Amtrak Guest Rewards - Biz Class on The Carolinian

We're planning on taking The Carolinian from Washington, DC to Charlotte in February. $76 pp. "Business Class" costs $34 more pp. I can see the photos of seats in the two "classes," and have taken the Acela in the past (roughly equivalent of biz class seats on the Carolinian?). Has anyone taken Biz Class on a non-Acela train? I'm considering it for the comfort, and snacks, even though we realize meals aren't included (judging by the icons showing for that train, there's a lounge but no dining car, anyway). We'll bring some food or buy sandwiches, etc. on the train.

We're not flying in this particular case since we want flexibility on moving the date or cancellation if dictated by a medical appointment I have before we depart.

I've taken Business Class on the Downeaster which runs from Boston to Portland Maine. On that route it's only a $12 upgrade and I find it well worth it. Bigger, more comfortable seat and less crowded car. On the route to Maine you get a free non-alcoholic beverage too.

I've taken Business Class on the Downeaster which runs from Boston to Portland Maine. On that route it's only a $12 upgrade and I find it well worth it. Bigger, more comfortable seat and less crowded car. On the route to Maine you get a free non-alcoholic beverage too.

Thanks. It's $34 to upgrade, over the $75 base fare, on this routing, but it sounds like it'd still be worth the extra cost to us.

Is business on the Carolinian the 2x1 seating in the cafe car, or the separate business class car you see on the NEC?

Thanks. It's $34 to upgrade, over the $75 base fare, on this routing, but it sounds like it'd still be worth the extra cost to us.

Definitely. I took the Carolinian between Washington and Charlotte a few years ago and business class was definitely worth it. It's a LONG ride and I had 2 seats to myself; coach seemed more crowded.

ETA: Business class when I took it on the Carolinian was a separate NEC-style car, with 2x2 seating.

Business on the Acela (the lower of the 2 classes on Acela) is definitely nicer than non-Acela Business. But non-Acela Business is definitely nicer and more than worth the extra cost over standard Coach.

I've taken it between Durham and Rocky Mount ($8 one way!) and didn't get much more than I would have in Reserved Coach, especially as it was a crowded train. I don't think I'd bother with the $34, but that's just me.

The best benefit of travelling in Business Class on Amtrak's non-Acela/Metroliner eastern trains is that the Business Class section is at the rear of the Cafe Car, so that makes very conenient access to the cafe. Also, if the train is really packed, you may enjoy the extra space. Otherwise, I tend to agree with CMK10. I've ridden alot of Amtrak Business Class and don't find the leather seat any more comfortable than the cloth covered seat in Coach. The space is quite adequate in Coach. I would recommend bringing along a sandwich from home or Subway. The cafe fare ain't bad, but if you've got the option to pack a lunch, I think you'll be better fed.

Is the cafe car always adjacent to business class car? Is the business class car always at end of train?

Is the cafe car always adjacent to business class car? Is the business class car always at end of train?

Usually either part of the cafe car or adjacent. Always is debatable because with Amtrak who knows what may happen. On the Talgo train in the Northwest it was not adjacent when I took it. Every trip on the Empire Service (NY) it has been part of the cafe car and at the end of the train.

Usually either part of the cafe car or adjacent. Always is debatable because with Amtrak who knows what may happen. On the Talgo train in the Northwest it was not adjacent when I took it. Every trip on the Empire Service (NY) it has been part of the cafe car and at the end of the train.

It depends on the equipment type. On non-Acela northeastern trains with a full business class car, BC is always the first car in the consist (right behind the engine, and ahead of the quiet car), and the cafe is in the center of the train. On non-Acela northeastern trains with a combined cafe/business class car -- such as the Vermonter, Maple Leaf, or NER Trains 66/67 -- it is usually the last car in the consist and is configured with table seating on one side of the cafe counter, and business class seating (15-18 seats) on the other side. Operational substitutions can occur on occasion, but this is the typical setup.

I've been in BC on the Carolinian and it was nothing to write home about. In contrast to Often1's report, I've heard that BC on the Carolinian can be nicer than BC on Acela. But I've not been on the Acela so I cannot confirm or deny that report. Acela is certainly newer and trendier, but I believe that the seats are a bit more padded and comfortable on the Carolinian.

There are two basic configurations of non-Acela Business Class in the East. One is the combined BC/Cafe where there are only about 2 dozen faux leather seats in a 2x1 arrangement. The other configuration is an Amfleet I or II with seat pitch that is similar to regular coach class on long distance routes like the Lake Shore Limited and the Silver Services. Where these are used, the coach class has much denser seating than BC. In other words, if you are in coach on the Silver Star and you transfer to BC on the Carolinian, you may not notice any difference. But if you board coach class on the Carolinian, you will definitely notice a difference. The 2x1 seating BC cars get swapped around the system and their whereabouts are often hit and miss. However, I believe that the Carolinian has two purpose-built trainsets and therefore always have the Amfleet I coaches.

What will you get for the extra $34 a piece? Not much, but it may be enough. I like to say that the most consistency there is on Amtrak is their inconsistent level of service when it comes to Business Class. You'll get slightly more legroom than coach, you may get a newspaper, you may get coffee or other beverages when the attendant walks through with a trolley cart. It may be less crowded, though last time I rode the Carolinian, it was sold out - including BC.

My suggestion - if you are travelling round trip, splurge one direction and don't the other and then post your experience here. :)

Enjoy your journey!