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Comment by dustindiamond | Hacker News Reader

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dustindiamond·

So, how feasible is this as a remote worker?

What I am really asking is, how reliable is wifi/internet and is it available through the entire journey?

I would not mind a workcation this way, but probably could not afford a satphone’s data plan.

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There is no WiFi on Amtrak trains--you'd have to tether to your phone. And for most Amtrak routes, you'd be going through some significant service deadzones (depending on the route, you could be in the middle of a mountain wilderness).

But I can't think of a better workcation spot if you can be offline periodically. For me, the train is simultaneously relaxing and stimulating, a perfect place to zone in on work while still embarking on an adventure.

Edit: Apparently there is WiFi on some Amtrak trains, but I wouldn't count on it.

As others have noted, variable and pretty much guaranteed to be bad in remote rural locations (i.e. many of the most scenic). TBH, reliable WiFi for workations (or even just business travel) is a bit of a crapshoot in my experience. It's a lot more consistent than it used to be. But I've also spent days fighting a marginal connection to get something done. Fortunately, in a city, you can usually find good wireless at some coffeeshop even if it's bad at your hotel.

Extremely unreliable; I've only taken the Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr, so I can't speak for the whole thing, but I'd say I had cell reception about half the time, maybe less.

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