Will my train have wifi

Does Amtrak Have Wifi?

Nowadays, wherever we are traveling, our smart phones, tablets, and computers come along for the ride. Therefore, many often wonder if the mode of transport they’re utilizing has WiFi, and train travel is no exception.

So, does Amtrak have WiFi? Yes. Amtrak provides WiFi on many of its trains and stations. It’s free and easy to use, be careful, however, as not all of Amtrak’s routes provide WiFi, and there are various limitations set forth to conserve bandwidth.

Although Amtrak provides WiFi for its customers, there are various limitations concerning usage, availability, and connectivity. Prior to boarding your train, it is important to know the limitations and usability of the WiFi service.

Since 1971, Amtrak has been the sole provider of intercity and long distance rail service throughout the nation. In the mid-2010s, to compete with other modes of transport, such as airlines and bus services, WiFi has been installed on various intercity and long distance trains throughout its network. Although it is not available on all their routes, Amtrak continues to expand, as they have already provided the service to 85% of their customers. Introducing AmtrakConnect has improved convenience for riders, especially those who prefer to be productive while traveling.

AmtrakConnect

AmtrakConnect, the name Amtrak gives its WiFi network, is available on over thirty routes, and a dozen stations nationwide. Amtrak receives their WiFi from various wireless network towers throughout its routes, which results in limited bandwidth, and slower connection than most have become accustomed. The network often lags and can be spotty at times, due to the moving train, and moving between vastly different carrier towers.

Oftentimes, when customers lose connection, it can take several minutes to reconnect to the server. Furthermore, even when the network is operating at its peak, it continues to lag, making anything more than general web surfing close to impossible.

Amtrak advises that customers download large files prior to boarding their trains, and only utilize the WiFi for web browsing, and refrain from streaming music and video out of courtesy of other passengers. Amtrak categorizes large files as those over 10MB, as downloads of this size could take hours to complete.

Amtrak WiFi is easily compared to WiFi on college campuses, coffee shops, and other public venues, where there are multiple users logging on, utilizing copious amounts of bandwidth.

Many passengers ask about the utilization of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), however, this is only available on select routes, such as the Acela, Capitol and San Jouquin Corridors, and the Pacific Surfliner.

On routes that do not provide WiFi service, customers could connect to other WiFi networks at various station stops throughout the route, primarily on long distance trains. However, Amtrak highly recommends that the customer consults their mobile provider for insight on how to connect to the service, and to avoid any possible unwanted fees.

Is the Amtrak network secure?

No, the Amtrak network is a public network, and Amtrak states that the customer is responsible for any virus, malware, or other infections that an electronic device may attract. Because the WiFi is not secure, it is recommended that customers refrain from making purchases or entering sensitive information while utilizing the network.

How to connect to the WiFi

On their website, Amtrak explains how to connect your device to AmtrakConnect. Connecting to Amtrak WiFi is relatively simple, as it is similar to connecting to WiFi in any other setting. Because the WiFi on Amtrak is public and unsecured, there is no need to enter a password.

If your device does not automatically connect to the network, follow these steps:
Step 1: Look in your list of available wireless networks for Amtrak_WiFi
Step 2: Select the network name.
Step 3: Open or refresh your browser; you should see the Amtrak WiFi welcome screen at this point.
Step 4: Agree to the terms of use and you will be taken to the Amtrak WiFi landing page. You are now connected to the Internet.

What routes offer AmtrakConnect WiFi?

WiFi is available on most intercity routes, including all Northeast Corridor trains, and some long distance routes. While a vast amount of eastern long distance routes include WiFi capability, most long distance routes west of Chicago lack WiFi. Furthermore, Amtrak’s various intercity routes in California have WiFi accessibility, such as the San Joaquin and Capitol Corridors, and the Surfliner route. Furthermore, trains traveling across the border into Canada lack WiFi once they leave the United States, as Amtrak does not have a contract with Canadian carriers.

Many major Amtrak stations include WiFi, as many of the busiest stations on the Northeast Corridor have this amenity, including the rail hub of Chicago’s Union Station. Similar to the routes listed above, customers will not find an Amtrak station west of Chicago with WiFi availability. Below is a concise list of the routes and stations that have WiFi connectivity.

Routes with WiFi

Stations With WiFi

For further information on WiFi capability, or other questions about riding Amtrak trains, visit their website for more information.

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Connecting to Amtrak WiFi on Trains and at Amtrak Stations

If you’re wondering do Amtrak trains have Wifi, the answer is yes. You’ll find WiFi aboard most Amtrak trains and at almost all Amtrak stations. However, for those (like me) who travel and rely on smart phones, tablets and computers, it’s important to know which Amtrak trains have WiFi. And the glaring limitations.

The good news: WiFi is offered aboard many Amtrak trains and certain long distance trains. And many Amtrak stations have WiFi. Unlike some European trains where you, the tourist, must register an email address and pay a few euros to connect, WiFi aboard Amtrak and at stations is free and easy for everyone.

Amtrak Trains that have Wifi

• Acela Express
• Adirondack (not available in Canada)
• Amtrak Cascades (not available in Canada)
• Amtrak Hartford Line
• Auto Train
• Blue Water
• Capitol Corridor
• Cardinal
• Carolinian
• Crescent
• Downeaster
• Empire Service
• Ethan Allen Express
• Hiawatha Service
• Illini/Saluki
• Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg

• Keystone
• Lake Shore Limited
• Lincoln Service
• Maple Leaf (not available in Canada)
• Missouri River Runner
• Northeast Regional
• Pacific Surfliner
• Palmetto
• Pennsylvanian
• Pere Marquette
• San Joaquins
• Silver Meteor
• Silver Star
• Valley Flyer
• Vermonter
• Wolverine Service

Not all Amtrak trains have WiFi.

That’s why you’ll find WiFi only offered on trains that operate east of the Mississippi River. As you travel west of the Mississippi, there’s WiFi on California’s Pacific Surfliner route between San Luis Obispo and San Diego. That’s it.

Not that long ago, all of Amtrak’s overnight long-haul trains had WiFi. Recent budget cuts resulted in all the trains’ router systems getting ripped out. Hopefully, it will be restored in the future.

Now, you have to rely on your mobile phone carrier service to tether to your laptop computer or tablet. Because train routes that head out west travel through mostly rural and mountainous parts of America you’ll need mobile service to connect. Need to make a quick phone call or download email? Look out the window for cell towers or when passing through a small town.

Overnight Amtrak trains that have WiFi

The only overnight Amtrak trains with WiFi travel up and down the east coast. These are the Silver Meteor and Silver Star routes between Miami and New York City. The Palmetto route runs between Savannah, GA to New York City.

Other Amtrak routes with Wifi are the Auto train between Sanford, FL and Lorton, VA as well as the Crescent, between NYC and New Orleans.

How good is Amtrak WiFi

Amtrak continues to try and improve their WiFi service, mainly to their Acela trains on the east coast. Unfortunately, for the rest of the country, it can be frustrating for those trying to connect or when service is spotty. I have to remind myself that a train is a moving target and needs to be in areas where reception is possible. Similar to WiFi on a ship…it’s only as good as the signal it receives…and how many people are logging in at the same time.

The only downside to using Amtrak Wi-Fi is that it doesn’t support high-bandwidth activities such as streaming music, streaming video or downloading large files. It’s really only for general WiFi use. If you have large files that you might need to have on your device, download them at home or your office. Only by chance have I been able to stream “Frasier”, always after most passengers are asleep.

If you want to watch movies or TV shows, definitely download them before heading to the train station.

Several Amtrak stations offer WiFi, however for now, like their train counterparts, those stations are all east of the Mississippi River.

Amtrak Train Stations with Wifi

• Baltimore, MD – Penn Station
• Boston, MA – South Station – available inside ClubAcela only
• Chicago, IL – Union Station
• Lorton, VA
• New York Moynihan Station
• New York, NY – Penn Station – available in the gate areas and inside ClubAcela
• Philadelphia, PA – 30th Street Station – available in the gate areas and inside ClubAcela
• Providence, RI
• Sanford, FL
• Washington, DC – Union Station – available in the gate areas and inside ClubAcela
• Westwood, MA – Route 128
• Wilmington, DE – Wilmington Station

How to Connect to Wifi on Amtrak using Amtrak WiFi Network

Just like in a hotel, in WiFi Settings on your device, it should automatically find Amtrak WiFi network. If your phone, table or laptop do no automatically connect:

• Under your list of available wireless networks, look for Amtrak_Wifi
• Select the network Amtrak_WiFi
• Oper or refresh browser and you should see the Amtrak welcome screen
• Click that you agree to the terms of use. You’ll be directed to the Amtrak Landing Page. You’re now connected to the internet

All four steps above must be completed to access the internet.

Amtrak Wifi Internet Speed

Sometimes internet is fast and other times, well…not so fast.

According to information furnished by Amtrak, “Our mobile Wi-Fi network relies on bandwidth provided by cellular carriers who have towers along our routes. The bandwidth available from these towers is limited and our speed may not match what you are used to receiving from stationary Wi-Fi networks such as your home or office.”

Amtrak continues, “Engaging in web activities that use large amounts of bandwidth will negatively affect the online experience of other passengers. When using our network, please keep this in mind and be respectful of your fellow passengers.”

Restrictions on Wifi Usage

AmtrakConnect blocks access to streaming media and limits file downloads to 10MB. Amtrak recommends passengers download any necessary large files prior to boarding the train. AmtrakConnect also restricts access to web sites with objectionable content.

That’s all you need to do to connect to wifi aboard Amtrak. As you might expect there is no technical support available while traveling. Your room or car attendant is not available to troubleshoot your device. However, if the network appears to be down, it’s a good idea to let the conductor know so the outage can be reported.

Is Amtrak WiFi Secure

Like any open network that can be access without a pass code or login, it’s no more secure that what you’d find at Starbucks or a local library.

Before you board your Amtrak train

It’s always a good idea to download whatever you plan to watch, before you leave home. For example, take WiFi at the train station in New York in the Acela Lounge. I tried in vain to download 23 minutes of a Big Bang Theory episode. Only 23 minutes and the train station WiFi couldn’t handle it. I later learned that the limit for a download file was 10MB…the episode was just slightly over that number. Download before you leave home.

While WiFi on an Amtrak train isn’t perfect, for now, it’s the best that the people who run Amtrak will allow.

I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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