The Journey is the Destination
Sep 4th, 2008, 01:10 PM
#1
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The Journey is the Destination
I've liked the idea of a train trip going from Chicago through Seattle or Portland, down to San Diego, and back to Chicago for some time. I've never done a train trip aside from the commuter trains from the suburbs into downtown Chicago, so I don't have a realistic sense of what to expect.
I'm wondering about a few things:
1. What is the best way to book with Amtrak (online? by phone? in person?)
2. How should I plan for the connections in the main cities when changing routes (Seattle or Portland, San Fran, San Diego)? If the train is late arriving, how do train connections work compared to airline connections?
3. What should my sightseeing expectations be from the train itself if I do not plan to stop in any of the towns or even cities along the way?
4. Anything else that's important to know about making plans for this trip?
Thanks!
I'm wondering about a few things:
1. What is the best way to book with Amtrak (online? by phone? in person?)
2. How should I plan for the connections in the main cities when changing routes (Seattle or Portland, San Fran, San Diego)? If the train is late arriving, how do train connections work compared to airline connections?
3. What should my sightseeing expectations be from the train itself if I do not plan to stop in any of the towns or even cities along the way?
4. Anything else that's important to know about making plans for this trip?
Thanks!
Sep 4th, 2008, 02:15 PM
#2
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I have taken this trip in the reverse. It was....interesting to say the least. I enjoyed it as an unusual experience.
I worked with a rep from Amtrak in scheduling all the in's and out's but I am not certain that service is offered any more. She worked as a travel agent and I just had to make decisions and pay.
Since I was taking this trip as a last minute decision, red flags went off somewhere along the chain of command and they had the idea I was planning some kind of criminal activity, even though my young teen son was with me.
Amtrak had some agent follow my actions on the train around the clock disguised as a steward! (He admitted this to me later) At one stop they asked my permission to search my cabin and of course I agreed, I had nothing to hide.
But during the trip we had fun, dining with different and odd people each meal. We shared tables as we were directed. It was an experience we still laugh about.
The food was very good, we had entertainment come on board between stops, the observation deck was nice. We would get out and walk around at longer stops. Sometime vendors would set up shop when we were scheduled to arrive. We had the bunk bed room with the shower and toilet ensuite.
If you are easy going in your personality I think you will have a good trip.
I worked with a rep from Amtrak in scheduling all the in's and out's but I am not certain that service is offered any more. She worked as a travel agent and I just had to make decisions and pay.
Since I was taking this trip as a last minute decision, red flags went off somewhere along the chain of command and they had the idea I was planning some kind of criminal activity, even though my young teen son was with me.
Amtrak had some agent follow my actions on the train around the clock disguised as a steward! (He admitted this to me later) At one stop they asked my permission to search my cabin and of course I agreed, I had nothing to hide.
But during the trip we had fun, dining with different and odd people each meal. We shared tables as we were directed. It was an experience we still laugh about.
The food was very good, we had entertainment come on board between stops, the observation deck was nice. We would get out and walk around at longer stops. Sometime vendors would set up shop when we were scheduled to arrive. We had the bunk bed room with the shower and toilet ensuite.
If you are easy going in your personality I think you will have a good trip.
Sep 4th, 2008, 09:33 PM
#3
I've only taken Amtrak on the east coast, but I bought my tickets easily through the website - the earlier you book the better the price. I also got a AAA discount. Do NOT schedule tight connections! I've only taken four rides and three have been late, one by four hours (on a six hour trip!!). You can get data on how often a particular train is late from the website.
Can't help with the sightseeing question, but I would suggest packing light.
Can't help with the sightseeing question, but I would suggest packing light.
Sep 5th, 2008, 08:56 AM
#4
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You're going to get opinions all over the place on Amtrak - from good to horrible. I'd first do a search in the US forum on "Amtrak". There have been several posts on some of the very trips you're talking about and think it would be helpful for you to review those. [You may even want to repost this in the US forum.]
Our experiences have been pretty good and we've enjoyed our trips. If it's within your budget definitely get a sleeper for your overnight trips. Makes a BIG difference in comfort, rest, etc, and the meals are included. We've found the accommodations nice, good service, and good meals. The best way to book is either online or phone. I'd suggest phone considering your itinerary.
As mentioned, DO NOT book any tight connections. Amtrak's big problem is delays - which often aren't their fault. But we're talking hours (and more hours in some cases). So I'd count on spending a full day in your commecting city and enjoying it - you may want to take breaks of a couple of days anyway. You're going to have to be patient and flexible.
I'm not aware of Amtrak holding up trains to allow connections if incoming train is late. They may; I just don't know.
Some of the views from the train are spectacular - especially from the lounge cars which have lots of glass. Your schedule goes through different parts of the Rockies, Cascades, the coast line in CA, the Columbia River Gorge, desert southwest, etc and can be very beautiful.
Good luck with your planning.
Our experiences have been pretty good and we've enjoyed our trips. If it's within your budget definitely get a sleeper for your overnight trips. Makes a BIG difference in comfort, rest, etc, and the meals are included. We've found the accommodations nice, good service, and good meals. The best way to book is either online or phone. I'd suggest phone considering your itinerary.
As mentioned, DO NOT book any tight connections. Amtrak's big problem is delays - which often aren't their fault. But we're talking hours (and more hours in some cases). So I'd count on spending a full day in your commecting city and enjoying it - you may want to take breaks of a couple of days anyway. You're going to have to be patient and flexible.
I'm not aware of Amtrak holding up trains to allow connections if incoming train is late. They may; I just don't know.
Some of the views from the train are spectacular - especially from the lounge cars which have lots of glass. Your schedule goes through different parts of the Rockies, Cascades, the coast line in CA, the Columbia River Gorge, desert southwest, etc and can be very beautiful.
Good luck with your planning.
Sep 19th, 2008, 09:04 PM
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The Empire Builder and Southwest Chief are the routes you'd be taking. I've done these and other Amtrak routes.
#1 I booked with Amtrak direct, but not last minute.
#2 As mentioned, allow lots of time because delays are customary. If stopping at smaller stations, set up a ride in advance. Some of the stops (such as the last time I took the train to Deming, NM) just drop you off and the station is not open.
#3 You really can see America on the train. The train goes through beautiful country. I've seen deer, pronghorn and wild burros. I've spent several nights in the regular seats and also in the private car. If it is within your budget the private car with sleeper was much better. It was the least expensive sleeper.
Indeed, the journey is the destination!
You eat meals in the dining car with other people on the train, which is interesting. When you leave your seat or private car to go eat, take your valuables with you. Usually there is not a way to lock them. I've never had a problem with any theft, but prevention is good.
Have a good trip!
#1 I booked with Amtrak direct, but not last minute.
#2 As mentioned, allow lots of time because delays are customary. If stopping at smaller stations, set up a ride in advance. Some of the stops (such as the last time I took the train to Deming, NM) just drop you off and the station is not open.
#3 You really can see America on the train. The train goes through beautiful country. I've seen deer, pronghorn and wild burros. I've spent several nights in the regular seats and also in the private car. If it is within your budget the private car with sleeper was much better. It was the least expensive sleeper.
Indeed, the journey is the destination!
You eat meals in the dining car with other people on the train, which is interesting. When you leave your seat or private car to go eat, take your valuables with you. Usually there is not a way to lock them. I've never had a problem with any theft, but prevention is good.
Have a good trip!
