Amtrak train private room?

[Anonymous]

After my dad had open heart, he was in no condition to fly or take a train anywhere. Getting the body to regulate afterwards can be difficult. For my dad it was water retention that we didn't realize was happening until he needed emergency care. To put his recovery into perspective, he was driving at the earliest you can drive, which I think is 6 weeks. So he did well, but first 3 weeks, I believe were dicey.

Is your surgeon approving this trip at 2 weeks?

[Anonymous]

I love taking long train trips and find the sleeper rooms comfortable and delightful. Often the trains are delayed but that’s part of relaxation for me — you’re just relaxing and not having to worry about anything but watching the world go by.

That being said, I don’t know that it would be a good idea post surgery; that seems like it would be a situation where you want to get back to your own bed ASAP and the motion of the train might be uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

If he is approved to fly, I would do that and get it over with. Then you'll have access to medical care if it is needed. But the thought of having a medical situation and being on a train in the middle of God knows where, sounds like a terrible idea to me.

Also, remember, he will feel terrible simply from the trauma of the surgery.

[Anonymous]

To crowd source, I would ask this question in Health and Medicine.

[Anonymous]

My family took a sleeper train and did not find it comfortable or enjoyable. The rooms felt dark and dirty, the private bathroom tiny and the private “shower” is a shower head over the toilet. On top of that, the food is horrible.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, everyone.
To close the loop:
After reading all sage advice here and discussing with my husband… I grabbed us both a one way, direct, first class ticket from Dulles to Tampa for $375 / person ! Crazy so grabbed it. The train cost would’ve been $1750 total. So we’re saving a ton too … let alone all the other points that were made. Thx again.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the update OP! I think you made the right decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I take the train quite often as I’ve come to detest airports and air travel in general. Too many people and too busy. And 1st class domestic isn’t that great imo. 1st class transatlantic is another story. I’d never turn down a first class flight to Europe.

I’ve taken the auto train several times as well as other long haul trips and have found it to be relaxing and not at all stressful.

The bedrooms are great and the bottom bed is actually comfy and is about the size of a full size bed.

I bring my own pillows because theirs aren’t great. But the bed itself is surprisingly comfy.

The bottom bed really isn’t big enough for two people though so you’d probably have to sleep on the top bunk. Which I am told by my DC isn’t that comfortable. Although he sleeps well on the train so I really think he’s just angling for the bottom bunk.

Ive also tried the roomette but don’t recommend it. It’s private but not comfy at all for sleeping. Its no where near as comfy as the amtrak bedroom.

I also bring a little air purifier on board as sometimes depending on how the cars are connected, if the bedroom cars are close to the engine you can smell the diesel fumes. On the zephyr this isn’t an issue but on the auto train it can be. The rooms are small enough that the purifier does a great job.

So that might be a concern for your husband. Definitely something to check into with his doctor. My son didn’t smell the fumes but Im sensitive and did.

If you go take an extension cord/power strip as there is only one outlet in the room.

The in room bathroom is fine, it’s fine for a quick shower or middle of the night pee break. They are small though so your DH might find the shower uncomfortable to use. Full size showers and toilets are available downstairs as well. If the showers downstairs aren’t busy I usually use them.

If you leave from Alexandria or Lorton then getting to your train car is easy, no transport is needed. But if you leave from union station the porters at curbside or the agents at the ticket window can call for and arrange for golf cart transport which will drop you and your luggage right at your train car. The driver will also carry your bags onto the train and drop in the luggage racks or carry them up to your room if you prefer. You don’t need to check luggage if you are traveling in the sleeper cars.

I used this service at Union station because I’d pulled a muscle in my leg and they were quite accommodating.

Amtrak isn’t luxurious but it’s fun if you like train travel. The bedrooms offer space, peace and privacy.

You can have your dinner in your room and bring your own wine and snacks and have a restful quiet evening. I’ve only done room service on the Florida route.

Or head to the dinning car which is usually located in the car adjacent to the bedroom cars. The tables seat 4 so you will be sat with another group if there are 2 of you. I’m an introvert but I really enjoy this aspect of the trip. Dinner with train folks is pleasant. I’ve met some really nice people.

The tracks are a bit bumpy down to Florida but nothing too crazy. But definitely more noticeable than the western routes.

I like trains so if possible and time allows I always take the train.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

I take the train quite often as I’ve come to detest airports and air travel in general. Too many people and too busy. And 1st class domestic isn’t that great imo. 1st class transatlantic is another story. I’d never turn down a first class flight to Europe.

I’ve taken the auto train several times as well as other long haul trips and have found it to be relaxing and not at all stressful.

The bedrooms are great and the bottom bed is actually comfy and is about the size of a full size bed.

I bring my own pillows because theirs aren’t great. But the bed itself is surprisingly comfy.

The bottom bed really isn’t big enough for two people though so you’d probably have to sleep on the top bunk. Which I am told by my DC isn’t that comfortable. Although he sleeps well on the train so I really think he’s just angling for the bottom bunk.

Ive also tried the roomette but don’t recommend it. It’s private but not comfy at all for sleeping. Its no where near as comfy as the amtrak bedroom.

I also bring a little air purifier on board as sometimes depending on how the cars are connected, if the bedroom cars are close to the engine you can smell the diesel fumes. On the zephyr this isn’t an issue but on the auto train it can be. The rooms are small enough that the purifier does a great job.

So that might be a concern for your husband. Definitely something to check into with his doctor. My son didn’t smell the fumes but Im sensitive and did.

If you go take an extension cord/power strip as there is only one outlet in the room.

The in room bathroom is fine, it’s fine for a quick shower or middle of the night pee break. They are small though so your DH might find the shower uncomfortable to use. Full size showers and toilets are available downstairs as well. If the showers downstairs aren’t busy I usually use them.

If you leave from Alexandria or Lorton then getting to your train car is easy, no transport is needed. But if you leave from union station the porters at curbside or the agents at the ticket window can call for and arrange for golf cart transport which will drop you and your luggage right at your train car. The driver will also carry your bags onto the train and drop in the luggage racks or carry them up to your room if you prefer. You don’t need to check luggage if you are traveling in the sleeper cars.

I used this service at Union station because I’d pulled a muscle in my leg and they were quite accommodating.

Amtrak isn’t luxurious but it’s fun if you like train travel. The bedrooms offer space, peace and privacy.

You can have your dinner in your room and bring your own wine and snacks and have a restful quiet evening. I’ve only done room service on the Florida route.

Or head to the dinning car which is usually located in the car adjacent to the bedroom cars. The tables seat 4 so you will be sat with another group if there are 2 of you. I’m an introvert but I really enjoy this aspect of the trip. Dinner with train folks is pleasant. I’ve met some really nice people.

The tracks are a bit bumpy down to Florida but nothing too crazy. But definitely more noticeable than the western routes.

I like trains so if possible and time allows I always take the train.

OP already booked a flight

[Anonymous]

I see Op booked a flight but was going to suggest considering renting an RV and taking it easy, stopping at hotels if needed. I think his medical team should be able to advise you on what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

No it’s miserable and takes longer than driving. Stop start all night.

[Anonymous]

The train will throw him around

and I continue to take Amtrak. And have taken it to Florida. Op, for your DH, it's a firm no.

[Anonymous]

I love train rides but I have had open heart surgery and this train ride would be a nightmare so soon afterwards.

Flying would be bad, too, but much better than the train.