Hope this is allowed. I was informed by someone via DM message that if I had a bunch of general questions about my first ever train trip to ask them in a single post as opposed to a bunch of different topics. I would love to hear from as many of you as have time to provide your knowledge and assistance.
Some quick background: I'm not a big flier, and I've always wanted to take a long train ride. I have decided to take one from the Southeast up the coast to New York (and back) as part of a longer vacation. What follows are a ton of questions I have as someone who has never really taken a train at all -- particularly for a distance like this -- but has taken a number of long road trips via car.
1. Is there any major difference -- or any at all -- between the Silver Star and Silver Meteor?
2. I'm probably only able to get coach (work is paying for the travel). Is there any reason to upgrade on my own to business class and approx. how much would that be? I looked online at the differences between the seats but besides "more legroom" it doesn't really indicate how much more or whether the comfort is worthwhile.
3. Following up on (2), I will be on the train for a full day. I don't imagine sleeping a full night, but will I be comfortable enough / able to recline enough to sleep some?
4. Is it loud? I'm talking in general, while riding.
5. Is the WiFi relatively consistent? I expect it to be spotty in certain areas, of course, but will I have access for the vast majority of the trip? And are there outlets at the seats?
6. For a large trip such as this, my assumption is most of the time there will not be too many people on board (meaning I probably won't have a seat partner and will have a bit more space), but during commuting hours it will fill up. Is that an accurate assumption?
7. I will have a laptop on board (see 5). When the train is relatively empty, is it safe to leave a backpack at the seat and walk around or go to the bathroom ... or is it a scenario where I'd always want to take my stuff with me?
8. Any general tips or tricks?
Thanks everyone!
Some quick background: I'm not a big flier, and I've always wanted to take a long train ride. I have decided to take one from the Southeast up the coast to New York (and back) as part of a longer vacation. What follows are a ton of questions I have as someone who has never really taken a train at all -- particularly for a distance like this -- but has taken a number of long road trips via car.
1. Is there any major difference -- or any at all -- between the Silver Star and Silver Meteor?
2. I'm probably only able to get coach (work is paying for the travel). Is there any reason to upgrade on my own to business class and approx. how much would that be? I looked online at the differences between the seats but besides "more legroom" it doesn't really indicate how much more or whether the comfort is worthwhile.
3. Following up on (2), I will be on the train for a full day. I don't imagine sleeping a full night, but will I be comfortable enough / able to recline enough to sleep some?
4. Is it loud? I'm talking in general, while riding.
5. Is the WiFi relatively consistent? I expect it to be spotty in certain areas, of course, but will I have access for the vast majority of the trip? And are there outlets at the seats?
6. For a large trip such as this, my assumption is most of the time there will not be too many people on board (meaning I probably won't have a seat partner and will have a bit more space), but during commuting hours it will fill up. Is that an accurate assumption?
7. I will have a laptop on board (see 5). When the train is relatively empty, is it safe to leave a backpack at the seat and walk around or go to the bathroom ... or is it a scenario where I'd always want to take my stuff with me?
8. Any general tips or tricks?
Thanks everyone!
Last edited by a moderator: