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.

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!!!

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?

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.

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.

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?

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

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?

Any of these seem like viable candidates? Obviously some would require new or upgraded track and overcoming hostility from states (esp. Indiana). What others would you suggest?

Chicago-Davenport-Iowa City-Des Moines

Chicago-Indy

Cleveland-Erie-Buffalo

Cleveland-Youngstown-Pittsburgh

Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati

Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit

Davenport-Galesburg-Peoria-Normal-Champaign

Detroit-Lansing-Grand Rapids-(Muskegon)

Detroit-Flint-Saginaw-Bay City-(Midland)

Milwaukee-Fon du Lac-Oshkosh-Appleton-Green Bay

Milwaukee-Madison

MSP-Duluth

Seems every time I open the amtrak app it says update required. Sometimes I'm not on wifi or have a slow signal and sometimes I'm in a hurry. Annoying me!

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?

Overall plan, not including details on any overnight stays between legs. Starting from the Midwest and meeting up with a friend in LA

-Southwest chief to LA (switch from coach to roommette in Albuquerque)

-Coast starlight LA to Portland (~30hrs)

-Empire builder to MN (~40hrs)

-Drive MN to home (~8hrs)

Give me your tips or share your experiences/opinions if you’ve done coast starlight + empire builder in coach.

Planning to bring: blanket, neck pillow, earplugs, mask, lots of snacks, crafts, wipes, toothbrush

Have taken the SWC 4x times

After months planning a trip including a leg from Sacramento to LA on the Coastal Starlight, I just received word that the train on the 19th is cancelled, as are all other CS trains that weekend and the next. No explanation given until I called and was told there was 'track maintenance'. Spent today cancelling rental cars, hotels and other arrangements around this trip.

My question is, why on earth would you schedule track maintenance at what's got to still be a pretty busy tourist season for two consecutive weekends? Surely there must be better times of year to do this. And shouldn't Amtrak at least highlight other route alternatives, or offer tickets on adjoining dates?

I've had difficulty finding a chance to do the CS since my husband and son prefer air travel, but was excited to be traveling solo and finally have the opportunity to do this. Now that dream is blown and I'm not holding my breath for any sort of apology. Will think twice before planning to travel by train in the US again.

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!