Amtrak Guest Rewards - Newb: Empire Builder

I'm taking the Empire Builder from St. Paul to Portland this summer (36 hour trip). I'm just riding coach. The sleeper car was a bit too pricey. I've never taken the train before - and I was hoping to get some input on what I can expect. Here are some of the questions I have. Sorry if these seem pretty silly...

1. I understand that there are no assigned seats. If I leave my seat to go to another car or something - is it pretty safe to assume no one will take my seat? Or are they just up for grabs if you leave and I just have to find something else?

2. I'll probably have a backpack with some books, laptop, etc. What should I do with these things when I'm sleeping? I understand that there are overhead compartments - but are those secure? If I'm in a deep sleep how do I know someone isn't going to grab my backpack?

3. What's the food situation like? Do you just go to a separate dining car whenever you're ready to eat? Or do they serve food at specific times? Can you bring food back to your seat?

Any tips?

1. I understand that there are no assigned seats.

2. I'll probably have a backpack with some books, laptop, etc. What should I do with these things when I'm sleeping? I understand that there are overhead compartments - but are those secure?

3. What's the food situation like? Do you just go to a separate dining car whenever you're ready to eat? Or do they serve food at specific times? Can you bring food back to your seat?

Any tips?

1. Take a seat when you board. When the conductor takes your ticket he will place a tag over your seat. It's your seat for the duration of your ride.

2. There are overhead racks. They are not secure. It's unlikely everyone on your car but the thief will be sleeping at the same time.

3. Your train will have a dining car. Walk in for breakfast; reservations required for lunch and dinner. You will also have a cafe car open most non-sleeping hours where you can buy items - sandwiches, snacks, drinks - and consume in the cafe car or return to your seat.

Welcome to FlyerTalk and enjoy your ride.

When I've gone overnight in coach, I've bunched my backpack zippers through a padlock. It wouldn't stop a determined thief, but would strongly deter a crime of quick opportunity. If the backpack isn't huge, you could also keep it by your feet. On-board theft happens only rarely, but usually seems to happen after leaving valuables obviously visible.

As for seating, there are no advance assigned seats. You should expect to be assigned to a specific car based on your destination, and, very likely, a specific seat by your coach attendant upon boarding. Ask to be seated on the left side of the train for the better view of Columbia River Gorge on the last morning into Portland. Ask how far the seat is from the end of the car, as those end areas are colder and louder than further towards the center.

3Cforme nailed the dining situation. There's lots more info on the web about the Empire Builder if you do some sleuthing. It's a great route and you should hopefully have a great trip! Also, welcome to FT. ^

1. Take a seat when you board. When the conductor takes your ticket he will place a tag over your seat. It's your seat for the duration of your ride.



Because there will be some people who got on the train in Chicago, not all of the seats will be vacant, but you can always move to a better seat if someone gets off.

Also, Superliners include a lounge car with large windows and great views. It's where I spend most of my time during the day... but seats in it are not reserved.

I recommend you look up a route description on the net and bring a copy with you.

and have fun !

Bob H