Amtrak is the main rail company in the United States

Throughout much of the world, train travel is an efficient and vital link in the public transportation system. In the United States, however, trains can seem slow and inefficient. Many city pairs are not easily connected by train, forcing would-be rail travelers to make ridiculous connections. 

An example is the former Orlando to New Orleans route, which was one of my family’s favorite trips. We could board a train in the late afternoon, enjoy a nice dinner and movie, fall asleep for a few hours and awaken in New Orleans. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina wiped out some of the tracks, and as of 2010 they still have not been replaced. Now we would have to travel by way of Chicago, adding an entire day and several hundred dollars to the journey! If there is a reasonably direct train to your destination, however, Amtrak is a lot of fun and often much cheaper than airfare. In addition, some regions such as Alaska operate independent railroad systems. 

Boarding the Train 

Boarding a train is much simpler than boarding an airplane

If you have flown in the past nine years, you are familiar with the increasingly ridiculous security procedures at the airports. Taking off your shoes, pouring out your beverages and shoving all of your liquids and gels into 3 ounce containers is annoying enough for adults, but can become a real nightmare with kids. And privacy concerns are rampant, especially with the new full-body scanners. By the time you get onto the plane and stuff your carry-on luggage into a tiny overhead compartment, you’re likely ready for a nap! That is, if you can manage to find room for your feet and legs and can lean back without knocking over the drink belonging to the person behind you. 

Compare that to the experience of boarding a train. You can arrive just 30 minutes prior to departure. Present everyone’s tickets at the counter, and the only question is likely to be, “Would you prefer early or late dinner seating?” Wow, is this just transportation, or are you going on a cruise?! All adults in the party need photo IDs and, if you are traveling to Canada, you must bring your kids’ birth certificates, passports or passport cards. 

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure

Amtrak does reserve the right to inspect both checked and carry-on luggage, so resist the urge to pack something dumb. Depending on the train station, you may need to walk through a metal detector, but just like in the old-school flying days, you can walk straight through carrying your coffee and wearing your shoes! Imagine the luxury! 

There is reasonably comfortable seating and restrooms at every Amtrak station, but food may or may not be available. Go ahead and pack a few snacks and drinks; they won’t be confiscated. If there are a lot of people waiting to board, you may be asked to line up on the outdoor platform a few minutes before the train arrives, so dress comfortably for the weather. 

On Board Experience 

Train travel is easy for those with disabilities

If you have never traveled by train, you may be surprised by your seats. Much larger than airplane seats, train seats also offer plenty of leg room. Look for seats that recline way back and leg rests as well as foot rests. If anyone in your party is disabled, a spacious disabled section allows you to simply park your chair right behind the seats. 

Comfortable seating with plenty of leg room is standard

All Amtrak trains also provide reversing seats. If the row in front of you is empty, look for a button or lever on the aisle-side arm rest. Engage that switch and rotate the entire row to face backwards. Now you can put your leg rest up, your feet in the seat and enjoy a nearly horizontal bed for the night! 

Sleeper cars are available on all overnight trains, although they can be a bit pricey. If your kids are light sleepers, however, you may find a private compartment to be worth the money. Compact but comfortable, sleepers offer upper bunks and chairs that convert to lower berths. Depending on the train, you may be able to accommodate up to six people in a compartment. Meals, bottled water and linen service are included with a sleeper car reservation. 

Some trains offer scenic glass dome cars

Once you’re settled in, take a stroll through the train. Kids (and adults!) love the novelty of pushing a button to activate the sliding door that connects two train cars. Although the layout will vary by train, you should be able to locate a table-service dining car, a lounge car that sells snacks and beverages, and possibly a smoking car. Officially, smoking was prohibited on Amtrak trains (except the Auto Train) a number of years ago, but in practice many trains still offer a smoking car (typically at the rear of the train separated from all other facilities). You may also find a quiet car perfect for napping or working. Some scenic trains provide glass dome cars that are excellent for sightseeing. 

Unlike traveling on an airplane, you are encouraged to get up and move around on the train. Lock away any valuables, but do not worry too much about leaving your luggage. The communal atmosphere, lack of ability to leave the immediate area, and sheer number of people on board tend to discourage theft. Set age-appropriate ground rules with your kids regarding how far they may roam and for how long. 

Dining 

Dining on the train is a unique experience

You are welcome to consume your own food and drinks on the train. If you have a sleeper car, you may consume your private stock of alcohol there, but not in the public areas. Stop by the lounge or café car for quick-service items and snacks, but try not to miss dinner service. 

Dinner in the main dining room is truly an experience. It is included with a sleeper car reservation, or sold a la carte to travelers in coach seating. Try to show up at the dining car a few minutes before your designated seating time, as lines tend to get long. You will be seated in the next available seats, rather than a separate table. Therefore, your family will likely dine with strangers. Fortunately, most train travelers are friendly and outgoing, and you may make some new friends. 

The dinner menu generally offers three or four entrees, including a vegetarian option. Three desserts include a chocolate choice, a fruit or nut-based option and a cheesecake selection, along with ice cream or sorbet. Meals include side dishes such as garden salad and bread. The children’s menu offers such child-friendly alternatives as chicken nuggets or hot dogs, but children are also welcome to order from the standard menu. Depending on your route, the menu might include choices that reflect the local cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are also available in the main dining room during regular mealtimes. 

Entertainment 

Bring reading material for the quiet moments on your journey

Movies are sometimes shown in the lounge car during longer trips, and guided narration may be provided on scenic routes. In general, however, you are responsible for your own entertainment. Laptops, handheld gaming systems and cell phones are popular choices, as are puzzle magazines and books. Try not to spend all of your time buried in a book or behind a screen, though. Part of the fun of traveling by train is meeting new people, watching the scenery and exploring your surroundings. A deck of cards or travel game system can break the ice with potential new friends.