Train is the way to go if you have the time. Actually sometimes there is no time difference vs air because of possible connection times. More room, less restrictions, less stress, 4 carry on bags allowed. Relax !
@@RandomRandomnessKCMO understood, but not safe, no security checks. with all the terror attacks happening in the world, anybody could easily sneak a explosive device on board. remember what happened in france or spain, don't remember which one but someone blew up the train there. need security !!!!! ASAP !!!!
YESSSS I Agree with the passenger abt Security Check Been Thinking a bt that many times Anyone / Anyone's cud do Harm on the trains, because some already made up their minds to die. So they dnt Care. Scary 😨 🤡 😢🙄
I usually travel first class on the Acela when I go to either DC or Boston from Philadelphia, mostly because I get really bad social anxiety from large crowds in coach or business on the Acela. You now made me reconsider saving some serious money and booking business class on the Northeast Regional instead. Seems like everything is the same with the exception of the complementary food and alcoholic beverages you get in first class and it looked just as empty as first class usually is too. And I don’t even use the overhead compartments on the Acela since I usually travel very lightly. But for the price difference, I’d much rather buy my own food and drinks from the cafe car. Wow. Thank you for sharing this!!
This was such a good review, are you sure you don't work for Amtrak? I am considering business class, hence the reason I viewed this video. Super helpful!
Back when I was living in Fresno California I went on Amtrak with my Special ED Class to San Francisco. It was a long Trip. In 2003 though I moved here to Florida
hey! I’m Kat! Can you come check out my channel please? I wanna reach 1,000 subscribers and I’m only at 433 subscribers. I’m doing travel videos while living with chronic illness and dissociative identity disorder. I’m making all sorts of other fun videos too!! I’m making a lot of good content and I work hard on each video!! I really want people to see it!
Thank you for this video. I have to agree that your narration was very good as well. I have never ridden Amtrak and I am planning on it. Your recording helps. Again, thank you.
It's the opposite of Club Class. The same cars are used , the seats are reupholstered. I worked Club Class a lot in the 90's and we served hot and cold meals, complementary wine, cheese and crackers nuts, and other items. Met the passengers on the platforms and carried the luggage in and off the trai, pretty much like 1st class on a plane (Amtrak style). It was $37 extra and a assigned seat. The front seat at the bulkhead had a removable table and when done with it we put it away. It was really nice service and I enjoyed doing the job very much. I guess it wasn't profitable enough over the years..
Metroliners had them, but almost all of the NEC trains had Club service. I don't think they made much money on the service, but it was nice. I can't say what the Acela 1st Class is like as I've never been on one.
Acela First class has some single seats and also double seats and double facing seats (like Britain) with a table in the middle. Hot or cold meals with beverages are included in the ticket price, and you are served, at seat, by the car attendants. The first class car is always at one end of the train, either the last passenger car or first behind the locomotive. The attendants on the trips I have taken discouraged nosy coach passengers from entering. The crowd in the car seemed to be either business travelers (males with suits) or upscale leisure travelers. It was definitely not the coach airline crowd. The interior showed some wear but not too much.
I haven't had the chance to ride on the Acela or the money to spend just to go for a ride for a day. Thanks for your info, glad you like Amtrak. If I do have about $100 to blow for a day I might just go for a ride. I loved working there.
Ah. Me and my mom did Business Class on the Surfliner from LA to Anaheim back in March 2014. It's worth it IMHO. They served us snack packs and beverages (Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Water, Red or White Wine). Seating was 2-by-2. IIRC, the San Diegan had a more upscale Custom Class product where they served snacks and drinks, and offered pillows and blankets.
Jeez, this makes Business Class on VIA Rail in Canada (Amtrak equivalent) look like a 5* resort. With Business Class on VIA Rail you get unlimited beverages (both alcoholic & non-alcoholic), fantastic hot meal service (possibly several meals depending how long your trip is) plus snacks, free WiFi, phone/computer charging outlet at every seat, and of course the seats are leather, fully recline with tons of leg room. And yes, every seat has nice size table for your food & computer. Yaay Canada!! lol 🇨🇦
Looking forward to my next train travel...has been awhile. Will be traveling from Texas to Ohio, and really don't want to pay the sleeper price. Was hoping the business class would be second best thing since the seats have leg rest to elevate my legs--ankles swell so bad when sitting for long periods of time. Plus from another video, someone said business class is rarely as crowded as coach. I will be hoping this is true, as I will hope to have two seats to myself to stretch out on a very long trip.
Thank you for the upload. I'm being transferred from SW Ohio to Wisconsin for a new position, So I've purchased a business class seat on the Cardinal line this weekend. I was looking for reviews on business class versus coach and this was the second video that came up. Great review and thanks.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! I was a first timer and could NOT get that ottoman to go back down while wasting my hot tea. This video was so useful in my desperate time of need!!!!
Sometimes the business car is at the back of the train. For example, if you take the Empire Service eastward, the Business Class car is at the back so it does not have the locomotive noise.
Way better than flying and Greyhound! I wish you would of pointed out about the trays and the seat in front of you. How to you recline, if there is a tray on the back of your seat? Aren't you going to jack up the persons tray that's behind you?? Thanks.
Very good video, I travel long distance by Amtrak. Traveling long distance on Amtrak you get to see a lot nice scenery along the way in daylight and at night I read my bible on the trip before I go to sleep. I was home in the San Diego area for the Memorial Day weekend, I rode to Oxnard on the Pacific Surfliner to visit the Oxnard-Ventura area for the day and returned to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner. The trip was very comfortable, relaxing & enjoyable, I didn't have to deal with traffic at all and Amtrak is better than flying domestically, driving on the interstates which in many Metropolitian areas have become parking lots and the buses. In the future I will be riding Amtrak more often when I 'm in the San Diego area when I travel to & from Los Angeles & Oxnard alternating between the 2 cities every other visit home to the San Diego area.
I used to do the Los Angeles to San Diego trip on Amtrak. It was such a nice relaxing trip getting to see the Ocean. Love it! I want to do Los Angeles to New Mexico soon. That is an over night trip and I want to get a bed to sleep and get great rest :)
Trains run all day and many all night as well for days on end. Trains don't hop stop to stop with one hour layovers. If you are a germ freak, bring some anti germ wipes...
Thank you for this video. I am claustrophobic and flying is pretty much out these days for me, as is a bus. I think business class on a train would be okay for me, though.
Thank you for the great video. We are traveling, family of 4 from Boston to Orlando in September. Boston to NY is Acela then a Silver. train? We thought it would be a new adventure. What are your thoughts? We have never done this?
Good vid! I'm about to travel from Pittsburgh to Philly/NJ area. Thought about flying but the 1.5 hr drive to the airport, 2 hrs early, 1 hr flight or so, and hassle of the airport I'm thinking of just taking the train. Should be able to see some great sights. Last time I drove & it took about 5.5 hrs. I think flying would be at least 6hrs once all is said and done. The Amtrak ride would be almost 7hrs, but I'm good with that if the wifi works well.
Just take in consideration that Amtrak is rarely on schedule. There have been times traveling by Amtrak that we were at a standstill on the tracks for a quite a while because we were told that we had to wait until the CSX trains passed through first, as tracks are owned by CSX. But I still love traveling by train...you just can't be in a hurry to get to your destination.
It has great amount of space and leg room, but that train was disgustingly dirty. Old worn dirty carpets and wall. First Class / Business class should look better than that for the price they charge. I've never been on a plane that was anywhere near that worn out looking and dirty, not even in the coach seats.
umm, it is a train after all... your ticket would be $300 for coach, if they had to steam clean every seat and every carpet, after every trip! lol Imagine the wait times then! :o
Great review! Will me taking an Amtrak in a couple days, I’m a lot more excited now and was worried i might not be as comfortable but this seems like i will be able to sleep with ease
How accessible do you think business class would be for a plus size women? I’m thinking of traveling Amtrak from St. Louis to Jackson it’s a little over a 12 hour ride from what I saw online. I’m worried most about the dining car booths, we’re you able to bring meals back to your seat?
Oh wow! If I'm traveling from Norfolk or Newport News to Newark, if might very well be worth it for me to spend the extra dollars for the added comfort and convenience offered by business class. Thank you for your presentation.
A lot more than a few bucks tho. For me it would of cost $40 more per ticket which isn't worth it, not like the seats are very uncomfortable in the coach they're perfectly fine for me.
While all Amtrak seats are comfortable and have access to power sockets, and the quality of the wifi is the same in both classes, upgrade to first class is worth it for the views you get and also for the additional privacy. I have NEVER bought a first class ticket beforehand. I usually upgrade once I enter the train when I feel like it. It costs me about $30 more. I had NO idea about the free beverage all this time though. No one told me about it?
i give amtrak a very bad review. there was a druggie on business class with us, and he was acting like a maniac. we told the amtrak workers, and they did absolutely nothing. my mom and i eventually moved to the back of the train to be away from him, and he moved to our seat acting like a 5 year old. yet, they did absolutely nothing. we were holding in our pee for hours and hours because we were afraid of him. he tried to take pictures of us and THEY DID NOTHING. and no, we couldn’t get up to report it when it was happening because we would have to get up and he would’ve stolen our stuff or he would’ve approached me. horrible experience, never riding amtrak again.
Ironic that you're watching The Grand Tour as the reason I'm watching this video is because I just watched an old episode of Top Gear where they made their own trains with cars as the locomotive.
Thanks Peter v P - are you sure you are NOT a professional doco maker? You have almost convinced me to give Amtrak another go. No I do not expect VSOE or even any other European train journey but so long as we pack our own picnic I think we should be OK choosing Business Class from New to Toronto??
Where do you put your luggage. I usually travel on planes with one large and one smaller luggage, then my carryon saddle bag. Do they have dedicated areas to put luggage? Thx for your reviews.
You probably found the answer to your question but the luggage rack is located above your seat. There is usually a space for luggage in a space in front of your car. Best part, you can take four bags with you at no charge!
If you have ever travelled on the northeast corridor trains you would know that business class is a myth and really it's just like coach. Even the upgraded seats are in some of the regular coach cars. More evidence how behind the US is in train comfort and class. Take the Sapsan (that's high speed rail) from Moscow to St. Petersburg and then we can talk.
thats what I was going to say... this was $30 more for leather seats , a chance at a single seat, more engine and horn noise and 1 .50 cent drink... and the seat reclines with a motor rather than the handle like coach ... lol
@@IanHardDie It can also be a good thing though, less noisy passengers and more room! Crowded trains usually have a chokepoint in the cafe car since everyone wants food.
The real truth is the regional Amtrak train the Wolverine running from Chicago to Detroit would be considered a long distance in the UK. 281 miles, nearly the same distance of London to Newcastle upon Tyne... Most Americans prefer to fly that distance instead, and fly if the distances are longer... This isn't a very short hop of London to Birmingham, or London to Norwich...
I was looking for something like this. Still I think I need more tips because I gonna travel from San Diego to Michigan next year, and I'm so nervous because it's gonna be my first time traveling and also on train.
Yeah. I know I'll see a lot. But, I still need for info about what's better for me in Amtrak. Like the difference in prices and that. Thanks for your wishes
Nah , coach and business class are no different aside from the quality of seat materials , a paper and a free soda ..... I only take the roomette sleepers on Amtrak ..... I want solitude
@@petervonpanda What are you talking about? Yes it does! But they are no different from the restrooms on the rest of the train, which are generally decent and clean.
I've heard that they're different. I think on the east coast, they're different. I've never had a reserved business class seat, and I've booked it several times. However, that also might be different on different trains.
I actually travel to Detroit a lot. After I fell asleep on the road driving there once, I've been flying there to keep myself from dying. This may be a good option. Where is the terminus of this line. Also, what do you do when you get to the train station? Rent a car? Is there a place to rent a car?
+Joshua Chung so I've gotten off at Dearborn or Royal Oak generally. I think it stops at Pontiac. Typically someone picks me up but I've also had good luck with getting Uber's quickly too.
Could someone please tell me why business class it’s much more nicer on a plane some of the seats lay flat and you get free alcohol no don’t get me wrong but the prices are similar and on top of all that Amtrak is subsidized by the government.
Yes, Amtrak is subsidized by the government. But Amtrak's Amfleet fleet of coaches are old, most built doing the 1970s and 1980s.... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amfleet
its nice that they have outlets, i plan on bringing my laptop with me. i will stream movies while recording the screen, burn that to a DVD just in case they don't have Wi-Fi . (use ultrasurf vpn for android to avoid censorship on the train)
Depends on when and where you get on the train. At the start of a long journey, they are clean. In the middle of the long journey, most likely not... Keep in mind there is probably only one steward on the train for three to four to five coaches... They can't possibly clean up after every passenger... I leave a rest room cleaner than when I arrived, but alas we all know many, many pigs don't...
I was thinking of doing a trip with Amtrak from Los Angeles - New Mexico. Have you ever taken a trip similar to that? That is also an over night trip so I was thinking of going all out and getting a bed to sleep on to get some great rest. :)
+Nesha Christian-Hendrickson I'm not totally sure about that but they do seem to recline quite far but I think the seats are spaced about the same as coach.
Yes, they boarded us first. I think they allowed us to board about 40 minutes before departure, but I was the last one on. Depending on your station, you may get access to the business class lounge (they have one in Chicago) which is nice and isn't available to passengers with coach tickets.
I take business class Amtrak probably twice a month (24 times a year) for the last 5 years (~125 times total). I'm not sure which is standard, but it feels like it switches from front to back almost randomly.
Bruce Adams I take Amtrak from Carbondale Ilinois to Chicago occasionally. I like the business class cars better than coach. It's worth the extra money to me because you can sit by yourself if you'd like. He said the seats are about the same size as coach but I think business class seats are quite a bit larger.
I take Amtrak between NY and Boston. The seats are definitely bigger, and you get more leg room. There is also a much higher chance that no one sits next to you, which is worth it alone imo.
Mostly because we simply do not fund our trains in this country like they do in Europe. In Europe, the governments all spend much much more per capita on all forms of public transit then we do here.
Europe has a higher population density than the U.S. Besides, the golden age of U.S. economic growth saw the rise of the automobiles and the cities built for them.
Train is the way to go if you have the time. Actually sometimes there is no time difference vs air because of possible connection times. More room, less restrictions, less stress, 4 carry on bags allowed. Relax !
No groping by the TSA , much friendlier staff , the reasons to go by train go on and on ...
@@RandomRandomnessKCMO understood, but not safe, no security checks. with all the terror attacks happening in the world, anybody could easily sneak a explosive device on board. remember what happened in france or spain, don't remember which one but someone blew up the train there. need security !!!!! ASAP !!!!
@@lucky4724 This was in 2004 ....
@@SwissMarksman ok, I understand, things were kind of calm !!!!
YESSSS I Agree with the passenger abt Security Check Been Thinking a bt that many times Anyone / Anyone's cud do Harm on the trains, because some already made up their minds to die. So they dnt Care. Scary 😨 🤡 😢🙄
Thanks for the fun, informative and well paced review of Amtrak Business Class. My wife and I will be travelling Business class in the future.
I usually travel first class on the Acela when I go to either DC or Boston from Philadelphia, mostly because I get really bad social anxiety from large crowds in coach or business on the Acela. You now made me reconsider saving some serious money and booking business class on the Northeast Regional instead. Seems like everything is the same with the exception of the complementary food and alcoholic beverages you get in first class and it looked just as empty as first class usually is too. And I don’t even use the overhead compartments on the Acela since I usually travel very lightly. But for the price difference, I’d much rather buy my own food and drinks from the cafe car. Wow. Thank you for sharing this!!
This was such a good review, are you sure you don't work for Amtrak? I am considering business class, hence the reason I viewed this video. Super helpful!
Back when I was living in Fresno California I went on Amtrak with my Special ED Class to San Francisco. It was a long Trip. In 2003 though I moved here to Florida
Finally a to the point review of Amtrak! Well done and thank you!
I just bought a business class ticket for amtrak on 16 April. This is very timely.
John M. Johnson how much is it
John M. Johnson how much was it
You can go to Amtrak's website and they'll give you an estimate on how much your ticket would be.
Almost makes me want to hop on a train. Thanks for sharing.
hey! I’m Kat! Can you come check out my channel please? I wanna reach 1,000 subscribers and I’m only at 433 subscribers. I’m doing travel videos while living with chronic illness and dissociative identity disorder. I’m making all sorts of other fun videos too!!
I’m making a lot of good content and I work hard on each video!! I really want people to see it!
Thank you for this video. I have to agree that your narration was very good as well. I have never ridden Amtrak and I am planning on it. Your recording helps. Again, thank you.
Thank u for the informative video. I just wanted to know if the extra 30 bills for an upgrade to business class would be worth it.
It's the opposite of Club Class. The same cars are used , the seats are reupholstered. I worked Club Class a lot in the 90's and we served hot and cold meals, complementary wine, cheese and crackers nuts, and other items. Met the passengers on the platforms and carried the luggage in and off the trai, pretty much like 1st class on a plane (Amtrak style). It was $37 extra and a assigned seat. The front seat at the bulkhead had a removable table and when done with it we put it away. It was really nice service and I enjoyed doing the job very much. I guess it wasn't profitable enough over the years..
Was this the Metroliner you are referencing?
Metroliners had them, but almost all of the NEC trains had Club service. I don't think they made much money on the service, but it was nice. I can't say what the Acela 1st Class is like as I've never been on one.
Acela First class has some single seats and also double seats and double facing seats (like Britain) with a table in the middle. Hot or cold meals with beverages are included in the ticket price, and you are served, at seat, by the car attendants. The first class car is always at one end of the train, either the last passenger car or first behind the locomotive. The attendants on the trips I have taken discouraged nosy coach passengers from entering. The crowd in the car seemed to be either business travelers (males with suits) or upscale leisure travelers. It was definitely not the coach airline crowd. The interior showed some wear but not too much.
I haven't had the chance to ride on the Acela or the money to spend just to go for a ride for a day. Thanks for your info, glad you like Amtrak. If I do have about $100 to blow for a day I might just go for a ride. I loved working there.
Ah. Me and my mom did Business Class on the Surfliner from LA to Anaheim back in March 2014. It's worth it IMHO. They served us snack packs and beverages (Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Water, Red or White Wine). Seating was 2-by-2. IIRC, the San Diegan had a more upscale Custom Class product where they served snacks and drinks, and offered pillows and blankets.
Jeez, this makes Business Class on VIA Rail in Canada (Amtrak equivalent) look like a 5* resort. With Business Class on VIA Rail you get unlimited beverages (both alcoholic & non-alcoholic), fantastic hot meal service (possibly several meals depending how long your trip is) plus snacks, free WiFi, phone/computer charging outlet at every seat, and of course the seats are leather, fully recline with tons of leg room. And yes, every seat has nice size table for your food & computer. Yaay Canada!! lol 🇨🇦
Yeah but Amtrak business class is cheap. Like $30 more.
Canada is way more expensive
Looking forward to my next train travel...has been awhile. Will be traveling from Texas to Ohio, and really don't want to pay the sleeper price. Was hoping the business class would be second best thing since the seats have leg rest to elevate my legs--ankles swell so bad when sitting for long periods of time. Plus from another video, someone said business class is rarely as crowded as coach. I will be hoping this is true, as I will hope to have two seats to myself to stretch out on a very long trip.
Thank you for the upload. I'm being transferred from SW Ohio to Wisconsin for a new position, So I've purchased a business class seat on the Cardinal line this weekend. I was looking for reviews on business class versus coach and this was the second video that came up. Great review and thanks.
Good choice in your televisual viewing. Great vid. I've travelled business on the Autotrain. Rather enjoyable 17 hours.
Perfect information for the trip we are about to take from Eugene, OR to Southern CA. Thanks!
Eugene Oregon, home of The Epicenter!
How was your experience? Were you happy with business class?
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! I was a first timer and could NOT get that ottoman to go back down while wasting my hot tea. This video was so useful in my desperate time of need!!!!
Ha, my pleasure!! Thanks for watching!
Looks so comfy. Look at all that legroom too.
I would still bring my spray Lysol.
Prophetic
Agreed!
Sometimes the business car is at the back of the train. For example, if you take the Empire Service eastward, the Business Class car is at the back so it does not have the locomotive noise.
Ah thanks for that young man - will be taking that service next year I hope.
Excellent review! Thank you! Happy New Year!
On Amtrak wifi is free for all passengers ^^
And my blue chair is bigger lol
Way better than flying and Greyhound! I wish you would of pointed out about the trays and the seat in front of you. How to you recline, if there is a tray on the back of your seat? Aren't you going to jack up the persons tray that's behind you?? Thanks.
Very good video, I travel long distance by Amtrak. Traveling long distance on Amtrak you get to see a lot nice scenery along the way in daylight and at night I read my bible on the trip before I go to sleep. I was home in the San Diego area for the Memorial Day weekend, I rode to Oxnard on the Pacific Surfliner to visit the Oxnard-Ventura area for the day and returned to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner. The trip was very comfortable, relaxing & enjoyable, I didn't have to deal with traffic at all and Amtrak is better than flying domestically, driving on the interstates which in many Metropolitian areas have become parking lots and the buses. In the future I will be riding Amtrak more often when I 'm in the San Diego area when I travel to & from Los Angeles & Oxnard alternating between the 2 cities every other visit home to the San Diego area.
I used to do the Los Angeles to San Diego trip on Amtrak. It was such a nice relaxing trip getting to see the Ocean. Love it! I want to do Los Angeles to New Mexico soon. That is an over night trip and I want to get a bed to sleep and get great rest :)
Good report! I could not but notice the dirty conditions of the walls, and other areas.
Trains run all day and many all night as well for days on end. Trains don't hop stop to stop with one hour layovers. If you are a germ freak, bring some anti germ wipes...
Thank you for this video. I am claustrophobic and flying is pretty much out these days for me, as is a bus. I think business class on a train would be okay for me, though.
Thanks for the amtrak information since in taking the train to New York city.
Nicely done. Good narration as well.
+gda44256 thanks!
Thank you for the great video. We are traveling, family of 4 from Boston to Orlando in September. Boston to NY is Acela then a Silver. train? We thought it would be a new adventure. What are your thoughts? We have never done this?
Hi Abigail. Did you all get to travel from Boston to Orlando? How was your trip?
Good vid! I'm about to travel from Pittsburgh to Philly/NJ area. Thought about flying but the 1.5 hr drive to the airport, 2 hrs early, 1 hr flight or so, and hassle of the airport I'm thinking of just taking the train. Should be able to see some great sights. Last time I drove & it took about 5.5 hrs. I think flying would be at least 6hrs once all is said and done. The Amtrak ride would be almost 7hrs, but I'm good with that if the wifi works well.
Just take in consideration that Amtrak is rarely on schedule. There have been times traveling by Amtrak that we were at a standstill on the tracks for a quite a while because we were told that we had to wait until the CSX trains passed through first, as tracks are owned by CSX. But I still love traveling by train...you just can't be in a hurry to get to your destination.
@@bva5362 true true
I never even knew that there WAS Business Class on Amtrak.
Great video! Now I know that I definitely want to travel with business class
It's not worth it, honestly the blue chairs are bigger and quieter
@@agonicole Disagree. The blue chairs are plenty comfortable, but but the brown chairs are better. Also the views from business class are better.
It has great amount of space and leg room, but that train was disgustingly dirty. Old worn dirty carpets and wall. First Class / Business class should look better than that for the price they charge. I've never been on a plane that was anywhere near that worn out looking and dirty, not even in the coach seats.
It’s a train
umm, it is a train after all... your ticket would be $300 for coach, if they had to steam clean every seat and every carpet, after every trip! lol Imagine the wait times then! :o
Great review! Will me taking an Amtrak in a couple days, I’m a lot more excited now and was worried i might not be as comfortable but this seems like i will be able to sleep with ease
This review of business class was helpful to me. Thanks for posting.
How accessible do you think business class would be for a plus size women? I’m thinking of traveling Amtrak from St. Louis to Jackson it’s a little over a 12 hour ride from what I saw online. I’m worried most about the dining car booths, we’re you able to bring meals back to your seat?
Oh wow! If I'm traveling from Norfolk or Newport News to Newark, if might very well be worth it for me to spend the extra dollars for the added comfort and convenience offered by business class. Thank you for your presentation.
Thanks for this. Very informative.
Definitely worth the few extra $$$ ! So much better than coach!
A lot more than a few bucks tho. For me it would of cost $40 more per ticket which isn't worth it, not like the seats are very uncomfortable in the coach they're perfectly fine for me.
this was excellent. exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!
Can't wait for the new Acela trains coming goi g to be awesome
Business class is awesome. But one time a passenger got drunk on the train, but a conductor handled it well.
While all Amtrak seats are comfortable and have access to power sockets, and the quality of the wifi is the same in both classes, upgrade to first class is worth it for the views you get and also for the additional privacy. I have NEVER bought a first class ticket beforehand. I usually upgrade once I enter the train when I feel like it. It costs me about $30 more. I had NO idea about the free beverage all this time though. No one told me about it?
Thanks Peter, great reporting!
i give amtrak a very bad review. there was a druggie on business class with us, and he was acting like a maniac. we told the amtrak workers, and they did absolutely nothing. my mom and i eventually moved to the back of the train to be away from him, and he moved to our seat acting like a 5 year old. yet, they did absolutely nothing. we were holding in our pee for hours and hours because we were afraid of him. he tried to take pictures of us and THEY DID NOTHING. and no, we couldn’t get up to report it when it was happening because we would have to get up and he would’ve stolen our stuff or he would’ve approached me. horrible experience, never riding amtrak again.
Ironic that you're watching The Grand Tour as the reason I'm watching this video is because I just watched an old episode of Top Gear where they made their own trains with cars as the locomotive.
Thanks Peter v P - are you sure you are NOT a professional doco maker? You have almost convinced me to give Amtrak another go. No I do not expect VSOE or even any other European train journey but so long as we pack our own picnic I think we should be OK choosing Business Class from New to Toronto??
I found it a worthwhile upgrade from the standard coach seats but I’d still prefer to fly
1:35 in Jezza's voice: Yeees he watches the good shows
I KNOWWW
Wife and I like the Roomette. Rocking night train = sleep like a baby.
Did you get to board the train early if you're business class?
Yes they boarded us first!
Wonderful Footage, enjoy the trip.
Thank you very much. I think it will be fun to take an Amtrak train.
What was the price for the ticket cost?
Where do you put your luggage. I usually travel on planes with one large and one smaller luggage, then my carryon saddle bag.
Do they have dedicated areas to put luggage? Thx for your reviews.
You probably found the answer to your question but the luggage rack is located above your seat. There is usually a space for luggage in a space in front of your car. Best part, you can take four bags with you at no charge!
Do they ever refurbish the trains.....it looks like the carpet has never been cleaned where his feet was on the first row. It just looks dirty.
They've refurbished a number of coach cars on Wolverine trains (no more of that blue fabric seats, tan leather (or pleather, I am not sure which)
If you have ever travelled on the northeast corridor trains you would know that business class is a myth and really it's just like coach. Even the upgraded seats are in some of the regular coach cars. More evidence how behind the US is in train comfort and class. Take the Sapsan (that's high speed rail) from Moscow to St. Petersburg and then we can talk.
thats what I was going to say... this was $30 more for leather seats , a chance at a single seat, more engine and horn noise and 1 .50 cent drink... and the seat reclines with a motor rather than the handle like coach ... lol
@@iamnormalandcanbetrusted But the view is definitely better in first class
If you have leather seats in business class, may as well make them heated seats for cold weather.
Why it's so empty?
Is train not popular in US?
Sort of, also it is usually busier at rush hours.
Its pity, because in my opinion train is more enjoyable than plane or ship.
@@IanHardDie It can also be a good thing though, less noisy passengers and more room! Crowded trains usually have a chokepoint in the cafe car since everyone wants food.
IanHardDie it’s expensive as hell and slow as fuck when compared to shuttle buses.
The real truth is the regional Amtrak train the Wolverine running from Chicago to Detroit would be considered a long distance in the UK. 281 miles, nearly the same distance of London to Newcastle upon Tyne... Most Americans prefer to fly that distance instead, and fly if the distances are longer... This isn't a very short hop of London to Birmingham, or London to Norwich...
the lights can be handy when your reading and going through a tunnel
Sam Royers
Or at night. At night, it's either sleep or use your light.
Cool video! I've never been on Amtrak, but have always wanted to. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Take a ride some day, just a short round trip. You'll get the feel of it.
I was looking for something like this. Still I think I need more tips because I gonna travel from San Diego to Michigan next year, and I'm so nervous because it's gonna be my first time traveling and also on train.
I think you’ll like it!
Yeah. I know I'll see a lot. But, I still need for info about what's better for me in Amtrak. Like the difference in prices and that. Thanks for your wishes
hi i will go to cleveland by amtrak, pls tell me i need to check in online like airplane or not? thank you so much.
Thanks, I wondered what it looked like.
Nice. Thanks!
Nah , coach and business class are no different aside from the quality of seat materials , a paper and a free soda ..... I only take the roomette sleepers on Amtrak ..... I want solitude
Does Business class have dedicated restrooms? Thx!
Nope
@@petervonpanda What are you talking about? Yes it does! But they are no different from the restrooms on the rest of the train, which are generally decent and clean.
Great video. Do you know if all business class seats are the same on all Amtrak trains? Are they unreserved or do you have to reserve them?
I've heard that they're different. I think on the east coast, they're different. I've never had a reserved business class seat, and I've booked it several times. However, that also might be different on different trains.
By reserving, if you mean it you can pick a specific seat, no you cannot.
Doing it from Tacoma to LA in about 12 days
I booked Business Class on the Starlighy from LA to San Jose for $32
Very informative report Peter....well done and thankyou
Thanks! Very well done!
Super helpful! Thanks!
thank you for the very detailed information :)
Great review, really helpful. Thks for sharing 😊
Great review and a nice alternative to flying.
nice business class on amtrak! must be comfortable!
Up grade on board and maybe get Bucket price.
I actually travel to Detroit a lot. After I fell asleep on the road driving there once, I've been flying there to keep myself from dying. This may be a good option. Where is the terminus of this line. Also, what do you do when you get to the train station? Rent a car? Is there a place to rent a car?
+Joshua Chung so I've gotten off at Dearborn or Royal Oak generally. I think it stops at Pontiac. Typically someone picks me up but I've also had good luck with getting Uber's quickly too.
Uber's a good idea. Our Detroit office is actually in Royal Oaks. Next time I go there, I might just take the train.
Very fine presentation.
Great video
I want to travel on business class on amtrak.
Where are the business class cars located at? What end of the train ? First car facing the station or the furthest car?
On the 79 Carolinian
On mine, it was the first car behind the engine at the very front!
@@petervonpanda Thank you.
amazingly comprehensive!
Could someone please tell me why business class it’s much more nicer on a plane some of the seats lay flat and you get free alcohol no don’t get me wrong but the prices are similar and on top of all that Amtrak is subsidized by the government.
HL Fitzpatrick pretty sure you just answered your own question
Yes, Amtrak is subsidized by the government. But Amtrak's Amfleet fleet of coaches are old, most built doing the 1970s and 1980s.... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amfleet
Prices of business class on plane and amtrak are similar?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Top gear on the tablet? Nice
tensor4ever I think that's The Grand Tour
WELL DONE.. LOve the video..
its nice that they have outlets, i plan on bringing my laptop with me. i will stream movies while recording the screen, burn that to a DVD just in case they don't have Wi-Fi . (use ultrasurf vpn for android to avoid censorship on the train)
Or do as I do, read a good book....
Outlets are there in economy as well.
How are the bathrooms? Are they clean?
Depends on when and where you get on the train. At the start of a long journey, they are clean. In the middle of the long journey, most likely not... Keep in mind there is probably only one steward on the train for three to four to five coaches... They can't possibly clean up after every passenger... I leave a rest room cleaner than when I arrived, but alas we all know many, many pigs don't...
On layovers you have to get off the train ?
No
Thanks for the info!!
I was thinking of doing a trip with Amtrak from Los Angeles - New Mexico. Have you ever taken a trip similar to that? That is also an over night trip so I was thinking of going all out and getting a bed to sleep on to get some great rest. :)
+Potts Travels I’ve never gotten a sleeper. Would love to
We should do a train video together lol.
We should do a train video together lol.
Is there a restroom in the business class section?
Don't know. But there is a restroom in the normal coaches in the next car...
Yes
1:35 it’s JEREMY CLARKSON
Do they recline more than coach? It's a 50 dollar difference and I am trying to decide if the upgrade is worth it?
+Nesha Christian-Hendrickson I'm not totally sure about that but they do seem to recline quite far but I think the seats are spaced about the same as coach.
Peter von Panda I am thinking of a 3-am -7 am. Trip. Do Buisness board first? How long is the arrival time before boarding?
Yes, they boarded us first. I think they allowed us to board about 40 minutes before departure, but I was the last one on. Depending on your station, you may get access to the business class lounge (they have one in Chicago) which is nice and isn't available to passengers with coach tickets.
Thanks! 👍🏾
Thanks for the nice video.
Hi. Was the business class car also directly behind the locomotive on the return trip?
+Bruce Adams not sure. I only went one way.
I take business class Amtrak probably twice a month (24 times a year) for the last 5 years (~125 times total). I'm not sure which is standard, but it feels like it switches from front to back almost randomly.
Bruce Adams I take Amtrak from Carbondale Ilinois to Chicago occasionally. I like the business class cars better than coach. It's worth the extra money to me because you can sit by yourself if you'd like. He said the seats are about the same size as coach but I think business class seats are quite a bit larger.
I take Amtrak between NY and Boston. The seats are definitely bigger, and you get more leg room. There is also a much higher chance that no one sits next to you, which is worth it alone imo.
Love the video.
Thanks for this video
Still don't understand why Amtrak's trains are not as comfortable and efficient as those in Europe.
tootz1950
Because muh "cheap" and quick airlines and muh Great American Road Trip.
Mostly because we simply do not fund our trains in this country like they do in Europe. In Europe, the governments all spend much much more per capita on all forms of public transit then we do here.
Not to mention, Henry Ford really asserted American independence with the automobile.I still prefer to ride a train than drive a car or fly.
And there is the fact that Europe is just that littlest bit more condensed??
Europe has a higher population density than the U.S. Besides, the golden age of U.S. economic growth saw the rise of the automobiles and the cities built for them.