How to Travel on Amtrak

With concern about gas prices and energy shortages rising daily, Amtrak (the American passenger train system) is a better bargain than ever. Stations are typically located in the center of town, so travel brings you closer to your destination, eliminating the need for renting a car. In many cases, the cost of your ticket is less than the cost of buying gas for a long trip, with savings for the environment as well.

1 Go online (see Resources) and click on "station" to see if there are stations at your starting point and destination.

2 Enter the date and time you wish to travel, checking either the "one way" or "round trip" option.

3 Make your reservation, paying by credit card. Tickets will be mailed to you or you may pick them up at the station.

4 You will need identification before boarding, whether you already have your ticket or not.

5 Determine in advance if there is a dining car or a lounge car and make plans accordingly.

6 Find out how many bags you can carry on and how many you can check in the baggage car. Rules may differ according to the route and the station. Remember that you will have to lift your bags up fairly steep steps.

7 A conductor will show you which car to enter and often will assign you a seat. Make sure there is a marker above your seat and that the conductor will call your destination.