Peter Greenberg: Amtrak Stop Lengths

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-08-27

Q: Greetings, Peter. I want to take Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited from Boston to Chicago and then the California Zephyr to the West. Are there any stops where you have a few minutes to get off the train and stretch?

–Bill, North Oxford, Mass.

A: The amount of time that Amtrak's long-haul trains stop in stations, which is known in the industry as the "dwell" time, varies between five and 15 minutes. Trains stop for longer periods in busier stations or when there are more people who need help boarding, and for shorter periods in stations that are less crowded. As you approach a station, the conductor will announce over the PA system how long you have until the train pulls out, so that you can budget your time.

Unless a significant delay is announced, you will have time to get out, walk around, and stretch your legs, but not enough time to take a longer walk or even shop in the station's gift shop.

Another way to take a cross-country trip is to buy a USA Rail Pass, which lasts for 15, 30, or 45 days and allows stopovers en route. I like this option, because it allows you to break up the trip and do more than just stretch your legs. You can spend an extra day and actually experience a city or town, and not just see a train station.