There’s an enormous distinction between the cafe automotive and the eating automotive.
Passengers in each class should buy meals within the cafe automotive, however the eating automotive is simply obtainable to and complimentary for many who have sleeping-car lodging.
On my shorter Amtrak rides, I usually eat earlier than my journey as a result of the cafe cars have considerably slim pickings, largely providing prepackaged and warmed-up meals. That mentioned, some routes have extra up to date menus with salads and breakfast sandwiches.
In fact, using in coach and stopping on the cafe automotive is less expensive than splurging on a sleeper car that includes dining-car meals. A ticket for a sleeper automotive prices far more than coach ticket, although you’ll be able to split the cost of some accommodations in the event you’re not touring alone.
Most lately, my sister and I spent $600 on a roomette for a 35-hour journey on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight — two coach seats would have been nearer to $200.
Nonetheless, for lengthy journeys, I think it’s worth splurging on a seat that will get you entry to the eating automotive as a result of it feels such as you’re getting loads of filling, high quality meals.