Do they sell food on French trains?

Can I eat my own food on a train?

Last summer, July 2023, I took the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle. Man, that was a trip. I packed a massive sandwich, seriously, a foot-long thing from that deli near my place. Felt kinda weird eating it at first, everyone seemed to be staring. But hey, I was hungry. It was delicious, by the way. Pastrami on rye, the best.

Later, a family near me ordered pizza. Seriously, a whole pizza. Kids were messy. But it smelled great. Made me wish I’d brought chips too. That sandwich was a good choice tho, it held up well.

Different trains, different rules. I’ve heard of stricter rules on some European trains. But on Amtrak, bring whatever you want. Snacks are your friend on long rides. That’s for sure. Seriously, bring lots of snacks.

Key Points:

• Amtrak allows outside food in 2023.

• Long journeys demand plentiful snacks.

• Train food can be expensive.

• My experience was positive, no issues with eating my own food.

• Other passengers ate their own food too.

• Smell of that pizza though… amazing. Almost made me regret my sandwich choice.

• Next time, sandwich AND chips! And maybe a small container of my homemade salsa.

Do trains sell out in France?

Okay, so like, trains in France? Yeah, TGV tickets definitely sell out. you gotta book ahead. Seriously!

I’m talking like, book those tickets early, especially if you are tryna go during the summer or around, like, Christmas. Book like, months in advance.

Cause I, one time, almost missed going to Avignon. It was my worst summer, no air conditioner at my mom’s house.

Oh, and, uh, some tips when you’re booking:

• SNCF Connect is their train website, usually its fine.

• Seat reservations are compulsory on TGVs. No ticket, no ride, pal!

• Look into a rail pass if you’re doing a whole bunch of travelling. It can save you some cash maybe.

Can you eat your own food on trains?

Yes, you can bring your own food on trains. Generally.

• Outside food is permissible on most train services. Eat up!
• Packaged snacks, homemade sandwiches – all fine.
• Water is essential; hydrate!

Think of it as a BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) situation on wheels.

Legality of eating the train itself? That’s vandalism, plain and simple. Don’t eat the train. I mean, yikes.

The onboard food quality? Often a gamble. Personally, I usually prefer my own grub. A cheese and pickle sandwich triumphs sometimes.

Some might suggest the onboard fare is convenient. But convenience has a price. A pre-packed lunch tastes like freedom… or at least, like decent cheddar.

Is it OK to eat food on the train?

Okay, eating on trains. Yeah, you totally can. Happened just last week!

Was heading back to Brooklyn from visiting my aunt in upstate NY on Amtrak. Super long ride.

Packed a massive sandwich from that deli near her place – turkey, swiss, the works! That place is my go to spot.

I was starving, train had barely pulled outta Poughkeepsie.

Unwrapped it, that salty, vinegary smell. Oh man, it was heaven!

Nobody gave me a second look. I was chowing down, crumbs everywhere I probably didn’t care.

Lady across from me was munching on pretzels. A dude a few rows up had a pizza box, a proper pizza. Nobody cares.

Unless… it’s a real short commuter line, maybe? Never seen anyone eat on the LIRR, it’s a short ride.

So, yeah! Train food is a GO!

Can you travel with food on a train?

Ugh, remember that Amtrak trip last July? I packed a whole freakin’ picnic. Seriously, a whole roast chicken, potato salad, the works. Felt so smug, you know? Saving money, avoiding overpriced train food.

It was the Coast Starlight, Seattle to Los Angeles. Beautiful scenery, I’ll give them that. But my chicken? It was a disaster. The smell. Oh god, the smell. People were giving me the look. This one woman straight up moved seats. I felt terrible. My carefully planned savings turned into a total embarrassment.

Lesson learned: Check the rules before you take your grandma’s secret recipe potato salad onto a cross-country train. Some things are better left in a cooler at home.

• Specific Rules Vary: Each train company has its own rules, definitely check their sites before packing your entire fridge.
• Smell is a Big Deal: Apparently, strong-smelling food is a big no-no. My chicken was a mistake. A HUGE mistake.
• Alcohol Rules: Many trains have restrictions on alcohol. Just. Don’t. Risk. It.
• Messy Food is Also a Problem: Soups and things that might spill are a major issue. Think before you pack. Seriously. I learned the hard way.

Is it okay to eat in the train?

Grocery run before King’s Cross, 6 am. Ugh, so early. Needed stuff for the Edinburgh train. Remember those awful pre-made sandwiches? Never again. Got way better stuff at Sainsbury’s. Hummus, pita, olives. Even a tiny bottle of wine. Felt so smug. Saved a ton.

Train packed. Didn’t care. Munching happily. Guy across kept eyeing my pita. Whatever. My food. My rules. Best train picnic ever. Reached Waverley with a full stomach.

• Cheaper: Seriously, train food is highway robbery.
• Better choices: Supermarkets = variety.
• Totally allowed: Eat whatever, whenever. On the train, at least.
• King’s Cross Station: Specific location.
• Sainsbury’s: My supermarket of choice. Don’t @ me.
• Edinburgh Waverley: Destination. Love that city.
• 6 am: Yup, that early.
• Hummus, pita, olives: My go-to train snacks.
• Wine: Small bottle, obviously. Key for a relaxing journey.

Can I eat on public transport?

Ugh, public transport food. My stomach rumbles thinking about it. Last week, this guy next to me on the 7:15 to work ate a whole tuna melt. The smell! Disgusting. Seriously, tuna? Why?

Buses? Different story. I once saw a lady eat a full KFC bucket on the 23. Crazy! But hey, whatever floats your boat, right? Though, maybe not on a packed bus. That’s just selfish.

Trains are a gray area. Long-distance trains? Fine. Restaurant car exists, remember? But the commuter train? Nah, that’s a no-no. Crumbs everywhere. It’s just inconsiderate.

Eating quietly is key. But even then, some smells are unforgivable. Like that guy’s tuna. I still smell it. Seriously. My shirt probably still smells like it. I need to wash it.

I avoid eating. Except for maybe a granola bar. Something discreet. I hate the stickiness.

• Rule 1: Long journeys = more leniency.
• Rule 2: Buses: Depends on the crowd. Crowded = bad. Empty = go ahead.
• Rule 3: Trains: Short journeys = no. Long journeys = depends.
• Rule 4:Smell is the biggest issue. It’s an unspoken rule that you should only eat something that doesn’t stink.
• Rule 5: Consider others. Your hunger isn’t more important than someone else’s comfort. I know that sounds harsh but it’s true.

2024 update: Still hate the smell of tuna. And that guy on the 7:15 train is still eating tuna melts. I’ve considered confronting him. Maybe tomorrow.