To have an enjoyable journey, savvy travelers prepare in advance, considering both the beautiful scenery and the potential lack of other personal entertainment on train rides. Although Amtrak may not offer at-seat entertainment, you can carefully plan entertainment on Amtrak and open up various amusement options.
In addition to packing a few things to do, bringing along essential tools such as a positive attitude and realistic expectations can enhance the travel experience.
These insights go beyond train travel and provide valuable tips for any journey. Regardless of personal preferences, having essential items can enhance the joy of exploration for all travelers.
The podcast companion to entertainment on Amtrak
Preparing for entertainment On Amtrak
Many passengers’ favorite entertainment in Amatrak is the scenery!
On long-distance trains, many conductors or car attendants add to the experience by adding informational announcements where you can learn about the area you are going through.
There is always the old-fashioned art of conversations with other passengers or staff, stopping to get out and stretch your legs.
Whatever else you want or need for entertainment is up to you.
A significant factor to consider when packing is the amount of room you have and the weight of your luggage. Pro tip: do not pack your entertainment in your checked bags!
If you plan on traveling more, experiment to see what works for you and take notes on what you wish you brought.
Feel free to pack a mix of digital and old-school entertainment. I love digital entertainment, but puzzle books, cards, or other things can help you pass the time while you wait in a station or when darkness falls on the land.
Free Entertainment On Amtrak
The train allows you to talk to people you don’t know. I know this is not for everyone, but it is an option for those who want to participate in this entername on Amtrak.
I met several new friends on the train, some just for the trip and a few for life.
Watching the scenery is one of my favorite forms of entertainment that only rail travel allows.
I know road and bus trips offer some incredible views, too, and there are some neat views from the skies. But trains sometimes offer stunning vistas you can only see on the rails, plus the sounds and movement of the trains add to the fun.
When I embark on road trips, often I am the driver, so I see some things, but I miss a lot because I focus on the road. Being on the train (or other transportation) is relaxing because I do not need to pay attention.
I do not have to focus on anything; if I nap, so be it!
Amtrak Route Guides
Several years ago, Amtrak produced route guides about the communities the train stops at or rolls through, which can add a little education to the communities you pass through. While they are a little outdated, they are still cool.
If that interests you, you can find those route guides here that you can print out or download to your device.
Life On The Train
One of my favorite train routes is the Califonia Zephyr. Traveling from Chicago to California takes about 52 hours.
Out of the 52 hours, there are standard things you do that take up time.
For example, sleeping and eating take some time.
Don’t forget that no one judges you if you take a nap on the train!
Depending on how much you sleep and nap, you have thirty-six hours to account for your adventure.
You will eat meals during this ride, which takes time. Train travel gives you plenty of time to relax; that is the next section!
Relaxing is one of the best entertainment ideas on Amtrak!
The best part of train life is sitting back and relaxing; a nap is an excellent way for many to entertain themselves on Amtrak.
On your journey, you need only worry about two things when on a train: meal reservations and getting off at the right station.
With long-distance trains, in coach class, you have more legroom than you ever will have on a bus or a plane.
So, even in coach, you can stretch out. I am about 6’2″ and find ample room to stretch my legs.
Each seat on long-distance trains has a leg and footrest, with seats that can lean back comfortably without being in someone’s lap.
The best thing, for me, is that trains offer the chance to decompress.
If you are in coach class on a regional train, you do not have as much legroom, but still more than some airlines, plus no middle seats.
Games
Cards and other travel-friendly games work well for train travel because they are light and great for meeting new people. If you bring some playing cards, here are some game rules and ideas.
Amtrak often sells cards in the cafe car, but I leave a pack of cards in my luggage because they do come in handy, light, and don’t take up much space,
Other lightweight and easy-to-learn games that work for meeting new friends include:
- Apples to Apples
- Bananagrams
- Uno
- and more
Cards Against Humanity may be fun but not the best game for the train’s public areas unless you have a family-friendly one.
Entertainment On Amtrak For The Kiddos
I have little experience traveling with a toddler, but this is not my strong point.
Each kiddo grownup combo has a unique entertainment idea and needs. I occasionally take my niece on trips, and here are some things that have worked for us.
We had new activity books and toys for her. She loves stickers, coloring, and magic ink books, and the excitement of new ones was fun.
Often, for some little ones, a stuffed travel companion helps them be brave and comfortable.
Her support stuffed alligator was a big hit and comfort to her. She liked that people would talk to her about her critter.
We did pack an iPad for her. Some parents talked about limited screen time or using it as a reward for kids. Doing what you think is best for you and your child would be best.
Some kiddos enjoy walking on the train, which can break up the trip and reset that boredom sensor.
Amtrak has a webpage of activities you can print out for the little ones. Crayons or colored pencils work great for adults and kids. Also, a few freight railroads have activities if you want a railroad theme.
I have found a few; if you know more, let me know!
I found this site that puts activities together for your kids in a bundle; this option could work well for some.
Fresh Air Stops
Fresh air stops are mainly on long-distance routes, but some regions have them if the train arrives early.
These stops allow you to get off the train, stretch your legs, and get fresh air or smoke.
Most stops are not fresh air stops, so don’t get off the train unless they announce you can or at your final stop.
If you get off the train, listen to instructions and stay close.
Walking Around The Train
There are a few places to walk and stretch your legs if you are a coach or sleeper passenger.
Anyone on the train can walk to the cafe car for snacks, meals, and beverages.
You can hang out in the Sightseer Lounge on a Superliner Train (two stories) or in a Viewliner train’s cafe car.
Be mindful of others so they get some time in the car, too, because many people want to use these cars.
Eating On Amtrak: For Nourishment And Entertainment
Everyone needs to eat; am I right?
Whether I am in coach class or a sleeper, one activity I enjoy is walking to the cafe car to grab a snack or beverage.
It is fun to stretch the ‘ol legs or get a treat like wine and cheese while rolling along (or other special treats).
You can hang out in the cafe car, but be aware of other passengers who may want to use that space. If you are on a Superliner train, you can eat downstairs and go upstairs for more views.
Review Your Destination Plans
One advantage of train travel is that it allows you to review your destination plans before arriving.
Doing so lets you review your thoughts, see if they are still open, and determine which activists work best for this trip to avoid last-minute disappointments and give you a chance to pivot.
The weather predictions might help you decide if walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is still a good idea for your plans. Or open your schedule for the last minute changes, such as different beignet shops every morning during a New Orleans visit. If you have a beignet every morning, I understand and will not judge; send me a picture!
Electronics on Entertainment On Amtrak.
Smartphones are more than just communication tools. They are portable entertainment centers and organizational tools. Tablets, like iPads, offer versatile functionality, serving as entertainment hubs and light workstations.
Smartphones
Besides making calls, smartphones can help with entertainment by storing music, podcasts, videos, movies, and ebooks. They can also keep you organized by keeping your schedule and reservations.
When traveling by train, it is helpful not to rely on Wi-Fi-only entertainment because not all trains have Wi-Fi, and there can be dead spots on the routes.
Additionally, a smartphone can serve as a camera for the average traveler. Map apps help you navigate your destination, decide whether to walk or take a ride, and call for rideshares.
Downloading a few games can pass the time during downtime or while waiting at the station.
Remember to pack headphones!
Another option is a tablet or iPad; that is the next section.
Tablets
A tablet, like an iPad, can be a great multifunctional tool for travelers because it can be an entertainment center, jukebox, e-reader, audiobook library, learning center, etc.
A tablet can be an excellent substitute for a computer if you need to do light work while on your adventure. Nowadays, tablets are reasonably powerful for many tasks, and you can even get a keyboard if required.
Tips for getting movies & TV Shows
Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, and more allow you to download movies and programs temporarily to your phone or tablet without streaming them (aka no Wi-Fi).
I like to put anything visual on my iPad and audio on my iPhone. As with phones, make sure you have headphones.
Track your train
There are a few ways to track trains; one uses a map app on your electronic device or GPS equipment.
Doing so will help you determine where you are along your route.
You can also use the Amtrak app or website to ensure your train is on time. There are a few third-party sites like the one I often use or this other.
A speedometer app can be fun to see how fast you are going down the rails.
Wi-Fi, Maybe?
Wi-Fi is not necessary for life, but for some of us, it is an accessory for entertainment or helps us work and travel simultaneously.
I remind myself that Wi-Fi is not a right but a convenience, regardless of speed.
Wi-Fi on trains, buses, and planes is often limited to emails and browsing the interwebs and usually does not allow you to stream or download big files.
If you need Wi-Fi while traveling, see if your phone can work as a hotspot or purchase an independent one. Be aware that streaming video can burn through data faster than you think.
Learn more about Amtrak Wi-Fi.
Entertainment on Amtrak: Music & Podcast
Music can add to the enjoyment of watching the world go by or help while you wait to board your train.
Some music streaming services allow downloading.
You can also buy music to download or rip some CDs onto your computer and upload them to your phone.
I suggest creating a travel playlist; the right playlist can aid in your enjoyment of a trip.
Podcasts can also add to your entertainment or even learn from them. There is even a Travels with Kev Podcast.
Digital downloads are much more manageable than bringing CDs, cassette tapes, eight tracks, or records.
Necessary Electronic Accessories For Entertainment On Amatrak
Don’t forget chargers, cables, a power pack, and an extension cord if you bring any electronics.
Before packing, ensure that you have the correct cable and that it works; the same goes for chargers. Nothing is worse than wanting to take a photo of a stunning landscape to find out your phone is about to die because it did not charge.
Paper Products: Old School Entertainment on Amtrak
It is cool to go old school!
Trains offer you time to journal and reflect.
Some travelers trade books with others or swap books at Little Lending Libraries. Others want to donate the book they read and buy a new book at a non-chain bookstore at their destination.
If you are up for it, there are coloring books for adults, and colored pencils do not weigh much. Coloring is one of those activities that can help pass the time without even realizing how much time has passed.
By all means, magazines, gamebooks, journals, sketch pads, or whatever else you can think of are great ways to pass the time.
Entertainment On Amtrak Wrap-Up
Now that you have some suggestions for figuring out what works best for you let me know what you might bring in the comments. Are there things that work well for you that I missed?
Riding on trains relaxes me even if I write or edit. The train’s motion, the sounds, and just being in motion are therapeutic for me, and I hope for you.
The best entertainment on Amtrak advice I can give is not just to sit there. Get up and move. Strike up a conversation with someone. Step off the train or do something to improve your or someone else’s trip.
If you embark on your Amtrak adventure with the mindset of being stuck on a train for hours, you will have a miserable experience before it starts. But if you look at the trip as an adventure and plan some entertainment on Amtrak, you can improve your experience before you leave home. Make the most of your time and enjoy the journey to the fullest.
Safe Travels,
Kev
8/23/22
