Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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1. Where can I get general information about Amtrak's trains, such as when they operate, how much they costs, etc.? Amtrak http://tickets.amtrak.com/ offers schedule information, as do most travel agencies, and from Amtrak's own staffed ticket offices. Fares are available from Amtrak. Our website links to Amtrak's Fare and Schedule Information on our home page. Printed schedules are available from travel agents, Amtrak ticket offices and online from Amtrak California.
2. Where can I purchase a ticket? Several different places: at most travel agencies, by mail, by calling Amtrak's toll free telephone number (1 800 USA-RAIL), from the conductor aboard the train (additional charge if station is open) and on the internet at http://tickets.amtrak.com/
3. Do I need reservations to ride on Amtrak trains? That depends.The Pacifc Surlfiners and the Capitols are unreserved. The San Joaquins have been reserved since February, 1999. The long distance trains which operate between California and other states are reserved. On unreserved trains such as the Pacific Surfliners, you may choose to reserve a custom class seat for a small additional charge. You then know you'll have a seat and some treats too: complimentary coffee, tea, juice, a newspaper and a large reclining seat with extra legroom. You can get the reservations from the same place you purchase your ticket.
4. Can I get something to eat on the train? All Amtrak trains offer some food service. On the Amtrak California services, there are snacks, sandwiches, cookies, breakfast items, juices, teas, soft drinks, coffee and beer and hard liquor. You can eat in the snack bar car, or take food and drink back to your seat, with its handy fold down tray. Other trains have dining cars where breakfast, lunch, and dinner is available essentially all day long.
5. What about baggage service? Checked baggage is permitted between all staffed stations. You can take two pieces of suitcase sized baggage per person on Amtrak California trains. Check with the Amtrak agent or call the toll-free telephone for complete information on baggage service.
6. May I take a bicycle on the train? You can take a bicycle on any Amtrak California train ifyou load it yourself into the onboad bicycle bays. You may also check your bicycle on Amtrak's long distance trains, if you follow the current procedures. Plan to arrive at the station with your bicycle 40 minutes before your scheduled train departure time. There may be a small shipping and handling fee. For complete details on bikes (and baggage, too) call 1 800 USA-RAIL, (1 800 872-7245) prior to your trip.
7. How can I have a career with Amtrak? Amtrak does not accept any unsolicited resumes. You can only apply for work that is currently needed. You can find out what jobs are being offered by calling the job hotline or visiting their website: 1-877-AMTRAK1 (1-877-268-7251) or <jobs.amtrak.com>)
If you're interested in a job posted on the Job Line, write the specific job title and posting number on your resume, and then mail it to the human resources office address closest to the job for which you are applying. Amtrak does not accept faxed resumes. Resumes without a job title or posting number will be returned.
Amtrak job offers are updated on Wednesdays
Then send a letter or resume including the job description and posting number to Amtrak at the ocation closest to where the job is being offered:
Amtrak Human Resources
253 Summer St, Room 204
Boston, MA 02210
Amtrak Human Resources
Los Angeles Union Station
810 North Alameda, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Amtrak Human Resources
30th Street Station, 2nd Floor South
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Amtrak Human Resources
187 South Holegate St, Suite B
Seattle, WA 98134
Amtrak Human Resources
Lower Level, Room #101
900 2nd St NE
Washington, DC 20002
Amtrak Human Resources
530 Water St, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
Amtrak Human Resources
525 W Van Buren St
Chicago, IL 60607
Amtrak Human Resources
525 East St
Rensselaer, NY 12144
8. How much does it cost to go to ....? There are too many questions within that question to answer on the Caltrans Division of Rail's web page, especially when most questions like this involve two stations NOT IN California. Fares depend on the time of year, whether the travel includes a holiday or not, if it is a round trip, the number of people in the party and their ages, how far in advance you order your tickets, and whether you want coach or sleeper space, and how much sleeper space. Please get fare information online from Amtrak (http://tickets.amtrak.com/), an Amtrak station agent, a travel agent or by telephoning 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
9. How can I get to the Ronald Reagan Library? Updated December 1, 2006.
The closest station to the Reagan Library is probably Moorpark. However, at the time of this writing, there is no transit service between the Moorpark Station and the Reagan Library.
The Reagan Library is at the west end of Simi Valley, but the Simi Valley train station is at the east end. Simi Valley Transit line "D" goes to the Reagan Library, but does not serve the train station. Simi Valley Transit line "A" serves the train station, but not the Library.
Simi Valley Transit offers Monday through Saturday schedules on all their routes. Check here for details: <http://www.simivalley.org/html/simi_valley_transit.html>.
10. How do I get to Los Angeles International Airport from Union Station? You've got several choices. The easiest way from Los Angeles Union Station is the new FlyAway service operated by the Airport. For $3 each way, buses link the two every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and hourly between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Visit our Los Angeles Interantional Airport webpage for details.
11. May I bring my pet on the train? Amtrak allows no pets on its trains or motor coaches. The only animals permitted are "assistance animals" to aid persons with physical disabilities.
12. Can I bring my Segway aboard? The Segway Personal Transporter (SPT) is a large wheeled device, powered by a battery, and stabilzed by gyroscopes. Its passenger steps onto it, the gyroscopes keep it upright, and leaning forward or back, left or right, steers the machine and makes it go or stop.
According to Amtrak, SPT's do not qualify as mobility assistance devices, and therefore may not be brought on board Amtrak trains except as checked baggage. For their protection, they will have to be boxed (customer to supply box).
SPT's are too large and heavy to be safely brought on board trains. They cannot be stored or secured against undesired movement in the event of an emergency.
13. Can children travel alone (unaccompanied minors)? To make reservations for unaccompanied minors you must call us at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Children 15 and older may travel unaccompanied, but do not qualify for any discounts available for children traveling with an adult. Children 15 and older are subject to all policies applying to adult passengers. Minors 15 and older may purchase tickets on their own from a ticket agent or conductor if they present valid photo ID.
Children 8 to 14 may travel unaccompanied with certain restrictions. See below for details. Children 7 years old and younger may not travel alone. They must be accompanied by a person 15 years old or older who has responsibility for the child.
Children 8 through 14 years old may travel unaccompanied on Amtrak trains under the following rules and restrictions:
Travel is permitted only on Amtrak trains. Travel is not permitted on Thruway motorcoach service, or on any other other connecting services.
The scheduled departure time may be no earlier than 6 am, and arrival time no later than 9 pm.
No transfers of any kind are permitted.
Both boarding and arrival stations must be staffed. (Please note that even certain staffed stations do not allow for unaccompanied minors.)
An adult at least 18 years of age must bring the child who will be traveling as an unaccompanied minor to the station. Both the adult and child must be at the boarding station at least one hour prior to departure time to allow for the required interview and to complete necessary forms. The adult must provide valid current identification that meets our ID policies.
We require that the child be interviewed. On the day of travel, a station agent or other appropriate authority will directly interview the child to determine whether the child is capable of traveling alone.
For each unaccompanied minor traveling alone, the adult bringing the child to the departure station must complete and sign a release form.
The child must wear an Amtrak issued wristband for the duration of travel.
The adult must remain at the station until the train has departed.
Upon arrival, an adult (at least 18 years old) must be present to pick up the child. The adult must display valid current identification meeting Amtrak's ID policies.
Full adult fares are charged. Tickets for unaccompanied children may not be purchased online.
The unaccompanied child may not have any life-threatening food allergies. Additional rules and restrictions apply. Before making any travel plans, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to make sure you understand all rules and requirements applicable to your specific circumstances.
It is extremely important to make sure that every segment of the unaccompanied child's trip can be accommodated before completing travel plans, purchasing a ticket, and arriving at the station.
Additional restrictions may apply. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for further details.