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Noise: Even in a full car, it's actually pretty quiet during the night. Ok, so you might get a crying baby, but it's not a constant problem. In fact, I can't even remember one on my travels.
Seats: If you're not too tall, you can curl up across the pair of seats (assuming you've got a pair, of course). I tend to lay on my side with the leg and foot rests up, basically sitting on the side wall, head propped against the armrest next to the aisle.
Only the major stops are noisy, and there are few of those during the night anyway (for obvious reasons).
If you have a pair of seats, I've found that the conductors only wake you if absolutely necessary, such as no other seats available on the train for a boarding passenger.
I've also slept in the lounge car. I'm not sure what the policy is on this, but I've never been chucked out. Only problem is insomniacs that come in and talk, and early risers who also believe the world should be awake with them! But you can at least stretch out on three whole seats!
A blanket or sleeping bag is recommended, as is a pillow. Amtrak do supply a small one (two if you're lucky), but it is very small.
Sleepers are good if you can afford them. You can expect to pay $100 - $150 or more per room per night.
As to how busy the trains are, it all depends on the route and the time of year. I've been in coaches with just 10 people in for the entire length of the route, other times with full capacity all the way.
Geoff M.
(veteran of over a dozen coach nights!)
Getting this seat depends on how full the train is, or where you board on the route. I asked a conductor if I could move to this seat once, and he said he was saving it for passengers who boarded later in the evening. But if you get a friendly conductor, it might be worth asking.
I've always found attendants willing to allow you to move if there is space, but like all things some are good, some are less so. Single people by themselves are more likely to be herded around than a couple. On almost every journey every effort was made to keep together "families" together. Some trains label seats as being reserved for families and groups. A single person travelling the whole distance is usually treated better than short distance travellers.
If you are making a once-in-a-lifetime special journey then perhaps the extra cost of a sleeper is worth it, but if you travel more regularly the cost is considerable and not worth it in my opinion.
I also find the passengers in coach to be more socialable to one another especially on the longer journeys.
Geoff S
(veteran of 16 nights in coach)
One rule: the more you do it the easier it gets. However, the first time or two can be a bit of a challenge. If you can sleep on your back you have a major advantage. (I can't). But plan on not doing too much at your destination until you can get caught up on your rest. Once you've done it a few times that won't be so much of an issue.
Your seating arrangements will depend a lot on your car attendant. Some will do everything they can to give single travelers two seats to themselves, as long as they are available. Others double up everyone they can to make it easier to keep track of everyone. What you get is sort of a crapshoot, there. But if you can get two seats to yourself you have many more options for stretching out.
The window seat gives you an advantage as you can prop your little pillow in the little corner between the seat and window. Be sure to pull up both the leg rest and foot rest so your feet don't dangle.
If you have trouble sleeping, don't fret. Just close your eyes and relax.
In winter, take a blanket or just use a heavy coat for that purpose (as I did). In the summer have a sweater or sweatshirt for sleeping in.
Personally, I have no preference, but the noisiest seats are near the doors, as others mentioned. That's one thing I miss about the "heritage" cars. Many of them had a hallway that wrapped around the rest room, so there wasn't a direct path for sound between the door and your seat.
I always advise wearing shoes you can take off and put on easily for quick nighttime runs to the rest room. I prefer shoes with velcro fasteners on trains.
Be sure to pull the curtain before you go to sleep lest the sun come in and blast your face first thing in the morning.
I have a travelogue from my most recent coach overnighter on my website. The link is below. Scroll to the bottom of the first page to find the story.
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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy
While the a sleeper, obviously wins hands down, I don't think coach is that bad. But that's just my opinion..
I do not like to ride in a bedroom. It is like being in a little jail cell and you are isolated from the rest of the train. I would always rather ride in a coach, but I never travel for more than two nights in a row. Usually I only travel with one night in a row on the train.
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Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale)
www.geocities.com/evrr
One thing you might do, is ask on board if there are any openings in the sleepers. They will often sell unused accomodations at a discount on-board, and you can catch up on some lost sleep. And then your meals will be included (on Amtrak), too.
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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy