Amtrak train private room?

[Anonymous]

Advice welcomed. My husband is getting open-heart surgery in Baltimore and afterwards (2 weeks later) we need to get him back to Florida after the surgery. We thought we’d take a leisurely train ride together down from Maryland to Florida. (Vs airport madness)
Anyone ever done these Amtrak private rooms? You can get a private bedroom/bathroom. Have you done it? Any tips?

[Anonymous]

I think the train ride would be too bumpy and long. Better off springing for business or first class plane tickets.

[Anonymous]

I would fly as soon as he is cleared. Amtrak trips are unpredictable since freight trains get priority on the rail. In the chance something goes wrong medically, you don’t want to be stuck on a train, stuck on a train delayed waiting on freight, or hours away from the next station.

[Anonymous]

Is he not medically cleared to fly? I would fly over taking the train 100% try to get him the courtrsy transport at the airport so he can be carted around

The train can be very bumpy and the food on that leg isn't very good.

[Anonymous]

I've done it and would do it again. Are you solid sleepers? I found the motion lulling, but had trouble with the train whistles in the night waking me up. I might practice sleeping with noise cancelling earphones before next time.

For your husband, I'd suggest he talk to the Doctors about that plan and whether they'd have concern. It's not super bumpy but it's also not entirely a smooth ride.

[Anonymous]

Fly first class. Bring a wheelchair or request assistance ahead of time through the airline/airport.

The train is miserable.

And what if you have a medical emergency?

[Anonymous]

OP here. He would be cleared to fly, yes.
We were wondering if the train would actually be more relaxing than dealing with airports. But thx for all advice as we figure this out.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, there is nothing leisurely about Amtrak. So many starts and stops and lots of delays. Even on the nice trains.

[Anonymous]

I enjoy the train, vs flying, and i think a train trip could be nice. However, I considered a private room and thought they looked very very small. You can see some detailed reviews with photos online: I wasn't sure it would be comfy for 2 people. I also suspect your DH should not be climbing into the bunk with stitches.

Maybe break it into two days, instead. Raleigh Durham could be a nice place to overnight.

[Anonymous]

I have been through two immediate family members having open heart surgery. A train ride would be SO awful at two weeks out. So much jostling, uncomfortable beds, etc.

[Anonymous]

I haven't had open heart surgery but I had to fly home from Mayo after a comparable procedure. I have also traveled cross-country on Amtrak. If Amtrak had been available it would have been my preferred option by a long shot.

[Anonymous]

Yes. It take soo long. Just fly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been through two immediate family members having open heart surgery. A train ride would be SO awful at two weeks out. So much jostling, uncomfortable beds, etc.

This.

[Anonymous]

God no. It'a a two hour flight from BWI down to Florida. Don't take the train. It takes two days and is bumpy and jostling.

[Anonymous]

The train is a nightmare. Esp at this time of year. Packed with families and other old people. The train whistles ALL NIGHT too. You would need ear plugs AND a sound machine. Bed is not comfortable and private bathroom is a euphemism for a shower over a toilet.