what i wish i knew before 8 hour amtrak ride
I love taking the amtrak from minneapolis to chicago because it is the cheaper option. But I wish I knew quite a few things before embarking on a 8 hour amtrak ride. So I’m sharing some of my tips as part of my Black Girl Travel Guides and am posting a video about this on my instagram as well.
Arrive Early
Repeat after me – I will arrive EARLY. Even when you arrive early I would recommend waiting in the long line. By doing this you can probably get your seat of choice and preferably your own seat.
Be prepared for no wifi
Imagine getting on a 8 hour amtrak ride and not realizing that there is any wifi? Yes this has happened to me. Which is why I want to warn y’all that some trains have wifi and some do not. For this most recent trip, my train 1340 Borealis had wifi but the 7 train did not. To be honest, even when there was wifi it could be spotty and I oftentimes had to use my hotpsot. It’s rough traveling through the middle of open fields on a train so the wi-fi can very much go in and out. Even phone calls can be spotty. Overall while calling my friends on the phone I didn’t struggle TOO much chatting with them but there were moments when the phone would just completely go no signal
They don't check luggage
The luggage requirement is 1 personal item and 2 carry-ons. You can carry up to 2 additional bags for a fee of $20 each. Between you and me they don’t check how many bags you bring so interpret that as you wish. Also, compared to flights you can bring as many liquids as possible which is great!
Bring Food
There is a cafe that closes at 9:30pm. The closing time is important to note if you are on an evening train and want something to eat. They have sandwhiches and snacks but my recommendation? bring your own food if you can.
Arrival Time Can Be Wrong
The arrival time into Chicago was actually early but on the way back to Minneapolis my arrival time has been inaccurate every time. We usually get in 10-15 minutes later. So if you are planning something after you arrive on amtrak just note that the arrival time might not be accurate so give yourself more time than expected.
Overall, I do think that the 8 hour amtrak ride is worth it! Some people like it, some don’t but for me, it is a cheaper and safer option than flying to nearby places so I’m down for it!
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