I spent 53 hours on the longest train ride in the US. Here are 10 ways I made the 2-night Amtrak trip more bearable

I spent the morning on my feet.

I spent the morning on my feet., Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too., Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger., I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

I had several hours to kill before my afternoon train. I spent them walking around Chicago and the surrounding areas. I wanted to wear out my legs and soak in as much fresh air as possible before spending the better part of 53 hours in a 50-square-foot enclosed space.

By the time I boarded the train, I was grateful for the chance to sit for a while.

Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too.

I spent the morning on my feet., Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too., Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger., I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

When I travel, I usually find it's worth it to pack comforts of home. I wear my slippers all day around my apartment, so wearing them in my train bedroom calmed me.

My Crocs served two purposes on this trip. I wore them in the shower to protect my feet from germs, and I wore them to walk around the train. It was much easier to slide them on than to lace up my chunky boots — the only other pair of shoes I had with me.

Since I had the Crocs, I tucked my boots away into the closet until the end of my trip.

Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger.

I spent the morning on my feet., Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too., Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger., I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

I was so fond of the top bunk after night one that I kept it down throughout the next day. In such a small room, having one more space to hang out meant a lot to me. I had the couch, the chair, and now the top bunk.

During the day, I sat on the couch or the seat to write and work on my computer. When I wanted to play video games or read, I climbed the ladder to use the top bunk as a cozy loft.

On a train without WiFi, I made sure I'd still be able to watch TV before bed.

I spent the morning on my feet., Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too., Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger., I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

Unlike most Amtrak trains I've been on, the California Zephyr doesn't have WiFi.

As a TV-before-bed person, I downloaded sitcoms and anime episodes from Netflix before my trip so I could maintain my nighttime routine.

I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

I spent the morning on my feet., Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too., Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger., I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

The California Zephyr stops at some stations for 10 minutes or longer. In these cases, all passengers are allowed to step off the train. I got some fresh air at every long stop. I saw other travelers smoking tobacco, snapping pictures, and walking up and down the platform. But I was the only one doing jumping jacks and playing hopscotch with imaginary chalk boxes.

I felt a bit like an outcast, but getting in some light cardio was worth feeling strange for a few minutes because I got to release pent-up energy and tire out my body, which probably helped me sleep better, too.

When I finally got off the train, I felt proud of myself for how much I'd grown as a train traveler.

I spent the morning on my feet., Slippers and Crocs were worth packing, too., Utilizing the top bunk made the space feel bigger., I did light cardio workouts during long train stops.

During my 53-hour journey on the California Zephyr, I felt more comfortable, rested, and fulfilled than I ever had before on an overnight train.

I didn't just survive the longest train ride in the US — I thrived.

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