+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Home Newsletters Next Share

I took a 19-hour, overnight Amtrak train for the first time. Here are 14 things that surprised me about the long-haul journey

Frank OlitoJul 15, 2021, 23:53 IST

I took a 19-hour train ride.AJ Packer/Shutterstock.com

I took my first long-haul Amtrak train from New York to Chicago, and a few things surprised me.
I was shocked I could book a private room, with two beds and a small bathroom.
I was most surprised to find that the 19-hour journey didn't feel too long or boring.

Advertisement

First, I was surprised to learn Amtrak trains have private rooms for passengers.

A bedroom on an Amtrak train. Frank Olito/ Insider

When booking my trip, I was shocked by the price.

My smaller room aboard the train. Frank Olito/ Insider

Advertisement

I was surprised to find my room on the train had a private toilet and sink.

One corner of the room was a bathroom. Frank Olito/ Insider

The room also came with free toiletries and clean towels.

The room came with towels and soap. Frank Olito/ Insider

Advertisement

I found a communal shower at the back of my train car.

The coffee station was next to the communal shower. Frank Olito/ Insider

There were conductors who helped me throughout the journey and are similar to flight attendants.

An Amtrak train conductor. Frank Olito/ Insider

Advertisement

They served meals at strange times, which took me by surprise.

My meal was delivered to my room. Frank Olito/ Insider

The dinner surprisingly reminded me of plane food.

My dinner on the train. Frank Olito/ Insider

Advertisement

I was able to control the heating and cooling of my room.

The control panel. Frank Olito/ Insider

The sleeping situation was one of the biggest surprises because the bed descended from the ceiling.

The space is greatly reduced when the bed is pulled down. Frank Olito/ Insider

Advertisement

It was difficult to fall asleep because of the constant movement of the train.

The view from the bed. Frank Olito/ Insider

Plus, I was surprised to learn I needed earplugs to help me fall asleep.

The view out the window from my bed. Frank Olito/ Insider

Advertisement

I was surprised I could get off the train at some stations to stretch my legs.

The South Bend, Indiana, train station. Frank Olito/ Insider

Although 19 hours may seem like a long time to be trapped on a train, I was surprised to find that it didn't feel that long.

I pulled out the table and enjoyed the views. Frank Olito/ Inisder

Advertisement

Next Story

From protests to countdowns, 32 photos show what Tokyo is like as it prepares to host the Olympics

Copyright @ 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.