If they still have unbooked rooms a few days before the trip, there’s something called “BidUp” where you can name the price you’re willing to pay and they take the highest bid.
Rooms are definitely more expensive during the summer and when you’re booking closer to the travel date. My trip was in April and I booked several momths out so I only paid $600 for myself on a roomette from Seattle to Chicago.
The trains fill up fast. You have to release your original tickets to bid on the others, so the result could be that we end up with no tickets at all.
I’ve used BidUp before and didn’t have to release my tickets. AIUI, unless your bid is accepted nothing changes with your booking and they don’t charge you anything extra.
Yeah, that’s brutal.
Very understandable. I’m not a train rider, but an eye mask and earplugs do wonders for me on red-eye flights.
And in a coincidence (or maybe you secretly work for the Oregonian?), they had an article today about the Coast Starlight route. There are volunteer docents who ride the train about once a week between Eugene and Klamath Falls and give presentations on the history and cultural and natural resources along the route.
I did that same route, both ways.
For a while there was some tiff between Amtrak and Union Pacific, where UPs cargo trains were given priority- causing hour long delays. I think that issue is over now.
Thanks for your input.
Looks pretty good!
No you don’t, as @smapti cited.
Acknowledged. My Beloved says maybe next time, though.
I am currently on the northbound Coast Starlight, and I can now confirm they do require a reservation for lunch. They take reservations from the sleeper passenger first, then make an announcement for any coach passengers interested in eating in the dining car to come make a reservation.