What should I expect for leaving Union Station on Amtrak.

Submitted by marvelousmarbler t3_z60123 in washingtondc

I came from Norfolk and I had already ordered tickets beforehand so all I had to do was tag my luggage and wait there. Union Station however, was incredibly crowded and had some lines in the main area that I don't know what they were, so it seems more complicated. Would I still just need to go somewhere to tag it and wait near where my train would be or is it more difficult than that? Thanks.

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pomegranatecloud t1_ixypyiz wrote

You don’t need to tag your luggage. You don’t need to wait in line at the ticket counter unless you need help with something. You can show your ticket from your phone or go to the kiosk and have it printed.

Look at the screens that tell you which track the trains are leaving from. Go wait in line outside your track. If you don’t know what a line is for ask someone.

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GamerRyan t1_ixz0sqt wrote

The long lines are just people waiting to board the train right after the gate has been announced. I don't know what "tag luggage" means to be honest. I've always just gone to the station, waited for the gate announcement, joined the cluster of a line, and then boarded the train. Wishing you smooth travels!

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regulate213 t1_ixz2gid wrote

I think they mean that they check their luggage rather than leaving it at the end of the cars.

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marvelousmarbler OP t1_ixzb5nb wrote

I meant adding a tag to my carry ons that has my phone number, email and name, I've seen stuff on the website saying that untagged luggage is a security concern.

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Lizzibabe t1_iy266c5 wrote

This advice may be too late. Usually for Amtrak you want to buy luggage tags ahead of time. Basically the announcement means that if they see a bag that doesnt show ownership by anybody or a phone number to call, then they're worried that it might be a auitcase bomb. I don't know if Amtrak has free tags at their ticket counter or not. You may be able to find luggage tags at those newsstand shops that sell travel pillows and stuff. But those tend to be more expensive. I use these.

You can also ask a Red Cap for help, altho they need to be tipped. I usually give them $5 coz having an exoert's help is worth the cost to me. In DC Union Station, the Red Cap stand is found across from Gate D. Gate D is also where the Club Acela lounge can be found if you have an Acela or sleeper car ticket.

Eta: I realize now that I answered a question that you didn't ask, and I'm sorry for that. When you find the Gate listed for your train number, they open that gate maybe 30m to an hour prior to departure. Often folks will line up outside it prior to them opening the gate. I know it's overwhelming the first time. A Red Cap is happy to help, or any train official standing close to the gate or at a ticket counter

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RallyPigeon t1_ixypwrn wrote

Check your ticket for the train number/name. Amtrak will announce the gate on the many screens showing departure times as well as a (sometimes delayed) audio announcement. Just head to the correct letter gate (which are all labeled) and follow the herd of fellow riders to the train. Usually there will be an Amtrak employee on the platform by the train who will tell you if you're in the right place.

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VulcanMind1 t1_ixyuhnx wrote

I recommend downloading the Amtrak app to get an idea of how full your train is. Lots of trains running to NYC and Boston are running near 100% full. if full, you will want to be near the front of the line so you have the best chance you have at getting a desired window seat near the outlet to charge your phone.

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Gaijin_Monster t1_ixznxk1 wrote

"'Incredibly crowded" lol. Trust me, DC is not that crowded compared to some of the other major Amtrak hubs.

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Derpolitik23 t1_iy2762y wrote

Harassment by panhandlers and homeless people.

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wwb_99 t1_iy3rxhj wrote

The biggest challenge at union station is the lack of a decent bar.

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BerzeliusWindrip t1_iy0fv3d wrote

It's a train station... You just wait for your train. That's it.

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