Compared to a lackluster plane ride, traveling on Amtrak is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re on the Amtrak Cardinal (routes have names) that takes a meandering scenic route from New York to Chicago through the Shenandoah Valley and over the Blue Ridge Mountains or crossing the Sierras over Donner Pass on the Amtrak Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, you’re in for a spectacular ride. 

“A long-distance train ride is not merely another mode of transportation. It’s part of your vacation experience,” says Jim Loomis, author of “All Aboard: The Complete North American Train Travel Guide” and founder of the website, TrainsAndTravel.com.

Still, traveling on Amtrak for pleasure can be just as problematic as other modes of transportation. Delays and missed train connections can happen. The seats may be uncomfortable, especially if you’re trying to sleep. The tickets can be pricey too, if you don’t buy right. To make your next Amtrak trip truly a ride to remember, we asked experts who’ve collectively logged hundreds of thousands of miles on Amtrak for their top train travel advice. Their tips can help your trip stay on track.

• Plan ahead and save. Plan your trip at least a month beforehand if possible. Amtrak’s prices fluctuate depending on availability and how far in advance you’re booking. In general, the more seats they have left when making your reservation, the cheaper your fare will be.

If traveling overnight, reserving a roomette can make the difference between getting a good nights sleep—or not.

 • Book a sleeper car. If traveling overnight, reserving a roomette (which accommodates up to two people or a bedroom for up to four adults) can make the difference between getting a good night’s sleep—or not. In a roomette or bedroom, a dedicated attendant will transform your seat into a bed. A bedroom also includes a toilet, shower and sofa. There is also the option of a bedroom suite, which is twice the size of a bedroom and includes two sinks, restrooms and showers. A family room offers accommodations for up to two adults and two children. Sleeper accommodations cost more than regular seats and prices vary.

“The surcharge for this amenity isn’t as much as it first appears because meals are included,” Loomis says. If two of you are taking the train from Chicago to Los Angeles, breakfast, lunch and dinner for two days for two people is included in the fare. But don’t forget to tip your room attendant. “As a rule of thumb, bring enough cash to tip $5 per night per person,” Loomis clarified.

 • Turn your seat into a cocoon. If you want to travel as cheaply as possible, skip the roomette, bedroom and family room options and get a seat. Be sure to cozy up the place. To save even more money, bring your own cooler of food.
   “Make your seat as comfortable as possible by bringing blankets, neck pillows, comfy shoes, snacks and ear buds for listening to music and watching videos,” says Lisa Bates, author of “Beyond the Rails” and founder of CrosscountryTrainTravel.com. 

 • Get an Amtrak USA Rail Pass. For big multi-destination trips, an Amtrak USA Rail Pass is the way to go. For just $499, you can travel for over 30 days to your choice of over 500 destinations and get on/off the train in up to 10 different places along the way. With this coach ticket, you can’t upgrade to a sleeping car. Still, your trip doesn’t have to be continuous. You can spend time in different cities and hotels along your route.

 • Plan for delays. Amtrak train schedules often get waylaid. There’s a valid reason—Amtrak runs on tracks owned by freight railroads and they have the right of way. Consequently, Amtrak trains often have to wait for one or more freight trains to pass. Accidents, bad weather and natural disasters can slow things down, too. 

Your best bet? Keep your itinerary loose. Loomis, for example, avoids having to make train connections. “If the Lake Shore Limited arrives in Chicago at 9:30 a.m. and I could connect to the Southwest Chief at 2 p.m., I don’t chance it,” he says. “I stay overnight and catch the first train the next morning.”

Whether the price is included in your fare or paying a la carte, eating in the dining car can enhance the train ride experience.

 • Try the dining car. Whether the price is included in your fare or paying ala carte, food in the dining car enhances the train ride experience. The menu features eggs, omelets and French toast for breakfast, salads and sandwiches for lunch, and steak, seafood and chicken for dinner. It’s worth the splurge. A bonus—you never know who you’re going to meet. 

“In the dining car on long-distance trains, you’re seated at a table with other folks,” Loomis says. “The interesting conversations I’ve had are one of the fascinating aspects of train travel that I enjoy as much as seeing the country.”