Amtrak's long-distance train. AJ Packer/Shutterstock.comAmtrak will spend $28 million on long-distance trains to make travel more enjoyable and upgrade them.Every class of service will be upgraded from coach to sleeper cars as well as the dining vehicle.Although train travel is slower than air travel, the new upgrades make it more appealing.Check out more stories from Insider's business page.Amtrak emerged as a popular mode for transportation during the pandemic. This is especially because fares were reduced to encourage ridership. Although the train ride is longer than flying, there are many advantages to using the slower route.Inside Chicago's Union Station's main hall. Thomas Pallini/InsiderRead more: Amtrak may not receive the $80 billion Biden predicted, but infrastructure laws could finally make Amtrak a better option than freight trainsTo improve customer experience on all its long routes, the rail company will invest $28 million in Superliner and Viewliner trains.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderRead more: Amtrak has just unveiled upgraded long-distance train models that will revolutionize rail travel in America. They include new seats and additional rooms.Over the next three-years, interior elements will be upgraded from coach seating to rooms.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderIn the dining car, traditional dining will be restored with white tablecloth service. A brand new menu is also being created with classic dishes and delicious new delights.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderRead more: Amtrak brings back nostalgic, traditional dining with white tablecloths and chinaI was on the first of over 450 train cars that were being renovated and now I'd like to book a cross country trip. Check out the inside of one of these newly-updated trains.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderWith new pandemic pricing, Amtrak coach travel across the country can be very affordable. One-way tickets from New York to Seattle via Chicago are available for as low as $200Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderCoach is in a 2-2 configuration that most Northeast Regional riders will recognize.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderContinue reading: Amtrak was my first train ride since it began filling up trains to capacity. It's still my favorite way of traveling the Northeast.Continue the storyAmtrak's old blue cloth seats are being replaced by sleek leatherette cushioning. This will give Amtrak a modern, cleaner look.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe best thing about riding trains rather than flying is the extra legroom and footrest in coaches, which averages around 50 inches.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThere are no middle seats, but there might be a chance for riders to have a rider along with them.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAmtrak's coach seating is quite wide so passengers are not seated shoulder to shoulder as it is on planes.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThere are two power outlets at each seat for charging devices, regardless of whether they're tablets, phones, or laptops.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAmtrak offers free WiFi to passengers so they can stay connected even in remote areas of the country. Tray tables allow for laptop use.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe new coach seats offer more recline and a leg rest. They also have a combined width that is nearly the same size as a twin bed.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAll riders need to bring their own blankets and pillows.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderHowever, sleeping in a coach is not an option. Long-distance trains offer two types of rooms: roomettes and rooms. Both can accommodate up to two adults.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThis smaller roomette is perfect for budget-minded travellers and offers many of the same comforts as a larger room.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThere are two berths available, each with new bedding.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderIn an intimate setting, the occupants are seated across from one another.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderHowever, it doesn't have a private bathroom or shower. The car has a shared bathroom and shower for passengers.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe rooms are the largest bedrooms on the train and also the most expensive cabins.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderYou have more space, a larger couch and an armchair with the new cushioning.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderYou can buy two rooms connected and make them into a bedroom suite that sleeps four.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderFor privacy, each bedroom includes a bathroom and a shower.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderNew upgrades include shower dispensers that can be used to lather shampoo, conditioner, and soap.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderEach room has a new lotion dispenser.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderUpgrades include new towels.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderCustomers who are sleeping in a sleeper car on long-distance routes can access the dining car as well as the recently restored traditional dining service Amtrak has just brought back.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe tables are set with Amtrak-branded plates and white tablecloths. Soon, china will replace them. Riders have the option of either individual or communal dining. This is how Cary Grant's and Eva Marie Saint's characters met in "North by Northwest".Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAs part of the return to traditional dining, a brand new menu is available for each meal.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderFor breakfast, French toast is a great option.Amtrak's traditional dining option. AmtrakLunch includes basic items such as cheeseburgers, cheese sandwiches, salads and desserts.Amtrak's traditional dining option. AmtrakThe evening ends with a three-course dinner that includes an appetizer, entree and dessert, along with a complimentary alcoholic drink.Amtrak's traditional dining option. AmtrakStarters include lobster crab cakes, tamales, and then the entree is served with steak or salmon.Amtrak's traditional dining option. AmtrakDesserts include Philadelphia cheesecakes and flourless chocolate truffles.Amtrak's traditional dining option. AmtrakIf they wish, customers in sleeper cars can eat in their rooms. The roomette is a smaller setting, but it's intimate.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAn attendant can take the two berths and make them ready for sleep when it is time. This usually happens while the riders are eating dinner.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAlthough the cost of a sleeper vehicle may seem expensive, passengers should remember that it covers all meals during the entire trip.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderHowever, tips for staff are not included. Riders should bring something to show appreciation to the waiters and attendants.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe Sightseer car is the other social area of the train.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderYou can enjoy a panoramic view of the natural world from your rail car thanks to its huge windows.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe train could pass through the Great Plains one day and then the Rocky Mountains the next.An Amtrak long-distance train passenger in an observation car. Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.comThis shared space is available to coach and sleeper car customers. Seating is provided on a first come, first served basis.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe cushions have been replaced with similar materials.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderPassenger coaches can buy meals at the cafe below or take their meals to the observation level.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderAll in all, I left with the burning desire to book a train ride.Amtrak's upgraded Superliner train. Thomas Pallini/InsiderBusiness Insider has the original article.
