We've flown and taken long road trips with my toddler. A 9-hour Amtrak ride tested our parenting skills.

Jessica Pate Thibault and her husband recently embarked on a nine-hour Amtrak journey with their 3-year-old daughter, Allie, during a holiday weekend. The family decided to travel during this time to determine which mode of transportation would be the least stressful for their toddler, who was still potty training. The trip proved to be more manageable than they initially anticipated.

Upon arriving at the Norfolk, Virginia station, the Thibaults separated to find seats in the coach section. However, they faced challenges securing seats together due to the availability of a quiet car, which required passengers to limit conversation. Despite this, the family managed to find seats in a non-quiet car, despite the fear of being asked to leave.

Despite Allie's initial meltdown upon boarding, the family managed to depart on time. Throughout the journey, Allie engaged in various activities, such as napping, using the restroom multiple times, and enjoying toys and a magazine. A minor issue arose with the toilet closest to their seats not flushing properly, but the family was prepared with extra clothes and wipes for such situations.

Intermittent WiFi connectivity and limited entertainment options on board, such as watching Allie's favorite TV shows, posed some challenges. Nonetheless, the Thibaults managed to stay connected with friends and family throughout the ride. When Allie finally took a 70-minute nap, the family felt a sense of relief.

Upon arriving in Philadelphia, the family concluded that taking the Amtrak train with their toddler was worth the price and significantly less stressful than other travel options, such as driving or flying. The family praised the friendly atmosphere onboard, easy access to restrooms, and the scenic views along the way. They expressed their intention to embark on another long Amtrak journey with their daughter, finding it to be a worthwhile adventure.