Roanoke Railwalk
Experience the journey with Amtrak's scenic routes, offering a relaxed pace and comfortable travel, especially from the charming Roanoke Station.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Maximize scenic views
Roanoke Railwalk
Best Time
Maximize scenic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the journey with Amtrak's scenic routes, offering a relaxed pace and comfortable travel, especially from the charming Roanoke Station.
"The experience at Union Station and Roanoke station is quite different. They are both designed thoughtfully but Union Station in the Nation’s capital is like a super mall and Roanoke is like a corner store."
Book Roomettes for Comfort
For overnight trips, consider roomettes for better sleep, though they are pricier.
Pack Smart for the Journey
Bring a pillow and snacks, as cafe hours vary and WiFi is unreliable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Train Ride Views
Enjoy breathtaking landscapes rolling by your window, a peaceful alternative to flying or driving.
Roanoke Union Station Charm
Experience the quaint, old-country feel of Roanoke's red-brick station and surrounding streets.
Comfortable Coach Seating
Ample legroom and seats that recline with leg support make coach a surprisingly comfortable option.
Private Roomette Experience
Opt for a roomette for overnight travel, featuring seats that convert to beds and private amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Station Smarts and Comfort Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Roomettes for Comfort
For overnight trips, consider roomettes for better sleep, though they are pricier.
Pack Smart for the Journey
Bring a pillow and snacks, as cafe hours vary and WiFi is unreliable.
Embrace the Slow Travel Vibe
Train travel is about the journey; expect a relaxed pace and potential delays.
Roanoke Station Convenience
Roanoke Station offers easy access and parking, unlike larger, more complex stations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Roomettes for Comfort
For overnight trips, consider roomettes for better sleep, though they are pricier.
Pack Smart for the Journey
Bring a pillow and snacks, as cafe hours vary and WiFi is unreliable.
Embrace the Slow Travel Vibe
Train travel is about the journey; expect a relaxed pace and potential delays.
Roanoke Station Convenience
Roanoke Station offers easy access and parking, unlike larger, more complex stations.
Download Entertainment
Reliable WiFi is scarce, so download movies, music, or podcasts before you depart.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Amtrak offers a unique travel experience with scenic views and comfortable coach seating, though cleanliness and WiFi reliability can be issues. While some find the journey relaxing and staff pleasant, others report delays and subpar conditions, especially in roomettes. The convenience of Roanoke Station is a notable positive.
"Lovely train ride. Very smooth! We went overnight leaving at 11pm & arriving at 8am. The seats lay back and the leg support lifts up, however we still didn’t sleep well. Tonight have been easier with a pillow. There’s also the option to purchase a room with a bunk bed for better sleep. Quiet hours are 10pm-7am. There is a cafe and food room option (hours vary). Overall a very cool experience! 🚊🚞✨🌙"
Heather Leilani
"You know, of course you can’t control everyone on a train and there’s such thing as freedom of speech so all that being said, you have to be somewhat tolerant to ride public transportation and also respectful of other peoples space and privacy. The staff was pleasant enough and very helpful. Also, the announcements could’ve been a little bit more clear but just listen carefully and if you already know where you’re going it’s not that hard. I’ve ridden in coach and business class and have enjoyed the experience all around. I would recommend this form of transportation to anyone. My son and I took a wonderful trip to DC and it took about the same amount of time that I would’ve spent driving a car."
Aaron Qberry
"We got on the Amtrak 151 from DC to Roanoke. The experience at Union Station and Roanoke station is quite different. They are both designed thoughtfully but Union Station in the Nation’s capital is like a super mall and Roanoke is like a corner store. Just getting into Union station is an endeavor. Limited parking, long corridors and dozens of platforms.
Roanoke on the other hand is a single platform station where it takes less than a minute to exit with plenty of parking.
I also enjoyed the old country feel of red brick buildings, narrow streets and angled parking.
Worth a visit!"
Bali Adawal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can book Amtrak tickets directly on their website, Amtrak.com. For specific routes, it's recommended to search by route name.
Train travel offers a scenic and relaxed experience, though it can be slower than flying. For some, like a trip to DC, it takes about the same time as driving.
Union Station in DC is a large, complex hub, while Roanoke Station is a smaller, single-platform station with easier access and parking.
Yes, train travel can experience delays. It's advisable to take early trains back to minimize potential disruptions.
Yes, Roanoke Station offers plenty of parking, making it a convenient starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Roomettes can be expensive, with one reviewer mentioning nearly $4000 round trip for a roomette.
Amtrak allows you to bring a good amount of luggage without extra charges, which is a plus for overpackers.
Yes, quiet hours are typically observed from 10 PM to 7 AM to ensure a peaceful environment for sleeping passengers.
Amtrak offers coach seating with ample legroom and reclining seats, as well as private roomettes and bedrooms for overnight journeys.
Refunds may be difficult to obtain unless you have trip insurance, especially if issues are attributed to the train's age.
🎫 🧳 Onsite Experience
The WiFi on Amtrak trains is generally considered unreliable and often useless, so it's best to download content beforehand.
There is a cafe car and a dining room car with varying hours. Some reviewers found the coffee to be very good. +1
Coach seats recline and have leg support, but many find it difficult to sleep well without a pillow. Roomettes offer a more comfortable sleeping solution.
Cleanliness can be an issue, with some reviewers reporting dirty roomettes and bathrooms. Bringing cleaning supplies is recommended.
Staff experiences vary, with some finding them pleasant and helpful, while others have encountered rude employees. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples Seeking a Unique Getaway
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Amtrak Experience: Comfort and Convenience
For those seeking a more comfortable and private experience, roomettes are available. These accommodations offer seats that convert into beds and often include a small closet. While they provide a significant upgrade in comfort, especially for overnight journeys, they come at a considerably higher price point.
Practical tips for enhancing your Amtrak journey include packing essentials like a pillow and snacks, as onboard food options and hours can be inconsistent.
Navigating Amtrak Stations: Roanoke vs. Union Station
In contrast, Union Station in D.C. is a much grander and more complex environment. It's likened to a 'super mall' with limited parking, long corridors, and dozens of platforms. Navigating Union Station can be an 'endeavor,' requiring more time and effort to get to your platform.
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