Amtrak has a toll-free telephone number for information and reservations: 1-800-USA-RAIL (or 1-800-872-7245). People in Canada can now also use this number. This number will allow you to speak to an Amtrak agent who can give information and make reservations for any train in Amtrak's system. Your travel agent can also book a trip on Amtrak for you and issue the tickets. If you are a visitor from a foreign country, seeing a travel agent is an especially good idea, so you can find out about special programs like the USA Railpass. When you call your travel agent or Amtrak, be sure to ask about special fare plans or other promotions which might apply on your trip.
Many short-distance trains are unreserved - just come to the station, buy your ticket, and ride. The main exceptions are for the fast Acela Express and Metroliner trains offering First class/Club and Business class service where reservations are required for these services. Many of the Regional trains also require reservations for coach service in addition to the Business class service. Most of the Chicago area and some of the California short distance trains are also reserved. It is best to check with Amtrak to verifiy if reservations are required.
Advance reservations are required on almost all of Amtrak's medium-and long-distance trains, and for all sleeping car accomodations. At peak travel times, such as during the summer and around Christmas, these reservations are in very high demand, so you must call early to get the train and date you want. If traveling on a long-distance train, it's a good idea also to call Amtrak just before leaving for the station, to make sure the train is on time.
Most overnight trains offer a variety of sleeping accomodations: many trains operating to and from the Northeast use new Viewliners with compartments and bedrooms, each with two beds. Lots more information on Amtrak accomodations are found on www.amtrak.com
Western (and some eastern) Amtrak trains use theSuperliner cars, which have four kinds of rooms. Almost all overnight trains have a dining car; meals are included in the fare for passengers traveling in sleeping cars. Coach seating is available on all overnight trains too. Nearly all of the coaches in overnight service have leg-rests and lots of room between seats. All the trains also have a lounge car offering food, drinks, conversation, scenery, and sometimes other entertainment. Amtrak can accomodate many travelers with special needs, dietary, medical, or otherwise. If you will need special attention, say so when you make your reservation.
Matthew Mitchell Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers (DVARP) PO Box 7505, Philadelphia, PA 19101 (215-673-6445, message box 3)
29 Dec 03 -- JBF
