Although railroads don't offer the escort services airlines do, many companies work to make traveling alone safe and comfortable for kids. Since procedures vary greatly among commuter and long-distance lines, call ahead to confirm your train's policies. Remind your child that unlike on airplanes--where luggage is checked--she will have to keep an eye on her luggage, which will be placed on a rack above her seat. Tell her to take the carry-on bag holding her money with her wherever she goes, including to the bathroom.
On Amtrak, only kids ages eight and up can travel unaccompanied, and they are charged an adult fare. In addition, kids cannot make transfers and they must travel during daylight hours and to and from stations that are staffed. You can call Amtrak at 800-872-7245 to find out which stations are staffed and what their hours are. When you drop off your child, you will be advised by the ticket agent to go to the customer service or station master's desk to fill out a form listing your name, address, phone number and similar information for the person meeting your child. As long as the station is open, a station master will be able to assist you.
Some parents prefer seating children close to the bathrooms and the cafe so the child doesn't have to walk through several cars to get a snack. Once you seat your kids on the train, you are asked to tell customer service and the conductors on the platform the number of the car (third from the front, etc.) that your child is riding in. Relay this information to the person who will pick up your child. Though your child won't have constant supervision, the train crew is aware of your child's location and can help the person greeting her to find her.
Some parents recommend booking a solo child in club class, even though this is not the official purpose of this Amtrak service, which is oriented toward frequent business travelers. However, there is no official age restriction for people purchasing club service. There are fewer travelers in club cars than in the larger coach cars, and attendants serve meals and drinks (included in the ticket price) to passengers at their seats. Some parents believe the extra attention and "waiter" service makes solo train travel safer and a little less scary for their kids. Amtrak only offers club cars on its Northeast line.
Katherine Eastman is a freelance writer and a travel editor at FAMILYFUN magazine.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
