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Amtrak Train Smoking Rules
Taking an Amtrak train is unlike any other type of travel going.
- It's slower, but more scenic than a plane.
- It's faster than a car, but sometimes not as accommodating, especially for smokers.
Still, when moving a car and its owners from one end of the Eastern Seaboard to the other is in order, an Amtrak train can be a great option – even for a smoker.
Amtrak Auto Train Smoking Car
If the desire is to use an Amtrak train to transport car and drive from the Washington, D.C., area to Central Florida, smokers can relax a little. The Auto Train is the only one in Amtrak's line that allows smoking.
Smoking during the approximate 16-hour trek to or from the Washington area is allowed onboard this train. It is restricted, however, to a specific location on the train. The Auto Train is typically equipped with an enclosed smoking car that can be found on the lower level of the lounge car. This car might not always be included in the Auto Train lineup though. If it's not, smoking is not allowed on the train.
When There's No Smoking Car on Your Train
If the smoking car happens to not be included on a particular trip, there are still a few options for smokers to survive the duration. Amtrak does occasionally make station stops, if the stops are longer, it will be announced that smokers can go outside and catch a quick fix. This can also be restricted if:
- The train is running behind schedule. If that's the case, Amtrak will not extend a station stop any longer than it has to. This means passengers might not be able to disembark.
- State law prohibits smoking on the platform. If this is the case, smokers might have to wait until another stop or until they disembark at their destination.
Even Smokers Can Enjoy the Train Ride
Taking an Amtrak train in lieu of driving a personal car to or from the South can be a great way to go. It reduces stress on the driver and wear and tear on a car. Smokers, however, might have a rougher time of it. Fortunately, the Auto Train does take this into account. Smokers might have to observe a few rules, but accommodations are made for them on this particular train. They are subject to car availability, schedules and a few other things though. Bringing gum along – just in case – might be a good idea.
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