I'll be traveling to Dallas from Chicago this summer. As a woman travelling alone, I was hoping someone would give me an idea of what an Amtrak ride would be like, how safe it is, etc. The trip is from around 4 PM to 1:30 PM or so the next day, so half the trip would be spent sleeping. I'd like to see the scenery out the windows and just read/relax.

What am I in for? Thanks

I'm sorry I can't help you. I'm just wondering why anyone would be taking Amtrak when flying is probably just as cheap?

We took Amtrak from Chicago to Boston and loved it, though the train arrived in Boston 5 hours late. We slept in the sleeping cars, but, for one person, it wouldn't be worth it. (The rooms are for two.) The seats for the people in the coach cars were quite spacious and people looked comfy.

Before our trip, I found an entire site with trip reports. Here's the url:

http://www.trainweb.com/cgi-bin/top/tw_do.cgi?routes/route_48.htm

This specific location is for the route we took, but I'd guess you can find your route with a bit of searching.

I traveled alone (senior lady),Sacramento to Denver. I loved it!! Food was good in dining car (also have a snack bar on lower level of the Vista Domecar) and coach seats were very comfortale--ask for pillow when you get on and you may need a light cover of some sort. If I had been going for another night I would have had a sleeper. I felt perfectly safe..An attendant is assigned to each coach who will direct you to you seating area. .
Train was on time each way.
I checked my regular suitcase through their baggage dept. because there is only enough room at your seat for an overhead "carry on" PLUS when you go to the bathroom or to eat or to sit in Dome car your bag will be unattended. I just carry a medium tote bag (looks like a large purse) and take it with me. I usually fly on all my trips but I really enjoyed the train.
Unfortunately Amtrak is not being supported $$$$ by our government after, October. So you may be experiencing a disappearing icon of transportation.

On our train being 5 hours late, about three hours of that was due to incredibly bad weather. We gathered there had been a tornado ahead as we were delayed due to a horrific windstorm that had blown several trees onto the tracks, including one into the path of an oncoming train, which returned to the station with the tree plastered to its front. The remainder of the delays were due to our having to wait for other trains on the tracks. I gather passenger trains share the tracks with those transporting goods, and that the latter have the right-of-way. We did enjoy our trip, in any case.

Thanks for all your input! I really appreciate it. I'm going to check out that website, too.

Dan, I would like to go by train for something new and different, and also to see some scenery on the way. It is quite expensive, like you said, so I'm not sure which way I'll travel.

Hello, Darlene,

If you haven't been into the Amtrak station in Dallas, I might have some helpful info for you.

First of all, the Dallas Amtrak station is in a good part of town... you should be perfectly safe. Especially if the trains arrive at the scheduled time of 3PM.

The station is also at the hub of Dallas' rail transportation. Two light rail lines connect at the station and they will take you across downtown Dallas, and to the northern suburbs. By this summer, the trains should go as far north as the suburb of Richardson, so you'll have many choices of hotels along the route.

There is also a commuter rail line originating at the station that will take you as far as downtown Fort Worth. FW is considered to be a good place to visit as well, and contains some do-not-miss sites.

As far as scenery, you won't see any rugged mountains (I don't think) but you will see a lot of green, pretty countryside. East Texas is very green and wooded, with a lot of rivers and streams. Even as far west as Dallas, the country is green.

Your trip sounds like a real adventure. Have fun!

Ace

i have ridden the chicago-dallas train a number of times a few years ago from michigan to visit my grandchildren held hostage in dallas. it is faster than driving, which i do now that i am retired. the train is sometimes crowded, many people get off in st. louis. i traveled coach, took a small pillow, snacks, magazines, ear plugs, coat or warm sweatshirt and pants, even in summer. wonderful view of the arch coming into st. l. from chi. at midnight. i get out and walk around at the station for a little fresh air. meals are great, included if you travel 1st class. there is a dome car to relax in. the train was always late coming and going. you should tell whoever is picking you up to call amtrak first before leaving the house. i love trains, so enjoyed the trips.