what are average meal prices on amtrak?

Question

im travelling on amtrak from new jersey to utah with 4 children,from infant to a teenager.we dont have much money and i cant imagine what to possibly bring on a 2 day trip that wont start to smell like crap without a fridge,so i need to know if i was to purchase like mabe "dinner" or "lunch" only what are the average cost on an amtrak train

Answer 1

First, meals are only free if you are on the sleeper cars.

Second, full meals run around $10 each, and snacks less, but far too much for what you get.

Third, here are ideas for packing in a collapsible cooler:
fruit, like grapes, apples, oranges
carrot and celery sticks
crackers
string cheese
pudding cups, fruit cups
box drinks, frozen, they will gradually thaw and will keep cooler cold in meantime ... same with bottled water.
foil packages of tuna to eat with crackers
anything your kids like that will travel well.
For first day, chicken or sandwiches would be great.

Answer 2

I had a Thanksgiving dinner the night before Thanksgiving and it cost $10. I don't know what an average is. I was on the Zephyr. That means $50 for five which is a lot if you are on a budget and it is only 1 meal. Also, I'm not sure you could get a table for 5 or 6. When I was seated I was put at a table for 4 with 2 people I didn't know. I didn't make use of the snack car. With a family I doubt that is a good value.

There are a lot of things you can take for a 2 day trip that won't spoil. For the first day you can take sandwiches as they will keep fine for a number of hours. Breakfast is also easy if you take pastries or donuts. Many things will keep just fine. People in the past traveled like that for years but these days a segment of the population is scared to death over anything not refrigerated. When I was a student I had my mother make me fried chicken. You can take water bottles that are frozen and they can help foods keep cooler for a longer period. Consider a collapsable ice chest. Peanut butter and jelly keep very well. Typical snack foods keep well such as chips and crackers. Beef jerky is fine. Fruit will keep as well as celery and carrots. Consider the cheese and cracker snacks such as Austins which come in multi-packs.

Get over the idea that you have to eat 3 complete meals a day and that you have to feel full after each meal. If you all arrive a bit hungry, you will be fine. I took my own advice when I went from California to Iowa on the Zephyr. It is a beautiful trip and the seats are very comfortable.

Have a great trip.

Answer 3

I rode from Orlando to Washington D.C. Breakfast was free, and Dinner was free, they have a car that sells snacks. I think it is like 5 bucks for a burger, 1 dollar for a small bag of chips. 1 dollar for a can soda.


Since you have all of the kids. Take your drinks, and get a cup of ice for free from the attendants. I reccomend taking snacks with you just to tie you over from breakfast to dinner. I dont think they have any microwaves. And if they do, they are well hidden. I reccomend you taking soda and chips and whatever kids eat.

Answer 4

about $20 dollors