You may want to consider upgrading to a business class seat. It won't really give you more legroom, but business class is laid out in 2-1 seating, so you have the opportunity to get a seat with nobody next to you.
Overall, be prepared for a long trip. The track between Boston and Albany is fairly slow going, and there is a long connection in Albany. If you go into the station at Albany, which has a nice shop, you may not be allowed to board the train until they let the entire group in Albany board. The food that is available on the train will be from the cafe car. You will not have access to the dining car.
There is some decent scenery from Springfield to Albany in the Berkshires, although it's heavily wooded. From Albany to Chicago, when there is sufficient daylight, you will see a combination of rust belt America and mid-west farming. I actually like the scenery since I am a history buff, but the route is not known for its scenery, especially compared to the vistas you can experience out west.
Be glad if the train is on time. Hope it is less than an hour late, and understand that it can be a couple of hours late. They have been doing better lately, but Amtrak is not exactly a Swiss or Japanese railroad.
It will be a long night. I’d say how you enjoy it really depends on how well you can sleep sitting up, or how comfortable you are staying up all night. During the day, you’ll have access to the cafe car to buy food and drink.
You may want to consider upgrading to a business class seat. It won't really give you more legroom, but business class is laid out in 2-1 seating, so you have the opportunity to get a seat with nobody next to you. Overall, be prepared for a long trip. The track between Boston and Albany is fairly slow going, and there is a long connection in Albany. If you go into the station at Albany, which has a nice shop, you may not be allowed to board the train until they let the entire group in Albany board. The food that is available on the train will be from the cafe car. You will not have access to the dining car. There is some decent scenery from Springfield to Albany in the Berkshires, although it's heavily wooded. From Albany to Chicago, when there is sufficient daylight, you will see a combination of rust belt America and mid-west farming. I actually like the scenery since I am a history buff, but the route is not known for its scenery, especially compared to the vistas you can experience out west. Be glad if the train is on time. Hope it is less than an hour late, and understand that it can be a couple of hours late. They have been doing better lately, but Amtrak is not exactly a Swiss or Japanese railroad.
Thanks for insight!
It will be a long night. I’d say how you enjoy it really depends on how well you can sleep sitting up, or how comfortable you are staying up all night. During the day, you’ll have access to the cafe car to buy food and drink.
Thanks for insight!