I took a 30-hour train from New York to Miami, and the motion sickness and terrible sleep were too much for me

Joey HaddenJun 22, 2024, 03:45 IST

A Business Insider reporter took an overnight Amtrak train from New York City to Miami.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I recently spent 30 hours on an Amtrak train traveling from New York City to Miami in 2021.
I found the ride to be rough and bumpy, with far too much time spent in a cramped space.

I've traveled on several overnight trains, but I'll never forget my first time.

As a travel reporter who doesn't particularly enjoy flying, I thought I'd try an alternative mode of transportation for a trip from NYC to Miami in 2021.

Even though the train ride was more expensive than a typical economy flight to Miami and took 10 times longer, I booked a private room with two beds and a toilet on an Amtrak sleeper train for $500.

But I didn't anticipate how poorly the constant motion and length of the trip would make me feel.

My journey began at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in NYC.

A view of a line to board a 3:15 p.m. Amtrak train to Miami.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Once it was time to board, I learned that sleeper cars are at the back of the train.

A view of an Amtrak train on the platform at Penn Station.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Once on the train, I walked down the narrow corridor of three sleeper cars to find my room.

A view of a hallway in a sleeper car on an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Called a Roomette, this tiny, private suite is the cheapest way to travel by Amtrak if you want a bed.

A view of an empty Roomette across the way.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In some Roomettes (mine included), there's a side table that swings open to reveal a toilet. Above, there's a folding sink and mirror.

The bathroom is shown opened and closed.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

With two seats to a Roomette and no privacy curtain around the toilet, I was grateful to be a solo traveler.

The author sits on the toilet in her Roomette.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I recommend bringing Poo Pouri with you if you plan to take a similar trip.

The author poses with a bottle of Poo Pouri.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Due to availability when I booked my ticket, I had to switch to another Roomette that didn't have a toilet but still had a sink partway through my trip.

The author in the bathroom on the left and in her Roomette on the right.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The room had storage features that reminded me of a tiny home, like a pullout table between the chairs.

The table is seen pulled out.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

One thing that surprised me about the Roomette was the variety of lighting options, which seemed to be more than what you'd get in economy on a flight.

The author turns on the reading light on her chair.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I was also surprised to be able to control the temperature inside my Roomette.

A view of a temperature dial and air conditioning vent in a Roomette.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When the train started moving, I noticed it was a bumpy ride, like a flight when the seat belt sign is on. I figured this was temporary, but I thought the whole ride was shaky.

A view out of the window while the train was in motion.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When the train started moving, I noticed it was a bumpy ride, like a flight when the seat belt sign is on. I figured this was temporary, but I thought the whole ride was shaky.

Since my train ride felt bumpy, I tried not to leave my room too much. But come dinner time, I decided to head to the dining cart.

A view of the dining car.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Since I got a Roomette, my ticket came with a meal, and I thought it wasn't too bad.

The author dines on the train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When it was time for bed, I chose to sleep on the top bunk to experience what it was like.

The author gets ready for bed.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought the bed was comfy enough, but throughout the day, the shaking was much worse on the top bunk than in the seats.

The author tries to sleep.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While I didn't sleep well, I enjoyed waking up to the sun rising over Georgia.

The author wakes up in the morning.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I woke up at around 8 a.m. with about 11 hours left on my journey.

The author works on a laptop.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I used my Nintendo Switch, watched movies I had previously downloaded, and did work to fill the time.

The author plays Mario Kart.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I was so grateful when I finally arrived in Miami and decided that long train journeys weren't for the faint of heart.

The author takes a selfie when she arrives in Miami.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I paid $1 to see Zurich from a train that's been around for 130 years. It was unlike any railway I've taken.

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I took a 30-hour train from New York to Miami, and the motion sickness and terrible sleep were too much for me

My journey began at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in NYC.

Once it was time to board, I learned that sleeper cars are at the back of the train.

Once on the train, I walked down the narrow corridor of three sleeper cars to find my room.

Called a Roomette, this tiny, private suite is the cheapest way to travel by Amtrak if you want a bed.

In some Roomettes (mine included), there's a side table that swings open to reveal a toilet. Above, there's a folding sink and mirror.

With two seats to a Roomette and no privacy curtain around the toilet, I was grateful to be a solo traveler.

I recommend bringing Poo Pouri with you if you plan to take a similar trip.

Due to availability when I booked my ticket, I had to switch to another Roomette that didn't have a toilet but still had a sink partway through my trip.

The room had storage features that reminded me of a tiny home, like a pullout table between the chairs.

One thing that surprised me about the Roomette was the variety of lighting options, which seemed to be more than what you'd get in economy on a flight.

I was also surprised to be able to control the temperature inside my Roomette.

When the train started moving, I noticed it was a bumpy ride, like a flight when the seat belt sign is on. I figured this was temporary, but I thought the whole ride was shaky.

Since my train ride felt bumpy, I tried not to leave my room too much. But come dinner time, I decided to head to the dining cart.

Since I got a Roomette, my ticket came with a meal, and I thought it wasn't too bad.

When it was time for bed, I chose to sleep on the top bunk to experience what it was like.

I thought the bed was comfy enough, but throughout the day, the shaking was much worse on the top bunk than in the seats.

While I didn't sleep well, I enjoyed waking up to the sun rising over Georgia.

I woke up at around 8 a.m. with about 11 hours left on my journey.

I used my Nintendo Switch, watched movies I had previously downloaded, and did work to fill the time.

I was so grateful when I finally arrived in Miami and decided that long train journeys weren't for the faint of heart.