Just as for airline travel, buy your ticket as far in advance as possible to get the lowest fare. For round-trip tickets, put your return tickets in a secure place until it is time to use them. There is no computer reservation holding your place as there would be on an airline. At your departure station, have your ID and any discount card used to purchase the ticket ready to show at the ticket counter.
According to a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation, long distance trains often run behind schedule. They are on time only 20 to 40 percent of the time. Cushion your travel plans to allow for these delays.
There are no assigned seats in coach, so if the train is nearly full, you may have to sit apart from others in your group.
On long-distance routes, travelers may be on board for 24 hours or more and may be in need of a change of clothes before their destination. If you are sensitive to unpleasant odors, carry a scarf sprayed with perfume to provide a protective barrier around you.
Some people choose train travel because they are allowed an occasional smoking break. The smoke will linger on their clothing and in their immediate area. If this will disturb you, try to sit away from smokers.
Ticket agents sometimes cut off checking baggage 30 minutes prior to departure, so arrive 45 minutes before departure if you definitely want to check your bags.
Also, people may travel back and forth between the individual compartments of the train, so there is a risk of having personal belongings stolen. Keep an eye out for people lingering near the exits between cars.
Most travelers feel the atmosphere on board the train is as good as traveling by air. However, train depots, often placed in the inner city, require more caution. Not everyone in the train station will be a paying traveler. With lighter security than airports, train stations may be inviting places for homeless people trying to stay indoors.
Regarding emergency safety, it is up to you to make sure you know where the exits are and how to open them in case of an emergency. There is no equivalent of a flight attendant to give safety instructions at the beginning of every trip.
Most trains offer vending machines with quality snacks and beverages. There may be little or nothing suitable for those with special dietary needs. For overnight trips, bring your own blanket and pillow as they are usually in short supply.
