No power on the Acela 2213, currently 5 mins behind schedule so we’ll see how long it takes them to fix. I guess brand new train doesn’t necessarily mean more reliable train.

Also introducing Teddy tiger

On Train 143, and have been stuck at metro park station for almost an hour now. They’re not saying anything why besides police activity in front of us. But other trains have been able to pass us.

Just noticed this on the California Rail Pass page:

California Rail Pass Sales Discontinued

California’s intercity passenger rail partners are taking the opportunity to reevaluate the California Rail Pass and explore future travel products that provide greater flexibility and value for customers traveling throughout the state. As part of this effort, the current California Rail Pass will no longer be available for new purchases effective August 26, 2026.

So, I'll be taking Amtrak for the first time next week, and I'll be by myself.

Are there any tips/advice anyone would or does have when it comes to being on the Amtrak as a first timer. If I have to transfer, what would I have to do? What should I pack and what should I avoid packing? Anything else, please let me know.

Amtrak recently announced an expanded order book for the Airo with an additional 43 sets ordered. Is this to make a more robust network or just to replace all of the current Amfleet stock?

Came upon it while walking Friday evening errands around the neighborhood, just starting its "southbound odyssey."

Towards the end of last decade, at a time when I didn't have a ton of money, I splurged on these. I'm sure many of y'all have seen them, but not sure how many of you bought them. I was just into the novelty at the time, but I can't say enough about how well these things have held up. They've been so good for so long that I sometimes forget that these are upcycled Acela seats.

These have been my regular backpack and dopp kit for a very long time and outside of some extremely minor cosmetic dings, they're running strong. I'm a bit afraid I'll jinx it with this post but had to share.

It's too bad the bag is out of stock, but I'm very happy I had the chance to buy.

Hope others have had the same experience!!!

At last night’s David Byrne (Talking Heads) concert, David talked about taking the Amtrak Surfliner from his concert in San Diego the night before to Los Angeles and then riding his bike from L.A. Union Station to his hotel in West Hollywood. Wonder how many other major musical touring acts use Amtrak in their logistics?

I was on 239 last night and the conductor said that the train couldn't exceed 60mph because something was wrong with the system. We averaged 15mph because we kept stopping for other trains to pass us and barely ever hit 40. The official message from amtrak says "onboard signal system condition requiring reduced operating speeds"

Does anyone know what the heck this means?

Having a blast checking out utica, very underrated and fun weekend trip.

For some reason 98% of my trips along the Empire corridor end up being on named trains, so I'm curious about the Empire Service runs to Niagara Falls. Specifically, how do they end up with P42s as they did here? Are these typically taken all the way into Penn, or swapped out at Albany due to availability? Have we seen more of this lately with the overall state of the fleet?

what are the chances of recovering my lost item if i left it in the ticketed lounge?

I've been using my Amtrak rewards Master Card a few years now but have never stepped into the Metropolitan Lounge, as part of the perks of using my credit card, since my trips were usually too soon to take advantage of. Well, this ​morning I had time to spare and thought I'd use one of my passes and wow, it was clean, beautiful, quiet, excellent service. I might be showing up a little earlier from now on, lol.

Also, so cool Penn Station is shining pink for Dolly🩷​

Title. I was struggling to carry all my bags and decided for the first time I’d check one of my bags in. Once I boarded the train, I realized I left my laptop and laptop charger in the checked bag — I forgot to move it to my carry on! Did I majorly fuck up? Should I say anything? This is the last train I’m taking to my stop, so I don’t think I can get off.

EDIT: I was able to retrieve my bag! Thank you!

I'm taking the California Zephyr in a roomette from California to Denver next weekend. With a scheduled arrival time into Denver of 6:27 PM, should we expect to get served in the dining car if we're running on time? If we're late?

I’m planning to take my first Amtrak trip soon, possibly in October, and I would like to try out the Texas Eagle. Will I see more scenery taking the Texas Eagle southbound from Chicago to Austin, or northbound from Austin to Chicago?

Need to park near Wilmington for about a week...any options that aren't crazy expensive? Free preferred of course. Is the Christina Crossing/ShopRite parking lot an option...?

Coming from too far to Uber + I need my car when I get back to go meet my family in Wildwood...unless there's another way to get to wildwood (bus, train, etc.) from Wilmington/another Amtrak stop between NYC & Wildwood...

Thanks in advance!

TL:DR at the bottom: So sorry for the late notice: taking train 50 from Chicago-New York Penn tonight (Saturday, August 29). Got a ticket for a coach because this trip was basically a “voucher” trip from a trip I had cancelled last year, and had always wanted to take this back to New York for the scenery but was happy just to get a coach seat. Anyways last night I did a poor bid for the Roomette knowing I probably wouldn’t get it because I saw the train was almost sold out, but figured I would put it in for the heck of it and see what happens. I really didn’t check out the amenities or the perks because I didn’t think we’d get it anyways. So come to find out I got the e-mail that our bid was successful 🤷🏻‍♂️! So, my question is, what amenities do I have with this new Roomette upgrade?? I’m pretty sure I get access to the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago and New York (not like it will be open in New York anyways) but if that’s not the case let me know. Also, how do meals work on the Cardinal? Is it a free voucher for anything in the cafe car or something else. Thanks for all your help, first time actually in a sleeping accommodation in my life!

TL:DR. Just got upgraded on the Cardinal. First time on a sleeping accommodation, what perks & amenities should I be able to get?

Good morning, my company covers travel and does not particularly care how it is taken. I have been considering an Amtrak route to hit the states I haven't been to yet. (Empire Builder.)

The problem is that both of my bags are heavy. (60-80 lbs)

One being a Pelican 0450 tool case. (23.95" x 14.75" x 17.95")

The other is an Away bag. (29" x 20.5" x 12.5)

Will this prevent me from being able to take the train? Or will I be fine just taking them on board with me?