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I took a 20-hour train ride from Chicago to NYC for the first time. Here are 10 things that surprised me.

Jenny SilberOct 29, 2022, 19:02 IST

Because I was in coach, I didn't have access to the train's dining car.Jenny Silber

I took a 20-hour train ride from Chicago to New York City on an Amtrak for the first time.
The experience was more comfortable than I expected, but the train lacked some basic amenities.

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After flying from New York to Chicago, I decided to take an Amtrak train back.

I wore my mask for the majority of the 20-hour journey.Jenny Silber

Amtrak's coach seats were extremely comfortable and reminded me of the first-class seats I've seen on airplanes.

The Amtrak seats were large and made of leather.Jenny Silber

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I found it impossible to fall asleep on the train.

The car's lights never turned off, so I found it challenging to sleep.Jenny Silber

Passengers in coach class didn't have access to the train's dining car, so I was limited to the café car's menu.

Coach passengers didn't have access to the train's dining car, pictured above.Jenny Silber

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I didn't feel claustrophobic and was able to move around the train.

We stopped at several rest stops along the way.Jenny Silber

The Wi-Fi was so slow that it was basically non-existent.

I couldn't work on certain projects since the Wi-Fi was so finicky.Jenny Silber

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My train ticket only cost $23 less than my flight.

The boarding process was seamless and fast.Jenny Silber

There was no security line to get on the train, and no one checked my ticket until after we left the station.

I boarded the train long before it departed, but I was glad I had time to get settled.Jenny Silber

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Traveling solo on a train wasn't ideal since I didn't have anyone to watch my bags when I got up.

I took my first long-haul train from Chicago to New York.Jenny Silber

I was allowed to board the train with a lot more luggage than I previously thought.

I could've brought more bags and carry-ons aboard the train.Jenny Silber

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I'd like to take a long train ride again, just not from Chicago to New York.

My experience wasn't perfect, but it didn't scare me away from future rail travel.Laser1987/Getty Images

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