I have been on trains and have had early morning stops. The Conductor or SCA will wake you 30 minutes (in coach) or 45 minutes (in sleeper) prior to arrival.Amtrak doesn't want passengers missing their stops any less than you do. They will make sure you are out and about in time for your arrival.
The in room toilet is sealed, and besides your head is not near it (your feet are). In fact, in an AT bedroom, your head is closer to the toilet (in distance).
Bedrooms with a private, enclosed toilet and shower are available on the Silvers. And since the OP is planning on a round-trip, I highly doubt she'll be in D.C. long enough for it to be worth it to bring a car.
Thanks for this suggestion as to what to ask the SCA when I board in Fort Lauderdale. No caffeine issues for me if I don't have it, but, with such an early morning arrival with possibly no breakfast and some challenges to get to my destination in Greenbelt, Maryland, a cup or two of coffee would be appreciated.
??? The toilet /shower is a separate room with a door that closes. While I do change positions, I usually put the pillows by the bedroom door, not the window, but have the option to switch back & forth. If you look at the pic above, my niece has the pillow by the window. Can you even SEE the bathroom door (very lower right of the pic) opposite the chair.
I, too, was wondering about getting breakfast with that timeframe but will definitely be ready to go at 6:30 and just hope the train is not early.
That's great news that the SCA will stop by and explain things - as you have guessed, I have alot of questions (drives my hubby crazy).
A few years ago I was on the Meteor when it was expected to arrive in WAS early and the dining car did not open early, so I resolved myself to the fact that I would not get breakfast on the train. However, due to train traffic or something else, we were delayed right outside of WAS and the dining car opened. I did not realize that it was open until my excellent sleeping car attendant told me. He figured that I would not have enough time to eat, so he asked me what I would like to order. He ordered a breakfast to go for me, and I carried it off the train. I ended up eating my train breakfast in the food court in Union Station sitting with Ryan (who happended to be passing through WAS on his way to work). This was a win-win-win for me.
Thank you. It appears I'll be doing several trips a year on the train so after my initial maiden voyage, I hope to help others. You guys are such a friendly bunch; full of great tips.P.S.--Maggie's Mom, I see you have joined us on AU--welcome!
Be sure to join Amtrak Guest Rewards, so that you can get some benefits from your train travel! It's their "frequent flyer" program.Thank you. It appears I'll be doing several trips a year on the train so after my initial maiden voyage, I hope to help others. You guys are such a friendly bunch; full of great tips.P.S.--Maggie's Mom, I see you have joined us on AU--welcome!
I would also recommend getting the Bank of America Guest Rewards World MasterCard. You'll get a companion coupon and upgrade coupon upon signing up, and 20,000 Guest Rewards points once you spend $1000 with the card (worth roughly $700). And you'll get a point for every dollar spent on regular stuff, two points for every dollar spent on travel, and three points for every dollar spent on Amtrak. That really adds up.Be sure to join Amtrak Guest Rewards, so that you can get some benefits from your train travel! It's their "frequent flyer" program.Thank you. It appears I'll be doing several trips a year on the train so after my initial maiden voyage, I hope to help others. You guys are such a friendly bunch; full of great tips.P.S.--Maggie's Mom, I see you have joined us on AU--welcome!
Yeah &, when redeeming, I really miss the old Zone System!!! (for longer distance trips)
I wonder if Amtrak is still scratching their heads over what happened to all the traffic between Wolf Point and El Paso...
Thanks, McD's was going to be my backup plan but I was able to get breakfast before we arrived. Planning on eating lunch at that McD's on my return trip 'cause I'll have acouple hours to kill at Union Station. Unfortunately I have to take the Silver Star for my return trip so meals will not be as good as the trip up. Hoping to also get a Subway Sub at Union Station for my dinner later that day. I brought a small insulated case to put it in so hopefully it will be okay for dinner.
This!
