Tipping on Amtrak

jerryi Apr 15, 2014

  1. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    I'm taking my first long train trip from Worcester MA to San Fransisco on the Lakeshore Limited and California Zephyr soon. The last overnight train ride for me was over 50 years ago on an old Army train from El Paso to NY, no services just seats. This trip will take about 5 days with about a 4 hour stopover in Chicago for the train change. On this trip I have a bedroom reserved which includes dining in the Lounge or Dining car.

    My question is what are the tipping "rules" for the service personnel, porters, waiters, etc. on Amtrak nowadays. Do you tip, how much, etc.

    I'm also interested in hearing from anyone who has taken this ride and has any tips or pointers for me on what to look for, or do or not on the route.

    FYI, I am slowly building my 2nd N scale, transitional era layout, have taken a number of steam powered rides in the last few years, including the Shays at Cass Valley snd some Colorado railroads.

    Thanks for your help

    Jerry
     
  2. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Jerry, my rule of thumb for the sleeper attendant is $5/night if he/she is friendly and helpful, though I once gave $0.00 when the guy sat on his butt and didn't even make up my room when asked. For the diner, I leave 15-20% of the menu price if I had paid for it. The lounge bar attendant receives what I normally would leave in any lounge or bar, again depending on service. The Redcap usually gets $2-3 per bag depending on weight and helpfulness.

    Understand that is just my preference, others may do differently.
     
  3. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    In my one Amtrak trip of 33 hours, I found that tipping the attendant in the food area improved her attitude and service immensely. I doubt that they receive many tips. This is not the sit down dining car, just the snack area.
     
  4. BnOEngrRick

    BnOEngrRick TrainBoard Member

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    On a Chic-LA trip a few years ago, we tipped the car attendant $50 each way. He was a great guy, and lucked out by having him both ways. I tipped an attendant $20 one way Toledo-Albany one trip in a roomette.
     
  5. k3ndawg

    k3ndawg TrainBoard Member

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    Jerry, I've only ridden on Amtrak twice, but I too tipped as if I was at a bar or restraunt.

    As for the trip... :) once you get into Colorado, there are a couple of Bald Eagle nests along the Colorado River that I know of. One at the Dell siding and the other at Dotsero. Both to the west of the tracks. In the last week, I've seen four Big Horn Sheep, literally hundreds of Mule Deer, and 4 Bald Eagles. Even some turkeys. Let me know if you want any more info for the Glenwood Springs subdivision. That's the sub I'm currently running with UP.
     
  6. Kevin Anderson

    Kevin Anderson TrainBoard Member

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    Jerry welcome aboard! When will you be traveling with us? That is my route between grand junction CO and Winnemuuca NV.


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  7. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    Kevin, I'll be leaving Chicago on June 2nd to arrive SF on the 5th. Really looking forward to the trip. Be nice to meet you if I can.
    Jerry
     
  8. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Hank, will keep that in mind.
     
  9. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    I usually do that on the times I've taken the Acela to NY or DC. They are really welcomed when not expected and it does show in the response.
    Jerry
     
  10. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    Rick, did you tip before or after the run? Should be to reward service butthink it could also be a motivator.
    Jerry
     
  11. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    Not too interested in turkeys LOL, used to feed them on my patio in town, but eagles and Big Horns are special and will be looking out for them, thanks
    Jerry
     
  12. Kevin Anderson

    Kevin Anderson TrainBoard Member

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    Then you should be going through SLC on the 3rd. I will see you that night then.


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  13. BnOEngrRick

    BnOEngrRick TrainBoard Member

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    Tip was given as we got off the train at destination. As info, we did not tip the car attendant on our Chi-Toledo return leg because all he did was sit in his compartment, watch TV and play video games.
     
  14. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    Looking forward to it Kevin, thanks
    Jerry
     
  15. jerryi

    jerryi TrainBoard Member

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    I prefer to do that myself, acknowledges great service.
    Thanks
    Jerry
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Often appreciated as much as the tip, is a smiling, bright attitude. Make their day easy. They like dealing with upbeat folks. Dour, sour grumps are people nobody enjoys being around.
     
  17. paperkite

    paperkite TrainBoard Member

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    I have to go to Seattle from Sandpoint for surgery for an aneurism soon, I hope the VA allows me to take the train and certainly look fwd to the trip and will keep in mind even though a day trip , to tip when possible !
     
  18. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    A great thread at a good time. My wife and I will be doing a similar trip (but starting in Buffalo) in July, and I had not even though too much about this, yet. This will be my first overnight train trip!

    Kevin - we're on the July 17 CA Zephyr out of Chicago. Will you be working that one?
     
  19. Kevin Anderson

    Kevin Anderson TrainBoard Member

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    Sorry you will be a day ahead of me. I will be put of grand junction on Saturday. Now I could be on your return though.


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  20. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    No return. We're flying to Buffalo the week before, and then, after visiting, doing the train home. This is my "reward" for going to wife's HS reunion :-D
     

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