This Amtrak Cardinal review takes a look at the scenic train route as it travels through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the New River Gorge National Park, famous for white-water rafting. Fall foliage makes the ride even more scenic. Fall foliage is one of the train’s most popular destinations, and leaf peepers flock to the train to take in the scenery.
Amtrak’s scenic train route
The best way to experience a change of landscape is on a train journey, whether by road or rail. You can enjoy the scenery while sitting in comfortable chairs. Amtrak offers many scenic train routes around the United States. Here are some tips for planning the perfect vacation by train. You can see a different landscape every day by taking an Amtrak route. The journey is just as important as the destination, so be sure to plan the trip accordingly.
The Coast Starlight train makes stops in various seaside towns along the California coastline. Passing through Santa Barbara and Oakland, this train journey takes passengers along the Pacific Coast. In addition to the scenic landscape, passengers can experience two educational programs while aboard. A dining car and cafe are also available on the Coast Starlight. For the most luxurious experience, passengers can choose a superliner seat or enjoy the luxury of a deluxe lounge car.
Its cafe car
The Amtrak Cardinal has an adjacent lounge and cafe car. Guests can purchase food, beverages, and alcohol from the cafe car, which operates during the day. However, the cafe is closed from time to time. During the night, patrons can dine in the sleeping car. While dining on the train is expensive, the cafe car serves reasonably priced meals. Amtrak trains are considered luxurious travel options.
The Amtrak Cardinal has one sleeper car, but the train still offers community seating. Only groups of four can use the dining car. Guests can reserve a table by calling the staffed station. However, reservations for the dining car are not accepted online. There is a limited amount of seating, and reservations are highly recommended. Guests can book a table in advance via the Amtrak app or through a station attendant.
Its flex dining
After hearing about a Congressional bill that would lower food costs on Amtrak trains, Amtrak began rolling out “Contemporary Dining” on select routes in June 2018. These meals are more like cafe cars and serve hot food for passengers who are not traveling in a sleeping car. They can be eaten in the car’s lounge or in the passenger’s room. To access these meals, passengers must request them with their reservation, which the car attendant will fulfill.
The new system is intended to be more appealing to millennials, who are less concerned with socializing with their fellow passengers and are more interested in convenience. Amtrak expects to save $2 million per year by focusing on pre-selected meals, but will continue to offer traditional dining services on the remaining overnight routes. But for now, it’s best to stick with your favorite dining car. And, of course, if you prefer the comfort and convenience of a restaurant, you can always purchase a meal in a dining car.
Its fall colors
When the leaves start turning color, one of the best ways to see them is on a train ride. Fall foliage on a train is beautiful any time of year, but fall is especially special when the fall foliage is bursting with color. If you’re planning a fall foliage-filled trip, try one of Amtrak’s fall-colored train rides. Here are five options that are sure to impress.
The Amtrak Cardinal trains pass through beautiful scenery depending on the season. During the fall, the train will take you through the New River Gorge and the Shenandoah Valley. The train will also make stops in Chicago, New York, and other major cities. The scenery will leave you breathless. You’ll be able to appreciate the fall colors on this train ride, and you’ll have a great view of these cities at the same time.