Train Travel Advice
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DISCLAIMER: TARP is not affiliated with Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. For official Amtrak information, including schedules, fares, and reservations, log on to www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
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See the Advantages of Train Travel!
Our goal is to help you better understand train travel; see the advantages of taking the train, and plan for an enjoyable trip.
Yes, Amtrak service is limited in Tennessee, but you will be surprised how many practical Amtrak options we have in Tennessee in spite of our limited service!
Keep in mind also that the reason TARP exists is to encourage the expansion of passenger rail in the Volunteer State. We hope you will JOIN TARP so that we can make passenger rail an even better option. Be sure to visit our JOIN TARP page.
Where can I go on Amtrak?
Amtrak's national rail passenger system goes to over 500 cities across the U.S. Here's a look at the system map:
Our goal is to help you better understand train travel; see the advantages of taking the train, and plan for an enjoyable trip.
Yes, Amtrak service is limited in Tennessee, but you will be surprised how many practical Amtrak options we have in Tennessee in spite of our limited service!
Keep in mind also that the reason TARP exists is to encourage the expansion of passenger rail in the Volunteer State. We hope you will JOIN TARP so that we can make passenger rail an even better option. Be sure to visit our JOIN TARP page.
Where can I go on Amtrak?
Amtrak's national rail passenger system goes to over 500 cities across the U.S. Here's a look at the system map:
Amtrak has two station stops in Tennessee: Memphis and Newbern/Dyersburg. These two stations are served by Amtrak's City of New Orleans service with trains that connect as follows:
Chicago, Champaign/Urbana, and Carbondale, IL; Jackson, MS; New Orleans, LA, and smaller cities in between.
Nashville and Clarksville are served by Amtrak Thruway Bus service that connects to rail services at Chicago Union Station and at the St. Louis Gateway Station. These buses are operated by Greyhound using an Amtrak ticketing arrangement.
There are several Amtrak stations in neighboring states that are accessible to Tennesseans.
Go to our AMTRAK STATIONS page to see which station and which service is accessible to you and connects to the cities you want to travel to.
How to get started. Amtrak.com is the best place to start. Here you can see if Amtrak provides a service that meets your travel needs and your budget. You can also dial 1-800-USA-RAIL and ask to speak to an agent. When making reservations, you will need to know the date you intend to travel and have a major credit card or debit card in hand.
Reservations and e-Tickets Most Amtrak trains require a reservation. You can make reservations at Amtrak.com or through 1-800-USA-RAIL. Each reservation comes with a number and an e-Ticket.
e-Tickets are awesome! You can receive and print your e-Ticket through your e-mail address on your home or office computer. Printing your own e-Ticket is especially helpful if you are catching the train from an unstaffed station, such as Newbern-Dyersburg. If you are catching the train at a staffed station, such as Memphis, you can have the ticket office print your e-Ticket or you can use a Quik-Trak ticket machine.
One of the benefits of e-Tickets is that you can re-print them if you lose your original copy.
Getting Packed and Ready
As with any mode of travel, try to pack lightly.
With Amtrak, each ticketed passenger is allowed up to two carry-on bags (not counting purses, laptop computers, or diaper bags) that cannot exceed 50 pounds per piece.
If you are traveling to and from a station with checked baggage service (such as Memphis-Chicago, Memphis-New Orleans, etc.) you may check up to two bags free of charge that cannot exceed 50 pounds per piece. You can also check one or two additional bags for $20 apiece. There are size limitations as well. Consult the Amtrak website for more specific details.
Whenever you travel by train, make sure that each and every piece of luggage, both carry-on and checked, is clearly labeled with your name and telephone number.
Also, make sure that you have a carry-on bag packed with personal items that you might need while on the train, such as medication, toiletries, etc. Don't forget to bring books, magazines, cards, or other items that will add to your enjoyment.
Overnight in coach?
Overnight travel in coach requires some additional planning and preparation to insure a comfortable trip. You will want to pack a small pillow and a lightweight blanket. TARP highly recommends a u-shaped neck pillow as well - you will definitely appreciate the additional support to help you rest easier!
If you are a light sleeper and easily awakened by light and noise, you may want to pack eye covers and ear plugs in case you need them.
Amtrak sells a Passenger Comfort Kit in the Lounge Car on some trains that includes earplugs, eye shades, a blanket, and inflatable pillow. You can also purchase the kit on-line through the Amtrak Store at store.amtrak.com.
How to freshen-up on a train
If you're traveling overnight on the train, make provisions to "freshen-up" on the train. TARP recommends you pack a towel, wash cloth, travel soap, antiperspirant, toothpaste and toothbrush, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag plus any other essentials you may need (contact solution, and so on). Freshening up in an on-board restroom is tricky, but it's worth it! As a courtesy, be sure to leave the restroom neat and orderly before you return to your seat.
Overnight in a sleeper
You may have the option of a first class sleeper for your long-distance trip on Amtrak. Prices can be steep depending on the route and the time of year that you're traveling, but dollar-for-dollar the sleeper can be a good value. When you check the schedule, price and availability through Amtrak.com, you can also check the price and availability of sleeper accommodations. Amtrak offers different size rooms depending on the train and the equipment in use. You can see the layout, appearance, and features of the room through the website and through the on-line reservation system.
Although sleeper prices can be high, keep in mind they are charged per room and not per person. Also, the accommodation charge in the room covers the price of meals in the dining car plus complimentary coffee and juice in the morning. Besides a better night's sleep, you have additional privacy plus access to a shower in the sleeper. Sleeper car passengers also get to wait for their train in the first class lounge facilities in major train stations, such as Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, DC, and other large cities.
TARP proudly offers a few additional tips to aid your travel planning. If you are traveling across the country and you cannot afford the sleeper the entire way, choose a smaller section of your trip where you will benefit most from having a bed, a shower, and meal service. Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail and speak to an agent to see if that's possible.
Or, if you are traveling across the country and the sleeper is simply out of your price range, schedule an intermediate stop halfway through your trip where you can take a break from the train, stay overnight in a hotel, and catch the train again the next day. Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL to see if that's possible.
You can't be too prepared!
You plan to have an enjoyable train trip, but it never hurts to prepare for the worst. Be sure to pack your carry-on bag with a few basic pain relievers and remedies such as aspirin or ibuprofen, stomach or anti-diarrhea medicine, cough drops, eye drops, cold or allergy medicine, etc. You don't want sudden ailments to ruin your trip! If you take any type of prescription medication, pack those as well.
TARP also recommends packing a small flashlight in your carry-on bag in the unlikely event of a power failure or other emergency on board the train. Again, you can't be too prepared!
Getting to the station
TARP highly recommends getting to the train station about 1 hour ahead of train time. Consult our AMTRAK STATIONS page to plan ahead for parking or other advance arrangements. Plan ahead also for traffic delays, weather delays or other problems so that you can get to the station comfortably on time.
How to "Catch a Train"
At staffed stations, such as Memphis, the agent will make boarding announcements and give verbal instructions. At unstaffed stations, such as Newbern/Dyersburg, you will need to pay close attention to the track and be ready to step onto the platform as soon as the train rolls into town. At major stations, such as Chicago or New York, you will receive boarding instruction from gate attendants.
When the train pulls into the station, the conductor or attendant will direct boarding passengers to the proper coach. Have your tickets in hand. In some cases the conductor or attendant will hand passengers a seat number assignment at the door. Or in some cases the conductor will direct boarding passengers to find an available seat. An available seat is one that not occupied and does not have a seat check hanging above it. (A seat check is a small stub of paper with a three letter station code written on it.) If the train is crowded, you may have to take a seat next to another passenger.
When you find an available seat you can store your carry-on bags in the overhead rack and settle in. Remain seated until the conductor comes to scan your e-Ticket. As soon as your ticket is scanned, the conductor will place a seat check above your seat.
Settling in
When your ticket is scanned and your seat check is in place you can settle in and enjoy the benefits of train travel. Recline your seat and relax. Long-distance trains have fold-out leg rests for greater comfort and Amtrak provides a small pillow for overnight passengers. The sound of steel wheels on steel rails is a soothing sound that most people enjoy. The scenery outside the window is another perk, and so is the opportunity to meet and greet fellow passengers.
You can use laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices on Amtrak, but you must use headphones and/or keep the volume at a quiet, discreet level.
Meal services
Long distance trains offer a Dining Car with complete menu service in a restaurant setting. First class sleeper car passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car. (Alcohol and carbonated sodas cost extra.) Coach passengers pay menu prices, which are comparable to prices in a traditional restaurant.
Lunch and dinner in the Dining Car is by reservation on most trains. The Lead Service Attendant will announce whether you need a reservation or if open seating is available. Breakfast is generally served on an open seating basis.
When you enter the Dining Car, whether by reservation or open seating, wait to be seated. It's important to know that Dining Car seating is carefully planned so that Amtrak can accommodate as many passengers as space allows. This means that you will most likely share a table with another party. This may seem strange at first, but make every effort to enjoy it. It's a great way to meet and greet other travelers.
Almost all Amtrak trains, short and long distance, offer a Café Car or Lounge Car featuring casual seating and a service counter with snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and sweets. Prices in the lounge/café car are a little steep, so be sure to set aside money to purchase what you think you will need.
You can view sample Dining Car menus on the Amtrak.com website.
Personal Food Stock
Passengers on a tight budget may wish to bring a personal stock of sandwiches and snacks. Amtrak allows this as long as you consume those items at your seat and do not take them into the lounge/café car or into the dining car. You can bring a small cooler on board the train as long as you do not exceed the carry-on baggage limit. Note that Amtrak does not sell or provide ice on-board the train (unless it is necessary for medication). Due to federal food service regulations, Amtrak also does not allow use of any food service equipment on board the train, such as refrigerators or microwave ovens.
When You Arrive
As the train approaches your destination, the conductor will make an announcement about 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. Look above and below your seat, gather all your belongings and be ready to detrain as you are instructed.
If your destination is an intermediate stop, such as Newbern/Dyersburg, you may be directed to leave your seat and wait at the door with the conductor so you can detrain quickly. Detraining at major stations, such as Memphis or Chicago, is a bit more orderly and less rushed. Again, simply follow instructions.
Baggage Claim
Checked baggage should be ready to be claimed within 30 minutes of the train's arrival. You will need to show your baggage claim receipts to the attendant.
Late trains
Trains can run late due all kinds of scenarios. Fortunately, Amtrak's on-time performance in recent years is much better than it was 10 to 20 years ago, but things can still go wrong due to the weather, equipment problems, railroad service conditions, and so on. Your first instinct is to get frustrated, which is normal. But keep in mind that travel delays are a way of life. Airlines are frequently delayed or canceled, and highways are notorious for traffic jams, construction delays, accident interruptions, and so on. To avoid frustration, always plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Keep in mind that Amtrak is very helpful when delayed trains cause missed connections with other Amtrak trains or Amtrak Thruway buses. However, Amtrak cannot take responsibility for missed connections with other carriers.
Also keep in mind that delayed trains are less stressful than delayed airplanes, and either one beats sitting still on a highway in an endless traffic jam. Take it all in stride and make every effort to enjoy your trip, regardless of the circumstances.
Need other help or advice?
Amtrak is your first and foremost source. Remember the website Amtrak.com and the phone number 1-800-USA-RAIL. We at TARP are also eager to help. Feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] if you need some advice or insight on train travel.
Enjoy your trip, and we hope you will JOIN TARP and be a voice for passenger rail in our the Volunteer State.
Chicago, Champaign/Urbana, and Carbondale, IL; Jackson, MS; New Orleans, LA, and smaller cities in between.
- Multiple train connections are available to Chicago to cities across the nation;
- A shuttle van at Carbondale connects to St. Louis
- Bus connections are available at Jackson, MS, to Hattiesburg and Biloxi, MS; and Mobile, AL;
- Bus connections are available at Champaign/Urbana to Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, and Galesburg, IL;
- Bus connections are available at New Orleans to Baton Rouge
Nashville and Clarksville are served by Amtrak Thruway Bus service that connects to rail services at Chicago Union Station and at the St. Louis Gateway Station. These buses are operated by Greyhound using an Amtrak ticketing arrangement.
There are several Amtrak stations in neighboring states that are accessible to Tennesseans.
Go to our AMTRAK STATIONS page to see which station and which service is accessible to you and connects to the cities you want to travel to.
How to get started. Amtrak.com is the best place to start. Here you can see if Amtrak provides a service that meets your travel needs and your budget. You can also dial 1-800-USA-RAIL and ask to speak to an agent. When making reservations, you will need to know the date you intend to travel and have a major credit card or debit card in hand.
Reservations and e-Tickets Most Amtrak trains require a reservation. You can make reservations at Amtrak.com or through 1-800-USA-RAIL. Each reservation comes with a number and an e-Ticket.
e-Tickets are awesome! You can receive and print your e-Ticket through your e-mail address on your home or office computer. Printing your own e-Ticket is especially helpful if you are catching the train from an unstaffed station, such as Newbern-Dyersburg. If you are catching the train at a staffed station, such as Memphis, you can have the ticket office print your e-Ticket or you can use a Quik-Trak ticket machine.
One of the benefits of e-Tickets is that you can re-print them if you lose your original copy.
Getting Packed and Ready
As with any mode of travel, try to pack lightly.
With Amtrak, each ticketed passenger is allowed up to two carry-on bags (not counting purses, laptop computers, or diaper bags) that cannot exceed 50 pounds per piece.
If you are traveling to and from a station with checked baggage service (such as Memphis-Chicago, Memphis-New Orleans, etc.) you may check up to two bags free of charge that cannot exceed 50 pounds per piece. You can also check one or two additional bags for $20 apiece. There are size limitations as well. Consult the Amtrak website for more specific details.
Whenever you travel by train, make sure that each and every piece of luggage, both carry-on and checked, is clearly labeled with your name and telephone number.
Also, make sure that you have a carry-on bag packed with personal items that you might need while on the train, such as medication, toiletries, etc. Don't forget to bring books, magazines, cards, or other items that will add to your enjoyment.
Overnight in coach?
Overnight travel in coach requires some additional planning and preparation to insure a comfortable trip. You will want to pack a small pillow and a lightweight blanket. TARP highly recommends a u-shaped neck pillow as well - you will definitely appreciate the additional support to help you rest easier!
If you are a light sleeper and easily awakened by light and noise, you may want to pack eye covers and ear plugs in case you need them.
Amtrak sells a Passenger Comfort Kit in the Lounge Car on some trains that includes earplugs, eye shades, a blanket, and inflatable pillow. You can also purchase the kit on-line through the Amtrak Store at store.amtrak.com.
How to freshen-up on a train
If you're traveling overnight on the train, make provisions to "freshen-up" on the train. TARP recommends you pack a towel, wash cloth, travel soap, antiperspirant, toothpaste and toothbrush, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag plus any other essentials you may need (contact solution, and so on). Freshening up in an on-board restroom is tricky, but it's worth it! As a courtesy, be sure to leave the restroom neat and orderly before you return to your seat.
Overnight in a sleeper
You may have the option of a first class sleeper for your long-distance trip on Amtrak. Prices can be steep depending on the route and the time of year that you're traveling, but dollar-for-dollar the sleeper can be a good value. When you check the schedule, price and availability through Amtrak.com, you can also check the price and availability of sleeper accommodations. Amtrak offers different size rooms depending on the train and the equipment in use. You can see the layout, appearance, and features of the room through the website and through the on-line reservation system.
Although sleeper prices can be high, keep in mind they are charged per room and not per person. Also, the accommodation charge in the room covers the price of meals in the dining car plus complimentary coffee and juice in the morning. Besides a better night's sleep, you have additional privacy plus access to a shower in the sleeper. Sleeper car passengers also get to wait for their train in the first class lounge facilities in major train stations, such as Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, DC, and other large cities.
TARP proudly offers a few additional tips to aid your travel planning. If you are traveling across the country and you cannot afford the sleeper the entire way, choose a smaller section of your trip where you will benefit most from having a bed, a shower, and meal service. Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail and speak to an agent to see if that's possible.
Or, if you are traveling across the country and the sleeper is simply out of your price range, schedule an intermediate stop halfway through your trip where you can take a break from the train, stay overnight in a hotel, and catch the train again the next day. Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL to see if that's possible.
You can't be too prepared!
You plan to have an enjoyable train trip, but it never hurts to prepare for the worst. Be sure to pack your carry-on bag with a few basic pain relievers and remedies such as aspirin or ibuprofen, stomach or anti-diarrhea medicine, cough drops, eye drops, cold or allergy medicine, etc. You don't want sudden ailments to ruin your trip! If you take any type of prescription medication, pack those as well.
TARP also recommends packing a small flashlight in your carry-on bag in the unlikely event of a power failure or other emergency on board the train. Again, you can't be too prepared!
Getting to the station
TARP highly recommends getting to the train station about 1 hour ahead of train time. Consult our AMTRAK STATIONS page to plan ahead for parking or other advance arrangements. Plan ahead also for traffic delays, weather delays or other problems so that you can get to the station comfortably on time.
How to "Catch a Train"
At staffed stations, such as Memphis, the agent will make boarding announcements and give verbal instructions. At unstaffed stations, such as Newbern/Dyersburg, you will need to pay close attention to the track and be ready to step onto the platform as soon as the train rolls into town. At major stations, such as Chicago or New York, you will receive boarding instruction from gate attendants.
When the train pulls into the station, the conductor or attendant will direct boarding passengers to the proper coach. Have your tickets in hand. In some cases the conductor or attendant will hand passengers a seat number assignment at the door. Or in some cases the conductor will direct boarding passengers to find an available seat. An available seat is one that not occupied and does not have a seat check hanging above it. (A seat check is a small stub of paper with a three letter station code written on it.) If the train is crowded, you may have to take a seat next to another passenger.
When you find an available seat you can store your carry-on bags in the overhead rack and settle in. Remain seated until the conductor comes to scan your e-Ticket. As soon as your ticket is scanned, the conductor will place a seat check above your seat.
Settling in
When your ticket is scanned and your seat check is in place you can settle in and enjoy the benefits of train travel. Recline your seat and relax. Long-distance trains have fold-out leg rests for greater comfort and Amtrak provides a small pillow for overnight passengers. The sound of steel wheels on steel rails is a soothing sound that most people enjoy. The scenery outside the window is another perk, and so is the opportunity to meet and greet fellow passengers.
You can use laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices on Amtrak, but you must use headphones and/or keep the volume at a quiet, discreet level.
Meal services
Long distance trains offer a Dining Car with complete menu service in a restaurant setting. First class sleeper car passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car. (Alcohol and carbonated sodas cost extra.) Coach passengers pay menu prices, which are comparable to prices in a traditional restaurant.
Lunch and dinner in the Dining Car is by reservation on most trains. The Lead Service Attendant will announce whether you need a reservation or if open seating is available. Breakfast is generally served on an open seating basis.
When you enter the Dining Car, whether by reservation or open seating, wait to be seated. It's important to know that Dining Car seating is carefully planned so that Amtrak can accommodate as many passengers as space allows. This means that you will most likely share a table with another party. This may seem strange at first, but make every effort to enjoy it. It's a great way to meet and greet other travelers.
Almost all Amtrak trains, short and long distance, offer a Café Car or Lounge Car featuring casual seating and a service counter with snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and sweets. Prices in the lounge/café car are a little steep, so be sure to set aside money to purchase what you think you will need.
You can view sample Dining Car menus on the Amtrak.com website.
Personal Food Stock
Passengers on a tight budget may wish to bring a personal stock of sandwiches and snacks. Amtrak allows this as long as you consume those items at your seat and do not take them into the lounge/café car or into the dining car. You can bring a small cooler on board the train as long as you do not exceed the carry-on baggage limit. Note that Amtrak does not sell or provide ice on-board the train (unless it is necessary for medication). Due to federal food service regulations, Amtrak also does not allow use of any food service equipment on board the train, such as refrigerators or microwave ovens.
When You Arrive
As the train approaches your destination, the conductor will make an announcement about 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. Look above and below your seat, gather all your belongings and be ready to detrain as you are instructed.
If your destination is an intermediate stop, such as Newbern/Dyersburg, you may be directed to leave your seat and wait at the door with the conductor so you can detrain quickly. Detraining at major stations, such as Memphis or Chicago, is a bit more orderly and less rushed. Again, simply follow instructions.
Baggage Claim
Checked baggage should be ready to be claimed within 30 minutes of the train's arrival. You will need to show your baggage claim receipts to the attendant.
Late trains
Trains can run late due all kinds of scenarios. Fortunately, Amtrak's on-time performance in recent years is much better than it was 10 to 20 years ago, but things can still go wrong due to the weather, equipment problems, railroad service conditions, and so on. Your first instinct is to get frustrated, which is normal. But keep in mind that travel delays are a way of life. Airlines are frequently delayed or canceled, and highways are notorious for traffic jams, construction delays, accident interruptions, and so on. To avoid frustration, always plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Keep in mind that Amtrak is very helpful when delayed trains cause missed connections with other Amtrak trains or Amtrak Thruway buses. However, Amtrak cannot take responsibility for missed connections with other carriers.
Also keep in mind that delayed trains are less stressful than delayed airplanes, and either one beats sitting still on a highway in an endless traffic jam. Take it all in stride and make every effort to enjoy your trip, regardless of the circumstances.
Need other help or advice?
Amtrak is your first and foremost source. Remember the website Amtrak.com and the phone number 1-800-USA-RAIL. We at TARP are also eager to help. Feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] if you need some advice or insight on train travel.
Enjoy your trip, and we hope you will JOIN TARP and be a voice for passenger rail in our the Volunteer State.
If long-distance train travel is entirely new for you, click on the video below. This home-made video gives a realistic introduction to travel on a long-distance Amtrak train. You'll get a view of the seats in coach, the on-board restrooms, the lounge car and the dining car.
