Amtrak provides free WiFi service on many of its trains and stations across the United States and some parts of Canada. Since their trips remain jampacked with passengers’ devices, the level of wireless connection they can manage to provide is not of high speed. Yet connecting to the internet on running vehicles becomes really helpful at times.
So, how to connect to Amtrak WiFi? I’ll, It’s almost like connecting to your home’s hotspot. Simply turn on your device’s WiFi signal and look for Amtrak’s network in the WiFi list, then select their network name, and you are good to go.
In this article, I’ll put effort into discussing factors in detail regarding Amtrak’s network service. Keep reading.
Amtrak Acela Wooden Train 5 Car Set
How To Connect To Amtrak’s Free WiFi
Amtrak passengers can use all popular devices onboard, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Connecting to the hotspot may vary based on the type of device. Here, I am going to mention a general process to help you get an overall idea.
To connect your device to Amtrak WiFi, you need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Open your Wifi from the device.
Step 2
Look for Amtrak_WiFi* from the list of the available wireless devices.
Step 3
Select the name of Amtrak’s network.
Step 4
Open your device’s browser or refresh the existing one and wait for Amtrak’s welcome screen to appear.
Step 5
Agree to the terms you see on the screen, and next, you’ll see the landing page for Amtrak.
Step 6
You are ready to use the internet.
However, the network’s name may vary based on the stations and trains. For example, on the Capitol Corridor, the name will appear as YourTrainWiFi.
Things You Can’t Do With Amtrak’s Internet Service
Amtrak doesn’t encourage certain content in order to streamline all passengers’ similar internet experiences. To ensure this, they limit access to activities requiring high bandwidth. As a result, accessing video and audio streaming media platforms or downloading large files won’t be possible onboard.
Amtrak dissuades its passengers from avoiding access to any content that demands large amounts of data. To secure equal internet access for all, they recommend downloading large files before getting on the train.
Things You Can Do With Amtrak’s Wifi
Despite the restriction on accessing large data files, you still have enough to curtail boredom using their WiFi.
You can stay connected throughout the journey with friends and family by accessing social media platforms and sending emails and texts. You can read blogs and news and download smaller files.
So, connecting to the WiFi could provide excellent online reading time as well as allow you to keep up with your official or academic activities.
Amtrak has constantly been improving its network services. They have recently launched a media portal and keep updating it with new content.
The media portal lets you listen to audiobooks and podcasts from Audible, gives you the latest weather updates, and more. This portal is actionable on a limited route currently. But It’s completely free of charge.
Is Amtrak’s WiFi Secure To Use?
Public hotspots are not entirely secure anywhere. So if you can’t safeguard your identity and ensure your privacy, accessing sensitive private information is not a good idea on an open-access WiFi network. Amtrak supports VPN onboard, but it is not available on all trains.
The Amtrak terms of use clearly state that it will not be responsible for any of your private information disclosure. And as they don’t provide any extra security for their onboard network, it’s your liability to take care of your own security.
Well, it’s not like travelers never experience incidents such as hacking or virus attacks. But keeping that aside, most passengers on Amtrak don’t face any security threats; rather, they consider this network safe most of the time.
Amtrak Wi-Fi Routes
Amtrak covers hundreds of routes in 46 states of the US and 3 provinces in Canada. More than 300 trains travel across thousands of miles every day. There are currently more than 30 train routes available and the majority of them offer WiFi.
The routes that travel regionally have WiFi but when it comes to long-distance trains, most of them do not have the service available. Sadly, the quality and the level of wireless network service are not equal on all the routes of Amtrak.
To Wrap up with
Amtrak has been providing WiFi advantages to its passengers since 2010. Although there are some limitations, like not being able to allow high-bandwidth internet access or quality security.
Despite having limitations, their moderate service helps many passengers keep connected to friends and family during the trip and helps them bypass boredom. For your convenience, this article has discussed how to connect to Amtrak WiFi, along with some other factors regarding their network service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Netflix on Amtrak WiFi?
Unfortunately, Amtrak doesn’t allow high bandwidth content with its WiFi. As a result, streaming platforms like Netflix cannot be accessed with Amtrak WiFi.
Do I need a password to use Amtrak WiFi?
Amtrak WiFi doesn’t require any passwords to log in. Any of its passengers can access their WiFi with their personal devices.
How much does Amtrak WiFi cost?
Amtrak doesn’t charge its passengers to use its wifi. Passengers can have unlimited access for free onboard.
Can passengers use Apple devices with Amtrak WiFi?
Passengers of Amtrak can use all the popular Apple devices including iPhone, Ipad, and macbook.
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