I spent 60 hours on overnight Amtrak trips. I wish I had known 9 things before taking long-haul journeys.

• I regret not knowing a few things ahead of my long-haul, overnight Amtrak rides in 2021.
• I took trips from NYC to Miami and back that were 30 hours each but time seemed to pass more slowly.
• I wish I knew internet service wouldn’t be reliable, among other lessons I learned the hard way.

In October of 2021, I booked a round-trip ride between New York City and Miami on Amtrak’s overnight sleeper train. In total, I spent 60 hours on the rails.

On the way to Miami, I spent 30 hours in a $500 roomette accommodation, which is a 20-square-foot enclosed private space with a fold-out table, two chairs that fold out into a bed, and an additional bed that pulls down from the ceiling. 

• I regret not knowing a few things ahead of my long-haul, overnight Amtrak rides in 2021.
• I took trips from NYC to Miami and back that were 30 hours each but time seemed to pass more slowly.
• I wish I knew internet service wouldn’t be reliable, among other lessons I learned the hard way.

In October of 2021, I booked a round-trip ride between New York City and Miami on Amtrak’s overnight sleeper train. In total, I spent 60 hours on the rails.

On the way to Miami, I spent 30 hours in a $500 roomette accommodation, which is a 20-square-foot enclosed private space with a fold-out table, two chairs that fold out into a bed, and an additional bed that pulls down from the ceiling.