has anyone ever travel from pa to fl by amtrak?
Hi Gen,
I have traveled on the train from Philadelphia to Miami. It was a 23 hour ride. I wouldn't suggest doing that with children unless you get a sleeper car. It's really nothing for them to do and they will get bored really fast. You can get up and walk around they have a lounge car and a dinning car but that's about it. The sleeper cars have a TV and beds in it. the seats in coach are a little tight so it's not a lot of room for them to move around in. I traveled by myself and I was bored out of my mind after a few hours even with my Ipod and portable dvd player. The train does make stops where you have a break for a little while and can get off the train and walk around and stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Make sure you get back to the train at least 10-15 minutes before it's scheduled to leave because they will leave without you!!!!!
How old are your girls. My mom rode in a car with my daughter to florida when she was just 3 months old. My mom went o myrtle beach and columbia on the train with my daughter and she said she was no problem
I traveled from Washington DC (drove from Philly) to Orlando Florida on the Amtrak auto train. I was alone and much younger then, so I didn't really mind the movies or meeting and talking to new people. I sat in a seat for 24 hours, did not have a sleeper car. If you are bringing kids, I highly suggest the sleeper car. You have your own compartment and can actually lay down and sleep. They serve you diner and breakfast and I think there is snack time as well. Good Luck!
i traveled by train from Philadelphia to Orlanda several times when I was a teenager, and I could not wait for the ride to end. This was before DVDs and iPods and I was so bored, even though I was with friends and I had books that I loved. I never had a sleeper car, always a regular Amtrak seat for 24 hours each way. Not great.
Two years ago my parents decided to go to Florida by train instead of flying...even though the sleeper car for the 2 of them cost much more than the flights. They hated the ride and ended up flying home, losing $$ in the process.
I cannot imagine taking the train with toddlers. I have a 'tween and a teen who are very well traveled and, if there were any way to avoid it, I would not subject THEM to such a long train ride, even with a sleeper car.
Good luck!
I did when I was 10, it was the most grueling trip I ever took. I would have rather driven. The train stops at every station along the way and it takes forever to get there. I don't recommend it, especially if you are bringing children.