General advice

Coach

Amtrak coach travel is pretty comfortable. The seats are much wider than airplane seats, and there is a leg rest (not to be confused with the foot rest, which also exists) that, when extended, gives you quite a comfortable sleeping angle.

Coach seats are first-come, first-served. There are aisle seats and window seats (no middle seats). Each seat has a power outlet.

Lounge Car

This car has floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, window-facing seats with power outlets, and tables with benches. This is the best place to hang out during the day, charge electronics, and play video games. Make sure to get good seats early before it fills up!

Café Car

On the bottom floor of the lounge car there is a small café stand with snacks, drinks, and convenience items. I don't go to the café car much when I'm in sleeper, since meals are free, but if I'm in coach I will usually bring a Shin Ramyun cup and ask for a cup of hot water at the café car.

Suggested tip: $1 if you're getting hot water or something else that isn't on the menu

Sleeper Car

• I prefer second floor to the first floor, because the views are better and there’s less noise from the wheels. However, second floor has a lot more movement due to being higher off the ground.
• You can ask your attendant to bring meals to your room
• Sleeper cars have a beverage station with coffee, orange juice, water, etc.
• If you're riding solo or comfortable intruding on your roomette-mate's personal space, you can recline the seats immediately and prop up your legs on the other seat
• If one person wants to nap, you can collapse the seat flat on their side
• Bring soft bags, not hard suitcases — then you can keep them in your roomette instead of on the luggage racks. A small duffel fits perfectly on the side of the roomette by the door
• You can drink alcohol in the roomettes if that's what you like to do

Meals

As of June 23, 2021, the dining car is back for sleeper passengers on long-distance West Coast routes! The dining car is actually quite good, and all meals are completely free for sleeper passengers.