We are thinking of travelling from Chicago to Albuquerque (and later on to Grand Canyon and then Los Angeles) on Amtrak? Are we mad? We would love to hear from anyone who has done the journey. We will have a 15 day international travel pass on Amtrak. Will be survive in the normal train coach or would one have to book a bedroom?

Many thanks Eire

First of all do a "search" on this site. Type in Amtrak. You will get previous Q & A about Amtrak .
Sounds like fun to me.
Usually when you "add" bedroom trhe cost really goes up but don;'t know relationship to a pass..
Just going coach depends on how well you can sleep sitting-up???
Seats recline a little and has big footrest. Bathrooms on each car but showers are reserved for sleeping car patrons--also meals asre included if you get a sleeper.
Good luck....

I can sleep (or used to be able to) in a reclining chair for one night, but I'd never willingly sign up to do it for two. Amtrak's coach seats on this long-distance trains are rather more comfortable than coach airline seats (but they don't recline all that much), but you'll be spending an enormous amount of time in them. The bedrooms are kind of fun, although you'd want to get out and wander through the train to meet people, too. If you have any idea of spending more than one night on the train, it would definitely be worth the expense for the bedroom.

Years back, I did the round trip several times from Chicago to LA and it was quite pleasant. You can recline in the seat, and sort of find a comfortable position to sleep. Have an extra sweatshirt handy as it may be cool at times. Everyone was friendly, and bring along snacks/food. The most tiring part was Albuquerque to Los Angeles, and you have a break planned. It should be quite enjoyable.

Many thanks to you all for replying. We are encouraged to look further at the train journal.

Again thanks.

Eire