I spoke with an agent...who told me the trip "days" start counting when you start your trip...so 15 days is 15 days from the date of your first day of travel.The way this is explained makes a lot more sense, but I doubt this is correct.

Posted By Alice O. on October 21, 2008, 1:40 PM

I have to admit I bit on this post and spent a lot of time considering Amtrak for a trip I need to take to DC in January. But the interwebs don't have much good to say about train travel in the U.S. -- any experienced cross-country (sleeperless) Amtrak travelers want to chime in?

I believe the previous poster is probably correct -- when reading all the conditions, I understood the six-month limit as an expiry date for using the ticket, period, after purchase.

Posted By poetloverrebelspy on October 23, 2008, 1:33 AM

I've made lots of trips on Amtrak and mostly it was a positive experience (in "Superliner" double-deck coaches). However I missed breakfast one time coming into Chicago because I missed the announcement (I'm hard of hearing; they had mercy on me and gave me free pancakes). More important, my plans have repeatedly been ruined, connections or appointments missed, because their trains arrived up to 12 hours late.
And one train after another has stopped running, from the Pioneer to (I think) the one from Chicago to Toronto.

Posted By Roger Williams on October 23, 2008, 12:50 PM

Our experience on long-distances trains (Orlando to LA...when it was still running) was outstanding. We had a bedroom with shower and amenities and the food was good with large portions and several cases of additional dessert! Yes, it ran late getting into LA but the connecting train to San Diego was held for the arrival of our train from Orlando.

But have you flown a plane lately???? The planes are crowded, the ground crews have been grossly inadequate and misleading. Oh...have you paid the extra fees for checking one, repeat one, bag? Amtrak is coming into its own and now that the politicians have seen fit to fund it adequately for the first time in years! Frankly, Amtrak is the way to go!!

Posted By R. Miller on October 23, 2008, 2:01 PM

We have taken numerous cross country trips on Amtrak and we think it is the BEST way to go. We have traveled in Europe and love train travel there too but over there it seems to cater more to the short haul traveler. Is it perfect? No, but.. you can look out your window and see the world go by without having the hassle of driving yourself. You can continue to travel through the night unlike driving and you can reach your destination relaxed and refreshed or run like crazy on your vacation with no need to rest up for a long drive home cause you can sleep on train.

For mid range travel it is often cheaper. From Toledo to New York or Flint to Chicago where we often go it can't be beat. In cities where you do not need a car it is the best way to go.

And a pass can be a great value if you really want to travel and see some of the country. Compare a 15 day pass traveling cross country making several stops to what it would cost you to fly to those multiple cities to visit them. Also keep in mind that if you book a sleeper in addition(which is awesome) these include your meals which are surprisingly good especially on the West Coast routes.

We fly a lot too but when we have the time we prefer train travel. Take a few good books and some cards or games if more than one are traveling and relax, enjoy the view out your window and visit with the people on the train often visiting from other countries. If you take children which we have done it is a great time to relax and reconnect with them too!

Posted By Kelly on October 23, 2008, 3:23 PM

I love to travel on the train. In such a rushed society, it gives one a chance to relax. Unlike car and air travel one also has the chance to stretch your legs. A wonderful train to try is from New Orleans to Chicago. Leaving out of New Orleans you get to see swamps and beautiful water/nature scenes, places where cars can't go. Get a sleeper car, wake up feeling refreshed and find you are almost to your destination.

Posted By Heidi on October 23, 2008, 5:51 PM

FYI...

In this article (Amtrak makes its best offer yet), the link to the web page for USA Rail Pass does not work (www.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/selectpass)

The link is trapped by the main Amtrak website, with the message that the page does not exist.

Posted By L. J. Gorin on October 23, 2008, 7:07 PM

Hi, L. J. Gorin,
Thanks for posting your comment! We depend on reader feedback!
I'm surprised by the error you are getting. Our other readers and myself don't seem to be getting this error. This is the link I see:
http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/selectpass/
That works for me. How about for you?
Happy Travels,
Sean
Blog editor

Posted By Blog editor on October 23, 2008, 10:50 PM

The ticket agent you spoke to needs to go back to ticket agent school. If you go to the Amtrak rail pass site, right at the top of the form is the following notice:

"For each pass type, you are allowed a certain number of travel segments within the travel periods. All travel must be completed within 180 days of purchasing the pass."

In other words, if you choose a 15 day pass starting, let's say November 24, 2008, you can spread out your travel until April somethingorother, 2009.

Posted By Paul Harris on October 24, 2008, 7:01 AM

Hi! I love to ride the train. I can check 3 bags for free, (just make sure they are locked, I had some stuff stolen on my trip in March). I have medical problems and the machines I need are not counted as take on bags. It sure helps when I have oxygen, breathing machine, a bag of medicines, special food, etc. I love talking to the other passengers, walking around as much as I can and I do get enough sleep. Bring a blanket and pillow for real comfort. Yea trains!!

Posted By Stephanie on October 25, 2008, 2:54 AM

A few years ago,my husband and I made a trip from Mt Pleasant,Ia to Washington DC. It was the shoulder of the season,so the price was quite reasonable,especially since it includes your motel,meals and the first class lounge in Chicago. You do have to plan ahead as there are only so many seats. And it is true that the trains are often late,especially from the west coast to Denver. Once,while we were waiting for a train that was 4 hr late, a hillbilly group started singing and playing their instruments which included a guitar and musical saw. They kept on playing when we got on the train. Can you imagine that happening on a plane!

Posted By pat adney on October 26, 2008, 3:28 AM

If you click on the USA Rail Pass link it says right there that for each pass type, you are allowed a certain number of travel segments within the travel periods. All travel must be completed within 180 days of purchasing the pass. It does not end 15 days after your purchase.

Posted By Jessica Leach on November 28, 2008, 10:20 PM

I have travelled all over USA on the Amtrak trains and I cannot speak highly enough of them. Obviously you need to book early and get a sleeper with a bathroom, first in first served and best prices.
The meals in the dining room are free if you have a sleeper and choice and quality excellent, we had 3 choices each meal. Often their is someone on to give a commentary on areas you are going through. From Seattle downwards they have wine tasting.
One thing to be aware of, there is not a lot of room for suitcases so try and travel with softsided overnight bags or duffle bag.
If you cannot afford a sleeper then the meals are on you and they have a cafe on board. If you do not get a bathroom they are in the hallway and kept clean as well as showers and fresh towels etc.
TAKE NOTICE,,,,,,,, the trains often run late so do not consider it if you have a flight or cruise the next day. Freight trains have the right of way and sometimes you spend hours sitting on a side track in the night. I highly recommend the Amtrak as a way to travel the USA.

Posted By Jan Blake on February 26, 2009, 8:52 PM

I called Amtrack and they told me that the "travel period" is the period of the pass-15, 30, or 45 days. The "clock starts to run" when the first segment begins, and the pass expires at the end of the time allotted for the pass. It is not possible to break up the allowed days-a 15 day pass will expire 15 days after the start of travel.

Posted By Stuart R. Smith on February 27, 2009, 1:08 AM