I've spent 128 hours on overnight Amtrak trains. These are the 8 biggest mistakes I've made.

• Overnight Amtrak train travel can be the journey of a lifetime if you can avoid common mistakes.
• After spending 128 hours traveling 5,000 miles on overnight Amtrak trains, I have some regrets.
• I’ve forgotten to check for WiFi access, slept in the wrong bunk, and overlooked lounge access.

I should have joined Amtrak’s rewards program when I booked my first trip.

I wouldn’t recommend the top bunk to newbies. But now that I’m used to the rumbly rails, I enjoy sleeping up there.

I’ve forgotten key items that would have made my trips more comfortable, like motion sickness medicine, flip flops, and snacks.

Unfortunately, I felt sick for most of my first overnight train ride, so I’ve learned that motion sickness medicine is a must-have on my Amtrak packing list.

I also won’t forget snacks. Although Amtrak sleeper tickets include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I regretted not bringing my own food to tide me over between meals on that first trip.

On the second ride, when I had a bedroom with a full bathroom, I didn’t use the shower because I hadn’t thought to bring waterproof shoes to protect my feet. So the next time I booked a bedroom in 2026, I was sure to pack a pair of Crocs.

I’ve also wasted luggage space on items I didn’t end up using, like toiletries and noisy activities.

While I’m glad I had shower shoes on my 2026 trip, I should have left my towel and toiletries at home because the train provided both.

I also regretted packing my ukulele and drumsticks. I’m a musician and thought it would be a good way to pass the time on the 53-hour journey, but once I was on board, I realized they’d be too loud to play without disturbing other travelers.

I’ve boarded overnight trains without checking whether they had WiFi.

My first two overnight Amtrak rides between NYC and Miami had onboard WiFi. So when I got to my Amtrak train in Denver for my ride to Salt Lake City, I was surprised to find this route didn’t include it.

In hindsight, I should have checked if I’d have an internet connection before boarding. Had I known I wouldn’t, I’d have downloaded some TV shows and movies for the journey.

Every time I’ve skipped a chance to step outside for some fresh air on an overnight train ride, I’ve regretted it.

For me, the most uncomfortable part of overnight train travel is being stuck in a confined space. Luckily, Amtrak trains sometimes stop for long enough for continuing passengers to get out and stretch their legs.

I usually take this time to walk up and down the platform and do some light cardio, but every once in a while, whether I’m entranced in a book or deterred by the weather, I stay inside. And every time I do, I end up stirring with pent-up energy soon after.

I think I’ve finally learned my lesson. On my recent 53-hour Amtrak journey, I went outside every chance I got.