I read every thread that I could find on this forum and others, and the Amtrak website, trying to find the answers to my questions but could not find the detailed answers that I was hoping for. Any help or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
- What's my chance for getting this kind of on time performance? This would be great. From the Amtrak website today.
"Trains often make up time en route. In many cases, recovery time that is built in to the schedule may result in the train arriving at or departing from the following stations on time. Please contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for full details on arrival status.
Departing: Martinez, CA (MTZ) and Arriving: Chicago, IL - Union Station (CHI)
2:58 pm
Fri Aug 31, 2012
Arrived: 8 minutes late."
I'm sure I will have other questions as the time gets closer, but thanks to all, in advance,
TFR (Terra Firma Rover)
Seeing that there are so many seasoned Amtrak riders on this board I was hoping to get some detailed answers to the many questions I have. Any suggestions, comments, or do's/don'ts, on what I can do to make the trip an enjoyable experience would be greatly appreciated.
- -Which seats (actual seat numbers would be great) have electrical outlets and have the best views out the window? Is one side better than the other for comfort (more room), sleeping, and views? Eastbound different from westbound? Zephyr vs. Capitol Limited
- -Tickets for each leg state "Accommodation: 1 Reserved Coach Seat". Does this mean that a particular seat number will be assigned at boarding, or does it just indicate that I have a seat somewhere in coach? When I asked at the station, I was told that seating is open for coach, especially at the stations at the beginning of the route when the train is typically not crowded yet.
- -Do all coach cars have the same seat numbering layout? Do the cars just have different names to differentiate the same seat in each car or is there some other system?
- -There is only a 3.5 hour window to catch the Capitol Limited in Chicago. If Amtrak is running so late that I will not be able to make the connection what will Amtrak do to get me to my destination, if anything? Do they take responsibility for the missed connection? Will they hold the Capitol Limited train departure until the Zephyr arrives? If so, how long? What are my options? Will I be stranded for 24 hours until the next departure? Is the Greyhound bus station close by?
- -I've read about the confusing layout and the lack of signs at the Chicago station. Will I have to run (try to), or walk a long distance to transfer trains? Will Amtrak allow enough time for passengers to transfer from one train to another? How early can I board if Amtrak is on schedule? Any links to a good map or description would be appreciated as I could not find a good map.
- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?
- -Baggage allowance is confusing. Quote from Amtrak website: "A new baggage policy will be in effect starting September 10, 2012." Does this apply to only the trains listed or does it apply to all trains? I could not get a definitive answer from Amtrak. Is this going to be absolutely enforced? One pound over or one inch over and you can't board? See Amtrak website quote below.
"Carry-On Baggage
Each passenger may only bring a total of 2 carry-on items onboard the train; each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches.
Due to limited available space onboard trains, please make arrangements to check your baggage if your trip requires the transport of baggage in excess of two pieces or in excess of carry-on size restrictions. For passenger's safety and security, Amtrak reserves the right to deny transport or charge fees for items exceeding policy limitations.
2 Bags — 50 lbs. — 28" x 22" x 14" Each
Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin —
28" x 22" x 11"
Personal Items
Small items needed for the duration of the trip may be carried on the train and will not count toward the carry-on baggage limit.
- Required medical devices and medication
- Pillows, blankets and outer garments
- Coolers, purses or small bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 12"
- Small electronic devices with protective cases"
- I read every thread that I could find on this forum and others, and the Amtrak website, trying to find the answers to my questions but could not find the detailed answers that I was hoping for. Any help or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
- What's my chance for getting this kind of on time performance? This would be great. From the Amtrak website today.
"Trains often make up time en route. In many cases, recovery time that is built in to the schedule may result in the train arriving at or departing from the following stations on time. Please contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for full details on arrival status.
Departing: Martinez, CA (MTZ) and Arriving: Chicago, IL - Union Station (CHI)
2:58 pm
Fri Aug 31, 2012
Arrived: 8 minutes late."
I'm sure I will have other questions as the time gets closer, but thanks to all, in advance,
TFR (Terra Firma Rover)