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Long Amtrak Ride in Roomette: What I Wish I Packed; Was Glad I Brought ...
I'm happy with the items I packed for my 16-hour Amtrak trip, but I wish I'd brought a few more things. Molly Allen 2026-05-04T14:10:57.801Z When I took a 16-hour Amtrak ride from Portland to Sacramento, I packed two bags. I was glad I'd packed snacks, my water bottle, and essential oils to make me feel more at home. Still, I wish I'd brought something to help with motion sickness, as well as a small padlock. When I booked a sleeper car for my 16-hour Amtrak ride from Portland to Sacramento, I could choose a roomette, bedroom, bedroom suite, or accessible bedroom.I went with the roomette, which was the smallest sleeping accommodation, so I assumed I wouldn't have much space for luggage.With that in mind, I packed one rolling carry-on bag and a smaller piece of luggage that could fit under a typical plane seat. Here's what I brought on my 16-hour Amtrak journey and what I wish I'd packed. I brought two bags on the train. My smaller bag fit several items I wanted to take with me into the roomette. Molly Allen I packed everything I wanted to keep with me in my roomette in a smaller bag, including snacks, entertainment devices, toiletries, and clothes to sleep in.I put everything else I needed for Sacramento in a larger bag. I ended up having space to keep both bags in my room, but I was still glad to have everything organized and in one place. I was thankful I packed plenty of snacks. I packed several snacks, including crackers, nuts, pretzels, and chocolate. Molly Allen By booking a roomette, I had access to the dining car, which included complimentary meals.I ate a salad for lunch and had dinner on the train. I thought the train food was decent, but I wasn't a huge fan of dinner, so I dug into the snacks I brought instead.I didn't eat everything I brought on the train, but having my own variety of snacks was helpful because I didn't need to spend money at the café. Having my water bottle was useful. I was glad I didn't have to ask the attendant for water. Molly Allen When I boarded the train, two small plastic water bottles were already in my room. Though I could've asked my car attendant for more water, I'd already brought my own reusable thermos with me.Bottle-filling stations were also in the same car as my room, so it was easier to get my own water than repeatedly ask my busy attendant for a beverage. It was helpful to bring makeup-remover wipes on the train. My makeup-remover wipes made getting ready for bed a breeze. Molly Allen I ...
We took a 53-hour Amtrak train from Chicago to California. It ... - DNyuz
My sister and I shared an Amtrak roomette on a 53-hour train ride. Paige Allen When my sister and I began planning a trip from Maine to California, we knew we wanted to make it one we’d never forget. At first, we thought about road-tripping across the country, but honestly, it seemed like too much to take on. Instead, we decided to fly to Chicago and take the 53-hour Amtrak California Zephyr train the rest of the way. It felt like the perfect compromise — we’d still get a chance to see new parts of the country, just without the stress of driving. To make it even better, we booked a roomette on board, imagining a comfortable and scenic journey. By the time we finally arrived in California, though, one thing was certain: this train trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — because it was one I only needed to do once. The roomette was great during the day, but sharing one at night was a challenge During the day, our roomette was spacious enough for the two of us. Paige Allen Traveling in our roomette during the day was a breeze. The seats were large and comfortable, and we had plenty of space to stand up and stretch our legs. However, nighttime was a different story. When it was time to go to sleep, our seats folded down into a twin-size bed, which took up the entire footprint of the space. Then, another twin bed slid down from the ceiling to create a top bunk, which is where I slept. Even with a safety harness on, I felt like I was going to tumble off the bed every time the train wobbled. It was a little less harrowing on the bottom bunk, but since we were on the second level of a double-decker car, every shake still felt perilous. Although logically, I knew I was safe, my brain was too panicked to sleep well either night. Another downside of the roomette was that we had to share a bathroom with other passengers. I’m not the biggest fan of public restrooms to begin with, but several days of only having access to an airplane-sized bathroom sent me way past my comfort zone. If I were to take another long Amtrak trip, I’d plan to upgrade to the larger room with a private bathroom. However, I loved watching the scenery change from state to state I enjoyed riding through the mountains in Colorado. Paige Allen On a more positive note, traveling on the California Zephyr was a unique way to see the country. Watching the scenery melt from the urban setting of Chicago to the seemingly endless cornfields of Iowa, the steep red cliffs of Colorado, and the sparkling oc...
Amtrak Across the USA: Routes, Passes, and How to Save
April 30, 2026 Explore Amtrak routes across the USA, learn about the USA Rail Pass, and find practical tips to book affordable train travel nationwide.
Tips For Traveling By Train - All Aboard For An Easy, Memorable Family ...
NC by Train and Amtrak have really taken traveling by train in our state seriously and are continually working to up the train travel here in North Carolina and beyond. After three train trips, with babies/toddlers, it's safe to say I've learned a few things and wanted to share a few trips if you and your family are considering a train trip.
