I’ve spent the last 26 years traveling by train all along both US coasts, through the Midwest, and across the UK.
I like that it’s more laid-back than air travel. Plus, it’s typically at least a little cheaper.
After years of experience, here are the top travel hacks I wish I’d known before hitting the rails.
Limit your carry-on luggage.
Movies like “Midnight Run” and “Harry Potter” often depict expansive sleeper cars and private units. But those tickets are pricey in real life.
Coach seating is much more common, which means there isn’t always a private area for luggage.
Like airplanes, the system works a little differently depending on the train. You may or may not have space overhead, under the seat in front of you, or on a rack at the end of the car.
I keep my carry-on luggage to a minimum to make things easier. Most trains I’ve booked have checked luggage options to accommodate bigger bags, and those have been more dependable for me.
Be mindful of your time.
Even when trains leave on schedule, there are so many things that can go wrong along the journey — animals or debris on the tracks, unexpected stops, and repairs are just a few examples.
Try to include some buffer time in your itinerary. I never line up events or train transfers too closely to my departure or arrival times to avoid any issues.
Additionally, make sure to schedule your trips with time differences and daylight-saving time in mind. I once scheduled the Pacific Surfliner train from LA to San Diego, hoping to get amazing seaside views. But I chose the wrong time, and it was too dark outside to see the ocean.
Make sure to plan out your smoke breaks — if needed.
I’ve never been on a train where you can smoke on board, which I find refreshing.
But if you have a habit or need something to take the edge off of nervous travel, most US and UK trains I’ve ridden offer designated smoking stops.
Look these up on your route’s website ahead of time so you can be ready to hop off.
Be careful moving between cars.
Although the safest way to avoid potential dangers is not to move between rail cars, that’s easier said than done on long rides. Walking between cars is often necessary to reach the café car, the observation car, or unoccupied toilets.
Most trains provide handrails between cabins. For the sake of your center of gravity, I suggest using them.
If your train has additional instructions about when to move between cars or other restrictions, they should be posted near the car entrances.
You can pack booze, but you probably can’t consume it.
As with air travel, you can usually only consume alcohol purchased on the train.
I’ve never had a problem packing alcohol in my luggage — every line I’ve traveled with has allowed it — but it has to stay stowed away during the ride.
Feel free to stock up for your girls’ weekend, but don’t expect to crack into your stash until you get to your destination.
Check ticket prices at least three weeks out.
Although I didn’t have the luxury of advance booking for the first few train rides I bought myself, I try to book trips a little further out these days.
But it’s rare that you’ll have to book as early as you would with flights — prices largely stay static until about three weeks out from the departure date.
If you want a deal on a train that isn’t filling seats, you’ll usually start seeing price drops a little closer to the travel date.
Pack travel-appropriate snacks.
Depending on the line, longer train trips usually have snacks in a café car, full meal options, or rotating reservations in a dining car.
The selection of train food has improved over the years, but prices have also increased. Keeping snacks on hand is always my go-to option.
I often pack multiple beverages and things like sandwiches, chips, pizza, fruit, cookies, and gum. Hand wipes also come in handy when I’m eating in my seat.
Be mindful of the mess or smells your food could cause, and avoid food high in common allergens to be respectful of fellow passengers.
Keep a copy of your ticket on you.
There’s no telling if conductors will check your ticket before you get on the train or walk through the car after it leaves the station. Plus, an attendant may come through to check your ticket multiple times during your voyage.
Having a printed copy of your ticket on hand is usually easiest. That way, I don’t have to worry about my phone battery.
The post I’ve been riding trains across the US and UK for 26 years. I wish I’d known a few things before my first trip. appeared first on Business Insider.
