Best bet is to arrive the day before... Trains are no different from any other form mass transportation in the USA. Delays can happen for any number of reasons, such as weather, mechanical, human, traffic backup, electrical etc... So with that being said arrive early and enjoy the departure city.
I truly enjoy taking Amtrak. Now then, on schedule? There is no schedule, just wishful thinking. I always bring extra food and drink. Amtrak is subject to so many potential issues from all of the other freight trains to mother nature. And yet, Amtrak is enjoyable and easy.
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