After my first overnight Amtrak trip, I learned that the train line has a loyalty program that awards passengers two points per $1 spent. Points may be used for tickets, hotels, shopping, and dining, and it’s free to join.

If I’d signed up, I would have earned 3,000 points toward my next Amtrak adventure. I missed out that time, but I joined the program after my Denver to Salt Lake City journey and have since accumulated nearly 7,000 points.

When I booked my first overnight Amtrak ride, I didn’t check if my ticket included access to the Metropolitan Lounge at NYC’s Penn Station, where I departed.

Available at select Amtrak stations, the Metropolitan Lounge is a quiet waiting area that’s free for Amtrak customers in first class and sleeper cabins. It has comfortable seats, free snacks, and drinks.

I missed the opportunity to take advantage of this perk on my first overnight trip, but I’ve since made use of the lounges in NYC, Washington, DC, and Chicago, for overnight and first-class trips.

Amtrak sleeper trains have a variety of accommodations, from regular seats to private rooms.

I traveled from NYC to Miami in a $500 roomette, a 20-square-foot enclosed private space with a foldout table, two chairs that fold out into beds, and an additional bed that pulls down from the ceiling.

On my way back to NYC, I spent 30 hours in the next level up, a bedroom accommodation. It cost $1,000 for twice as much space as the roomette, with a private bathroom.

After these rides, I thought the roomette felt cramped and realized that spending twice as much for double the space in the bedroom was worth it.

Since my 2025 ride was only 15 hours long, I didn’t regret booking a roomette for $400. But when I booked my 53-hour Amtrak trip in 2026, I splurged on a bedroom accommodation for $2,200 and was happy with my choice.

I knew opting for the top bunk on my first overnight Amtrak ride was a mistake before I fell asleep. I wasn’t used to how bumpy trains can be for long periods, and I found the ride felt even shakier up top.

I wouldn’t recommend the top bunk to newbies. But now that I’m used to the rumbly rails, I enjoy sleeping up there.

Unfortunately, I felt sick for most of my first overnight train ride, so I’ve learned that motion sickness medicine is a must-have on my Amtrak packing list.

I also won’t forget snacks. Although Amtrak sleeper tickets include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I regretted not bringing my own food to tide me over between meals on that first trip.

On the second ride, when I had a bedroom with a full bathroom, I didn’t use the shower because I hadn’t thought to bring waterproof shoes to protect my feet. So the next time I booked a bedroom in 2026, I was sure to pack a pair of Crocs.

While I’m glad I had shower shoes on my 2026 trip, I should have left my towel and toiletries at home because the train provided both.

I also regretted packing my ukulele and drumsticks. I’m a musician and thought it would be a good way to pass the time on the 53-hour journey, but once I was on board, I realized they’d be too loud to play without disturbing other travelers.

My first two overnight Amtrak rides between NYC and Miami had onboard WiFi. So when I got to my Amtrak train in Denver for my ride to Salt Lake City, I was surprised to find this route didn’t include it.

In hindsight, I should have checked if I’d have an internet connection before boarding. Had I known I wouldn’t, I’d have downloaded some TV shows and movies for the journey.

For me, the most uncomfortable part of overnight train travel is being stuck in a confined space. Luckily, Amtrak trains sometimes stop for long enough for continuing passengers to get out and stretch their legs.

I usually take this time to walk up and down the platform and do some light cardio, but every once in a while, whether I’m entranced in a book or deterred by the weather, I stay inside. And every time I do, I end up stirring with pent-up energy soon after.

I think I’ve finally learned my lesson. On my recent 53-hour Amtrak journey, I went outside every chance I got.